Context

India recently started its Prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) into operation, progressing towards the second stage of its nuclear program. 

From Uranium to Thorium: India’s Nuclear Evolution

• In the second stage, India will use uranium and plutonium. 
• In stage III, India hopes to use thorium to produce nuclear power.
• However,  the large-scale use of nuclear power is accompanied by a complex problem of nuclear waste management.

What is Nuclear Waste?

• Nuclear waste is also known as radioactive waste. 
• It refers to materials containing radioactive isotopes that are no longer useful for their original purpose.
• In a fission reactor, atoms of certain elements are bombarded by neutrons.
  • When an atom’s nucleus absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and splits apart.
    • This process releases energy and forms nuclei of different elements.
• For instance, uranium-235 can split into barium-144, krypton-89, and three neutrons.
  • The resulting elements become nuclear waste if they cannot undergo further fission.

Nuclear Waste Management Conventions

• Bamako Convention: 

  • This treaty was framed by African nations to prohibit the import of hazardous waste(radioactive)  into Africa. 

• Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management: 

  • It is an international treaty of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
    • It is an initial treaty on the international level to address the management of radioactive waste. 

• Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS): 

  • It ensures that all nations with nuclear power plants prioritise safety. 
    • CNS makes fundamental safety principles that all states are to follow. The convention aimss to increase safety levels through regular meetings. 

Nuclear Waste Handling Techniques

• Spent Fuel Storage: 

  • Spent fuel is stored underwater for up to a few decades for cooling. Later, after cooling, it is transferred to dry casks for longer-term storage.
    • Ex: The U.S. had 69,682 tonnes of spent fuel (as of 2015), Canada had 54,000 tonnes (2016), and Russia had 21,362 tonnes (2014).

• Liquid Waste Treatment: 

  • “Nuclear power plants” treat liquid waste and release some of it into the environment after treatment.

• Vitrification: 

  • “High-level liquid waste contains nearly all of the fission byproducts created in the fuel. It is turned into a glass-like material called vitrification for storage.”

• Reprocessing: 

  • Reprocessing is a method to separate usable material from spent fuel. 

• Geological Disposal: 

  • Geological disposal waste includes sealing nuclear waste in special containers buried deep underground in granite or clay. 

Issues Associated With Nuclear Waste

• Radioactive Pollution:

  • Harmful Radiation: Nuclear waste contains radioactive materials that emit harmful radiation.
  • Pollution: Improper handling or leaks can pollute soil, air, and water, harming people and the environment.

• Storage Challenges:

  • Long-term Storage: High-level waste (HLW) stays dangerously radioactive for thousands of years.
    • Finding safe places for long-term storage and disposal is difficult.

• Safety Concerns:

  • Risk of failures in maintenance: Transporting and storing nuclear waste has a lot of risks, such as accidents (such as releasing toxic radioactive materials into the environment). 
    • Ensuring secure storage facilities is vital to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Ex.: The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in the U.S. experienced an accident in 2014, releasing radioactive materials.

• Financial Burden:

  • High Cost: Building and maintaining safe waste facilities requires a lot of money.
    • Waste management imposed a cost of $1.6-7.1 per MWh of nuclear energy.

Nuclear Waste Management in India

• On-Site management: 

  • The waste produced at nuclear power stations during operation has low to intermediate levels of radioactivity and is handled on-site. 
    • These facilities are available at all nuclear power stations for waste treatment and storage. 

• Reprocessing:  

  • Reprocessing plants are in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam, India, as per the International Panel on Fissile Materials report.  
    • Trombay facility processes 50 tonnes of spent fuel annually from two research reactors.
      • These research reactors produce plutonium. 

• Regular surveillance: 

  • All surrounding areas of nuclear power plants undergo regular monitoring for radiation levels.

• IAEA Safeguards: 

  • India follows International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, ensuring the safe and secure handling of nuclear materials and waste.

Also Read: India’s Nuclear Energy Programme

News Source: The Hindu 

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The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal for signing of the said protocol for establishment of Joint Economic And Trade Committee (JETCO) between India and Dominican Republic.

About Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)

• Bilateral Mechanism: JETCO is a bilateral institution formed by two countries to promote economic cooperation and commercial relations. 
• Objective: It acts as a forum for debates, information sharing, and cooperation among participating countries, with the goal of strengthening economic ties, expanding commerce and industry, and addressing difficulties in the export and import of goods and services.
• Similar Agreements with Other Countries: India has Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) agreements with many countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, Canada, Mauritius, and Oman.
• Significance of the Agreement:
  • Gateway to Latin American and Caribbean markets: Additionally, the protocol might provide a gateway to the more expansive markets in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Also Read: Trade And Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)

News Source: PIB

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• Recently the Union Home Minister virtually inaugurated a unique digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) and also launched a mobile app ‘Sankalan’.

