Aug 26 2024

Muthamizh Murugan International Conference

Context: Muthamizh Murugan International Conference celebrates Tamil culture and spirituality, uniting devotees worldwide with various resolutions adopted.

About Muthamizh Murugan International Conference:

  • Purpose: To bring together Lord Muruga devotees and thinkers from across the globe.
    • Worship of Lord Muruga is observed in nations such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, etc. 
  • Objectives of the Conference
    • To spread the core principles of Murugan worshipped globally.
    • To enable everyone to easily understand the philosophical doctrines of Murugan.
    • To unite the devotees of Murugan on a global scale.
    • To propagate the valuable gems of Murugan worship.

FSSAI Announces Curbs on Dairy Products

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently issued a directive to food businesses to remove claims related to ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ types of milk from their product descriptions.

Overview of Classification Of Dairy Products As ‘A1’ and ‘A2’: 

  • Classification: Several FBOs (Food Business Operators) are selling milk and milk products in the name of A1 and A2.
  • Recognition of Classification: FSSAI regulations do not officially recognise this distinction, leading to the current mandate to eliminate these claims.
  • Differentiation: Based on the structural differences in beta-casein protein
  • Beta-Casein: It is one of the major proteins found in milk, and it comes in two main variants: A1 and A2
    • Historically, cows produced only A2 beta-casein
    • However, due to genetic mutations, some cows began to produce A1 beta-casein as well.
  • Key Difference: It lies in the amino acid structure. 
    • A1 beta-casein has a histidine amino acid at position 67. 
    • While A2 beta-casein has proline at the same position. 

Tanager-1

Tanager-1

Context: Recently, Tanager-1 satellite was launched from California, USA. 

About Tanager-1 Satellite:

  • Purpose: To track methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Imaging Spectrometer Technology: It will track these emissions by measuring hundreds of wavelengths of light that are reflected by Earth’s surface.
  • Significance: It will be able to measure point-source emission on a global scale.

Sonoluminescence

Context: Sonoluminescence (SL) is a scientific phenomenon that occurs when a gas bubble in a liquid emits light after being subjected to intense sound waves.

About Sonoluminescence: 

  • Discovery: In 1934, two German engineers studying sonar technology discovered a curious phenomenon.
  • Phenomenon: They observed that when a small bubble in a liquid is exposed to powerful sound waves, it emits a flash of light.
  • Mechanism:
    • Sound waves create alternating high- and low-pressure phases.
    • These phases cause the bubble to rapidly expand and collapse.
    • During collapse, the bubble compresses intensely, causing internal temperatures to soar to several thousand kelvin.
    • The extreme temperature causes gases within the bubble to ionise.
    • This ionisation releases light energy in about a trillionth of a second.
    • The exact mechanism of light production is still unknown.

Natural Occurrence in Pistol Shrimp:

  • Pistol Shrimp (Family Alpheidae):
    • Possess a specialised claw capable of snapping shut at incredible speed.
    • This action creates a jet of water that forms a low-pressure bubble.
    • The bubble’s collapse produces a loud sound, intense heat, and sometimes a brief flash of light.

RHUMI-1

RHUMI-1

Context: India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI- 1’, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India with Martin Group, from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai.

About RHUMI-1:

  • Hybrid Rocket Engine: The RHUMI Rocket is equipped with a generic-fuel-based hybrid motor.
    • Hybrid systems improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
  • Adjustable Launch Angle: The rocket’s launch angle can be precisely adjusted between 0 to 120 degrees.
  • Parachute System: It is equipped with an electrically triggered parachute deployer.
  • Environmentally Friendly: RHUMI is 100% pyrotechnic-free and 0% TNT.
  • Application: The rocket’s applications extend beyond space exploration, impacting fields such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

 

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After the Kolkata doctor’s murder, there are calls for the death penalty for the accused, but the Justice Verma Committee of 2013 had opposed it, deeming it regressive for rape cases.

