Current Affairs 28 June 2021 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 28 June 2021 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Challenges To Ban Single-Use Plastics In India

Source : Business Standard
GS III : Environment Issue

What we discuss under Challenges To Ban Single-Use Plastics In India ?

1. What are the strategies of India to ban SUP by 2021 ?
2. What is the challenges for Phase out SUP ?
3. Need of the Hour

Why in News ?

A government committee has identified the single use plastic (SUP) items to be banned based on an index of their utility and environmental impact.

• But there are concerns against the ban as the major challenge is availability of an alternative.

Key Facts

• Government of India is planning to eliminate single use plastics from market

  

• Issues of Surge In Single Use Plastic came in a report comes from researchers led by Minderoo, a nonprofit organization based in Australia.
• Union government in a bid to free India of single-use plastics by 2022 had laid out a multi-ministerial plan to discourage the use of single-use plastics across the country.
• Close to 26,000 tons of plastic waste is generated across India every day and 10,000 tons uncollected.
• In fact India’s per capita consumption of plastic at 11 kilograms (kg) per year is still among the lowest in the world against global average is 28 kg per year.
• What are the strategies of India to ban SUP by 2021 ?
  • Ministry has issued a draft notification on March 11 which lays down how various single-use plastic products will be prohibited in phases next year.
  • There are three stages of ban was proposed.
  • First category of SUP
    • Items proposed to be phased out are plastic sticks used in balloons, flags, candy, ice-cream and ear buds, and thermocol that is used in decorations.
  • Second category of SUP
    • Proposed to be banned from July 1, 2022, includes items such as plates, cups, glasses and cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays; wrapping and packing films used in sweet boxes; invitation cards; cigarette packets; stirrers and plastic banners that are less than 100 microns in thickness.
  • Third category of SUP
    • Prohibition is for non-woven bags below 240 microns in thickness.
    • This is proposed to start from September next year 2022.

What is the challenges for Phase out SUP ?

• Single-use plastic has been a very good business, and that’s projected to continue.
• Efforts focused on curtailing the production of single-use plastic have been limited so far.
• The economics favour more plastic production.
• A significant amount ends up in rivers, oceans and landfills are not recyclable.
• India does not have systems in place for effective segregation, collection and recycling.
• No policy for recycling plastics. Also challenges are there to setup a recycling plant because of enviromental issues raised by Pollution Control Boards of various states.
•  Trade bodies like All India Plastic Manufacturers Association (AIPMA) recommends government to extend the deadline for phasing out SUP products by a period of one year to 2023 because of challenges caused by COVID.

Need of the Hour

• Increasing the efficacy of recycling and supporting improvements in plastic waste recovery.
• Immediately find an alternative for SUP plastics and support those industry.  
• Government has to do a thorough economic and environmental cost-benefit analysis.

Micro Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day

Source : Hindustan Tmes
GS III : Indian Industry

Content for Micro Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day Article

1. About the day
   
2. About MSME Around the Globe
3. MSME in India

Why in News ?

Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day is celebrated every year on June 27.

Key Facts

• To recognise the contribution of these industries in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  

• United Nations (UN) as many as 90 per cent of businesses are generated from MSMEs and these businesses provide 60 to 70 per cent of employment.
• The contribution of MSME to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) worldwide is 50%.
• UN and its partners celebrate the important role that the entrepreneurs play in strengthening the global economy.
• Micro Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day through a resolution passed in the UN General Assembly in April 2017.
• 2021 theme is “MSME 2021: Key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery.”
• About MSME Around the Globe
  • Formal and informal MSMEs make up over 90% of all firms and account, on average, for 70% of total employment and 50% of GDP.
  • They are key actors in achieving a green recovery.
  • COVID Impact : Nearly 62% of women-led small businesses have been strongly affected by the crisis
    • Firms led by men, and women-owned are 27% more likely not to survive the pandemic.