About Criminal Case Management System

• Developed by: National Investigation Agency (NIA). 
• Enabling Better Coordination: It will enable the NIA personnel to better coordinate in terrorism and organized crime cases, thereby improving justice delivery.
• User Friendly: It is a user-friendly and easy-to-deploy, customizable, browser-based software to help the State Police forces in their investigations and prosecution.
• Enabling streamlined Compilation: It would not only bring standardization into investigations but also enable easy and streamlined compilation of terror-related data across the country. 

Sankalan App

• About:  It is a compendium of New Criminal Laws by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
• Bridge between old and new criminal laws: It has been designed for navigating through new criminal laws as a bridge between old and new criminal laws. This app will work as a comprehensive guide for all stakeholders.
• Features: It will work in offline mode as well and its availability has been ensured in far-flung areas so that all stakeholders can have access to desired information around the clock.

Also Read: NCRB Report On Crime In India

News Source: PIB

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Recently  Karnataka banned harmful dyes in Gobi Manchurian cotton candy, imposing imprisonment of up to seven years and fines of up to Rs 10 lakh for violators.

Other Chemicals Banned in Karnataka

About Rhodamine B

• Artificial Coloring Agent: 

  • Rhodamine B (RhB) is a contaminant commonly used in dyeing. A recent investigation of numerous samples revealed the presence of Rhodamine-B, an industrial dye put to the candy as an artificial colouring ingredient.

• Common Usage: 

  • While its use is banned in some parts of the world, Rhodamine-B is also utilised as a colouring agent in food products such as chilli powder and chilli oil.

• Carcinogenic Properties: 

  • According to published research, this dye has carcinogenic qualities and may be the cause of inflammation and other disorders.

• Chemical Properties: 

  • Rhodamine B, a water-soluble fluorescent xanthene dye, has a unique chemical structure that includes a xanthene ring system and an attached amino group, making it highly soluble in water and suited for a wide range of applications.

• Source: 

  • It does not occur naturally and is synthesised. 
  • The synthesis involves the reaction of phthalic anhydride and aniline in the presence of certain catalysts.

Applications of Rhodamine B

• Textile Colouring: Rhodamine B is used in the textile industry to dye fabrics and materials, resulting in brilliant colours and long-lasting hues.
• Fluorescence Microscopy:In laboratories, Rhodamine B is a valuable tool in fluorescence microscopy and biological staining, allowing for precise visualization of cellular structures and molecular interactions.
• Industrial Applications: Because of its adaptability across numerous industrial processes, it is used in inks, ink formulations, cosmetics, and food colouring agents to give products vivid and appealing colours.

Effects of Rhodamine B on Humans

• Oxidative stress: Rhodamine-B intake, according to data given by the US government-run National Library of Medicine website, can cause “oxidative stress, injury, increase in cell apoptosis, and brainstem”.
• Harming Cerebellum Tissue: Regular consumption of Rhodamine B-containing foods can harm cerebellum tissue in the brain and brainstem, resulting in functional abnormalities and impairing motor function.
• Irritation in Stomach: The immediate intake of Rhodamine B-contaminated food might result in symptoms such as stomach fullness, itching, and breathing difficulties.

News Source: Indian Express

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The Maharashtra cabinet recently asked the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central Station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth.

About Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

• Architect of Bombay: He was a social reformer, educationist and philanthropist is often described as the “architect” of Mumbai (then Bombay).
  • Contributions: He contributed valuable ideas and money to multiple sectors to lay a strong foundation for the city.
• Inspiration: He was greatly inspired by the legendary merchant and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.
• Nominated to Legislative Council: He became the first Indian to be nominated to the Legislative Council of Bombay.

Significant Contributions made by Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

Education:

• Founder of Native School of Bombay: He founded the Native School of Bombay, which was renamed first as the Bombay Native Institution, and then as the Board of Education.
  • Finally, this institution evolved into the prestigious Elphinstone College.

Religion:

• Bhau Daji Lad Museum: Shankarseth was among the wealthy donors who helped promote Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, which was designed by a famous London-based architect.
• Bhawani Shankar Temple: The Bhawani Shankar Temple near Nana Chowk was Shankarseth’s tribute to his late mother Bhawanibai Murkute.

Railways:

• Headed The Railway Committee: The committee that gave the project(First train In India between Boribunder to Thane ) impetus included Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy and Nana Shankarseth.

News Source: Indian Express

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Context

Recently the Shahed-model drone killed three U.S. service members at in Jordan is built by Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center, an Iranian company 

About Swarm Drones

• Abbreviation: SWARM stands for “Smart War-Fighting Array of Reconfigured Modules.
• Working of Multiple Drones: These systems consist of multiple drones working together in a coordinated manner to achieve various objectives.
• Self Organizing Behaviour: These exhibit collective self organizing (SO) behavior through interaction and cohesion between robots, as well as interaction of robots with the environment.
• Capabilities: There is no true leader and follower, with all agents in a swarm having their own ‘mind’ able to undertake collective decision-making, adaptive formation flying, and self-healing.
• No Human Intervention: An armed, fully autonomous drone swarms (AFADS) with distributed AI will locate, identify, and attack targets without human intervention.