Rape and Death Penalty

  • Definition: According to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), a man commits rape if he engages in sexual intercourse with a woman under the following conditions:
    • Against her will.
    • Without her consent.
    • By obtaining her consent through threats of death or harm to her or someone she cares about.
    • By deceiving her into believing that he is her lawful husband.
    • When she consents but is unable to comprehend the nature and consequences due to unsoundness of mind, intoxication, or the influence of drugs.
    • When she is under 18 years of age, regardless of consent.
    • When she is unable to communicate her consent.
  • The definition of rape codified in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) includes all forms of sexual assault involving non-consensual intercourse with a woman.
  • Introduction of the term ‘Rape’: The term “rape” was introduced into the Indian legal system by Thomas Babington Macaulay through the Indian Penal Code in 1860. 
    • Initially, the definition was limited to non-consensual peno-vaginal intercourse, with no distinction made regarding the nature or gravity of the offence. 
  • Recent Data: The ‘Men and Women in India 2023’ report shows that majority of rape victims as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data are in the age group of 18-30.
  • Death Penalty: Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the execution of an individual who has been sentenced to death by a court of law following a conviction for a criminal offence. 
    • It represents the most severe penalty that can be imposed on a convicted person.
    • It is currently prescribed only for the “rarest of rare” cases.
    • The interpretation of what constitutes “rarest of rare” is left to the court. 

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Justice J.S. Verma Committee

  • About : The Justice J.S. Verma Committee, formed in response to the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape.

Justice Verma Committee Recommendations on Death Penalty for Rape

  • Expression of Power: Rape and Sexual assault are not merely crimes of passion but an expression of power.
  • Scope of Rape: Rape should be retained as a separate offence and it should not be limited to penetration of the vagina, mouth or anus.  
    • Any non-consensual penetration of a sexual nature should be included in the definition of rape.  
  • Rejection of Death Penalty for Rape
    • The Justice Verma Committee did not recommend the death penalty for rape, even in the rarest of rare cases
    • They opposed chemical castration for rape.
    • The committee argued that seeking the death penalty was a regressive step and that its deterrent effect was a myth.
  • Enhanced Sentences Instead of Death Penalty
    • The committee suggested enhanced sentences for rape, recommending imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life, rather than the death penalty. 
    • For cases resulting in a persistent vegetative state (Section 376A of the Indian Penal Code), it proposed rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years or life imprisonment.
  • Critique of Death Penalty as Deterrent
    • The committee pointed out that there was no conclusive evidence that the death penalty effectively deters serious crimes. 
    • They cited statistics showing a decline in murder rates in India despite fewer executions since 1980.
  • Verbal Sexual Assault: Criminalized unwelcome sexual threats, punishable by up to 1 year in prison or fines.
  • Medical Examination of Rape Victims: The two-finger test should be banned, and victim’s past sexual history should not influence the outcome of their case. 
  • Exception to marital rape be removed: Non-Criminalization of marital rape in India emanates from Exception 2 to Section 375.
    • The Verma Committee recommended that the exception to marital rape be removed, pointing out that “a marital or other relationship between the perpetrator or victim is not a valid defence against the crimes of rape or sexual violation.” 
  • Support for European Human Rights Judgment: The committee endorsed the view that a rapist remains a rapist regardless of his relationship with the victim.
    • Marriage should not imply automatic consent. (European Commission of Human Rights in C.R. vs U.K)
  • Provision of Zero FIR: The concept of “Zero FIR” allows victims of crime to file a First Information Report (FIR) at any police station, regardless of where the incident occurred.
    • This ensures that the case is registered promptly, facilitating a faster investigation and avoiding delays caused by jurisdictional issues

