Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

1. India gives emergency visas for 111 Afghan Hindus, Sikhs

2. Election Commission wants people to run from one seat

3. India and Bangladesh should work on river management

4. What west Seti Power Project can mean for India-Nepal ties

GS Paper 3:

1. Major outcomes achieved at WTO

2. A major revamp for Bank Board Bureau

GS Paper 4:

1. Mahodiya, the location of the Panchayat Series, real and reel life are not that far apart.

Facts for Prelims:

1. Rukmini Krishna Yatra

2. Juneteenth

3. Kausani (Uttrakhand)

4. Chess Olympiad Games

5. Bad Banks

6. Surety Bond

7. Black Swan Event

8. Operation Sankalp


India gives emergency visas for 111 Afghan Hindus, Sikhs

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India, protection of people.

Context:

e-emergency X-Misc Visa

Insta Links

What is an electronic visa (e-visa)? Click here

Practice Questions:

Q. The e-visa system is an innovation introduced by the government in 2014. Discuss the process and current status of e-visas.

Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The visas are granted by the Ministry of External Affairs(GOI).
  2. e- Emergency X-Misc Visa is available to Afghan Sikhs and Hindus only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct:

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)June 20, 2022 /20 June CAToday Article

Election Commission wants people to run from one seat

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Appointment to various constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies.

Context:

Background:

Issues:

Recommendations of the Election Commission:

Election Laws (amendment) Act 2021

De-Duplication of Electoral Roll:

  1. It provides for amendment of section 23 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1950, enabling the linking of electoral roll data with the Aadhaar ecosystem.
  2. This aims to curb the menace of multiple enrolments of the same person in different places.
  3. This will help in stopping bogus voting and fraudulent votes.
  4. This linking is in consonance with the 105th report of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances and Law and Justice.

Multiple Qualifying Dates:

  1. The citizens get voting rights when they turn 18. However, many are left out of the electoral rolls even after turning 18. This is because, in the system, 1st January is the qualifying date.
  2. Four qualifying dates will be declared for updating the voting rolls to include those who have turned 18 — the first day of the months of January, April, July and October.

Bringing Gender Neutrality:

The language for registration of ‘wives of service voters’ will now be replaced by ‘spouse’. This will make the laws more “gender-neutral”.

Service voters are those serving in the armed forces, armed police forces of a state serving outside it and government employees posted outside India.

Insta Links:

To read RPA 1951: Click here

Practice Questions:  

Q. Critically analyze the provisions of the Election Law(Amendment) Act, 2021. (10M)

Q. With reference to Election Laws(Amendment) Act, 2021, consider the following statements:

  1. The language for “wives of service voters” will be replaced by the spouse.
  2. There will be four qualifying dates for updating voter rolls which include the first day of months of January, March, June and October.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)June 20, 2022 /20 June CAToday Article

India and Bangladesh should work on river management

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: India and neighbourhood- relations

Context:

Current Affairs

Reasons for recent floods in Bangladesh:

Insta Links

To read about Land Boundary Agreement: Click here

To read about the Teesta river dispute: Click here

Practice Questions:

Q. Examine the various impediments in Indo-Bangladesh relations. Are the steps taken sufficient? Critically analyze. (15M)

Q. With reference to Teesta river, consider the following statements:

  1. Teesta river is a tributary of the Ganga river.
  2. It originates in the Himalayas in Sikkim And flows to the south through Assam before entering Bangladesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)June 20, 2022 /20 June CAToday Article

What west Seti Power Project can mean for India-Nepal ties

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: India and neighbourhood- relations

Context:

West Seti project:        

India-Nepal power relations:

Current Affairs

Insta Links

To read about India-Nepal relations: Click here

Practice Questions:

Consider the following statements:

  1. The West Seti dam is located at the confluence of the Seti and Karnali river.
  2. Seti dam lies to the east of Kathmandu.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)June 20, 2022 /20 June CAToday Article

Major outcomes achieved at WTO

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Effects of liberalisation on the economy (post-1991 changes), changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Context:

This is in continuation of the article published in Current Affairs on 18th June 2022

Important Deals struck:

What is overfishing?

