02 July, 2020
- Striking a blow against Assam's inclusive ethos (Article) (Polity)
- SBI unit to set up SPV for aiding NBFCs on liquidity (Economy)
- How not to tame the digital dragon (Article) (Polity)
- Reforming India's digital policy (Article) (Economy)
- Police reform and the crucial judicial actor (Article) (Polity)
- IRDAI forms panel to mull surety bonds (Economy)
- Ministry reconstitutes Central Zoo Authority (Env)
- Mamata writes to NITI Aayog on Sundarbans (Env)
- News Summary
- Practice Question
[{"explanation": "<p><strong>Central Zoo authority</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has been constituted under the Wildlife protection act 1972</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thus, it is a statutory body established in 1992 under the Ministry of environment & forest.</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chairman - Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.</span></li>\n</ul>", "question": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Central Zoo Authority?</span></p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is a statutory body created under the Environment protection act 1986.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Minister of environment forest and climate change is the chairperson of this authority.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select the correct answer using the code given below:</span></p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5efe04ac7737d456cd3c8838", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe04ac7737d456cd3c8839", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe04ac7737d456cd3c883a", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both 1 and 2</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe04ac7737d456cd3c883b", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neither 1 nor 2</span></p>"}], "question_id": "5efe04ac7737d456cd3c8837"}, {"explanation": "<p><strong>Sundarbans -</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Largest single block of tidal halophytic mangroves of the world.</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger and saltwater crocodiles.</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mangrove areas here are being cleared for agricultural use.</span></li>\n</ul>", "question": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Sundarbans?</span></p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is the largest single block of tidal mangroves in the world.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Saltwater crocodiles are found here.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select the correct answer using the code given below:</span></p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5efe04e07737d456d0738a76", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe04e07737d456d0738a77", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe04e07737d456d0738a78", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both 1 and 2</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe04e07737d456d0738a79", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neither 1 nor 2</span></p>"}], "question_id": "5efe04e07737d456d0738a75"}, {"explanation": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SBICAP, which is a subsidiary of the State Bank of India has set up a Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV) known as Special Liquidity Scheme (SLS) Trust to manage Special Liquidity window for NBFCs/HFC. The SLS Trust would raise money by issuing government guaranteed special securities to the RBI. The total amount of value of such securities would be Rs 30,000 crores.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under this scheme, certain eligible NBFCs and HFCs would be issuing commercial papers to borrow money from SLS trust. These commercial papers should have maturity period of less than 3 months.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The borrowed money should be used by the NBFCs and HFCs only for the purpose of repaying back their borrowed money. The money cannot be used by the NBFCs and HFCs for any other purpose.</span></p>", "question": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With reference to Special Liquidity window for NBFCs/HFCs, consider the following statements:</span></p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Under this route, eligible NBFCs and HFCs would be borrowing money directly from the RBI.</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The money borrowed by the NBFCs under this route should be used only for extinguishing existing liabilities.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</span></p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5efe05237737d456cd3c8843", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05237737d456cd3c8844", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05237737d456cd3c8845", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both 1 and 2</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05237737d456cd3c8846", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neither 1 nor 2</span></p>"}], "question_id": "5efe05237737d456cd3c8842"}, {"explanation": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Surety Bond is form of contractual agreement between 3 parties- Principal (Contractor), Obligee (Government) and the Surety company. As part of such an agreement, the surety company gives an undertaking that the Principal (contractor) would complete the project as per the timeline keeping in mind all the specifications laid down by the Government.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the Contractor fails to complete the project on time or if the contractor does not fulfil any requirement laid down by the Government, then Surety company comes into picture and is required to compensate the Obligee (Government) for the loss.</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presently, these surety Bonds are commonly used in countries such as US, UK, Australia etc. Now, we are trying to create an enabling framework which would enable the Insurance companies to act as surety companies.</span></p>\n<p><strong>Benefits</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presently, the NHAI requires the Contractors to furnish Bank guarantees for awarding Highway projects. In case of failure of the contractor to adhere to the contract, the Banks would be required to compensate the Government for the loss. This puts higher burden on the Banking sector. Creation of enabling framework for surety bonds would reduce the burden on the Banks and help contractors to avail surety from insurance companies.</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide Fillip to the Insurance Sector</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure Completion of Highway projects without any delays and cost escalations.</span></li>\n</ul>", "question": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which among the following is/are the benefits of the Surety Bonds proposed in India?</span></p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reduce the Burden on the Banks</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensure completion of Highways without any delays</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Promote Insurance Sector in India.</span></li>\n</ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select the correct answer from using the code given below:</span></p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5efe05617737d456d0738a7f", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05617737d456d0738a80", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 and 2 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05617737d456d0738a81", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 and 3 only</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05617737d456d0738a82", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1, 2 and 3</span></p>"}], "question_id": "5efe05617737d456d0738a7e"}, {"explanation": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unnikrishnan case – child labour</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jarnail Singh Singh – reservation in promotion</span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kedarnath case – sedition</span></p>", "question": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which of the following case is associated with Police Reforms?</span></p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5efe05a17737d456cd3c884b", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unnikrishnan case</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05a17737d456cd3c884c", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prakash Singh Case</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05a17737d456cd3c884d", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jarnail Singh case</span></p>"}, {"option_id": "5efe05a17737d456cd3c884e", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kedarnath case</span></p>"}], "question_id": "5efe05a17737d456cd3c884a"}]
Description
Striking a blow against Assam’s Inclusive ethos
- The Assam government recently decided to promulgate a law to make the Assamese language compulsory in all schools, both public and private, including the Kendriya Vidyalayas, from Classes I to X.