Union Cabinet’s Decision on the Death Penalty

  • Rejection of Death Penalty Recommendation: The Union Cabinet did not adopt the Justice Verma Committee’s recommendation against the death penalty when it enacted the 2013 criminal law amendments.
  • Key Amendments Introduced
    • 2013 Ordinance: The amendments provided for the death penalty for rape resulting in the victim’s death or a persistent vegetative state (Section 376A of the IPC) and for repeat offenders (Section 376E).
  • Further Amendments in 2018
    • Gang Rape: The 2018 amendments introduced the death penalty for participants in gang rapes where the victim is under 12 years old (Section 376DB) and life imprisonment for victims under 16 (Section 376DA).
  • Current Legislation under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes death penalty provisions for gang rape of women under 18 years old (Sections 64, 65, and 70(2)).
  • Government’s Refused to Criminalise Marital Rape: The Union government did not adopt the committee’s recommendation and chose not to criminalize marital rape. 
    • Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Exception 2 of Section 63 maintains that sexual acts by a man with his wife, if she is over 18, are not considered rape.

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Marital Rape Provisions Around the World

  • Russia : In 1922, the Soviet Union, now Russia, became the first nation to criminalize rape and abolish the “marital exemption” from its rape laws.
  • United States: Since 1993, marital rape has been criminalized in all 50 states of the US, although laws vary by state.
  • United Kingdom: Marital rape has also been made a criminal offense in the UK, with potential sentences including life imprisonment.
  • South Africa: Marital rape has been illegal in South Africa since 1993.
  • Canada: Marital rape is punishable by law in Canada.

Verma Committee on Gender Rights and Empowerment

  • Broad Concept of Empowerment: The Verma Committee emphasised that women’s empowerment extends beyond political equality to include social, educational, and economic equality.
  • Need for Comprehensive Engagement: The committee argued that true empowerment requires legal and public policy measures to actively support women’s rights, opportunities, skill development, self-confidence, and equality in relationships with society and the state.
  • Focus on Social Mindsets and Systemic Change: Addressing gender bias requires shifting social norms and overcoming deficiencies through leadership and systemic changes in education and societal behaviour.

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Conclusion

Rape is a complex issue stemming from multiple interrelated factors. Tackling it requires a holistic approach that involves reshaping cultural norms, enhancing education, fortifying legal systems, and promoting responsible and sensitive media portrayals.

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A new study highlights an increase in mass wasting events (landslides and erosion) in the Sedongpu Gully, Tibetan Plateau, since 2017.

About Sedongpu Gully

  • The Sedongpu Gully is situated in the catchment area of the Sedongpu glacier and valley.
  • Drainage: It flows into the Yarlung Zangbo (Tsangpo) River, near the Great Bend — a significant geographical feature.
    •  The gully is a major source of debris flow into the Yarlung Tsangbo River.
  • Great Bend: Located near the Tibet-Arunachal Pradesh border, this bend forms one of the deepest gorges on Earth, extending 505 km in length and 6,009 metres in depth.

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  • Upcoming Project: China plans to develop a 60-gigawatt hydropower project on the Tsangpo River. 
    • This project will be three times larger in capacity than the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, which is the world’s largest hydropower plant.
  • Downstream Flow: The Tsangpo River becomes the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh and eventually joins the Dibang and Lohit rivers to form the Brahmaputra, which further flows into Bangladesh as the Jamuna.
  • Mass WastingEnvironmental Conditions and Implications
    • Bedrock Composition: The Sedongpu basin’s bedrock primarily consists of Proterozoic marble.
    • Temperature Trends:
      • Historical Temperatures: Before 2012, land surface temperatures ranged from -5º to -15º C, rarely exceeding 0º C.
      • Recent Warming: Between 1981 and 2018, the annual temperature in nearby weather stations at Bomi and Linzhi increased at a rate of 0.34º to 0.36º C per year, exceeding the global average.

What is Mass Wasting? 