Technology Behind Swarm Drones

• Swarm Control and Communication:

  • Swarm Algorithms: These are required to govern the behaviour of individual drones inside a swarm and ensure coordination.
  • Protocols of Communication: Effective communication is critical. Drones can communicate either directly or via a central system, such as a ground station or a leader drone.
  • Decentralized Control: Swarm drones frequently employ decentralised decision-making methods to improve adaptability and robustness.

• Sensing and perception:

  • Sensors: Drones are outfitted with a variety of sensors (such as cameras, LiDAR, and GPS) for navigation, obstacle recognition, and situation awareness.
  • Computer Vision: It  Allows drones to recognise and track objects, people, and terrain features, which helps in navigation and mission execution.
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Algorithms allow drones to learn, adapt, and make autonomous decisions based on input data.

Swarm Formation and Coordination:

• Formation Flying: Algorithms allow drones to maintain precise formations for a variety of goals, such as increasing coverage or reducing susceptibility.
• Collaborative Tasks: Drones can work together to complete tasks like mapping an area, delivering payloads, and performing surveillance.

Advantages of Swarm Drones

• All Weather Operations: The Swarm Drones System is able to be used in inclement weather and at high altitudes.
• Robot Soldiers: The drone swarm technology concept could also be used on land to create a force of robot-soldiers for land warfare, or mini-submarine swarms to tackle sea-surface or submarine threats
• Speed and Agility: Drones possess tremendous speed and agility for military operations, as they can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h thanks to their sophisticated motors.
• Used in Different Missions: Drones can be used for a variety of offensive and defensive missions by the armed services. They can be used to launch attacks against terror launch sites, ammunition storage facilities, tanks, and infantry combat vehicles.
• ATR capability: Artificial intelligence powers swarm drones, which can detect targets automatically due  to their Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) capability. Tanks, weapons, cars, and people can all be recognised by ATR 

Swarm Drones Systems in Indian Military

• Swarm Drones: The Indian Army inducted swarm drones, which refer to several UAVs operating in coordination. These are useful in combat operations for surveillance inputs and undertaking reconnaissance.
  • Indian Air Force has been pioneering swarm drone research and development with its Meher Baba initiative since 2019. This is geared towards in depth humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
• Switch VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAVs: VTOL capabilities makes these useful in remote and difficult terrains. 
  • In 2021, Army signed a contract with Mumbai based ideaForge for these drones
• Few examples of Indigenous Drones: Lakshya, Nishant, TAPAS UAV (Rustom), etc. 
• Acquisition of foreign drones: India has imported drone technology from various countries like the US and Israel.
  • Heron Mark-ll drones: A Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UV, inducted by Indian Air Force to carry  out surveillance along Northern borders with Pakistan and China.
  • Searcher Mk Il drones: Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, it is a reconnaissance drone used by army and navy.

Also Read: NAMO Drone Didi Scheme

News Source: Livemint

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The NPCI has given permission to One97 Communications Limited (OCL), which owns Paytm, to work as a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP) under the multi-bank model for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services.

Paytm Receives Third Party Application Provider Licence From NPCI

• Under this new model, Paytm has partnered with four banks – Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and YES Bank.
  • These banks will act as Payment System Providers (PSP) to enable Paytm’s payment service.

What is TPAP (Third Party Application Provider)? Third Party Application Provider (TPAP) offer UPI-compatible apps for payments. These apps can be mobile wallets, merchant apps, or any platform using UPI. TPAPs use NPCI’s UPI infrastructure and work with PSPs and banks for transactions. TPAPs must ensure their apps meet NPCI’s security standards and compliance guidelines.

Significance of the NPCI granting approval to Paytm as a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP) for UPI services

• Continuity of UPI Services:

  • Services after closure: Paytm can continue offering UPI services to its app users even after the closure of its banking unit, Paytm Payment Bank Limited (PPBL).

• Operational Transition:

  • Transitioning to the TPAP model: As PPBL faces regulatory action, Paytm is transitioning to the TPAP model.
  • Collaboration with banks; Paytm will collaborate with multiple banks, including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank, as Payment System Providers (PSPs).
    • These banks will facilitate UPI transactions, ensuring a smooth operational shift for Paytm.

• Market Competition:

  • Increased market Competition: Paytm’s approval as a TPAP intensifies competition in the digital payment space.
    • This move encourages innovation, better services, and competitive offerings, ultimately benefiting consumers.

