Context: Since its launch on 15th November, 2023, Prime Minister has regularly interacted with the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra all across the country.  The interaction has happened thrice through video conferencing (30th November, 9th December and 16th December). Also, Prime Minister has interacted with Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra beneficiaries physically on two consecutive days (17th-18th December) during his recent visit to Varanasi.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: Key Points

• Government initiative: Aims to raise awareness and track implementation of flagship central schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, etc.
• Four main objectives:
  •  
  • Reach the unreached - identify and assist eligible beneficiaries who haven't utilized these schemes.
  • Spread information and increase awareness about the schemes.
  • Encourage experience sharing among beneficiaries through personal stories.
  • Enroll potential beneficiaries based on data collected during the Yatra.
• Nationwide involvement: Union ministries and state governments actively participate.
• Recent focus: Launched in Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram after elections ended.
• Overall progress:
  • Reached over 2.5 crore citizens across 68,000 Gram Panchayats in a month.
  •  
  • 2 crore individuals took the "Sankalp" pledge.
  • 2 crore beneficiaries shared their experiences through "Meri Kahani Meri Zubani".
• Taking the pledge: Anyone can pledge online on the website and download a certificate.

Context: Registration of youth on the Mera Yuva Bharat portal has crossed 35 Lakhs

About the portal:

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a tech-driven platform Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) portal, aimed at fostering youth development and empowering young people to lead positive change.

Key Goals:

• Developing Youth Leaders: To nurture leadership skills and equip young people for impactful roles in their communities.
• Bridging Aspiration and Need: Connecting youth aspirations with community needs, ensuring initiatives address relevant challenges and opportunities.
• Boosting Efficiency: Streamlining existing youth programs and projects for better Resource allocation and impact.
• One-Stop Shop for Youth: Offering a centralized platform for accessing information and Resources related to diverse youth programs and government initiatives.
• Comprehensive Youth Data: Building a central database to gain insights into youth trends and tailor programs accordingly.
• Enhancing Communication: Connecting young people with government programs and initiatives while facilitating knowledge exchange with other stakeholders involved in youth development.
• Phygital Ecosystem: Creating a blend of physical and digital experiences to ensure accessibility and cater to diverse preferences.

Who Benefits?

• Primarily caters to youth aged 15-29, aligning with the national youth definition.
• Specific components may target younger audiences, such as those between 10-19 years old.

Impact: This platform holds immense potential to:

• Empower Youth: By equipping them with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
• Engage Youth: Encourage active participation in community development and social impact initiatives.
• Strengthen Communities: Drive positive change at the grassroots level through youth-led solutions and leadership.

Context: Sweden’s NATO bid had been stalled amid opposition from Turkiye and Hungary

• A crucial committee in the Turkish Parliament, on December 26, granted approval for Sweden's NATO membership bid after facing delays.
• The approval comes amid obstacles posed by Turkey and Hungary against Sweden's NATO accession.
• The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee gave the green light, advancing the process for a vote in the full parliament, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's alliance holds the majority.
• The exact date for the full parliament's vote remains unclear.
• The delays in Sweden's NATO membership had caused frustration among other NATO allies, eager to welcome Sweden and Finland into the alliance.

BACKGROUND: The Union Cabinet granted approval on November 29 for the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). This initiative is designed to furnish households and habitations belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) with fundamental amenities, including secure housing, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, enhanced access to education, health, and nutrition, improved road and telecom connectivity, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

PM-JANMAN Scheme

PM-JANMAN is a government initiative targeting tribal communities to integrate them into the mainstream.

Implementation Authority:

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs will implement the scheme in collaboration with State governments and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) communities.

Key Interventions:

Focuses on 11 critical interventions overseen by 9 line Ministries to ensure effective implementation of existing schemes in PVTG-inhabited villages.

Sectors Covered:

Encompasses various sectors such as safe housing (under PM-AWAS Scheme), access to clean drinking water, improved healthcare, education, nutrition, road and telecommunications connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Specific Initiatives:

Includes the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for trading in forest produce, off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh households, and solar street lights.

Overall Impact:

Aims to improve the quality of life and well-being of PVTGs by addressing discrimination and exclusion, recognizing their unique contributions to national and global development.

Challenges in implementation

Data Challenges:

An essential challenge is the absence of current and accurate data on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The latest census data available dates back to 2001, with approximately 27.6 lakh individuals in PVTGs. Despite efforts by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to conduct baseline surveys, a precise and up-to-date dataset for PVTG populations is still pending.

Incomplete Census Data:

The population data submitted to the Parliamentary Standing Committee in 2022 was derived from the 2011 Census and excluded PVTG populations in Maharashtra, Manipur, and Rajasthan.