  • It is a general term for the movement of rock or soil down slopes driven by gravity. 
  • Unlike erosion by water, wind, or ice, mass wasting does not involve debris being carried by a moving medium.
  • Types of Mass Wasting
    • Creep: Slow, gradual movement of soil and rock down a slope.
    • Solifluction: The slow, downhill flow of water-saturated soil, often in permafrost regions.
    • Rockfalls: Rapid descent of rocks from a cliff or steep slope.
    • Debris Flows: Fast-moving mixtures of water, soil, and rock that flow downhill.
    • Landslides: Sudden and fast movement of a large mass of rock or soil down a slope.
    • Occurrence
      • Earth and Beyond: Mass wasting can occur on various planetary bodies including Earth, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter’s moon Io, among others.
        • It involves vertical downward movement with minimal horizontal displacement, unlike slope movement.
  • Mitigation Measures
    • Slope Stabilization : Use of retaining walls, terracing, and grading to reduce slope angle and stability issues.
    • Construction of Barriers : Erect barriers such as retaining walls or rockfall nets to stop or deflect falling debris.
    • Afforestation: Plant vegetation to strengthen soil with root systems, reduce erosion, and stabilize slopes.
      • It enhances soil structure and reduces water runoff.
    • Improved Drainage
      • Drainage Systems: Install proper drainage to manage water flow and prevent waterlogging that can trigger mass wasting.
      • Methods: Use of drains, culverts, and channels to direct water away from vulnerable areas.
    • Monitoring and Early Warning : Implement systems for monitoring slope stability and detecting early signs of movement.
    • Engineering Solutions: Strengthen structures like roadways and pipelines against deformation caused by gradual mass wasting.

By employing these measures, the impact of mass wasting can be significantly reduced, protecting infrastructure and reducing risks to human safety.

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Key Findings from the Sedongpu Study

  • Increasing Frequency: The study found a significant increase in mass wasting events since 2017, with over 700 million cubic metres of debris mobilised.
  • Large-Scale Events: These events included ice-rock avalanches, ice-moraine avalanches, and glacier debris flows, resulting in the mobilisation of millions of cubic metres of debris.
  • Contributing Factors: Rapid warming and seismic activity have destabilised the region, leading to more frequent landslides and debris flows.
    • Research Methodology: The study used satellite data from December 1969 to June 2023 to analyze landslide patterns in the Sedongpu Gully catchment.
  • Types of Mass Wasting Events:
    • Ice-Rock Avalanche (IRA): These events temporarily blocked the Tsangpo and its tributary, Yigong.
    • Ice-Moraine Avalanche (IMA) and Glacier Debris Flow (GDF): Identified as other significant mass-wasting events.
  • Consequences of Blockages:
    • Flash Floods: The breaching of debris dams created by IRAs has led to catastrophic flash floods in downstream areas, such as East Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Dhemaji district in Assam in 2000.
    • Flood Triggers: These floods were triggered by the outburst of dams formed by glaciated debris and rock materials from massive landslides.
  • Historical Flooding Events
    • 2000 Floods: Floods in East Siang and Dhemaji were caused by the breaching of a debris dam on the Yigong River, resulting from massive landslides.
  • Implications for India and Bangladesh

    • Brahmaputra River: The Yarlung Tsangbo becomes the Brahmaputra River as it flows into India and Bangladesh.
    • Increased Sedimentation: The increased sediment load in the Yarlung Tsangbo will eventually reach the Brahmaputra, affecting its course and flow patterns
    • Effects of Increased Sedimentation:
      • River Braiding: Higher sediment levels could cause the river to become more braided, particularly in the Assam plains.
      • Bank Erosion: Increased sedimentation may lead to more significant bank erosion.
      • Flood Risks: Elevated river beds due to sedimentation can exacerbate flood hazards.
      • Navigation Challenges: Sand and silt accumulation could choke river channels during the lean season, complicating navigation and impacting fishing livelihoods in Assam and Bangladesh.

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India’s Strategic Measures 

  • Hydropower Development: India is planning to incorporate “buffers” in its proposed Arunachal Pradesh hydropower project to mitigate potential risks associated with sedimentation and downstream impacts.
  • Purpose of Buffers: These buffers are intended to address concerns about the increased sedimentation in the Brahmaputra River, which could result from the ongoing environmental changes and hydropower developments upstream.
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The  BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ proposed by the Department of Biotechnology has been approved by the Union Cabinet.

