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Time: 45 min Date: 22-09-2021

Polity and Governance

Blue Flag Certification of Indian Beaches

Syllabus: GS 2/Government Policies & Interventions

In News

● Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Pondicherry beaches in India has been

accorded the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ certification, taking the total number of such

beaches in the country to 10.

About

● Blue Flag certification, has also given re-certification for 8 nominated beaches

Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-

Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha and Radhanagar-

Andaman and Nicobar, which were awarded the Blue Flag certificate last year.

○ A waving “Blue Flag” is an indication of 100% compliance to these 33

stringent criteria and sound health of the beach.

● Achievements: In the last 3 years, India has achieved commendable results in the

environmental management of these 10 beaches and some of them are

enumerated below:

○ Sand dune restoration and nourishment of 95,000 Sqm (approx.) with

native plantation.

○ Reduction in marine litter by 85 % and 78% in marine plastic in the last 3

years.

○ Scientific & responsible disposal of 750 tonnes of marine litter.

○ Improvement in cleanliness level from “C” (poor) to “A++(outstanding)

through the scientific measurement system

○ Saving of 1100 ML/year of municipal water through recycling

○ 3 years’ database on regular testing of bathing water quality (physical,

chemical and biological contamination) and health risk monitoring.

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○ Approx. 1,25,000 beachgoers are educated for responsible behaviour on the

beaches

○ Increase in footfall for recreation activities by approx. 80% leading to

economic development.

○ Alternate livelihood opportunities for 500 fishermen families through

pollution abatement, safety & services.

○ The Ministry is further committed to develop and deliver 100 more beaches

under its ICZM initiative in the ensuing 5 years of the Ministry’s vision

agenda.

Other initiatives of India for sustainable development of coastal regions

● India started its journey of sustainable development of coastal regions on World

Environment Day in June’ 2018 by launching its beach cleaning campaign – I-

AM- SAVING-MY-BEACH simultaneously in 13 coastal states.

● The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in its pursuit of

“Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India embarked upon a

highly acclaimed & flagship program Beach Environment & Aesthetics

Management Services (BEAMS) which is one of the initiatives under the ICZM

approach that the MoEF&CC has undertaken for the sustainable development

of coastal regions of India.

● This was aimed at achieving the globally recognized and coveted International

eco-label "Blue Flag”,

● Objective: To protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems

through holistic management of the resources.

○ To abate pollution in coastal waters, promote sustainable development of

beach facilities, protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural

resources, and seriously challenge local authorities & stakeholders to

strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene & safety for

beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.

● Impacts: The introduction of the BEAMS program in 10 coastal states have

resulted in an international level of cleanliness at beaches with over 500 tonnes

of solid waste collected, recycled and scientifically disposed at these beaches

reducing the menace of marine litter by over 78% and marine plastic by over

83%.

○ Approximately 11000 KL of water was saved by recycling & reuse with

the BEAMS program, which has resulted in an increase in footfall at these

beaches by over 85% cumulative.

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What is the ‘Blue Flag’ certification?

● The Blue Flag certification programme was started in France in 1985 and in areas

out of Europe in 2001.

● The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for

Environmental Education.

○ FEE Denmark conducts regular monitoring & audits for strict compliance

with the 33 criteria at all times.

● It is a globally recognised eco-label accorded on the basis of 33 stringent criteria in

four major heads which are Environmental education and information, Bathing

water quality, environmental management and conservation and safety and

services in the beaches.

● It can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator,

and serves as an eco-label.

● It is accorded by the international jury composed of eminent members - United

Nations Environment Programme(UNEP), United Nations World Tourism

Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental

Education (FEE) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

● The programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine

areas through four main criteria: water quality, environmental management,

environmental education and safety.

Source: PIB

Indian Economy

World Bank Group Scrapped Ease of Doing Business Index Report

Syllabus: GS3/ Indian Economy & related issues

In News

● Recently, the World Bank Group scrapped its flagship publication, the ‘Doing

Business’ report.

○ This report published the influential annual ranking of countries on the

Ease of Doing Business (EDB) index.

Why was the Publication Scrapped?

● The Group acted on its commissioned study to examine the ethical issues flagged

in preparing the 2018 and 2020 editions of the EDB index.