This lack of contemporary data impedes the accurate assessment of the needs and developmental progress of PVTG communities.

Census Recommendation and Information Gap:

The absence of a dedicated Census for PVTG communities, as suggested by the National Advisory Council in 2013, compounds the challenge of obtaining comprehensive information on their education, health, and housing status.

Diversity and Customized Approaches:

The diverse needs and capacities of PVTGs across regions and states pose a challenge, necessitating tailored and flexible approaches and interventions.

Stigma and Discrimination:

PVTGs face stigma and discrimination in both mainstream society and the state. There is a need for sensitization and awareness initiatives among stakeholders and the public.

Coordination and Convergence:

Ensuring effective coordination and convergence of the scheme with existing programs of central and state governments is crucial. It requires efficient delivery and utilization of Resources and services to meet the needs of PVTGs.

PVTGs:

In 1973, the Dhebar Commission introduced the term Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) to categorize tribal communities marked by a declining population, pre-agrarian technology usage, economic backwardness, and low literacy.

Renaming and Characteristics:

In 2006, the Indian government renamed PTGs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

PVTGs are identified as less developed among tribal communities and reside in remote, inaccessible areas, facing challenges due to poor infrastructure and administrative support.

Geographical Distribution:

There are 75 PVTG communities located across 18 States and Union Territories in India.

Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs (15), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12), Bihar and Jharkhand (9), Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh (7), Tamil Nadu (6), and Kerala and Gujarat (5 each).

Other communities are spread across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Manipur, and include four tribal groups in the Andaman and one in the Nicobar Islands.

Socio-Economic Challenges:

PVTGs face socio-economic challenges, including limited development, inadequate infrastructure, and administrative support in their remote habitats.

Challenges in their development

• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) face severe marginalization due to factors such as isolation, low population, and unique socio-economic and cultural characteristics.
• Their challenges include limited access to essential services, social discrimination, and susceptibility to displacement caused by both developmental projects and natural disasters. Political underrepresentation further hampers their involvement in decision-making processes.
• These communities often find their traditional knowledge and practices overlooked by the mainstream society, and stereotypes portraying them as backward persist.
• Additionally, PVTGs struggle against the loss of traditional livelihoods, challenges in securing Resource rights, a lack of market awareness for Non-Timber Forest Produce, and exploitation by middlemen. These issues collectively pose threats to their traditional occupations and well-being.

Schemes for PVTGs

Several schemes have been implemented by both the central and state governments to support Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

• The PVTG Development Plan is one such initiative, offering education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities while preserving traditional knowledge.
• The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) concentrates on establishing market linkages and procuring Minor Forest Produce (MFP) at Minimum Support Prices.
• Other notable schemes include the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), collectively aiming for the comprehensive development of tribal areas.
• Additional measures, such as the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, granting land titles under the Forest Rights Act 2006, implementing the Support to Tribal Research Institute (STRI) scheme, enforcing the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989, The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996, and facilitating direct recruitment through reservations, contribute to education, self-governance, and protection against discrimination.

However, challenges in implementation, including Resource constraints, lack of awareness, and unequal treatment among various PVTG groups, have impacted the efficacy of these schemes.

How does PM-JANMAN differ from other schemes?

• Identification and acknowledgment: Criticism has been directed at the outdated criteria used to identify Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). In certain states, some PVTGs are not recognized as Scheduled Tribes, and confusion and exclusion arise from repetitive names on the list. Reports by Dr. Hrusikesh Panda in 2014 and Virginius Xaxa in 2015 raised concerns, emphasizing the need for an updated list and targeted development planning. The government's initiative to establish a Human Development Index for PVTGs is a significant step in addressing these concerns.
• Participatory bottom-up approach: Unlike the 'one-size-fits-all' approach, PM-JANMAN adopts customised strategies that respect the unique needs and priorities of PVTGs. It actively involves these groups in decision-making processes, addressing land rights, social inclusion, and cultural preservation. This community-based strategy ensures their participation in planning, implementing, and monitoring development projects
• Livelihood promotion: Sustainable livelihoods are promoted through skills training, Resource provision (such as land and credit), and implementation of the Forest Rights Act to secure access to forest Resources. Encouraging traditional technologies and skill enhancement through industry partnerships is prioritized to preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development.
• Health, nutrition, and education: Targeted outreach strategies, like Mobile Medical Health Units, are crucial for providing healthcare in remote areas. Strategies need to be tailored for specific health issues, overcoming language and cultural barriers, and collaborating with traditional healers to address complex health issues. Education accessibility is enhanced by incorporating culture and language into the curriculum, providing transportation, training teachers about PVTG cultural contexts, offering incentives for personnel working in PVTG areas, and establishing special educational institutes focused on PVTG needs.
• Infrastructure development: Relaxation of guidelines for infrastructure schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission, addresses the unique challenges faced by PVTGs. A tola-based (habitation) approach is adopted for development planning, ensuring a more accurate reflection of the specific needs of these communities.

