Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: At last week’s Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China stopped short of providing the debt relief sought by many African countries.

Background: –

• The Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) launched in 2000 took on an enhanced role after the 2013 inception of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

About Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

• The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a multilateral platform established to foster cooperation and partnership between China and African countries.

Member Countries:

• FOCAC involves China and 53 African countries (all African nations except Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan). It also includes the African Union (AU).

Objectives:

• Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
• Aid and Development: China provides loans, aid, and development assistance to African countries.
• Political Cooperation: FOCAC promotes multilateral cooperation on global governance issues.
• Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Fostering mutual understanding through student exchanges, training programs, and cultural exchanges between China and Africa.
• Peace and Security: Supporting African efforts to maintain peace and security, with China providing assistance in conflict zones, UN peacekeeping, and military cooperation.

Criticisms and Challenges:

• China has sought to use FOCAC to counter growing competition in Africa from the United States, the European Union, Japan and others.
• Debt Trap Diplomacy: Critics argue that Chinese loans to African nations may lead to debt dependency, with concerns that some African countries might struggle to repay Chinese debts, resulting in loss of control over key assets.
• Labor and Environmental Concerns: There have been concerns about the use of Chinese labor for construction projects instead of hiring local African workers, as well as issues related to the environmental impact of certain Chinese-led projects.
• Lack of Transparency: Some observers have criticized the lack of transparency in the terms of Chinese loans and agreements, raising concerns about governance and accountability in FOCAC-related projects.

Source: Reuters

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: After Punjab, the AAP government in Delhi has also relented under financial pressure and agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre to implement the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme in the Capital.

Background: –

• The Education Ministry had stopped funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the flagship school education programme, to three Opposition-ruled states — Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal — due to their reluctance to participate in the PM-SHRI scheme.

About PM- SHRI Scheme

• The PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme initiated by the Government of India.
• Its objective is to establish over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools, overseen by the Central Government, State/UT Governments, local bodies, as well as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).
• These schools aim to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for every student, ensuring their well-being and providing a secure and enriching learning environment.
• The goal is to offer a diverse range of learning experiences and ensure access to good physical infrastructure and appropriate resources for all students.
• These schools will not only focus on enhancing cognitive development but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st-century skills.
• The pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly in the foundational years), inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable.
• The focus will be on the learning outcomes of every child in every grade. Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real-life situations and will be competency-based.
• PM SHRI Schools will help showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and emerge as exemplar Schools over a period of time.

Current issue

• States must confirm their participation in PM SHRI by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Education Ministry.
• Five states — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal — are yet to sign the MoU. While Tamil Nadu and Kerala have indicated their willingness, Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal had earlier refused, prompting the Centre to stop their SSA funds.
• The AAP-ruled Punjab and Delhi had held out over the implementation of PM-SHRI saying they have their own schemes along similar lines, called Schools of Specialised Excellence in Delhi and Schools of Eminence in Punjab. Both had not received crores worth of SSA funds.
• Punjab was the first to end the logjam on July 26 when Punjab Education Secretary wrote to Union Education Secretary, expressing willingness to implement the scheme in the state.
• On September 2, Delhi also relented. Its Secretary (Education) has written saying that Delhi is interested in signing the MoU for establishing PM-SHRI schools in Delhi.
• With this, West Bengal is now the only state holding out on the implementation of the scheme. The state opposes prefixing ‘PM-SHRI’ to the names of its schools, especially since it bears 40% of the cost.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Mains : GS 3

Context: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently asked the steel industry to target 500 million tonnes steel production by 2034.

Background:

• The steel industry in India dates back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of Tata Steel in 1907, which was the first integrated steel plant in Asia. Post-independence, the sector grew with the establishment of public sector steel plants. Since the liberalization of the 1990s, there has been significant private sector investment.

Indias Global Standing:

• India is the second-largest producer of steel in the world, after China.
• In recent years, India’s steel production has exceeded 120 million tonnes per year (2022).

