The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has said that only 508 districts out of the total 766 districts in the country have declared themselves manual-scavenging free. The data was revealed in a booklet the Ministry has prepared to outline its achievements under the current government since 2014. 

Status of manual scavenging in India -

Deaths related to manual scavenging —

Ø  The Social Justice Ministry has maintained in almost every Parliament session in the last two years that there are no manual scavenging deaths taking place across the country.

Ø  These deaths have been attributed to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

Ø  As per the officials, the Ministry have differentiated manual scavenging from hazardous cleaning of sewers.

Ø  They maintained that the surveys conducted in 2013 and 2018 had identified all existing manual scavengers (about 58,000).

Ø  Hence, manual scavenging no longer existed in the country.

Ø  Districts as manual scavenging free — 508 districts have reported themselves as manual scavenging free.

Rehabilitation of manual scavengers —

Ø  According to the scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers, the 58,000 identified sewer workers have been given a one-time cash pay-out of ₹40,000 each.

Ø  Self-Employment Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) was started in 2007.

Ø  Under the SRMS, the Social Justice Ministry had identified a total of 58,098 eligible manual scavengers in a nationwide survey conducted in 2018.

Ø  After identifying the scavengers, the Ministry of Social Justice had announced that the practice of manual scavenging no longer takes place in the country.

Ø  This is because all manual scavengers had been accounted for and enrolled into the rehabilitation scheme.

Ø  In addition, around 22,000 of them (less than half) have been connected to skills training programmes.

Ø  Subsidies and loans are available to any of them wishing to set up their own business.

NAMASTE scheme —

Ø  The scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers has now been merged with the NAMASTE scheme for 100% mechanisation of sewer work.

Ø  The guidelines for this scheme are yet to be finalised, according to the Ministry.

Ø  The FY 2023-24 Union Budget showed no allocation for the rehabilitation scheme and ₹100 crore allocation for the NAMASTE scheme.

About the NAMASTE Scheme -

Ø  NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem.

Ø  It has been launched with an objective to ensure safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India as well as providing sustainable livelihood to these workers.

Ø  Ministries involved — It is launched as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Ø  Implementing agency — National Safai Karamchari Financial Development Corporation (NSKFDC) would be implementing agency for NAMASTE.

Ø  Coverage — Five hundred cities (converging with AMRUT cities) will be taken up under this phase of NAMASTE. It will be implemented for the period 2022-26.

Aim —

Ø  Zero fatalities in sanitation work in India

Ø  All sanitation work is performed by skilled workers

Ø  No sanitation workers come in direct contact with human faecal matter

Ø  Sanitation workers are collectivised into SHGs and are empowered to run sanitation enterprises

Ø  All Sewer and Septic tank sanitation workers (SSWs) have access to alternative livelihoods.

Narcotics Control Bureau busted a pan-India drugs trafficking network operating on the dark web with the largest ever seizure of 15,000 LSD blots in one operation. LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide is a synthetic chemical based-drug and is categorised as a hallucinogen.

What is the crime?

Ø  Possession of 0.1 gram of LSD, which is the commercial quantity for the hallucinogenic drug, invites strict legal action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Ø  The network, which operated in the darknet and used cryptocurrencies for payments, was spread across Poland, the Netherlands, the US and various states in India.

What is ‘Dark Net’?

Ø  Dark Net, also referred to as dark web, is a maze of secret websites which can be accessed only through encrypted channels. In other words, it is the hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialised web browser.

Ø  It is used for keeping internet activity anonymous and private, which can be helpful in both legal and illegal applications.

Ø  The dark web vs. the deep web -

Ø  Both the dark and deep web share one thing in common: Neither can be found in search engine results.

Ø  The difference between them primarily lies in how their content is accessed.

Ø  Deep web pages can be accessed by anyone with a standard web browser who knows the URL.

Ø  Dark web pages, in contrast, require special software with the correct decryption key, as well as access rights and knowledge of where to find the content.

How Dark Net operates?

Ø  The darkweb operates in secrecy using The Onion Router (ToR).

Ø  ToR is free and open-source software for enabling anonymous communication.

Ø  It is an Internet based system to prevent eavesdropping and traffic analysis attacks.

Ø  Experts say darknet is very tough to penetrate owing to its end-to-end encryption.

Ø  The access to darknet is possible only through specialised browsers like Tor, Freenet, I2P and Tails to surf the darknet anonymously.