• Digital Inclusion:

  • UPI services are crucial for financial inclusion, especially in rural and underserved areas.
  • Wider access to digital payments: NPCI’s decision to allow Paytm to operate as a TPAP promotes wider access to digital payments, contributing to digital inclusion efforts.

• Economic Growth:

  • A strong UPI ecosystem contributes significantly to India’s economic growth.
    • Facilitates transitions: It makes transactions easier, encourages businesses to grow, and creates more opportunities for people to start their own businesses.

What is Role of Payment System Providers (PSPs) in the UPI Ecosystem?

Payment System Providers (PSPs) play a very important role in the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem.

• Intermediaries Between Stakeholders:

  • PSPs role as middlemen: Payment Service Providers (PSPs) act as middlemen between customers, banks, and other service providers in the UPI system.
    • They facilitate smooth and secure payment processing by establishing connections among the various entities involved in transactions.

• Integration with Payment Gateway:

  • Reliable payment gateway: PSPs set up a safe and reliable payment gateway that links the UPI platform with banks.
    • This setup ensures that money moves securely from the payer’s bank account to the recipient’s bank account.

• Enabling Transactions:

  • Smooth UPI transactions: PSPs enable users to start and complete UPI transactions.
    • They provide the necessary tools for users to send money, pay bills, and make purchases using UPI.

• Security and Fraud Prevention:

  • Strong security measures: PSPs use strong security measures to protect against fraud.
    • They keep transactions safe, verify identities, and maintain the trustworthiness of the payment system.

Role of Multi-Bank Model in Enhancing the Efficiency and Accessibility of UPI Services

• Broader the Accessibility of UPI services:

  • Multiple Bank Model: Fintech companies like Paytm have joined hands with multiple banks under the multi-bank model, where these banks act as Payment System Providers (PSPs).
    • This collaboration can  broaden the accessibility of UPI services since various banks are part of the system.

• Redundancy and Reliability:

  • Shift of transactions: Involving multiple banks ensures redundancy, meaning if one bank faces technical glitches or downtime, transactions seamlessly shift to another bank.
    • Therefore, Users can rely on uninterrupted services, even during peak times or unexpected disruptions.

• Reduced Latency:

  • Efficient Distribution of workload: When multiple banks handle UPI transactions, the system efficiently distributes the workload, resulting in reduced latency.
    • This leads to quicker transaction processing, enhancing the overall user experience.

News Source: Moneycontrol.com

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During his two-day visit to India, the Foreign Minister of Belarus declared that India is considering starting talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

India Seriously Considering India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• The remarks indicate a deepening political will to strengthen economic relations between India and Belarus, which has been one of the key regional supporters of Russia in the backdrop of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
  • Under FTA, two or more countries agree to provide preferential trade terms, tariff concessions, etc. to the partner country. 

About Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)

• Background: The Eurasian Economic Union was created in part in response to the economic and political influence of the European Union (EU) and other Western trade agreements.
• About: The EAEU is an international economic union and free trade zone comprising countries located in central and northern Asia and Eastern Europe. 
• Objective: To increase cooperation and economic competitiveness for the member states, and the promotion of stable development to raise the standard of living in member states.
• Governing Body: The EAEU heads of state comprise a governing body known as the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.
• Executive body: Known as the Eurasian Economic Commission, an analog to the European Commission, it oversees day-to-day operations. 
• Member countries:  Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
• No Common Currency: Unlike the European Union (EU), the EAEU does not share a common currency.

Limitations of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)

• Internal disagreements and Uneven Markets: Members of the union have different goals, and there are recurrent clashes between members over the application of non-tariff regulations and accusations of protectionism.
• Limited Economic Success: Failure In the eight years since its creation, the EAEU has failed to establish itself as a profitable economic alliance or attract new member states. 
• Uneven Resolution of Benefits and Duties: The resolution of benefits and duties within the alliance has consistently favored Russia, posing ongoing challenges for Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.

News Source: The Hindu

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Recently, nature lovers and many tourists have visited the Atapaka Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of migratory birds have arrived at Kolleru Lake.

Over 1.50 lakh Migratory Birds Visited Sanctuaries, Wetlands in Andhra Pradesh this winter, Say Forest Officials

• According to the forest authorities, over 1.50 lakh migratory birds visited sanctuary wetlands in Andhra Pradesh this winter.
• Nearly 50,000 birds were counted in Kolleru Lake, 43,130 birds at Coringa Sanctuary, 37,150 winged visitors at Pulicat Lake, around 16,000 birds at Nelapattu, and 8,000 birds at Uppalapadu.

About Atapaka Bird Sanctuary

• Located: 

  • It is located in Kolleru Lake on Krishna-West Godavari borders, Andhra Pradesh.
    • It falls under the Kaikalur forest range.

• Recognition: 

  • It was officially declared as a sanctuary in the year 1999 by the Andhra Pradesh government.
    • It is also known as a bird’s paradise.