Background: India set up its Consul General's office in Hanoi in 1956, while Vietnam established its diplomatic mission in 1972. During the Vietnam War, India supported Vietnam against U.S. intervention, despite the strain it caused in Indo-U.S. relations. The ties were reinforced in the early 1990s when India launched its "Look East Policy," focusing on economic integration and political collaboration with Southeast Asia and East Asia.

News:

India must learn from Vietnam’s journey:

Vietnam's Historical Struggles:

Vietnam's history is recounted, starting with its fight against French colonial rule and subsequent engagement in the Vietnam War against the United States. The devastation caused by wars, including the use of Agent Orange, is highlighted.

Transformation and Reconciliation:

Despite the harrowing past, Vietnam has undergone a miraculous transformation, achieving independence and unity. The nation has moved beyond bitterness, fostering friendly relations with both the US and China. The emphasis is on reconciliation and looking towards a bright future.

Vietnam's Wisdom and Defence Policy:

The article shares insights from Ton Sinh Thanh, Vietnam's ambassador to India, who emphasizes the Vietnamese approach of not forgetting but forgiving. Vietnam's wise defence policy, articulated as the "Four Nos," underscores its commitment to peace, non-alignment, and cooperation.

Economic Success and Grievances:

Vietnam's economic reforms, known as 'Doi Moi,' have yielded remarkable results, with impressive growth in per capita income and exports. However, the article notes grievances among Vietnamese officials regarding India's perceived lack of attention to expanding trade relations.

Call for Swift Action by India:

The article concludes with a call for India to "Act East" promptly, urging New Delhi to capitalize on the vast opportunities Vietnam presents. The need for India to respond positively to Vietnam's interest in a Free Trade Agreement is underscored for mutual economic benefit and enhanced regional influence.

Areas of cooperation

Strategic Partnership:

• India and Vietnam aim to enhance their strategic partnership aligned with India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and ASEAN's Outlook on Indo-Pacific for shared security and prosperity in the region.

Economic Cooperation:

• Trade and economic ties have improved, especially after the signing of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.
• India acknowledges Vietnam as a potential regional power with political stability and substantial economic growth.
• India invests in Vietnam through projects in water Resource management, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and digital connectivity.

Trade Relations:

• Bilateral trade for FY 2020-2021 reached USD 11.12 billion.
• Indian exports to Vietnam amounted to USD 4.99 billion, while imports from Vietnam stood at USD 6.12 billion.

Defence Cooperation:

• Vietnam seeks modernization of its armed forces, and India is interested in enhancing the defence capabilities of its Southeast Asian partners.
• Areas of cooperation include the procurement of India's Akash surface-to-air systems, Dhruv advanced light helicopters, and Brahmos missiles.
• Defence collaboration involves capacity building, addressing common security concerns, personnel training, and joint efforts in defence research and development.
• Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan provided flood relief materials during a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in 2020 and engaged in the PASSEX Exercise with the Vietnam People’s Navy.

China Factor:

• Both India and Vietnam, having historical issues with China, naturally come closer to jointly address concerns related to China's aggressive actions.

Cooperation at Multiple Fora:

• Both nations concurrently serve as non-permanent members at the UN Security Council in 2021.
• Collaboration extends to regional forums such as the East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, and Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).

People-to-People Contacts:

• The year 2019 marked the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, promoting bilateral tourism through a simplified visa regime.
• Events like Mahatma@150 celebrations and artificial limb fitment camps in Vietnam fostered people-to-people contacts and humanitarian initiatives.

Facts about Vietnam:

Location:

Vietnam is situated in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east and south.

Capital:

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi.

Largest Rivers:

Vietnam is home to significant rivers, with the Mekong in the south and the Red in the north, both culminating at the South China Sea.

Currency:

The official currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Independence:

Vietnam declared its independence on September 2, 1945, liberating itself from French colonial rule.

Historical Events:

• The Vietnam War (1955-1975) unfolded, involving the US and both North and South Vietnam.
• The reunification of North and South Vietnam occurred in 1976.

Festivals:

• Tet Nguyen Dan, also known as Lunar New Year, is a significant festival in Vietnam.
• Vu Lan, the Hungry Ghost Festival, is also celebrated in the country.

Background: Child undernutrition has been a persistent issue in India, and its determinants are diverse, encompassing factors such as food intake, dietary diversity, health, sanitation, women's status, and the overarching context of poverty. The primary measures for childhood undernutrition, including stunting (chronic undernutrition) and wasting (acute undernutrition), rely on anthropometric standards such as height-for-age and weight-for-height. Monitoring these indicators is crucial for assessing actual progress. India, like many other nations, adopts the World Health Organization (WHO) Growth Standards as a global benchmark for measuring malnutrition. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding various aspects of using these growth standards in the Indian context.