About BioE3 Policy

  • Themes: The policy will focus on 6 main themes to boost biomanufacturing.
    • Bio-based chemicals and enzymes, 
    • Functional foods and smart proteins
    • Precision biotherapeutic
    • Climate resilient agriculture
    • Carbon capture and its utilisation
    • Futuristic marine, and space research. 

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  • Features: 
    • Boost innovation: It will provide innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. 
    • It will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry
    • Prioritising regenerative bioeconomy models of growth.
    • Create jobs: The  policy will facilitate expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.
  • Benefits: 
    • Circular Bioeconomy: The Policy will strengthen initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & Project LIFE (‘Lifestyle for Environment)  and will promote India on a path of accelerated Green Growth
    • Promote the Goal of Viksit Bharat: It will realise a future which is sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lays down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.
    • The policy will build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem which will accelerate cutting-edge innovations for developing bio-based products.

About Biotechnology

  • Biotechnology is the use of advances in molecular biology for applications in human and animal health, agriculture, environment, and specialty biochemical manufacturing.
    • It is an interdisciplinary frontier between biology, engineering, medicine and plant science

BioE3 Policy

  • India is among the Top 12 destinations for biotechnology worldwide and 3rd largest destination for biotechnology in Asia Pacific. 
  • Biotech Economy: India’s BioEconomy is valued at an  estimated $130 Bn in the year 2024 and is identified as a sunrise sector
  • Category: India’s Biotechnology sector is categorised into Biopharmaceuticals, Bio agriculture, Bio IT and Bio Services. 

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Chile’s Atacama salt flat is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to lithium brine extraction, according to a study by the University of Chile.

The most impacted region covers 8 km north to south and 5 km east to west in the southwest part of the salt flat, where lithium miners operate.

About Atacama Salt Flat 

Atacama Salt Flat

  • The Atacama Salt Flat is the biggest salt deposit in Chile, covering 750,000 acres (300,000 km²). 
    • It has a rough white surface, with a large salt lake underneath.
  • Lithium and Wildlife

    • Lithium Reserves: The salt flat is rich in lithium, a mineral used in technology. The lithium is mostly extracted from the southern part of the flat.
    • Wildlife: There are lagoons formed by holes in the salt flat, which are home to various birds, including flamingos, coots, and guallatas.

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Atacama desert

  • It is situated in northern Chile between the coastal Cordillera de la Costa mountains and the Andes Mountains. 
    • Its zone is called the “shadow of rain”.
  • Known for : Driest nonpolar desert globally.
  • Mars Mission: The desert’s barren and dry landscapes make it an ideal condition for a Mars mission. 
  • Climate: Its climate is extremely arid due to 
    • Cool Humboldt Current: A cold ocean current along the desert’s coast. 
    • Pacific Anticyclone: A high pressure system that inhibits moisture. 
      • Chaxa Lagoon: This lagoon is part of Los Flamencos National Reserve, 56 km south of San Pedro de Atacama.
        • Features: The lagoon has floating blocks of salt and is a habitat for flamingos. It’s not suitable for swimming due to sharp rocks.
      • Cejar Lagoon: Also part of Los Flamencos National Reserve, Cejar Lagoon has turquoise waters surrounded by white salt.

Causes of the Salt flat Sinking

  • Over-Extraction of Lithium Brine
    • Exceeding Recharge Rates: The rate at which lithium-rich brine is being pumped to the surface exceeds the natural recharge of aquifers.
    • Subsidence: This imbalance leads to subsidence, or the sinking of the Earth’s surface.
  • Impact on Aquifers
    • Depletion: Excessive pumping depletes aquifers, reducing the water available for natural recharge.
    • Disruption of Water Balance: This disruption of the water balance contributes to the sinking of the salt flat.