MSME in India

• India has approximately 6.3 crore MSMEs.
• The number of registered MSMEs grew 18.5% Year on Year to reach 25.13 lakh (2.5 million) units in 2020 from 21.21 lakh (2.1 million) units in 2019.
• The Indian MSMEs sector contributes about 29% towards the GDP through its national and international trade.
• Criteria for Micro, Small and Medium
  • Micro : For Manufacturing Less than Rs. 25 lakh and for Service Less than Rs. 10 lakh.
  • Small : For Manufacturing More than Rs. 25 lakh but less than Rs. 5 crore and for service More than Rs. 10 lakh but less than Rs. 2 crore.
  • Medium : More than Rs. 5 crore but less than Rs. 10 crore and more than Rs. 2 crore but does not exceed Rs. 5 crore.
• MSME Ministry has four statutory bodies
  • Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
  • National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC)
  • National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME)
  • Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI)

Cyber Capabilities and National Power Report by IISS

Source : Indian Express
Governance and Cyber related

Content for Cyber Capabilities and National Power Report by IISS Article

1. Background of the Report
2. Seven Capabilities in the Report
3. Findings in the report
4. India in the Report

Why in News ?

International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) release report called

• The result of two years of study by IISS researchers report provides a major new qualitative assessment of 15 countries’ cyber power.
• Also a new qualitative framework for understanding how to rank global state cyber capacity.

Key Facts

• Its intention to develop a methodology for assessing the cyber capabilities of states and how they contribute to national power.
• Information can help governments and major corporations when calculating strategic risk and deciding on strategic investment.
• The report provide qualitative analyses the wider cyber ecosystem for each country, including how it intersects with international security, economic competition and military affairs.
• Background for Study
  • Intensifying international confrontation in cyberspace.
  • China’s new military strategy declared that ‘outer space and cyber space have become new commanding heights of strategic competition.
  • US claim of Russian government involvement in US presidential election.
  • Technology war between China and US malign actions in cyberspace.
  • China referred to the US as the ‘champion’ of cyber attacks.
  • G7 foreign ministers’ meeting called on both Russia and China to bring their cyber activities into line with international norms.
  • All theses instances leads to the study.
• The countries covered in this report are
  • US, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia (four of the Five Eyes intelligence allies);
  • France and Israel (the two most cyber capable partners of the Five Eyes states);
  • Japan (also an ally of the Five Eyes states, but less capable in the security dimensions of cyberspace, despite its formidable economic power);
  • China, Russia, Iran and North Korea (the principal states posing a cyber threat to Western interests);
  • India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam (four countries at earlier stages in their cyber-power development);
• Report assess each country’s capabilities in seven categories
  1. Strategy and doctrine
  2. Governance, command and control
  3. Core cyber-intelligence capability
  4. Cyber empowerment and dependence
  5. Cyber security and resilience
  6. Global leadership in cyberspace affairs
  7. Offensive cyber capability

Findings of the Cyber Capabilities and National Power Report

• The US is the only country in the first tier for its world-leading strengths across all categories.
• In the second tier with world-leading strengths in some categories are: Australia, Canada, China, France, Israel, Russia and the United Kingdom.
• India has been put in the third tier meant for countries that have strengths or potential strengths in some of these categories but significant weaknesses in others. Also in this category are: Japan, Iran, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and North Korea.