Issues:

MGRS as the base

• The MGRS aimed to establish growth standards for children (from birth to five years) in healthy environments, as opposed to growth references based on U.S. children, many of whom were formula-fed.
• The MGRS sample for India was drawn from privileged households in South Delhi, meeting specific criteria like a favorable growth environment, breastfeeding, and non-smoking mothers.
• Some researchers argue that MGRS standards may overestimate undernutrition in India, but valid comparisons require datasets meeting MGRS criteria, challenging due to inequality and underrepresentation of the rich in large-scale surveys.
• Even among children in the highest quintile households, only a small percentage meets the WHO-defined 'minimum acceptable diet.'
• Comparisons with MGRS could be misleading as it involved counseling for appropriate feeding practices, absent in other surveys like NFHS or Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey.

Genetic growth and other concerns

• Issues with MGRS standards include differences in genetic growth potential among Indians and the influence of maternal heights on child growth.
• Maternal height is a non-modifiable factor influencing child growth, reflecting intergenerational transmission of poverty and women's poor status.
• Stunting, as an indicator of a deficient environment, should capture deprivation, but questions arise regarding the plasticity and usefulness of the standard.
• Some countries with similar or poorer economic conditions show higher improvements in stunting prevalence using WHO-MGRS standards.
• Regional differences within India, as well as shifts in gene pools with socioeconomic development, challenge the immutability of genetic potential.
• Concerns about inappropriately high standards leading to misdiagnosis and potential overfeeding under government programs are raised, but improving meal quality can address these fears.
• Dietary gaps, poor coverage of nutritional programs, and the need for diverse interventions like better sanitation, healthcare, and childcare services are emphasized.
• Distal determinants of stunting, such as livelihoods, poverty, education, and women's empowerment, require attention for overall development and equitable Resource distribution.
• Acknowledgment that individual children grow uniquely, and trained health personnel can interpret growth charts for individual care, while population trends are understood using appropriate standards for international and intra-country comparisons.

Recommendations of ICMR

• The Indian Council of Medical Research has formed a committee to update the growth references for India. Reports indicate that this committee proposes a comprehensive and thorough study nationwide to assess child growth, aiming to create national growth charts if deemed necessary.
• While obtaining more accurate and recent data on child growth is a positive step—especially in light of ambitious developmental goals to reach every individual by 2047 and the benefits of comparability—it appears reasonable to adhere to the aspirational yet attainable standards put forth by the WHO-MGRS.
• Therefore, while gathering detailed national data is a positive step, retaining the WHO-MGRS as a temporary reference point seems prudent. This ensures continued focus on ambitious but achievable goals for child health and development, aligning with India's vision for the future.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948 as the specialized health agency of the United Nations, has its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• With 194 Member States, six regional offices, and 150 country offices, WHO operates as an inter-governmental organization. It collaborates with its member states, typically through their Ministries of Health.
• WHO plays a crucial role in global health by offering leadership, shaping health research priorities, establishing norms and standards, formulating evidence-based policy recommendations, providing technical assistance to countries, and monitoring and evaluating health trends.
• World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7, marks the commencement of WHO's operations.

Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS)

• The WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) was undertaken between 1997 and 2003 to generate new growth curves for assessing the growth and development of infants and young children around the world.
• The MGRS collected primary growth data and related information from approximately 8500 children from widely different ethnic backgrounds and cultural settings (Brazil, Ghana, India, Norway, Oman and the USA).
• The new growth curves are expected to provide a single international standard that represents the best description of physiological growth for all children from birth to five years of age and to establish the breastfed infant as the normative model for growth and development.

Background: As per the Financial Stability Report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio reached 5% in September 2022. Concurrently, the ratio of Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) to net advances has decreased to 1.3% in September 2022, marking the lowest point in the last decade.

The NPAs had experienced an increase from 3.8% in 2014 to 11.4% in 2018. However, a subsequent decline in NPAs has been observed, attributed to reduced slippages, increased write-offs, and a rise in credit growth.

News:

Status of NPAs

Commercial Banks:

• In 2022-23, the combined balance sheets of commercial banks grew in double digits due to sustained credit growth.
• Higher lending rates and lower provisioning requirements boosted bank profitability and strengthened capital positions.
• The capital to risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) was 16.8% at end-September 2023, meeting regulatory requirements.

Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs):

• The combined balance sheet of UCBs expanded by 2.3% in 2022-23, driven by loans and advances.
• UCBs witnessed improved capital buffers and profitability during 2022-23 and Q1:2023-24.