Structure and Capacity of the Industry:

• Integrated Steel Plants (ISPs): These are large steel plants that produce steel from iron ore using blast furnaces and basic oxygen furnaces (BOF). ISPs generally have full-scale operations from raw material processing to finished steel products. Major ISPs include SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and JSPL.
• Mini Steel Plants: These are smaller plants that primarily produce steel by recycling scrap metal in electric arc furnaces (EAF) or induction furnaces (IF). Mini steel plants cater to the demand for long steel products used in construction and local markets.

Contribution to the Economy:

• GDP Contribution: The steel sector contributes about 2% to 3% of India’s GDP. It is a core industry that has a multiplier effect on other sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
• Employment: The sector provides direct and indirect employment to millions of people, including those involved in raw material extraction, steel production, and downstream industries.
• Exports: India is a significant exporter of steel, with major markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. India also imports certain types of steel, especially specialized steel that is not produced domestically in sufficient quantities.

Recent Trends and Developments:

• Growth in Capacity: India’s steel production capacity has increased significantly in recent years, and the country aims to reach a capacity of 300 million tonnes by 2030, according to the National Steel Policy 2017.
• National Steel Policy 2017: This policy aims to encourage the domestic steel industry to become self-reliant and globally competitive. Goals include increasing per capita steel consumption to 160 kg by 2030-31 (from about 74 kg currently), making India a global hub for steel production and exports, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
• Infrastructure Push: The Indian government’s focus on infrastructure development, including roads, railways, airports, and smart cities, has boosted demand for steel.
• As global demand for eco-friendly and low-carbon steel grows, Indian steelmakers are exploring green steel production methods, including hydrogen-based steelmaking, reducing emissions, and increasing the use of scrap metal.

Challenges:

• Raw Material Supply: While India has abundant iron ore, it relies heavily on imported coking coal, making the sector vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
• Environmental Concerns: Steel production is energy-intensive and generates significant emissions, leading to pressures to adopt cleaner technologies.
• Competition: Indian steelmakers face competition from global producers, particularly Chinese steelmakers who dominate the global market.

Source: Business Standard

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains : Polity

Context: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to conduct a performance review of regulatory bodies established by Acts of Parliament, including the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Background: –

• The review will focus on the effectiveness and efficiency of these bodies in fulfilling their mandates.

About Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is one of the three Financial Parliamentary committees, the other two are the Estimates Committee and the Committee on Public Undertakings.
• Parliamentary committees draw their authority from Article 105 (on privileges of Parliament members) and Article 118 (on Parliament’s authority to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business).

Establishment:

• The Public Accounts Committee was introduced in 1921 after its first mention in the Government of India Act, 1919 also called Montford Reforms.
• The Public Accounts Committee is now constituted every year under Rule 308 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

Appointment:

• The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
• It is to be noted that the Committee, not being an executive body, can only make decisions that are advisory by nature.
• It presently comprises 22 members (15 members elected by the Lok Sabha Speaker, and 7 members elected by the Rajya Sabha Chairman) with a term of one year only.
• No Minister can be a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). This rule ensures that the PAC remains independent and unbiased in its scrutiny of government.

Key Functions of the PAC:

• Examine Appropriation Accounts: Reviews the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by the Parliament to meet the government’s expenditure.
• Audit Reports: Scrutinizes the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on the expenditure of the government. Also examines various audit reports on revenue receipts, government expenditure, and accounts of autonomous bodies.
• Financial Oversight: Ensures that public funds are used efficiently and for the intended purposes. Also checks for any irregularities or deviations from the approved budget.
• Review of Savings and Excesses: Investigates savings arising from incorrect estimating or procedural defects. It examines any excess expenditure over the approved budget.
• Accountability: Holds government departments accountable for their financial operations. Ensures that expenditures are made within the “scope of demand” approved by the Parliament.
• Recommendations: Makes recommendations to improve financial management and accountability. It suggests measures to rectify any identified issues or irregularities.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains : CURRENT EVENT

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, to discuss and strengthen bilateral ties between India and Singapore.

