26 Nov 2022: Daily Current Affairs for UPSC Exam
Govt. forms panel to look into MGNREGA’s efficacy
Syllabus:
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
In News –
To review the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme, the Central government has constituted a committee to assess the programme’s efficacy as a poverty alleviation tool.
Background –
- The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), implemented in 2005, is a demand-driven programme that guarantees every rural household that desires to participate 100 days of unskilled labour annually.
- It was created as a tool to combat rural poverty by giving residents a safety net in the form of guaranteed employment and wages. 51 crore active workers are currently registered in the programme.
- It was considered that the programme had not been utilised to its full potential in states with higher levels of poverty, such as UP and Bihar.
- Economists like Arvind Panagariya and Jagdish Bhagwati have also criticised the programme as a “ineffective device of moving wealth to the poor.”
Committee –
The Sinha committee (named after former Rural Development secretary Amarjeet Sinha) has now been tasked to study –
- The various factors behind the demand for MGNREGA work,
- The expenditure trends and inter-State variations, and
- The composition of work.
It will give recommendations about how MGNREGA’s governance and priorities should evolve (within three months).
Terms of reference of the committee –
- It will examine the claim that since the program’s inception, the cost of providing employment has similarly skyrocketed.
- It will go into the causes and make suggestions for how to put disadvantaged areas more in the spotlight.
- It will investigate whether the type of work now being undertaken under the scheme should alter, namely if it should place more of an emphasis on community-based assets or individual works.
Criticism of the scheme –
- While economically more prosperous States like Kerala use the programme as a tool for asset development, poorer States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar haven’t been able to use it as effectively to combat poverty.
- Economists like Arvind Panagariya and Jagdish Bhagwati have criticised the programme as an “ineffective device of moving wealth to the poor.”
- Due to the program’s current design, money cannot be withheld from wealthy states like Kerala even though Bihar needs MGNREGA more than they do.
- MGNREGA receives criticism for failing to produce concrete assets.
Conclusion –
MGNREGA served as an essential safety net during the COVID pandemic, despite all the criticism. Therefore, the programme needs to be changed to offer both social (safety net for the disadvantaged) and economic (development of physical assets) benefits.
States ask the centre to rein in reliance on surcharges, and cess while raising revenue
Syllabus
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment
In News –
- Recently, a number of states have pushed the federal government to lessen its reliance on revenue-raising cesses and surcharges, which lowers their share of the tax pool that is divided among the states.
- They also demand an extension of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation period and more financial aid to aid in the recovery of the economy.
Background –
- Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, and State Finance Ministers recently gathered for a consultation meeting on the Union Budget for 2023–24, which was presided over by the Union Finance Minister.
- The states raised the federal fiscal framework’s shortcomings during the conference.
- For instance, Tamil Nadu Finance reported that the proportion of cesses and surcharges in gross tax income increased from 10.4% in 2011–12 to 26.7% in 2021–22.
- As a result, the States no longer receive their fair portion of the money that the Union Government collects.
- The five-year GST compensation window for states that expired on June 30 of this year also caused anxiety among the states.
Revenue sharing between centre-states –
- The Indian Constitution gives the Union government considerable authority to raise taxes, while the States are given the bulk of duties linked to development and welfare. The Union government raised 62.7% of the total resources raised by the Union government and States, while States had borne 62.4% of the total expenditures, according to the 15th Finance Commission’s (FC) report (for FY19).
- The Constitution allows for a division of the Union government’s revenue among the States as a result of this allocation of taxing and spending authority. The share of States’ gross taxes increased to over 40% under the 14th and 15th FC, but the real share never reached the required percentage.
- For instance, the States’ portion of the Union government’s taxes experienced a sharp decline of 15% and 9% in FY20 and FY21, respectively, during the pandemic as the gross tax revenues were negatively impacted.
- The Centre raised its revenue by enacting cesses and levies that are not shared with the states, but this resulted in an increase in the portion paid by the Union government.