• Threats:

  • Habitat Loss: Urbanization, encroachment and conversion of natural habitats pose a significant threat to the sanctuary’s avian species.
  • Pollution: Discharge of industrial effluents and pollution from nearby human settlements can degrade water quality and negatively impact birdlife.
  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures, weather change and sea-level rise can disrupt bird migration, nesting and feeding patterns.

• Few Important Flora & Fauna:

  • Flora: Avicennia Marina (white mangrove), Rhizophora Mucronata (red mangrove), Ceriops Decandra, etc.
  • Fauna: Spot-billed Pelican, Open-billed Stork, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill Stork, White Ibis, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, etc.

• Significance:

  • Biodiversity Conservation: It is one of the critical habitats for several endangered and migratory bird species, contributing to the conservation of avian biodiversity.
  • Ecotourism Potential: It possesses beauty and diverse birdlife making it an attractive destination for eco-tourists and bolstering local economies.

About Kolleru Lake

• Location: It is located between the Krishna and Godavari rivers and deltas in Andhra Pradesh.
• Recognition: It was designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1999 under India’s Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
  • It was declared a wetland of international importance in 2002 under the Ramsar convention.
• Significance: It is a natural flood-balancing reservoir for the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
  • It is an essential habitat for an estimated 20 million residents and migratory birds like Grey or Spot-billed pelicans.

Also Read: Bird Sanctuaries in India

News Source: The Hindu

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Recently, The Government of India has launched a pilot program to provide cashless treatment to the victims of road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles.

Pilot Program For Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims

• Aim: To establish an ecosystem for providing timely medical care to the victims of road accidents, including during the golden hour. 

• Legal mandate:  Under section 162 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
• Initiated in: Chandigarh 
• Developed by:  Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Implementing Agency: The National Health Authority (NHA) in coordination with police, hospitals, State Health Agency (SHA).
• Broad contours of the pilot program are:
  • Cashless Treatment Benefits to the Victims:
    • up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakhs per accident per person.
    • for a maximum period of 7 days from the date of accident.
  • Beneficiary:
    • All road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles on any category of road. 
  • Benefits will be Opted from: 
    • AB PM-JAY packages for trauma and polytrauma cases being co-opted. 
    • Claims raised by hospitals for treatment Reimbursed from: The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. 
  • Establishing IT platform: An IT platform combining the functionalities of the eDAR application of MoRTH and the Transaction Management System (TMS) of NHA. 
  • Expansion: Based on the outcome of the pilot program, expansion of the cashless treatment facility to the entire country will be considered.

News Source: The Hindu

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This Article is based on the news “’Our estimates & those on Tendulkar formula show poverty fall over 12 yrs’ which was published in the Business Standard. Economists C Rangarajan and S Mahendra Dev have released the poverty estimates in India based on the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey(HCES) by updating poverty lines recommended by the Rangarajan committee.

New Poverty Estimates: SBI Research vs. Brookings Institution

• Poverty Estimates based on HCES Survey: SBI Research and economists of the US think tank Brookings Institution, Surjit Bhalla and Karan Bhasin have also released their poverty estimates recently based on the latest HCES survey, using different parameters.
  • The HCES report has been released after 11 years.
• Controversy Over Poverty Estimates: This has sparked a debate about the methodologies adopted for poverty estimation in India.

Key Findings of Poverty Estimates by C Rangarajan and S Mahendra Dev

• Poverty Line: 

  • According to them, the poverty line is Rs 1,837 for rural and Rs 2,603 for urban areas in 2022-23.
    • The poverty line for 2011-12 was Rs 972 and Rs 1,407 per capita per month respectively for rural and urban areas. 

• More Significant Poverty Decline in Urban Areas: 

  • The rate of poverty decline in percentage point terms in the last decade was higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
    • The reason may be the government’s free food grain scheme, which works better in urban areas. 

Poverty Estimation in India

• Poverty: 

  • According to the World Bank, poverty is pronounced deprivation in well-being and comprises many dimensions. 
    • It includes low incomes and the inability to acquire the essential goods and services necessary for survival with dignity.
    • The international poverty line is currently $2.15 per person per day.

• Poverty Line:

  • The poverty in India is measured based on the poverty line quantified in terms of per capita consumption expenditure.
    • Data is obtained from the extensive sample survey of consumer expenditure data of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). 
    • Households with consumption expenditures below the poverty line are considered “Below the Poverty Line (BPL)” and deemed poor.

• Calculation of the Poverty Line:  

  • In India, Measures of poverty are calculated by considering the minimum requirements for food, clothing, footwear, fuel, light, education, medical care, and more. 
    • These requirements are measured in physical quantities and multiplied by their rupee prices. 

• Calculation Based on Calorie Intake and Demographic Factors: 

  • The formula for determining the food requirement is based on the desired calorie intake, with different calorie needs for various age groups, sexes, and types of work. 
    • In rural areas, the accepted average calorie requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day, while in urban areas, it is 2100 calories per day.