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs):

• The consolidated balance sheet of NBFCs expanded by 14.8% in 2022-23, led by double-digit credit growth.
• Profitability and asset quality of the NBFC sector improved in 2022-23 and H1:2023-24, with CRAR higher than regulatory requirements.

Unsecured Retail Segment:

• The unsecured retail segment's growth rate outpaced total bank credit growth in the recent period.
• The asset quality of unsecured retail loans has not deteriorated.

Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)

Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) refer to loans or advances where the borrower has failed to make the principal or interest payment for a duration exceeding 90 days.

Classification of NPAs by Banks:

Banks are obligated to categorize NPAs into Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss assets based on specific criteria.

• Substandard Assets: Assets classified as substandard if they have remained as NPAs for a period up to 12 months.
• Doubtful Assets: An asset transitions to the doubtful category if it has been classified as substandard for a continuous period of 12 months.
• Loss Assets: As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), a loss asset is deemed uncollectible, possessing minimal value to warrant its continuation as a bankable asset. Despite potential salvage or recovery value, its status as a viable asset is not justified.

Reasons for NPA Crisis in India:

• Global Financial Crisis: The 2008 financial crisis had a ripple effect on the Indian economy, leading to a slowdown in growth and increased NPAs in sectors exposed to the global market.
• Twin Balance Sheet Problems: Both banks and corporations faced financial stress due to the economic slowdown, leading to higher NPAs.
• Forbearance Policies: Banks often postponed recognizing NPAs by restructuring loans, masking the true extent of the problem.
• Stalled Judicial & Legislative Procedures: Delays in legal proceedings and land acquisition stalled infrastructure projects, leading to loan defaults.
• Other Factors: Aggressive lending, loan frauds, and poor recovery mechanisms also contributed to the NPA crisis.

RBI Measures:

Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework (2002):

• Initiated by RBI to address NPA issues.
• Reviewed in 2017 based on recommendations of the Financial Stability and Development Council's working group.

Schemes for Debt Restructuring:

• Introduction of schemes like Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A).
• Asset Quality Review to assess and address stressed assets. Circular of February 12, 2018:
• Granted banks the power to initiate insolvency proceedings.
• Set a timeline of 180 days for resolution plans.

Government's 4R's Strategy:

• Recognition:

Transparent recognition of NPAs.

• Resolution and Recovery: Comprehensive strategy for the resolution and recovery of value from stressed accounts.
• Recapitalization of PSBs: Infusion of capital in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) through the Indradhanush plan. Aimed at meeting regulatory capital norms and supporting growth capital.

Reforms in PSBs and Financial Ecosystem:

Implementing reforms in PSBs and the broader financial ecosystem. Aimed at fostering a responsible and clean system.

National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL):

• Introduced in the Union Budget for 2021-2022.
• Aims to resolve stressed loans totaling around INR 2 lakh crore in phases.

Indradhanush Plan:

• Focuses on capital infusion in PSBs by the government.
• Capital injection based on performance and potential to support growth.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016:

• A legal framework for addressing financial failures and insolvency.
• Provides an efficient mechanism for the resolution of insolvency for individuals and companies.

Tackling the NPA Crisis: Key Strategies for India

India's NPA crisis, with bad loans choking the banking system, demands immediate and effective action. Here are five crucial steps that can be taken:

1. Policy Alignment: Recognize the ripple effect: Government decisions outside banking can impact specific sectors. For example, mandatory renewable energy purchase obligations (RPOs) for state power utilities affect non-renewable project performance and contribute to NPAs.

Proactive evaluation: Implement time-bound assessments to evaluate project viability before financial commitments. This can shield banks from unintended NPA consequences of policy decisions.

2. Expedited NPA Resolution: Fast-track the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): The 2016 IBC law provides a framework for swift NPA resolution, but delays in adhering to its timelines hinder effectiveness. Streamlining judicial processes and ensuring timely completion of bankruptcy proceedings are crucial.

3. Bank Governance Revamp: Implement Nayak Committee recommendations: The committee proposed reforms to improve bank board governance, including greater professionalism and expertise. These recommendations should be adopted to strengthen decision-making and risk management within banks.

4. Institutional Restructuring: Strengthen the Banks Board Bureau: This government body plays a role in appointing bank chiefs, but further reforms are needed. Consider options like establishing a state-owned Bank Investment Company or fully handing over bank chairperson selection to the Bureau.

5. Deeper Reforms: Move beyond piecemeal solutions: While initiatives like the Banks Board Bureau are positive, more comprehensive reforms are necessary. Address structural issues within public sector banks (PSBs) and consider bold steps like privatization or consolidation.