Environmental Impact of Lithium Mining

  • Water Usage: The evaporation method used to produce lithium consumes large amounts of fresh water—approximately 2,000 tons of water are needed to produce one ton of lithium in the Atacama Desert.
  • Impact on Communities and Wildlife: The overuse of water for lithium mining leaves indigenous communities and wildlife, like flamingos, with less water for their needs.
  • Chemical Pollution: Lithium extraction uses harmful chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, which pollute the soil and water, damaging ecosystems and threatening plant and animal life.
  • Loss of Biodiversity: The decline in water levels and habitat degradation have led to a decline in wildlife populations, such as flamingos.

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About Lithium

  • Lithium (symbol Li, atomic number 3) is a soft, silvery-white metal.
  • It is the least dense metal and the least dense solid element under standard conditions.
  • Highly reactive and flammable, lithium must be stored in controlled environments like a vacuum or in inert substances such as kerosene or mineral oil.
  • Corrosion and Occurrence:
    • Lithium exhibits a metallic luster but corrodes quickly when exposed to air, turning from silvery gray to a black tarnish.
    • It does not naturally exist in its free form and is mainly found in minerals, particularly pegmatitic minerals.
    • Due to its solubility, lithium is also present in ocean water and is primarily extracted from brines.

Applications of Lithium

  • Lithium has various industrial uses, including in the production of heat-resistant glass and ceramics, lubricants, and as flux additives in iron, steel, and aluminum manufacturing.
  • Lithium is also widely used in lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries, which account for over three-quarters of global lithium consumption.
  • Biological Presence:
    • Lithium is found in trace amounts in biological systems but has no known essential metabolic function in humans.
  • Medical Use:
    • Lithium-based medications are effective in treating mental health conditions, particularly as mood stabilizers and antidepressants in bipolar disorder.

 

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The second round of ministerial roundtable between India and Singapore is set to begin in Singapore soon.

About Second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR)

ISMR is a mechanism established to set a new agenda for India-Singapore bilateral relations. 

  • Beginning: Its inaugural meeting was held in New Delhi in September 2022 involving key ministers from both sides.
  • Focus On: Review various aspects of their Strategic Partnership and identify new avenues to further elevate and broaden it
  • Objectives: To review the progress in bilateral collaboration since the first ISMR
    • Explore new areas of collaboration particularly in sustainability, digitalisation, skills development, healthcare and medicine, advanced manufacturing and connectivity.

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About India-Singapore Relations

The close ties between India and Singapore have a history rooted in strong commercial, cultural and people-to-people links across a millennium. 

  • Modern Relationship: It is attributed to Sir Stamford Raffles who, in 1819, established a trading station in Singapore on the route of the Straits of Malacca which later became a crown colony and governed from Kolkata till 1867. 
    • India was one of the first countries to recognize Singapore in 1965.
  • Reflection of the Colonial Connection: In institutions and practices, usage of English and presence of a large Indian community. 
  • India-Singapore Ministerial RoundtableBasis of India-Singapore Relations: On shared values and approaches, economic opportunities and convergence of interests on key issues. 
    • There are more than 20 regular bilateral mechanisms, dialogues and exercises. 
    • Both are members of a number of forums, including East Asia Summit, G20, Commonwealth, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) and IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium).
  • Key Agreements:
    • The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (2005) and its Second Review (2018)
    • Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (1994, Protocols signed in 2011)
    • Bilateral Air Services Agreement (1968, revised in 2013)
    • Defence Cooperation Agreement (2003, enhanced Agreement signed in 2015)0
    • Mutual Recognition Agreement on Nursing (2018) and cooperation in Fintech (2018)
    • Agreement for Conduct of Joint Army Training and Exercises (renewed in 2019)
  • Military Exercises:
    • Navy: SIMBEX
    • Air Force: SINDEX
    • Army: Bold Kurukshetra
  • Significance of Singapore for India:
    • In the year 2023-24, Singapore was the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, with an estimated $11.77 billion in inflows. 
    • In bilateral trade, Singapore was the sixth largest global trade partner of India in 2023-24 with a total trade of $35.61 billion
    • Combined with a good enabling environment, strong air connectivity and the presence of a large Indian community, Singapore has emerged as a key offshore logistic and financial hub for many Indian corporate/houses. 
      • There are estimated to be about 4000 registered “Indian” companies in Singapore.