Ø  The privacy-centric browser like Tor routes the web page requests through proxy servers thus making your IP address untraceable.

Use of Dark Net -

Ø  Nowadays, darknet has become a hidden platform meant for the sale and purchase of much of the contraband items like — drugs, arms, pornographic content and other illegal activities.

Ø  Due to its ability to provide an anonymous cover, the platform has become a safe haven for criminals dealing in every kind of illegal activity.

Ø  The matter gets complicated with the evolution of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

Ø  It is also used by people who require privacy for entirely legal reasons.

Ø  E.g., the exchange of proprietary business information or communication by political activists.

Ø  Darknet helps to protect the right to freedom of information and online privacy of individuals and is therefore often used by journalists and other activists.

Ø  One ethical use for the dark web is for law enforcement and threat intelligence agencies.

Ø  These types of professionals may search the dark web for signs of cybersecurity or data breaches, illegal activity, scams or other emerging threats.

Legality of accessing the dark web in India -

Ø  Accessing the dark web is legal in India. The Indian government does not recognise it as an illegal activity.

Ø  However, this doesn’t mean one is free to do whatever he/she wants.

Ø  Various activities like child pornography, buying guns, pistols, rifles, drugs, etc.are considered to be illegal.

Ø  Hence, the dark web is not illegal. It is the activity or the intent of a person that is taken into account while using the dark web.

Regulatory challenges -

Ø  The biggest challenge with respect to regulation of the dark web is its encryption technique and anonymity.

Ø  Apart from the strong encryption techniques, most financial transactions on the dark web are performed in cryptocurrencies which provide further anonymity.

Ø  The trans-border nature of the dark web further complicates the matter.

Ø  Ensuring right to freedom of information and online privacy while eliminating the illegal activities thriving on dark web is a challenge.

What India is doing?

Ø  In August 2021, at the BRICS meeting, India discussed the misuse of the darknet for drug trafficking during a webinar conference of BRICS nations. The group of nations will soon be coming up with a solution.

Ø  A comprehensive legislative policy to deal with this domain is being discussed. It was deliberated upon in 56th All-India DGP-IGP Conference being held at UP Police headquarters, Lucknow.

Way forward —

Implement such a system where freely available VPNs are banned — For this, the government should create an authority under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The government may create a mandatory charge for VPN registration.

Develop close cooperation between public and private organisations — It will help in dealing with the new and emerging technological challenges of the dark web, by providing solutions such as new encrypting tools, etc.

Foster international cooperation in the form of multilateral exchanges — It will help in dealing with the challenges of the trans-border nature of the dark web.

Adopt China Model — Many security experts argue that it is high time that India adopted the ‘China model’, wherein the great firewall of China, blocks Tor traffic. On similar lines, The Incredible Firewall of India will affect a body-blow to flourishing darknet crime.

In the upcoming G20 forum, India intends to propose a diversified approach to energy pathways that considers the distinct contexts and development trajectories of countries.

India’s own domestic energy transition will be determined by multiple pathways of Indian states. The effective transition will require bridging the gap between national ambitions and Statelevel implementations because states are critical actors in India’s energy transition. 

Renewable Energy and Energy Transition -

Ø  Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished.

Ø  Energy transition refers to the global energy sector's shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption — including oil, natural gas and coal — to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, as well as lithium-ion batteries.

India's target -

Ø  Reduce the overall carbon intensity — India aims to reduce the overall carbon intensity and achieve 50 per cent of power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, which is currently at 43 per cent.

Ø  Clean Energy — India has made a commitment to clean energy with ambitious targets like 500GW of non-fossil, including 450 GW Renewable Energy (RE) capacity addition and 43% RE purchase obligation by 2030.

Ø  Net Zero Target — India has set itself an ambitious long-term goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2070.

India’s Policy framework in the direction of energy transition -

Ø  India’s targets are supported through complementary policy and legislative mandates (Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022), missions (National Green Hydrogen Mission), fiscal incentives (PLIs) and market mechanisms (upcoming national carbon market).

The Energy Conservation Amendment Act 2022 —

Ø  It mandates the use of non-fossil fuel sources including green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomass and ethanol for energy and feedstock in industries.

Ø  It also gives the power to the Central Government to establish carbon markets.

Ø  In 2022, India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC)under the Paris Agreement to reflect its aim of achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030.