Context: The Times says the companies are threatening its livelihood by effectively stealing billions of dollars worth of work by its journalists, in some cases spitting out Times' material verbatim to people who seek answers from generative artificial intelligence like OpenAI's ChatGPT. The newspaper's lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan and follows what appears to be a breakdown in talks between the newspaper and the two companies, which began in April.

News:

The New York Times (NYT) filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement due to AI-generated content.

Claims by NYT:

Diverted Web Traffic:

AI chatbots' outputs divert web traffic from NYT's site, impacting advertising revenue and subscriptions.

Bots compete with the content they are trained on.

Incorrect Attribution:

OpenAI’s GPT-4 falsely attributed product recommendations to NYT's Wirecutter, harming its reputation.

Impact on Original SOURCE Visits:

AI-generated content makes users less likely to visit the original SOURCE for information.

Damage to Reputation:

Incorrect outputs, such as attributing incorrect product recommendations, can harm NYT's reputation.

Broader Legal Landscape:

Growing number of lawsuits against OpenAI for copyright infringement, including complaints from writers and public figures.

Comparison to Napster Case:

NYT compares the lawsuit to the Napster case from over two decades ago, highlighting potential impact on the industry.

NYT's Legal Demands:

Seeks to hold OpenAI and Microsoft responsible for billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages.

Requests the court to order the destruction of AI models or data sets incorporating NYT's work.

Background on Microsoft-OpenAI Partnership:

Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI involves substantial investments since 2019, and Microsoft integrates OpenAI's technology into its products.

OpenAI

OpenAI is a private research laboratory that aims to develop and direct artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that benefit humanity as a whole. The company was founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman and others in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco. OpenAI was created in part because of its founders' existential concerns about the potential for catastrophe resulting from carelessness and misuse of general-purpose AI. The company has a long-term focus on fundamental advances in AI and its capabilities.

Chatbots:

Computer programs simulating conversation with users, often via text interfaces like messaging apps. Utilize natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning for human-like interaction.

Information Processing in AI-based Chatbots:

Some powered by neural networks, a type of AI using models inspired by the human brain. Neural networks consist of interconnected nodes learning patterns in data through exposure. Examples include Microsoft's Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Issues Associated with Chatbots:

Inaccuracy:

May provide inaccurate or incomplete information due to misunderstanding user intent or context. Can result in user frustration and a suboptimal experience.

Security and Privacy Concerns: 

Collection of sensitive user information poses risks of data breaches and security threats.

Ethical Considerations:

Risk of perpetuating bias or discrimination if not designed with inclusivity. Concerns in healthcare where misleading information could impact patients.

Way Forward:

Ethics and Inclusivity:

Design with ethical considerations to avoid bias and discrimination. Ensure inclusivity for users from diverse backgrounds.

Collaboration:

Collaborative efforts between humans and chatbots enhance accuracy and effectiveness. Aims to provide users with a more human-like experience.

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development signed a MoU with Reliance Retail’s JioMart, to onboard  Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM’s) SHGs.

News:

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JioMart, a venture of Reliance Retail, as part of its initiatives to expand the reach of products from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) affiliated with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), thereby empowering artisans in rural SHGs.

About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM):

• Launch Date: June 2011.
• Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
• Objective: Reduce poverty by providing self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities to poor households, leading to sustainable and diversified livelihood options.
• Mission Target: Reach around 10 Crore rural poor households by 2022-23, impacting their livelihoods significantly.

Historical Background:

• Launched in 2011, DAY-NRLM replaced the Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY).
• The redesign drew insights from successful community-based projects in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Renamed Deendayal Antayodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM) in November 2015.

Salient Features:

• A flagship poverty alleviation program, DAY-NRLM is the world’s largest initiative to improve rural poor livelihoods.
• Core Values: Inclusion, transparency, accountability, community self-reliance, and self-dependence.

Components of the Mission:

Social Mobilization and Community Institution Strengthening:

• Objective: Establish self-managed, financially sustainable community institutions among the rural poor.
• Time-bound inclusion of at least one woman member from each household into Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Financial Inclusion of the Rural Poor:

• Addresses both demand and supply sides of financial inclusion.
• Promotes financial literacy and provides catalytic capital to SHGs and their federations.

Sustainable Livelihoods:

• Focuses on stabilizing and enhancing the existing livelihoods of the poor.
• Three pillars: vulnerability reduction, livelihood enhancement, and employment.

Social Inclusion, Social Development, and Convergence:

• Emphasizes convergence with other programs of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and other Central Ministries.

Context: India embarks on its first-ever winter expedition to the Arctic. With this initiative, India’s Himadri becomes the fourth research station in the Arctic to be manned year-round.