• US is the only country with a heavy global footprint in both civil and military uses of cyberspace.
• Seriously threatened by China and Russia in that domain.
• US now taking a robust and urgent approach to extending its capabilities for cyber operations.
• At least six European or Asian countries command leadership positions in certain aspects of the Information and Communications Technology sector China close to US.
  • China’s cyber power as clearly inferior to that of the US.
  • Also below the combined cyber power of the US network of alliances.
• US capability for offensive cyber operations is probably more developed than that of any other country.
• China has its ambitious goals for the indigenous manufacture of the core internet technologies aiming to become a world leader in such technologies by 2030.
• Israel has a well-developed capacity for offensive cyber operations after use of the Stuxnet worm against Iran, between 2008 and 2010, and an attack against an Iranian port in 2020.
• Russia is highly dependent on foreign ICT corporations and has a less impressive digital economy than, for example, the United Kingdom or France.
• UK’s key weaknesses are shortfalls in its skilled cyber workforce and that it cannot afford to invest in cyber capabilities on the same scale as the United States or China.
• India in the Report
  • The military confrontation with China in the disputed Ladakh border area in June 2020 followed by a sharp increase in Chinese activity against Indian networks
  • It has heightened Indian concerns about cyber security, not least in systems supplied by China.
  • India has made only “modest progress” in developing its policy and doctrine for cyberspace security.
  • India has some cyber-intelligence and offensive cyber capabilities but they are regionally focused, principally on Pakistan.
  • India is currently aiming to compensate for its weaknesses by building new capability with the help of key international partners including the US, the UK and France.
  • The private sector has moved more quickly than the government in promoting national cyber security.
  • Progressing to the second tier is by harnessing its great digital-industrial potential and adopting a whole-of-society approach to improving its cyber security.

Economic Relief From Pandemic COVID Second Wave

Source : PIB
GS II : Government Policies

Content for Economic Relief From Pandemic COVID Second Wave Article

1. About the News
2. 8 Various Relief Measures Announced

Why in News ?

Eight relief measures amid the second coronavirus wave in India. Of these eight measures four are absolutely new.

• The relief measures come amid economic distress caused by the second wave of COVID-19 in the country.
• After the pandemic began in March 2020, the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had announced several measures to aid individuals and business during the first wave of COVID-19 cases.

Key Facts

• The focus was on health and medical infrastructure in Tier II and Tier II cities in India.
• Measure guaranteed 75 percent coverage for new projects and 50 percent coverage for expansion projects for three years.

8 Various Relief Measures Announced

• Health Sector: Rs. 50,000 crore
  • Aimed at up scaling medical infrastructure targeting underserved areas.

    

  • Guarantee cover for expansion and new projects related to health/medical infrastructure in cities other than 8 metropolitan cities.
  • For Aspirational Districts, guarantee cover of 75% for both new projects and expansion.
  • Maximum loan : Rs. 100 crore; Guarantee duration: Up to 3 years and nterest rate capped at 7.95%.
• Other Sectors: Rs. 60,000 crore
  • Interest rate capped at 8.25% p.a.
  • Decisions at later stage based on evolving needs
  • Normal interest without guarantee cover is 10-11%
• Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme
  • Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package in May, 2020
  • Additional 1.5 lakh Cr.ECLGS-1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 have resulted in credit disbursal of 2.69 lakh Crore to 1.1
    crore units by 12 Public Sector Banks, 25 Private Sector Banks, and 31 Nonbanking Financial Companies.
  • Limit of admissible guarantee and loan amount proposed to be increased above existing level of 20% of outstanding on each loan.
  • Overall cap of admissible guarantee to be raised from Rs. 3 lakh crore to Rs. 4.5 lakh crore.
• Credit Guarantee Scheme to Facilitate Loans
  • To 25 Lakh Persons Through Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).
  • Interest Rate on Loans from banks to be capped at MCLR plus 2% and maximum loan to the individual at Rs 1.25 lakh
  • Maximum loan tenure 3 years, 80% of assistance to be used by MFI for incremental lending, interest at least 2% below maximum rate prescribed by RBI.
  • Focus on new lending not repayment of old loans.
• For Reviving Tourism
  • Financial support to more than 11,000 Registered Tourist Guides/Travel and Tourism Stakeholders.
  • To discharge liabilities and restart businesses impacted due to COVID-19.
  • What does the scheme will cover ?
    •  10,700 Regional Level Tourist Guides recognised by Ministry of Tourism and Tourist Guides recognised by the State Governments.
    • Travel and Tourism Stakeholders (TTS) recognized by Ministry of Tourism (904).
  • Loans will be provided with 100 % guarantee up to the following limits
    • Rs. 10,00,000 for TTS ( per agency).
    • Rs. 1,00,000 for tourist guides licenced at Regional or State level.
  • Scheme to be administered by the Ministry of Tourism through NCGTC
  • Free Tourist Visa to 5 Lakh Tourists
    • Once Visa issuance is restarted, the first 5 lakh Tourists Visas will be issued free of charge.
    • Benefit will be available only once per tourist.
    • The scheme will be applicable till 31st March, 2022 or till 5,00,000 visas are issued, whichever is earlier
    • Total financial implications- Rs 100 Crore
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana extended
  • Incentivizes employers for creation of new employment, restoration of loss of employment through EPFO.
  • Approved outlay Rs. 22,810 crore for 58.50 lakh estimated beneficiaries.
  • Last date for registration is 30.06.2021.
  • Subsidy provided for two years from registration for new employees drawing monthly wages less than Rs. 15000
  • Scheme extended from 30.6.2021 to 31.03.2022.
• DAP & P&K fertilizers
  • Announced earlier.
  • Farmers to get additional protein-based fertilizer subsidy of nearly Rs.14,775 crore.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKY)
  • Free food grains will be provided to the poor from May to November 2021.
  • 5 kg of food grains will be provided free of cost to NFSA beneficiaries from May to November 2021.
  • Estimated financial implications are Rs 93,869 cr, bringing the total cost of PMGKY to Rs 2,27,841 Crore.
  • The total cost of the scheme in 2020-21 was Rs. 133,972 crore.