• Periodic Revisions of Monetary Expenditure:  

  • The monetary expenditure needed to meet these calorie requirements through food grains and other items is revised periodically to account for rising prices. 
    • Example: In 2011-12, the poverty line was set at Rs 816 per month for rural areas and Rs 1000 per month for urban areas. The higher amount for urban areas reflects the generally higher prices of essential products in cities.

Different Methodologies Used for Poverty Estimation

• Methodology Adopted by Rangarajan and Mahendra Dev During Recent Poverty Estimates:

  • Rangarajan Panel Line: They recalculated poverty figures using the latest HCES updating the poverty lines recommended by Rangarajan’s committee. 
  • They used the Rangarajan panel line for 2011-12 and adjusted it for 2022-23. 

• Methodology Adopted by SBI:

  • Based on the Suresh Tendulkar Committee, SBI Research took the Suresh Tendulkar Committee recommendations for 2011-12 as the base.
  • Inflation Adjusted data: It revised poverty line estimates by incorporating inflation data from the past decade onto the poverty line established by the Tendulkar committee for 2011-12.
  • Adjustment of Food Items: Free food items, among other goods and services provided by government schemes, were also accounted for.

• Methodology Adopted by Economists Bhalla and Bhasin:

  • World Bank Poverty Line: They used the World Bank lines to estimate the poverty rate based on the survey. 
  • Exclusion of Government Aid: These estimates did not consider the free foodgrains supplied by the government to two-thirds of the population and the utilisation of public health and education.  

Issues with Current Poverty Estimation/ Need for New Poverty Lines

• Lack of Declared Income Poverty Line:  

  • The government has not announced any clear poverty line in India due to which the Tendulkar line and the World Bank’s purchasing power poverty line of $2.15 a day have been used for current poverty estimates.
    • This gives less than 5% extreme poverty or extreme deprivation. 
    • The Tendulkar line itself was based on specific minimum calorie requirements to be fulfilled and therefore households that spend at least that much on calories would be above the line.

• Application of Old Poverty Line to Current Estimates: 

  • The ‘Tendulkar poverty line’ has been used to assess poverty in 2022-23 based on the latest HCES data. 
    • The two datasets are not directly comparable due to changes in data collection methods in the latest HCES survey.
    • The latest survey is based on three visits, which included multiple visits compared to single visits during earlier surveys.
    • The HCES data hasn’t been fully released yet. Therefore, applying the old poverty line to this dataset is inappropriate until the available unit-level data.

• Inconsistency in Data Collection Method: 

  • The changes in data collection methods of HCES, including multiple visits, raise concerns about the consistency of responses provided during these visits.”
    • The non-permanent status of enumerators employed is also a challenge.

• Changes in Sampling Methodology: 

  • In the HCES 2022-23, there has been a notable alteration in the sampling methodology. For instance, the second stage stratum classification now relies on land ownership for rural areas and car ownership for urban areas. 
    • This is a departure from the previous survey where divisions were based on household status and activity for rural areas and monthly per-capita income for urban areas.
    • This disproportionately represents affluent sections of society, resulting in higher consumption expenditure.
• Discrepancy in Consumption Estimates: There is a discrepancy between the National Accounts Statistics (NAS) statistic and the total private consumption expenditure provided by the NSSO. 
  • From a difference of less than 10 per cent in the late 1970s, it has come to 53 per cent in 2011-12. This difference declined only marginally to 52 per cent in 2022-23.
• Skepticism About Real Poverty Reduction: The significant increase in workers earning up to Rs 100 per day in real terms at 2010 prices, from 106.1 million in 2011-12 to nearly 190 million in 2021-22, raises doubts about poverty reduction claims.
• Inadequateness of Calorie Norms: According to the former chief statistician, the basic calorie norm is inadequate because it only looks at the consumption of cereals. 
  • Moreover, the composition of food production has changed enormously.
  • These estimates do not consider the free food (wheat and rice) supplied by the government to approximately two-thirds of the population, nor utilisation of public health and education.

Way Forward to Poverty Estimation in India:

• Uniform Poverty Line: 

  • A uniform poverty line is needed in India as it will provide a standardized measure to assess poverty levels across different regions of India. 
    • It will facilitate more accurate comparisons and assessments of poverty levels both within and across states.
    • It will also help in international comparisons of poverty rates and trends, enabling India to compare its progress against other countries.

• Reducing Differences Between NSO and NAS: 

  • The NSO Advisory Group must study the problem and come out with possible suggestions for improving the collection of data through both routes. 

• Updation of Poverty Norms: 

  • The exercise undertaken by SBI based on the Tendulkar committee report revised the poverty line estimates by applying inflation rates from the past decade to the poverty line for 2011-12.
    • However, over the years, the poverty norms need updating, and work should be done to evolve the understanding and definitions of poverty.