● The allegation surrounding Kristalina Georgieva, MD of the IMF and former

CEO of World Bank, is the proximate reason for scrapping the publication. NEXT IA

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○ She is accused of having exerted pressure on the internal team working on

the Doing Business report to falsely boost China’s rank by doctoring the

underlying data.

○ Similarly, tensions were also reportedly brought to bear in the case of Saudi

Arabia’s rank, among others.

Importance of The Ease of Doing Business Report

● Indicator of Business Friendly Policies:

○ Many countries showcase improved ranking to signal market-friendly

policies to attract foreign investments.

○ This helps nations to measure domestic policies against global “best

practices” and browbeat domestic critics.

○ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for instance, wanted his administration to

ensure that India breaks into the top 50 ranks of the EDB index.

● Ranks countries by the simplicity of rules framed for setting up and conducting

businesses:

○ Peruvian economist Hernando De Soto’s theory underpins the index.

○ The theory claims that secure property rights with minimal state

interventions are a precondition for a free market to flourish.

● Taken as a tool for success of Economic Policies:

○ India ranked low, around 130-­140, till 2014.

○ However, it zoomed to the 63rd position in 2019-­20 (see figure attached

below).

○ Showcasing the accomplishment, India has claimed success of the ‘Make

in India’ campaign.

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Source: TH

Make in India ● The flagship initiative was launched in 2014. ● It sought to raise

○ the manufacturing sector’s share in GDP to 25% (from 16­-17%) and ○ create 100 million additional jobs by 2022 (later revised to 2025).

Criticism

● A mere tool to polish International Image

○ Some countries seem to use their political heft to improve their rank, polish their international image and sway public opinion (as appears to be China’s case).

● Its focuses on Statutes rather than Real Practices:

○ Management consultants and corporate lawyers collect the information for the index as per the statute (de jure) and not as practised (de facto).

○ As per the data shown in the figure above, Make in India was not that successful.

■ Annual growth rate in GDP manufacturing (at constant prices) fell from 13.1% in 2015-­16 to 2.4% in 2019­-20.

■ The Net FDI inflow to GDP ratio has fluctuated around 1.5%.

■ The fixed investment to GDP ratio (at current prices) fell from 30.1% in 2014­-15 to 26.9% in 2019-­20.

● Limited sample Size and Data

○ The data collected is from select cities and larger firms, which is a great limitation.

● No Proper correlation between Property Rights and Market Economy.

○ There are different counterexamples of basic assumptions of Soto’s theory that Property rights are constraints to the Market economy.

■ Eg. China’s phenomenal economic success, especially its agricultural performance (after the reforms in 1978).

● EDB index also seems vulnerable to a tweaking of the underlying method.

○ India’s improved ranking was reportedly an outcome of such an effort.

■ When the index was re-estimated with unchanging procedures, the needle hardly moved.

○ Similarly, Chile’s rank on the EDB index sharply rose when the conservative government was in power.

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■ And it went down when the socialists were ruling despite no changes in policies and procedures.

■ Later, Former World Bank Chief Economist, and later Nobel

Laureate, Paul Romer, publicly apologised to Chile’s socialist

President for this.

● Weakening labour regulations

○ India tried to adopt the free market ideal of ‘hire and fire’.

■ Most States have emulated Maharashtra’s lead of

● toothless labour laws,

● dismantled official labour inspection systems

● allowing employers to file self-regulation reports.

○ More breach than the compliance of Safety norms was reported after

Third-party Private body certification in Safety was allowed

○ Prior Information Inspection by the Labour Department rendered it of

almost no use.

Way Ahead

● What matters is economic incentives.

○ The economic principles are not universal and have different applications

under different circumstances.

○ Eg. Chinese Reforms in 1978.

○ So, the Ease of Doing Business report needs to check its underlying

principles.

● Remove the bias for Free Market Ideal

○ Being Balanced between welfare and laissez-faire can be the key to success.

Source: TH

International Relations

India Saudi Arabia Meeting

Syllabus: GS2/ Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

In News ● Recently, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia and the External Affairs Minister

of India held a meeting in New Delhi.

Key Points of the Meeting ● This is the first ministerial visit from Saudi Arabia to India since the outbreak of

the Covid-19 pandemic. ● Both ministers discussed all issues related to their bilateral relationship (in

multilateral forums such as the United Nations, G-20 and Gulf Cooperation Council) and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

● Two main topics were discussed:

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○ The evolving situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific region

○ Collaboration in the two nation's fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

● The two ministers reviewed the implementation of the Strategic Partnership

Council Agreement signed between the two sides during the visit of the PM of India to Saudi Arabia in October 2019.