New Generation Agni P Ballistic Missile

Source : PIB
GS III : Technology

Content for New Generation Agni P Ballistic Missile Article

1. About News
2. Agni-Prime missile
3. What is Agni Missile ?
4. About Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha, Balasore

Why in News ?

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested a New Generation Nuclear Capable Ballistic Missile Agni P from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha, Balasore.

Key Facts

• Various telemetry and radar stations positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile.
• The missile followed text book trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with high level of accuracy.
• Agni P is a new generation advanced variant of Agni class of missiles.
• It is a canisterised missile with range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kms.

Agni-Prime missile

• New generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles and nuclear-capable weapon made fully of a composite material.
• A range capability between 1000 and 2000 km.
• Missile can hit targets up to a range of 2000 km.
• It is very short and light in comparison with other missiles in this class.
• Innovative Guidance and Control mechanisms and state-of-the-art navigation systems have been introduced.

Agni Missile

• They are medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles
• It was designated as a special program in India’s defence budget.
• What is special about Agni Missiles ?
  • They are Long range.
  • Nuclear weapons capable.
  • Surface to surface ballistic missile.
• Various Missiles in Agni Segment
  • Agni-I MRBM (Medium Range Ballistic Missile) 700–1,200 km
  • Agni-II MRBM 2,000–3,500 km
  • Agni-III IRBM (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile)3,000–5,000 km
  • Agni-IV IRBM 3,500–4,000 km
  • Agni-V ICBM (Intercontinental Range Ballistic Missile) 5,000–8,000 km
  • Agni-VI ICBM 11,000–12,000 km
  • Agni Prime MRBM 1,000-2,000 km 

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha, Balasore

• It is located in the Bay of Bengal nearly 10 kilometres off the eastern coast of India
• The island is about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) in length.
• The nearest port is Dhamra Port.
• This island belongs to Bhadrak district.
• Abdul Kalam Island is located close to the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
• Abdul Kalam Island is the missile test facility for most missiles of India.
• What is Integrated Test Range Facility ?
  • Indian defence laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Missile testing facility composed of two complexes : Launch Complex-IV (LC-IV) located on Abdul Kalam Island and Launch Complex-III (LC-III) located at Chandipur, Odisha.
  • Odisha government allotted Abdul Kalam Island to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1993.

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