India's Winter Expedition Plan:

Expedition Team:

A team comprising four scientists, financially supported by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, is scheduled to carry out the expedition. The expedition is set to take place from December 19, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Research Areas:

The primary focus of the expedition encompasses atmospheric sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, climate studies, and related fields.

Himadri Station:

The expedition team will operate from Himadri, which stands as India's exclusive research station in Ny-Ålesund. Ny-Ålesund is situated 1,200 kilometers away from the North Pole.

Special Preparations:

Himadri has undergone preparations tailored for polar night observations. These preparations have been facilitated with the support and collaboration of Norwegian agencies.

Evolution of India's Interest in the Arctic:

Historical Treaty (1920):

India became a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. The treaty granted permission for operations in the Svalbard archipelago, which falls under Norwegian sovereignty.

Initial Arctic Expeditions (2007-2008):

India initiated its first expedition to the Arctic in 2007. This led to the establishment of Himadri in 2008, marking India's early involvement in Arctic exploration.

Research Developments:

In 2014, India established the IndArc observatory in the Svalbard archipelago. The Gruvebadet Atmospheric Laboratory was set up in 2016, showcasing India's commitment to scientific research in the Arctic region.

Formulation of India’s Arctic Policy (May 2022):

Released in May 2022, India's Arctic Policy outlines key principles and strategies. The policy is structured around six pillars, emphasizing areas such as scientific research, environmental protection, and fostering international cooperation.

Global Research Presence in the Arctic:

First Research Station:

The initial research station in Ny-Ålesund was established by Japan's National Institute of Polar Research in the year 1990.

International Collaboration:

Ny-Ålesund, located in Svalbard, hosts a total of eleven permanent research stations. This collaborative effort involves ten nations, with India being one of the contributing countries.

Year-Round Human Presence:

Historically, only three Arctic stations have maintained a year-round human presence.

Challenges in Arctic Expeditions:

Harsh Environmental Conditions:

The Arctic region presents extreme cold conditions, with average temperatures in February reaching as low as minus 14 degrees Celsius in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. These severe temperatures pose considerable challenges to conducting expeditions and research activities.

Limited Research Stations:

Currently, only three Arctic research stations have maintained permanent staff throughout the year. The scarcity of such facilities adds to the difficulties faced during Arctic expeditions, limiting the infrastructure available for continuous scientific endeavors.

Geopolitical Constraints:

The presence of multiple state jurisdictions in the Arctic region introduces geopolitical complexities. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, contribute to the challenges associated with Arctic exploration and may impact international collaborative efforts in the area.

Arctic Region and Its Global Impact:

Geographical Location:

The Arctic Circle is situated to the north of latitude 66° 34’ N, covering the Arctic Ocean.

Climate Change Concerns:

Scientific investigations emphasize the Arctic's impact on global sea levels and atmospheric circulations, primarily due to the melting of ice.

Rising Temperatures:

Over the last century, the Arctic region has encountered an average temperature increase of 4 degrees Celsius.

Declining Sea Ice:

The extent of Arctic sea ice is diminishing at a rate of 13% per decade, potentially resulting in an ice-free Arctic Ocean by the summer of 2040.

Context: Based on media reports of several people from Periakuppam, Ernavur, Burma Nagar experiencing breathlessness and eye and skin irritation after leakage of ammonia from gas pipelines of the unit, the NGT on December 27 issued directions to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to file a report on the incident. 

News:

• A gas leakage occurred in the subsea pipeline of Coromandel International Ltd, a company specializing in the production of Ammonium Phosphate Potash Sulphate (APPS), primarily utilized as a fertilizer.
• The concentration of Ammonia in the surrounding air escalated to approximately 2090 micrograms/m3, exceeding the safe level mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which is set at 400 micrograms/m3 for a 24-hour average.
• Responding to the situation, the Environment Minister of Tamil Nadu has issued an order for the temporary shutdown of Coromandel International Limited until further notice.

 Ennore:

Ennore, situated in Chennai, is delineated by the Korttalaiyar River, Ennore Creek, and the Bay  of Bengal. This neighborhood is demarcated by the creek, with the southern

• part encompassing notable areas like the North Chennai Thermal Power Station and Ennore Port. Ennore Creek, situated in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, is a backwater region. Its northern boundary is formed by Pulicat Lake, while the southern limit is defined by the Manali marshlands.

About ammonia

Ammonia, represented as NH3, is a compound comprising Nitrogen and Hydrogen, presenting as a colorless gas with a strong and penetrating odor. It exhibits high reactivity and dissolves readily as an alkaline gas.

Production:

Natural: Formed in soil through bacterial processes, natural production occurs during the decomposition of organic matter, including plants, animals, and animal wastes. Bacteria in the intestines and lightning strikes can also contribute. Commercial: Produced through processes like steam reforming of natural gas and coal gasification.