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Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which will be effective from April 1, 2025.scheme

  • Maharashtra has become the first state to offer its employees the UPS.

About the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

The UPS pension scheme will provide government employees with assured pensions after retirement. 

  • Need: Over the last few years, the political opposition showed dissatisfaction with the New Pension Scheme (NPS)
    • The governments in Himachal Pradesh (2023), Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh (2022) and Punjab (2022) have reverted to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
    • Concern with the NPS: 
      • Market-based: The pension payout depends on the market returns on the corpus, which is mostly invested in federal debt.
        • It also leaves the employees with less disposable income as they too have to contribute under this scheme.
      • Fund Management: The public is of the view that their fund would not be secure in the hands of fund managers, and their pensions may be reduced. 
      • Lack of Flexibility: Government employees are obligated to contribute 10% of their monthly pay.
      • Mandatory Annuity Plans: The NPS requires a mandatory 40% allocation of maturity proceeds to purchase an approved annuity plan, which entails locking in hefty premiums for life and yielding meager returns of 5-5.5%, subject to taxation.
  • Background: Due to persistent demands for a return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), a committee under the chairmanship of then Finance Secretary T V Somanathan in 2023 was constituted. 
    • This committee held more than 100 meetings with different organisations and states. The recommendations of this committee have now resulted in the announcement of the UPS.
  • Availability: Currently, the new scheme is for central government employees, but states can adopt it as well.
  • Eligibility: Applicable to all those who have retired under the NPS from 2004 onwards. 
      • NPS retirees will get arrears adjusted with whatever they have already drawn under the NPS.
    • Term in Service: Employees who have completed a minimum of 10 years of service
      • However, the full benefits of the scheme, including the assured pension, apply to those with at least 25 years of service.
    • Existing Pension Holders: The scheme is optional for existing employees under the NPS and those opting for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) under NPS. 
      • Future Employees: They will also have the option to join the UPS. However, once an employee opts into the UPS, the decision is final and cannot be reversed.
  • Contribution: The government will increase its contribution to the pension fund from 14% to 18.5%. This increase does not affect the employee’s contribution, which remains unchanged.

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Key Features of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

According to the government’s notification, the UPS has five key features:

  • Assured Pension: 50% of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months prior to superannuation for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. This pay is to be proportionate for lesser service periods upto a minimum of 10 years of service.
  • Unified Pension SchemeAssured Family Pension: 60% of pension of the employee immediately before her/his demise.
  • Assured Minimum Pension: Rs 10,000 per month on superannuation after minimum 10 years of service.
  • Inflation Indexation: On assured pension, on assured family pension and assured minimum pension.
    • Dearness Relief based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) as in case of service employees.
    • Inflation indexation: A technique that adjusts income payments using a price index to maintain the purchasing power of the public in the face of inflation. 
      • It can also be used to adjust the purchase price of an investment to account for inflation.
  • Lump-Sum Payment at Superannuation: This will be in addition to gratuity, and will be calculated as 1/10th of the monthly emolument (pay plus dearness allowance) on the date of superannuation for every six months of service completed.