Ø  India aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

India's progress in energy transition -

Ø  Solar, wind, and other RE sources are already replacing the historic share of coal and gas in the power generation mix.

Ø  The share of fossil fuels in the installed capacity has reduced from 67% in 2017 to 57% in 2023.

Ø  As of February 2023, RE Sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 178.9 GW.

The installed capacity for renewables is —

Ø  Wind Power: 42.6 GW

Ø  Solar Power: 66.7 GW

Ø  Biomass/Co-generation: 10.2 GW

Ø  Small Hydro Power: 4.94 GW

Ø  Waste to Energy: 0.55 GW

Ø  Large Hydro: 4.85 GW

Challenges to India’s energy transition effort -

Ø  Incomplete targets — While India made significant progress towards its 2022 target of 175 GW renewable energy capacity, the target remained incomplete due to various factors.

Ø  Disparities on state level — Only a few States, such as Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, were able to meet their individual renewable energy targets.

Ø  Implementation challenges — The energy transition faces multiple challenges such as infrastructure development, clear policy framework, availability of finance.

Significance of states in India's energy transition -

Critical to meet national targets —

Ø  While the central government sets goals and provides support, the actual realisation of these targets depends on how they align with State priorities and capabilities.

Ø  State’s role in implementing and their active participation is essential for achieving national energy goals.

Laboratories of Policy Innovations —

Ø  States in India have been instrumental in driving policy innovations, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

Ø  Early initiatives taken by States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have significantly contributed to the uptake of renewable energy at the national level.

Ø  State’s Role to address Legacy Issues — Legacy issues in the electricity sector, such as high losses, unreliable supply and service quality, must be addressed at the State level.

Ø   

The Diversity Across States —

Ø  States have unique contexts, capabilities, and opportunities that need to be considered during the energy transition.

Ø  Recognising and engaging with State-level diversities is essential for developing targeted and effective policies that consider regional nuances.

Importance of State-Level framework -

Ø  To understand plan, actions, and governance regarding the national energy transition mission.

Ø  To broaden the transition discourse — By applying a state-level framework, the focus of the energy transition will expand to outcome-oriented discussions.

Ø  To ensure public legitimacy — It could enable participation of stakeholders in the processes and ensure public legitimacy and buy-in to complex decisions.

Ø  To enable more evidence-based policy choices towards a pragmatic, yet accelerated, scale and pace of energy transition.

Way forward -

Ø  Systematic Identification of States’ Potential — States with the potential of contributing to RE installations and the 2030 clean energy transition goal need to be identified and leveraged systematically.

Ø  Planning on National Level — This process involves defining transition goals, making policies, and allocating funds to promote RE adoption.

Ø  State Level Engagement and Implementation — States have diverse priorities, and capabilities and therefore engagement with states is crucial for implementation of goals set by Central government.

Conclusion -

The 2030 RE goal requires participation from all the states, with the rate and extent of the transition depending on RE resolutions adopted at the state level. Different States have different challenges and they require tailored solutions to overcome barriers and ensure smooth implementation to realise India’s energy transition.

According to a report by the least developed countries Group at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme remains unutilized by the LDC nations. 

About the Duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme:

Ø  The Duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme was initially established during the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Meeting in 2005.

Ø  In 2008, India became the first developing country to implement this initiative, granting LDCs access to 85% of its total tariff lines.

Ø  Subsequently, in 2014, the scheme was expanded to provide preferential market access on approximately 98.2% of India’s tariff lines to LDCs.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Ø  The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that is concerned with the regulation of international trade between nations.

Ø  It is the largest international economic organization in the world.

Ø  The headquarters of the World Trade Organization is in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ø  The WTO deals with regulation of trade in goods, services and intellectual property between participating countries by providing a framework for negotiating trade agreements and a dispute resolution process aimed at enforcing participants’ adherence to WTO agreements, which are signed by representatives of member governments.

Ø  The WTO prohibits discrimination between trading partners, but provides exceptions for environmental protection, national security, and other important goals.

Ø  Trade-related disputes are resolved by independent judges at the WTO through a dispute resolution process.

Ø  The WTO has 164 members (including European Union) and 23 observer governments (like Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, Libya etc.)

Ø  India is a founder member of the 1947 GATT and its successor, the WTO.

Functions of WTO

Ø  Trade negotiations: The WTO agreements cover goods, services and intellectual property. They spell out the principles of liberalization, and the permitted exceptions. They set procedures for settling disputes.