• Recalibration of Poverty Lines: 

  • Poverty lines have to be recalibrated depending on changes in income, consumption patterns and prices. 

• Coordination Among Survey Authorities:

• • It is imperative to align their findings with those of the National Accounts, necessitating collaborative efforts to reconcile discrepancies.

• Examining Labour Market Dynamics: 

  • With approximately 144 million workers falling into the income bracket of Rs 100 to Rs 200 in 2021-22, it becomes imperative to scrutinize labor market conditions to ascertain the true extent of poverty alleviation efforts.

Also Read: Supreme Court Verdict On Chandigarh Mayor Elections

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Context

This Article is based on the news “What it will take to have simultaneous elections in India: Unpacking the Kovind committee report” which was published in the Indian Express. The High-level Committee (HLC) on One Nation One Election, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, recently submitted its report to the President.

Kovind Committee Report On One Nation One Election: Key Highlights

• Constitution of Kovind Panel:

  • The High-level Committee (HLC), popularly known as the Kovind Panel, was constituted in September 2023 to study the possibility of simultaneous elections to all three levels of government.

• Membership of the Panel: 

  • It included the following members:
    • Home Minister Amit Shah
    • Former Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad
    • Former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash C Kashyap
    • Former chairman of the 15th Finance Commission N K Singh
    • Senior Advocate Harish Salve
    • Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari
    • Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was a Special Invitee to the Committee.

• High-level Committee (HLC) Recommendations:

  • The HLC has unanimously endorsed the idea and recommended the way forward in the report.

Recommendations Kovind Committee Report On One Nation One Election

• Amendments to the Constitution:

  • Kovind committee report recommended amendments to: 
    • Article 83 deals with the duration of the Lok Sabha
    • Article 172 deals with the duration of a state Assembly.
    • No need for the state’s ratification.

• Presidential Notification: 

  • This is likely to follow a Presidential notification. 
  • The notification will become null and void if the amendments fail to get parliamentary approval.
  • If the amendments are adopted, simultaneous polls will become a reality, and the terms of most state governments will be truncated during the transition.

• Two-Step Process:

  • Elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies: In the first step, simultaneous elections will be held for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
  • Elections to Local Bodies: In the second step, elections to municipalities and the panchayats will be synchronised with elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
    • These elections must be held within 100 days of the elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. This step will require ratification by at least one-half of the states.

• Single Electoral Roll And Election ID: 

  • It proposed to amend the Constitution to facilitate the creation of a unified electoral roll and electoral photo identity cards for elections across all three tiers of government.
    • Ratifying these amendments by at least half of the states would be necessary.

• In Case of Hung House, Etc: 

  • In the case of a hung House or any such event, a fresh election to the House of the People will only be for the remainder of the term of the previous House. 
    • In the case of fresh elections to an Assembly, the new Assembly will continue only till the end of the term of the House of the People.

• Meeting Logistics Requirements: 

  • The committee has recommended that to meet logistical requirements, the ECI will plan and estimate in advance, in consultation with the State Election Commissions.
  • It should also take steps to deploy staffing, polling personnel, security forces, EVMs/VVPATs, etc. 

What is Meant by One Nation One Election/Simultaneous Elections?

• Simultaneous elections, popularly referred to as “One Nation One Election”, means holding elections to Lok Sabha, all state Legislative Assemblies, and urban and rural local bodies (municipalities and panchayats) simultaneously.
  • Currently, all these elections are held independently of one another, following timelines dictated by the terms of every individual elected body.

Background of One Nation One Election

• Conduct of Simultaneous Elections: In India, general elections for the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies were held simultaneously in 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967.
• Break in Simultaneous Polls Cycle:
  • Due to successive central governments invoking constitutional provisions to dismiss state governments prematurely.
  • With the frequent collapse of coalition governments at the state and central levels, the country began experiencing elections at different times throughout the year.

Benefits of One Nation One Election

• Reduced Expenditure: 

  • Election expenses of political parties can be reduced if elections are held simultaneously. There would be no duplication of fundraising. 
    • This would save the public and business community from pressure for election donations multiple times. 
    • It will bring considerable savings to political parties and candidates in their election campaigns.
    • It is estimated that the cost of holding general elections to the Lok Sabha is around ₹4,000 crore for the Central government. Each State assembly election would also cost a considerable amount of money according to the size of the State. 

• Mitigate the Issue of Model Code of Conduct: 

  • It can mitigate the issue of the Model Code of Conduct, which sometimes hinders the government from announcing projects or policy plans. By and large, no decisions are taken during elections due to the code of conduct. Therefore, key policy decisions get delayed at the Centre, the states, and local bodies.