● Discussions were held on steps to strengthen their partnership in trade, investment, energy, defence, security, culture, consular issues, healthcare and human resources.

● Riyadh statement: ○ Saudi Arabia, which was one of three countries to have recognised the

Taliban in its previous regime between 1996 and 2001, has, since mid-August, been extremely calibrated about its statements on Afghanistan.

● New Delhi statement: ○ New Delhi is hoping that Riyadh will be able to exercise its influence over

Pakistan in controlling the Taliban. ○ From India’s perspective, Saudi Arabia has emerged as an important

partner in the Gulf as both have expanded their bilateral ties in political, economic and strategic fields.

Strategic Partnership Council Agreement ● India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council was formed to coordinate on

strategically important issues. ● The council will be headed by the Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed

and will meet every two years. ● India is the fourth country with which Saudi Arabia has formed such a strategic

partnership, after the UK, France and China. ● Significance:

○ It will significantly boost strategic ties between India and Saudi Arabia and will open new avenues of partnership in strategic areas such as defence, counter-terrorism, energy security as well as renewable energy.

○ The Agreement will enable leadership at the highest level in both India & Saudi Arabia to meet regularly as well as monitor progress in ongoing initiatives/projects under a strategic partnership.

○ It will also help identify new areas for forging strategic engagement and will define goals to be achieved and benefits to be derived.

○ The proposal aims to benefit citizens with improved economic and

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(Image courtesy: World Atlas )

India-Saudi Arabia Relations ● Strategic Partner:

○ Saudi Arabia has been a strategic partner of India since the signing of the Riyadh Declaration in 2010.

● Trade: ○ By 1000 AD, the trade relations between southern India and Arabia

flourished and became the backbone of the Arabian economy. ○ Arab traders held a monopoly over the spice trade between India and

Europe until the rise of European imperialist empires. ○ India was one of the first nations to establish ties with the Third Saudi State. ○ Currently, it is India’s 4th largest trade partner.

● Crude oil: ○ It is currently India’s second-largest supplier of crude oil – providing

about 18 % of its energy needs. It also has a major role in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs).

○ The largest supplier of crude oil is Iraq. ● LPG requirements:

○ 32% of the LPG requirements of India are met by Saudi Arabia.

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● Indian expatriates: ○ The 2.6 million-strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia is the largest

expatriate community in the Kingdom and is the ‘most preferred community’ due to their expertise, sense of discipline, law-abiding and peace-loving nature.

● Pilgrimage and culture: ○ Haj pilgrimage is another important component of bilateral relations. ○ Trade and cultural links between ancient India and Arabia dating back to

the third millennium BC.

Need for Cooperation ● Afghan Peace Process:

○ Being a major regional player, Saudi Arabia's position on the developments in Kabul assumes significance as several countries in the Gulf region, including Qatar and Iran, were playing a role in the Afghan peace process before the Taliban's capture of power.

● Economic Reform: ○ Economic reform programs are underway in Saudi Arabia, for which it

needs India’s economic as well as technological assistance. ● Investments:

○ Saudi investment of around $100 billion is in the pipeline in areas ranging from energy, refining, petrochemicals and infrastructure to agriculture, minerals and mining.

● Countering Militias: ○ Saudi Arabia appears to have limited experience in countering threats from

groups like Houthi militias. This is an area where India’s expertise in fighting such threats could be imparted to the Saudi side, by enhancing joint military training programs.

○ Also, India needs Saudi Arabia to support India’s efforts against terrorism and against Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is an influential nation in the Middle East and Muslim World. Riyadh has largely shown an understanding of India’s terrorism-related concerns and has agreed to work with India in countering the global menace.

Challenges ● The politics of the Middle East is complex and multidimensional so requires a

collective and united effort. ● The Saudi Arabia-Turkey rivalry could create problems for India. ● Saudi Arabia-Iran Rivalry: India has close relations with both Saudi Arabia and

Iran. However, India is yet to work out a way to balance its ties with Iran on the one hand and Saudi Arabia and the United States on the other.