Overfishing refers to exploiting fishes at a pace faster than they could replenish themselves — currently standing at 34% as per the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

What is Electronic Transmission (ET)?

ETs consist of online deliveries such as music, e-books, films, software and video games. They differ from other cross-border e-commerce since they are ordered online but not delivered physically.

What is WTO’s ministerial conference?

Sources: The HinduLive MintJune 20, 2022 /20 June CAToday Article

A major revamp for Bank Board Bureau

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.

Context:

The finance ministry is working to expand and relaunch the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) by bringing in more representatives from the insurance sector.

Revamp plan:

Why the need for revamping:-

About BBB:

It was set up in February 2016 as an autonomous body– based on the recommendations of the RBI-appointed Nayak Committee.

Composition:

Banks Board Bureau comprises the Chairman, three ex-officio members i.e Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services and Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and five expert members, two of which are from the private sector.

Practice Questions:

QWith reference of the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC 2022)

  1. The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.
  2. BBB recommends for the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
  3. BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in Developing strategies and capital raising plans.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 2

Answer: b

BBB is a self-governing autonomous and advisory body of the Central Government to improve the management of public sector banks.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Chairman is selected by the central government and the RBI governor does not head it.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct: Banks Board Bureau recommends the selection of head for Public Sector Banks. It also develops strategies for raising capital and improving the performance of PSBs.

Q. Consider the following statements about Banks Board Bureau :

  1. The BBB is a not-for-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
  2. The BBB was the part of Indradhanush Plan of government.
  3. It will make recommendations for appointment of whole-time directors as well as non-executive chairpersons of Public Sector Banks and state-owned financial institutions.

Which of the given above statements is/are correct?

a. 1 and 2 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 3 only

d. 2 and 3

Ans: (b) 

Source: Live MintJune 20, 2022 /20 June CAToday Article

Mahodiya, location of Panchayat series, real and reel life are not that far apart

GS Paper 4

Syllabus: Public Service Values

Context:

Polling for Madhya Pradesh panchayat elections with SC-directed OBC reservation is less than a week away.

Famous series Panchayat had highlighted the issues prevalent in most Indian Villages.

The location where the series was shot i.e. Madhya Pradesh’s Mahodiya faces almost all the issues that have been shown in the series highlighting Ethical issues and a lack of values in Public Administration.

Issues Involved in this case:

  1. Prevalence of patriarchy in Indian Villages shows a lack of gender equality in – the culture of Pradhan-Pati — a system where the men of the family, primarily husbands, run the show on behalf of the elected representative. It is the men who interact with the media too.
  2. Lack of effective governance and misappropriation of public funds– Water Tank shown in the show- Villagers say that it was built close to a decade ago and they are yet to receive water from it.
  3. Dilemma of Reservation vs Merit– Due to the Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation rule, the village will now elect an OBC woman as sarpanch thus others will be left out.
  4. Discrimination and misuse of the utilization of public funds – There are a few kachcha houses and they are in the process of getting converted into concretized houses under the Prime Minister’s housing scheme. Dalit residents, claim the wait is usually longer for Dalit beneficiaries compared to those from other castes.

What can be done?

  1. Spread Awareness: Among the masses regarding the issue of Pradhan Pati and empowering women to take charge of issues.
  2. Probity in governance: To check that misappropriation of funds doesn’t occur and be accountable and transparent when dealing with public funds.
  3. Objectivity: In the allocation of concretized houses to the neediest first.
Current Affairs, CUrrent Events

Source: The HinduJune 20, 2022 /20 June CAToday Article

Facts For Prelims

Rukmini-Krishna Yatra

Context:

National Monumental Authority (NMA) To Work On Strengthening Rukmini Krishna Yatra Between Arunachal Pradesh And Gujarat.

It aims to promote the concept of national unity and generate awareness on the initiative – ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ envisioned by PM Modi.

Beautiful saga of Rukmini’s marriage to Lord Krishna is still sung by the Idu Mishmi tribal community.