Levying cesses – cause of worry –
- The Union government is able to levy a range of levies, including direct and indirect taxes, surcharges, fees, and cess.
- A Cess is a tax on tax that is imposed as an additional tax on top of the existing tax in order to raise money for a specific purpose, unlike ordinary taxes and levies. Take the Swachh Bharat cess as an example.
- The general public typically pays it, and it is added to their basic tax liability.
- According to Article 270 of the Indian Constitution, cess is not included in the revenue pool that must be divided among the states and given to the Union government.
- This indicates that while the cess/surcharge increases the Union government’s revenue, it decreases the resource pool that can be divided, and consequently, the revenue share that the states receive.
Way Forward –
States requested the Union Government to merge the cesses and surcharges into the basic rates of tax so that the States receive their legitimate share in devolution.
India’s push for millets
Syllabus –
Indian Agriculture/ Nutritional Security
In News –
As part of its push for the UN’s International Year of Millets in 2023, India has identified “Covid, conflict, and climate” as the three biggest threats to global food security and has positioned the development and spread of millets within the broader goal of “de-risking the global economy.”
Millets –
- Small-grained cereals like sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet (kangni/Italian millet), little millet (kutki), etc. are referred to as “millets.”
- They are typically cultivated in rainfed locations and require a lot less water than rice and wheat.
Historical background –
- One of the first crops to be domesticated was millets. There is proof that the Indus valley inhabitants used millets (3,000 BC), and some types that are now produced worldwide were first planted in India.
- West Africa, China, and Japan are home to indigenous varieties of the crop.
Millets around the world –
- Globally, sorghum (jowar) is the biggest millet crop.
- The major producers of jowar are United States, China, Australia, India, Argentina, Nigeria, and Sudan.
- Bajra is another major millet crop; India and some African countries are major producers.
Benefits of Millets –
- It is cheap and more nutritious. For E.g. Ragi has the highest calcium content and high iron content and can fight the high prevalence of anaemia.
- Economic Security: low investment for inputs
- They are renowned for being tough and drought-resistant plants. They are often cultivated in rainfed locations and require significantly less water than rice and wheat.
- Millets have antiaging and antioxidant.
- Millets can aid in addressing lifestyle issues and health issues including obesity and diabetes because they are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index (glucose level).
- Millets are regarded as “nutrition powerhouses”. The Agriculture Ministry designated millets as “Nutritional Cereals” in 2018.
Challenges –
- Preference for Wheat as staple food, because of gluten it is a softer food and is more liked.
- Government policies – National Food Security Act promotes wheat and rice
- Lack of awareness about the benefit of Millet.
- Although coarse grains are included in the definition of “foodgrains” under Section 2(5) of the NFSA, the distribution through PDS is negligible.
- MSP challenges: The government declares a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for jawar, bajra, and ragi only.
- Low Consumption: Less than 10% of rural and urban households reported eating millets in the most recent NSSO household consumption expenditure survey, which is more than ten years old.
- Other challenges: lack of input subsidies and price incentives, and changing consumer preferences.
Steps taken by the govt –
- Millets were designated as “Nutri-Cereals” by the government in 2018 due to its “excellent nutritive content” and “anti-diabetic characteristics.”.
- The 2018 year: “National Year of Millets”.
- Increase in MSP for millets.
- The government has included millets in the public distribution system (PDS) and POSHAN Abhiyan.
- Millet Mission (under the National Food Security Mission): It will help develop farm-gate processing and empower farmers using FPOs.
- Kerala State Agriculture Department: Millet Village scheme
- Millet Startup Innovation Challenge
- A contest for designing a comic story, with the theme ‘India’s Wealth, Millets for Health’.
Conclusion –
Millets should be encouraged in light of the effects of climate change and the government’s goal for climate-smart agriculture. It can also enable rainfed sustainable farming systems that are able to adapt to climate change and feed people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Question for Practice –
Q. Consider the following crops of India: (UPSC 2012)
- Groundnut
- Sesamum
- Pearl millet
Which of the above is/are predominantly rainfed crops/crops?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Over 60% of the total cropped area in India is Rainfed. Millets (89% area is rainfed); Pulses (88%); Cotton (73%), etc.