Ø  Implementation and monitoring: WTO agreements require governments to make their trade policies transparent by notifying the WTO about laws in force and measures adopted. Various WTO councils and committees seek to ensure that these requirements are being followed and that WTO agreements are being properly implemented.

Ø  Dispute settlement: The WTO’s procedure for resolving trade quarrels under the Dispute Settlement Understanding is vital for enforcing the rules and therefore for ensuring that trade flows smoothly.

Ø  Building trade capacity: WTO agreements contain special provision for developing countries, including longer time periods to implement agreements and commitments, measures to increase their trading opportunities, and support to help them build their trade capacity, to handle disputes and to implement technical standards.

Ø  Outreach: The WTO maintains regular dialogue with non-governmental organizations, parliamentarians, other international organizations, the media and the general public on various aspects of the WTO and the ongoing Doha negotiations, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and increasing awareness of WTO activities.

An electronic track management system used by the railways has become the focus of investigations after the recent train crash in Odisha’s Balasore district. 

Interlocking System:

Ø  The interlocking system is a safety mechanism used in railway signalling systems to ensure the safe movement of trains on railway tracks.

Ø  It involves a controlled arrangement of signals and points, which are interconnected mechanically or electrically, or both.

Ø  The purpose of the interlocking system is to enable trains to move safely through a controlled area without conflicting with other trains.

Ø  The system ensures that train movements are coordinated and controlled, preventing collisions or other unsafe situations.

Ø  It allows trains to switch tracks or junctions securely, following a predefined sequence of movements that are regulated by the interlocking mechanism.

Ø  By using interlocking, the system ensures that conflicting train movements cannot occur simultaneously, enhancing the overall safety of railway operations.

Electronic Interlocking (EI):

Ø  Electronic Interlocking (EI) is an advanced signalling system used in railways that employs electronic components and software to manage train movements and track configurations.

Ø  The system ensures that two trains cannot occupy the same track simultaneously and allows a train to proceed only when the route ahead is clear.

Ø  EI is a modern alternative to the conventional Relay Interlocking system used in railway signalling.

Ø  Trained personnel from the signalling and telecommunications department, known as “signallers” or signal operators, operate and monitor the EI system.

Ø  The EI system consists of three crucial elements: signals, track circuits, and point switches.

Ø  Signals are used to communicate instructions to trains, indicating whether to stop (red), proceed (green), or exercise caution (yellow) based on the track conditions ahead.

Ø  Track circuits are electrical circuits installed on tracks to detect the presence of trains or vehicles. They help determine whether a particular section of track is clear or occupied, ensuring safe train movements.

Ø  Point switches are movable sections of the track that allow trains to change tracks. They are operated using switches and guide the wheels towards the desired direction. Point machines play a vital role in locking the point switches to ensure safe train operations.

Ø  The EI system enhances safety and efficiency in railway operations by preventing collisions and regulating train movements based on track conditions.

Functioning of the Electronic Interlocking (EI) System:

Ø  The EI system determines when a train can proceed based on two factors: the track direction and the availability of the alternate track.

Ø  It first checks whether the train needs to continue on the current track or switch to a different one.

Ø  The system then guides the train to an available track at a junction, ensuring that another train cannot enter the same section of track simultaneously through special circuits.

Ø  All activities within the signalling system are recorded in a microprocessor-based data logger, similar to the black box of an aircraft. This data logger can store and process signal data to generate reports.

Track Occupancy Sensing:

Ø  Various track-occupancy sensing devices, such as axle counters, are installed on the tracks to sense whether a track is occupied.

Ø  These sensors detect the passage of wheels on the rails and count the number of sets of wheels or axles that have passed over them.

Ø  By monitoring the number of axles passing through, the system determines whether the entire train has passed through a particular section of track.

Safety of the System:

Ø  The EI system is designed to be fail-safe, meaning that if any of the three components (signals, points, and track occupancy sensors) does not correspond to the overall “safe” logic fed into the computer, the system will work to stop the oncoming train.

Ø  In case of a failure, all signals will turn red, and train operations will come to a halt, ensuring safety.

Status of Implementation:

Ø  As of 2022, approximately 2,888 stations in India were equipped with an electronic interlocking system, covering about 45.5% of the Indian Railways network.

Ø  The implementation of EI systems aims to enhance safety and efficiency in train operations throughout the railway network.