In Porbandar, Krishna’s marriage with Arunachal’s Rukmini is also celebrated.

Juneteenth

Context:

Juneteenth completes a year as the first new federal holiday created in almost four decades.

Juneteenth– the portmanteau of June and nineteenth– is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US representing freedom for African Americans, observed on June 19 every year. It is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day.

Kausani, Uttrakhand

Context:

Increasing heat and changing rain cycles had affected this region.

Mahatma Gandhi arrived here in June 1929 from Andhra Pradesh. He called this place the ‘Switzerland of India

He authored his famous book Anasakti Yoga based on the Srimad Bhagavad Gita here.

Apart from the Anasakti Ashram where Gandhiji stayed, there is Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, a museum dedicated to the great Hindi poet who was born here. Pant’s poetry is known for its romanticism inspired by nature’s beauty.

 Chess Olympiad Games

Context:

For the first time, this year, India is also going to host the Chess Olympiad games. The event was originally scheduled in Russia

History of Chess: India is considered the birthplace of chess.  Its origin can be traced back nearly 1500 years to its earliest known predecessor, called chaturanga, in India. From India, it spread to Persia. The game evolved roughly into its current form by about 1500 CE.

Bad Banks

A bad bank is an Asset reconstruction company (ARC) that alienates risky assets held by banks and financial institutions.

 Surety Bond

Context:

Government has asked IRDAI to come up with such a bond, which can replace expensive Bank Guarantees.

Black Swan Event

 Context:

As per the latest RBI study, capital outflows to the tune of $100 billion (around Rs 7,80,000 crore) are likely to take place from India in a major global risk scenario or a black swan event.

Operation Sankalp

The operation is the Indian Navy’s effort to maintain a frontline ship in the region to ensure the safe and secure movement of trade.

For Prelims: Foreign Terrorist Organisation, India-Centric Terror Organizations

For Mains: UNSC 1267 Committee and listing Procedure

Why in News?

India and the US jointly proposed to list Makki, a top LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) Militant, under the UN Security Council’s Al-Qaeda and ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) Sanctions Committee which is also known as the UNSC 1267 Committee.

What is United Nation Security Council?

What is UNSC 1267 committee?

What is Foreign Terrorist Organisation?

Prominent India-Centric Terror Organizations in Pakistan
NameFormationFTO DesignationAboutStatus in India as per the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET)Late 1980s2001It was responsible for major 2008 attacks in Mumbai, as well as numerous other high-profile attacks.Banned
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM)20002001Along with LET, it was responsible for the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament, among other attacks. JEM also has openly declared war on the United States.Banned
Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI)19802010Initially it was formed to fight the soviet army, however after 1989, it redirected its efforts toward India, although it did supply fighters to the Afghan Taliban.HUJI today operates in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, and seeks annexation of Kashmir into Pakistan.Banned
Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM)19851997It operates mainly from Pak-Occupied Kashmir and from some Pakistani cities.Banned
Hizb-ul Mujahideen19892017It is the militant wing of Pakistan’s largest Islamist political party and is one of the largest and oldest militant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir.Banned
Al Qaeda19881999It has operated primarily from the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas and in the megacity of Karachi, as well as in Afghanistan.Banned

Source: HT


For Prelims: WTO, Issue of agriculture in the WTO

For Mains: WTO reforms and its implication on the developing nations. India’s suggetions on WTO reforms

Why in News?

Recently, the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded.

What are the Key Outcomes of the 12th Ministerial Conference?

What are the Issues Raised by India?

What are the Important Facts about the World Trade Organization?

UPSC Civil Services, Previous Years Questions (PYQ)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)

  1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
  2. TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
  3. TFA came into force in January 2016.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans:(a)

Exp:

For Prelims: Chemical Pollutants, Climate Mitigation Goals

For Mains: Gaps in Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and Recommendations

Why in News?

A group of environmental scientists, ecologists and policy experts have posited that the draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework fails to account for the totality of chemical pollutants that threaten ecosystems globally.

What are the Gaps in the Framework?

What is Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework?

What are the Recommendations?

What is the Convention on Biological Diversity?