Q. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (UPSC 2021)
(a) Sugarcane
(b) Sunflower
(c) Pearl Millet
(d) Red gram
Answer: A
Kathakar
In News –
The Union Ministry of Culture and the 15th edition of Kathakar will collaborate on Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Background –
- In India, the art of storytelling takes many different forms and makes use of various media. Different facets of Indian culture have their own unique methods for narrating stories.
- As a result, in 2010, Kathakar, the only event honouring India’s rich oral storytelling tradition, was established under the auspices of the Ghummakkad Narain Traveling Literature Festival.
Online RTI portal: Making judiciary more transparent
In News –
In order to facilitate the filing and access of requests for information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 in court-related matters, the Supreme Court has launched an online portal.
Background –
So far, RTI applications at the SC had to be filed only via post.
When can one expect a reply?
By law, RTIs must be replied to within 30 days. In fact, RTIs must be answered within 48 hours in life-and-death situations.
Significance:
The SC had received numerous public interest litigations (PILs) requesting an online portal for the Court; the new portal will offer the same functionality for submitting RTI requests, making the higher judiciary more accessible.
Insider trading
In News –
SEBI recently amended norms to bring buying and selling of mutual fund units under insider trading rules.
- SEBI has categorised front-running as a form of market manipulation and insider trading, and penalised several fund houses over this activity.
- Insider trading refers to practice of purchasing or selling publicly-traded company’s securities while in possession of material information that is not yet public information.
- Front-running is a market malpractice where a dealer, trader or fund manager who is aware of a large upcoming share purchase order buys same share in advance in bulk.
National Milk Day
Source – PIB
In News
National Milk Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to signify the importance and benefits of milk. Milk day is a special day that is observed to spread awareness.
- Every year on November 26th, National Milk Day is observed to recognise the significance and advantages of milk.
- The purpose of celebrating Milk Day is to raise awareness of the value and necessity of milk.
Significance –
- According to the Economic Survey of India 2021–2022, India ranks first in the world for milk production, contributing roughly 23% of it.
- The largest agricultural product, dairy supports more than 8 crore farmers directly and accounts for 5% of the country’s GDP.
Dr Verghese Kurien –
- He founded the Amul company and is credited with industrialising dairy production. Dr. Kurien’s research allowed India to overtake the US as the world’s top milk production in 1998.
- Numerous honours, such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the World Food Prize, and the Krishi Ratna, have been bestowed upon Dr. Kurien. He has received India’s three highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
Operation Flood –
Since its inception in 1970, Operation Flood has helped dairy farmers take control of their own growth and take ownership of the resources they create.
CITES COP19 downgrades the status of southern white rhino
In News –
The proposal to reduce the status of southern white rhinos from Appendix I to Appendix II was approved at the 19th Conference of Parties, which is a significant blow for rhino conservation in Africa (COP19).
- Although the animals listed in Appendix II may not necessarily be in danger of going extinct, the trade of such species should be regulated to make sure that it does not endanger their survival.
Mycobacterium leprae
In News –
When infected with Mycobacterium leprae, armadillo livers enlarged significantly, according to a team of researchers. A chronic infectious disease’s bacterial infection transformed some cells to become “stem-like cells.”
Significance –
Leprosy has traditionally been linked to social exclusion. However, the germs that cause this crippling illness may hold some promise for the future
Leprosy –
- It is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis and is often referred to as Hansen’s disease (HD).
- Damage to the nerves, respiratory system, skin, and eyes can result from infection.
- Leprosy is treated with a multidrug medication and spreads through close contact between people, while not being very contagious.
- Armadillos are mammals with bone plates covering their backs, heads, legs, and tails. Their moniker, which translates from Spanish as “little armoured one,” was inspired by their distinctive appearance.
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