- However, the law will not be applicable in Barak Valley, Bodoland Council and other Sixth Schedule areas, where Bengali, Bodo and other indigenous languages will take precedence.
- So we will consider Impact on tribal languages
SBI unit to set up SPV for aiding NBFCs on liquidity
- As financial Intermediaries, the NBFCs and HFCs borrow money through the issuance of short-term commercial papers and then the borrowed money is given in the form of loans. Now, the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 has adversely affected the cash flows to the NBFCs and HFCs. This has made it difficult for them to fulfil their repayment obligations on the commercial papers.
- So we will learn Steps taken by the government to prevent NBFC defaults.
- Special Liquidity Scheme
- Eligible Beneficiaries (You can leave it out, if you wish)
- How such a scheme would benefit?
How not to tame the digital dragon
Legal perspectives in recent order of the government to ban 59 Chinese apps
- Earlier this week, on June 29, a dramatic press release was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) directing a ban on 59 smartphone applications, many of them web services.
- This includes TikTok, a popular social media platform; the UC Browser, a preferred web browser for low budget smartphones; and CamScanner, which is used to convert images into shareable documents.
- Beyond the geopolitical and economic impact of this ban, a lot questions arise as to the legality of the step and its impact on democratic norms.
- We will discuss those issues which this notification brings to the fore
- We will understand why it is important to follow laws
Reforming India’s digital policy
- This article highlights that Indian Government must soon put in a place a new architecture to provide fillip for digital services. Such an architecture should strike a balance between contrasting objectives such as- Right to Privacy Vs Need to process the data, Need to promote domestic Companies Vs Need to attract more FDI etc.
- The Government must also take into account the pros and cons of Data Localisation. Ultimately, the policies have to be formulated in a manner wherein these policies should act as key enabler for India to become $ 5 trillion economy.
- Or discussion will hover around
- Discussion on Personal data protection Bill
- New Digital Architecture, Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), Data Storage and Data Processing
- General Personal data
- Critical personal data
- Government’s powers
- Processing of data without consent
- Proposed Amendments to the IT Act, 2000
Police reform and the crucial judicial actor
- This article is in the context of senseless act of violence committed inside a police station in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu which resulted in death of father and son inside the police lockup. So, in such situations of grave state brutalities committed on powerless citizens can only be rectified by judicial intervention. Judiciary becomes a beacon of hope not only for such powerless citizens but also to ensure that justice is delivered. In this aspect the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has taken notice of the Thoothukudi violence on its own and is “closely” monitoring the situation.
- Important issues covered in this discussion are
- Important decisions of Supreme Court on Police Reforms in the past
- Joginder Kumar v. State Of U.P and Others – (1994)
- D.K. Basu v State of West Bengal– (1997)
- Impact of the two judgments
- Prakash Singh Case – 2006
- Efforts made after Prakash Singh Case
- Supreme Court in a judgment ordered the setting up of three institutions at the state level:
IRDAI forms panel to mull surety Bonds
- Recently, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had requested the Insurance regulator, IRDAI to examine the possibility of insurance companies offering Surety Bonds to ensure completion of the highway projects by the Contractors. In this regard, IRDAI has constituted a working group to study the suitability of insurance companies offering surety bonds for contractors.
- So we have discussed:
- Possibility of insurance companies offering Surety Bonds to ensure completion of the highway projects
- What are Surety Bonds?
- Working Mechanism of Surety Bonds
- Benefits
Discussion from prelims perspective
- Ministry reconstitutes Central Zoo authority
- Mamta Writes to NITI Ayong on Sunderbans
- Kerala village deploys robot nurses for patient care (Pg 08)
- Convalescent plasma for those not responding to steroids: govt. (pg 10)
- West Bank annexation plan set to get delayed: Minister (Pg 14)
Comments
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MRITUNJAY RAI 7 months ago