• Improved Governance: 

  • Simultaneous elections will allow elected governments and ruling parties to concentrate on governance rather than diverting their attention towards frequent election preparations in various regions.
    • Parties in government and the Opposition at both the Centre and states could concentrate on policy matters until the next general elections. Technical work presented by the panel shows that outcomes in the context of growth, inflation, investment, and public expenditure tend to be better after periods of synchronised elections.

• Smooth Delivery of Public Services: 

  • Deputing government employees frequently on election duty can hinder public services, resulting in challenges to the smooth functioning of government operations and delivery of services to the public.
    • Even when no fresh policy decision is necessary, implementation of ongoing projects gets derailed during election periods as the political executive as well as government officials would be engaged with election duties, neglecting routine administration.

• Reducing Burden of Personnel Deployment: 

  • A large number of police personnel and para-military forces are engaged to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully. 
    • This involves massive redeployment and huge costs. It also diverts key law enforcement personnel from their critical functions. Such deployment can be curtailed with simultaneous elections.

• Uniform Electoral Rolls:  

  • The same electoral rolls can be used for all the elections. This will save tremendous time and money spent on updating electoral rolls. 
    • It will also make it easier for the citizens as they would not have to worry about their names missing from the electoral rolls once they are enlisted.

• Curbing Black Money: 

  • Frequent elections have been associated with the possibility of black money being turned into white money, leading to the emergence of a parallel economy. Holding one-time elections could help reduce such a possibility.

• Fostering Unity: 

  • Simultaneous polls promote a national perspective over regional ones, which is important for cultivating unity within the country.

Challenges Associated With One Nation One Election/ Simultaneous Elections

• Conducting Mid-Term Elections: It is a challenge to devise a mechanism to hold simultaneous elections because fresh elections may be needed for the House of the People or Assemblies before the completion of their terms for various reasons.
• Alteration of Basic Structure: Implementing simultaneous polls would require amendments in at least five articles of the Constitution to the Constitution (83, 85, 172, 174 and 356). 
• Legal challenges: 
  • Simultaneous elections may also require amendments to anti-defection laws to prevent legislators from switching parties in line with the election cycle, which could potentially weaken the spirit of the concept.
• EVM Expenses: Doubling expenses on electronic voting machines (EVMs) could offset the potential savings from simultaneous polls.
• Model Code of Conduct (MCC): It is argued that it only prevents ruling parties from using government machinery for electoral gains rather than paralysing policy-making as overstated by some opponents.
• Challenges of Federalism: India has a federal structure with the division of powers between the central and state governments. Simultaneous elections are an attack on the autonomy and independence of state governments. 
  • State governments in India have a large degree of autonomy and can oppose any move that violates their powers and attacks the autonomy of the states. 
  • Moreover, the local elections follow a decentralised system of governance in which local bodies enjoy significant autonomy. 
  • The simultaneous elections may affect their independent functioning, which is constitutionally protected.
  • This can weaken this federal structure and increase the conflict of interest between the Centre and states.
• Financial and Administrative Challenges: Its implementation will require the allocation of massive financial and administrative resources. 
• Logistic Challenges: Logistical challenges could arise in organising simultaneous elections once every five years, especially with the deployment of security forces in large numbers for free and fair conduct.
• Change in Voting Behaviour: Every voter has different considerations and voting preferences at national, state and regional levels. 

• • Simultaneous polls run the risk of national issues overshadowing local concerns in simultaneous elections. This will have the potential impacts on voter decision-making.
• Fading of Local Issues: Mixing of national and regional issues will lead to fading of local issues, distorting priorities and giving an unfair advantage to national parties over regional ones.
• Feasibility: Concerns arise over the feasibility of conducting elections across all state governments if a coalition central government collapses.
• Consensus Among Political Parties: Achieving political consensus on holding simultaneous polls among different political parties, especially regional parties, is a legal and political challenge. 
• International Examples Not Suitable for India: Comparing international examples (Sweden, Belgium, South Africa) to India may not be suitable due to the vast differences in population and area.

Way Forward

• Political parties under RTI: In order to ensure better transparency, accountability and democracy within political parties, bringing them under the framework of the Right to Information Act is recommended.
• Free and Fair Elections: Strengthening the role of ECI as a regulator and enhancing its monitoring capabilities to oversee poll expenditure at all levels would contribute to conducting free and fair elections.
• Electronic Voter ID cards: The use of IT-enabled tools like electronic voter ID cards can help eliminate bogus electors from electoral rolls, improving the accuracy and integrity of the voter registration process.
• State Funding of Elections: Exploring the idea of state funding for elections is proposed as a measure to reduce the influence of money power in politics and promote a level playing field for candidates.
• Broad Consensus: The government will have to obtain consensus of all political parties as well as all state governments.

Conclusion

It is important that the recommendations are taken forward only with a wider political consensus. This is crucial because most national parties are not in favour of the idea. Holding simultaneous elections is not an end worth achieving if it undermines democratic values.

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