Key Comparisons between Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), New Pension Scheme (NPS) and Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

Features UPS NPS OPS
Pension Amount
  • 50% of average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement
  • For service between 10-25 years, proportional
  • Market-linked, depends on contributions and market performance
  • 50% of the last drawn salary
  • Increases with DA hikes
Family Pension 
  • 60% of the employee’s pension upon their death
  • Depends on accumulated corpus and annuity plans at retirement
  • Continued pension benefits to family after retiree’s death
Employee Contribution 
  • 10% of basic salary
  • 10% of basic salary
  • None. Government bears the entire cost
Government Contribution
  • 18.5% of basic salary
  • 14% of basic salary

 

  • Entire cost borne by the government
Inflation Indexation
  • Yes, based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW)
  • Not applicable; pension is market-linked
  • Yes, pension amount increases with DA hikes

Key Benefits of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) provides following benefits:

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  • Striking a Balance: The UPS represents a policy shift, aiming to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for a secure and predictable pension system for government employees.
    • It offers a defined benefit pension similar to the OPS, while retaining the contributory nature of the NPS.
      • Employees will receive a “defined benefit” — a pension equivalent to 50% of their average basic pay drawn in the year prior to retirement. 
      • To finance this, there will also be a “defined contribution” — the government will now contribute 18.5% of the basic salary of employees.
  • Guaranteed Benefits: In the UPS, the government’s contribution may be adjusted periodically based on actuarial assessments to ensure the scheme remains fiscally sustainable. 
    • While the NPS will continue to be an option, the UPS is expected to be more attractive due to its guaranteed benefits and reduced exposure to market risks.
  • Fiscally Prudent: The UPS is more fiscally prudent. It remains in the same architecture of a contributory funded scheme. 
    • The OPS is an unfunded non-contributory scheme, while the UPS is a funded contributory scheme.
      • It is to give an assurance and not leave things to vagaries of market forces. The structure of UPS has the best elements of both OPS and NPS.
  • Inclusivity: The UPS will be implemented by the Central Government, directly benefiting approximately 23 lakh Central Government employees.
    • The scheme’s architecture is designed for adoption by State Governments as well. If fully adopted, the UPS could benefit over 90 lakh government employees currently under the NPS across India.
  • Portability: The UPS would be the portability of benefits, which means that workers can carry their pension benefits with them across different jobs and geographical locations.
    • It is making the system more adaptable to the modern and mobile workforce.
  • Others: 
    • Uniformity: As the scheme would be administered by a centralised authority, it would help in ensuring uniformity in the implementation and management of benefits.
    • Enhanced Benefits: By pooling resources and managing funds more efficiently, it provides enhanced pension benefits to retirees, ensuring a more secure and stable retirement.
    • Flexibility: Allows choice between UPS and NPS based on personal financial needs.
    • Financial Literacy: As part of the initiative, there would be efforts to improve financial literacy among workers, particularly those in the informal sector, to make informed decisions about their retirement planning.

Challenges with the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

Following are the few challenges with the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) that need to be considered:

  • Transition Process: Merging different schemes could be complex and requires careful planning to ensure that existing beneficiaries are not disadvantaged.
  • Unified Pension SchemeFunding and Sustainability: Ensuring the financial sustainability of the UPS is critical. This includes determining contribution rates, government support, and investment strategies to ensure long-term viability.
  • Legal and Regulatory Framework: The implementation of the UPS would require significant changes to the existing legal and regulatory framework governing pension schemes in India.
  • Higher burden on the Exchequer: The UPS set to provide an assured pension to 23 lakh eligible central government employees, will bring an additional financial burden of Rs 6,250 crore per year to the exchequer.
    • A return to defined benefits, which essentially involves providing generous benefits, runs the risk of not just increasing the burden on the exchequer, but also further constraining the space for spending on other avenues.
      • In 2023-24, the central and state governments had allocated Rs 2.3 lakh crore and Rs 5.2 lakh crore respectively for pensions. 
      • Put together, for all states and Union Territories, allocations to pension were estimated at 12% of their revenue expenditure in 2023-24. 

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Conclusion

Social security for older people must cover the widest segment of the population. Government employees are an organised pressure group, and have managed to restore their guaranteed pension. The UPS is a significant step, however the government should consider that all significant reforms must come with broad political consensus. 

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