Background: –

• The leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the depth and breadth of their cooperation.

Key takeaways

• Singapore, is an island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia.
• It is about one degree of latitude north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bordering the Strait of Malacca to the west, the Singapore Strait to the south along with the Riau Islands in Indonesia, the South China Sea to the east, and the Straits of Johor along with the State of Johor in Malaysia to the north.
• India and Singapore share a robust and multifaceted relationship, which has evolved significantly over the years.

Historical Context

• Colonial Era: The relationship dates back to 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles established a trading station in Singapore. Singapore was governed from Kolkata until 1867.
• Post-Independence: Both countries have maintained strong ties since their independence, with regular political engagement and cooperation.

Economic Relations

• Trade: Singapore is one of India’s largest trading partners, with significant trade volumes. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) signed in 2005 has boosted trade and investment.
• FDI: Singapore is the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, contributing significantly to various sectors.

Strategic and Defence Cooperation

• Strategic Partnership: In 2015, India and Singapore elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, enhancing cooperation in various fields.
• Defence: Both countries conduct regular joint military exercises and have strong defence ties, focusing on maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Recent Developments

• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Recently, the bilateral relationship was further elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• MoUs Signed: During the latest bilateral meeting, four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in the fields of digital technologies, semiconductors, health cooperation, and skill development.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

• Cultural Exchange: The upcoming inauguration of India’s Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Singapore highlights the cultural ties between the two nations.
• Diaspora: A significant Indian community resides in Singapore, contributing to the vibrant cultural and economic exchanges.

Geopolitical Significance

• Indo-Pacific Region: Both countries share a common vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the South China Sea.
• ASEAN Relations: Singapore is a key member of ASEAN, and India’s engagement with ASEAN is crucial for its Act East Policy.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims: CURRENT EVENT

Context: The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, has brought significant changes to the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India.

Background: –

• The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a crucial component of India’s food security framework.

About National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

• The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is a significant legislation in India aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security.

Objectives

• Food and Nutritional Security: The NFSA aims to provide food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices.
• Human Life Cycle Approach: It covers various stages of life, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Coverage

• Rural and Urban Population: The Act covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, ensuring that a large portion of the population receives subsidized food grains.
• Priority Households and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Beneficiaries are categorized into Priority Households (PHH) and AAY households. PHH are entitled to 5 kg of food grains per person per month, while AAY households receive 35 kg per household per month.

Entitlements

• Subsidized Food Grains: Food grains are provided at highly subsidized prices: rice at ₹3 per kg, wheat at ₹2 per kg, and coarse grains at ₹1 per kg.
• Nutritional Support: Special provisions for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, including maternity benefits and nutritious meals.

Implementation

• Public Distribution System (PDS): The NFSA is implemented through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), which aims to distribute food grains to eligible households.
• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). FCI stores and transports food grains to various states. State governments distribute food grains through a network of Fair Price Shops (FPS) to eligible households
• Grievance Redressal: The Act establishes grievance redressal mechanisms at the district and state levels to address complaints and ensure accountability.

Significance

• Legal Entitlement: The NFSA converts existing food security programs into legal entitlements, ensuring that eligible individuals have a right to receive food grains.
• Transparency and Accountability: Measures such as digitization of ration cards and online tracking of food grain distribution enhance transparency and reduce corruption.

Source: Hindu

Q1.) With reference to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), consider the following statements:

1. The PAC examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on government expenditure to ensure funds are used as intended.
2. The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
3. No Minister can be a member of the Public Accounts Committee.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q2.) Consider the following countries:

1. Malaysia
2. Indonesia
3. Laos
4. Thailand

How many of the above-mentioned countries share land border with Singapore?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Q3.) With reference to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, consider the following statements:

1. The NFSA aims to provide food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices.
2. It covers various stages of life, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
3. The NFSA is implemented through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), which aims to distribute food grains to eligible households.

How many of the above given statements are not correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  9th September 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  b

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c