Uses:

• Serves as a precursor for various commercially significant nitrogen compounds, notably in fertilizer production, with urea being a widely utilized nitrogen source.
• Applied in household and industrial cleaning products.
• Utilized in the form of ammonium salts such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and various ammonium phosphates.
• Employed in the manufacture of commercial explosives.
• Acts as a refrigerant and coolant.

Ammonia as a Pollutant:

• Emission Sources: Agriculture, including NH3-based fertilizer applications, industrial processes, vehicular emissions, and volatilization from soils and oceans.
• Effects: Contributes to increased Biological Oxygen Demand in water, reducing oxygen availability for aquatic life. Causes nutrient pollution and eutrophication in water bodies due to excessive agricultural runoff. Excessive urea usage leads to soil acidification. Containers exposed to fire or heat may violently rupture.

Ammonia as a Toxic Gas:

• Causes direct toxic damage to leaves and modifies plant susceptibility to frost, drought, and pathogens.
• Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short-term exposure to high concentrations may result in adverse health effects from inhalation, including burning nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation.

NGT

• The National Green Tribunal, formed under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, has its principal sitting location in New Delhi, with additional sitting places in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
• The tribunal is responsible for conclusively resolving applications or appeals within six months of their filing.

Composition

• The composition of the NGT includes the Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Expert Members, each serving a non-renewable term of five years.
• The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, while a Selection Committee is established for appointing Judicial and Expert Members.
• The tribunal can have a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 full-time members.

Powers and jurisdiction

• The NGT's powers and jurisdiction are aimed at the efficient resolution of cases related to environmental protection and the conservation of forests and natural Resources.
• It holds appellate jurisdiction and is not strictly bound by the procedures of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but operates based on principles of natural justice.

Sikki artisans suffer livelihood losses amid climate change & state apathy.

• Family - Zizanoides grass family.
• Scientific name - Chrysopogon zizanioides

Sikki finds mention in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Ramayana, where it is referred to as viran, sugandhimool, ushir and nalad.

Tarai Region - This grass grows indigenously in the Tarai regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and has an average height of 3-4 feet and Sikki is also now grown to arrest soil erosion in hilly regions.

• The stem is used to make artefacts; the roots are used for extracting oil that is used both for perfumery and medicinal purposes.                    
• Sikki is used to make traditional items such as multipurpose baskets, ornaments, showpieces and many more utility items that are still considered valuable in rural India.

Sikki vermillion boxes that are considered auspicious are given as part of dowry to brides in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.     

• GI Tag - Sikki got the geographical identification tag in 2018 along with Makhana (aquatic fox nut) and the Madhubani paintings.

Unlike many plant-based products, Sikki items barely get mouldy or infested with fungi.

Sikki is locally known as Kaincha in the state of Odisha.

Makers of the famed bobble-head and roly-poly dolls are facing stiff competition from electronic toys and e-commerce platforms, besides a severe labour crunch and shortage of clay.

Introduced by - The craft was brought to Thanjavur by Maratha ruler Raja Serfoji in the early 19th Century.

• Types - Thanjavur dolls are primarily of two kinds, one is the bobble-head version, and the other is the tilting doll (roly-poly) version.
• The dancing girl, one variation of a bobble-head doll, once tapped on the head, bobs its head in response, which is due to the metal string that links the head of the doll to its stable base.

Made of - The doll is made of terracotta, papier-mache (a mixture of paper, glue, flour and water), plaster of Paris and other materials.

• A mixture of vandal mann (fine silt deposited by rushing streams of water), kali mann (clayey riverbed mud), and manal (loose aggregate) is required to make the dolls’ pedestals.

Thanjavur doll earned GI tag in 2009.

• Fungicide - Copper sulphate powder is added as a fungicide.
• Making - All the dolls have a lightweight body made of tapioca flour, papier-mache and plaster of Paris cooked and kneaded to the consistency of ‘roti’ dough.
• Each toy is made in halves, by pressing the rolled-out ‘doll dough’ into cement moulds, with liberal dusting of chalk powder.
• Dancing doll - The dancer dolls have a heavier pedestal-shaped feet section made of clay.
• The dancing doll has four sections (including the arms that are individually glued to the torso), each balancing on the other with the help of inner metal loop hooks that create the light bobbing movement.

The dancing dolls are one of four papier-mâché handicrafts certified by the Tamil Nadu State government. The others are the two-piece moulded idols, multi-jointed figurines, and wall-hanging panels.

• Roly-poly - The roly-poly toys, on the other hand, use a bowl-shaped clay base (shaped with moulds) that ensures that the doll remains upright.
• Paint - Once assembled, the dolls are sandpapered and hand-painted, with watercolours for the dancing doll and oil paints for the others.