Conclusion ● Overall, India-Saudi Arabia defence cooperation has considerably picked up the

pace.

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● The defence ties between the two countries are growing in the midst of rapidly changing developments in the Gulf region.

● It will enhance bilateral cooperation and security in the Indian ocean Region.

AL – Mohed AL – Hindi ● Maiden bilateral naval exercise between India and Saudi Arabia. ● Held recently (August 2021). ● Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kochi participated in the exercise.

Source: IE

International Relations

Iran denounces ‘unilateralism’ as it becomes full SCO member

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations

In News

● In the recent Dushanbe Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Iran

was given full membership.

○ Now the total number of full members in SCO has gone up to 9.

● Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has emphasised regional multilateralism as a

countering force against unilateralism.

Key Highlights of Iranian President’s Speech

● Shun unilateralism

○ Iran criticised the USA’s unilateralism and its sanctions terming it as

“Economic terrorism”.

○ The full membership will protect Iran from unilateral punishments from

the West.

■ Iran has been under harsh US sanctions since 2018 when former

President Trump unilaterally withdrew the USA from the 2015

nuclear deal signed between Iran and P5+1.

■ It is also facing the brunt of Countering America's Adversaries

Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) of the US.

● Membership will boost Iran Economy and Regional Standing

○ Iran was accepted as the 9th full member after having observer status for

the past 15 years.

○ It will help Iran to expand political, economic and cultural ties with

countries across the region.

● Iranian Nuclear Program and Nuclear Deal

○ The President reiterated that Iran will continue its peaceful nuclear

program

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○ He termed diplomacy to be effective only up to the point everyone

respects the rules and negotiations.

● Challenges before SCO

○ Raisi also listed the COVID-19 pandemic, terrorism, environment, cyber

security and organised crime as other challenges facing the SCO members.

■ They must be tackled in unison.

For More Detail on SCO, please refer to our Daily Current Affair Article titled “21st

Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of SCO” published on 18th September 2021.

Source: Al Jazeera

Social Justice

Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK)

Syllabus: GS2/ Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger

In News

● Recently, the Central Government issued “uniform” parameters for fortified rice

kernels (FRK) for grade ‘A’ and common rice.

About

● The specifications have been issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

● The fortified rice is to be distributed under various government schemes, including the public distribution system (PDS) and midday meals in schools, by 2024.

Need for Rice Fortification

● India still has high levels of malnutrition among women and children.

● According to the Food Ministry, every second woman in the country is anaemic and every third child is stunted.

● India ranks 94 out of 107 countries and is in the ‘serious hunger’ category on the Global Hunger Index (GHI).

What is Food Fortification?

● Food fortification is defined as the practice of adding vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods during processing to increase their nutritional value.

● It is a proven, safe and cost-effective strategy for improving diets and for the prevention and control of micronutrient deficiencies.

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● In 2018, FSSAI had notified standards of fortification for five staple product categories — milk, edible oil, rice, flour and salt.

○ It has also launched the ‘F+’ logo to be displayed on labels of fortified food products for easy identification by consumers.

● Fortified Rice: ● It involves grinding broken rice into powder, mixing it with nutrients,

and then shaping it into rice-like kernels using an extrusion process. ● These fortified kernels are then mixed with normal rice in a 1:100 ratio and

distributed for consumption. ● Enhancers:

○ Addition of basic material like ferric pyrophosphate and enhancing compounds like citric acid and trisodium citrate mixtures to increase iron absorption in a staple food is the most common form of fortification.

(Image Courtesy: TOI)

Advantages of Food Fortification ● Eliminate malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies. ● Provides extra nutrition at affordable costs. ● Safe: Fortification is a safe method of improving nutrition among people. The

addition of micronutrients to food does not pose a health risk to people. ● Socio-culturally acceptable way: It does not require any changes in the food habits

and patterns of people. It is a socio-culturally acceptable way to deliver nutrients to people.

○ It can be implemented quickly as well as show results in improvement of health in a relatively short period of time.

● Cost-effective: Food fortification is a cost-effective strategy to improve the nutrition status of populations and it is associated with high economic benefits.

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○ It requires an initial investment to purchase both the equipment and the vitamin and mineral premix, but overall costs of fortification are extremely low.

Way Forward

● The State Governments should ensure that wide publicity of the Uniform

Specifications is made among the farmers to ensure that they get the due price for their produce and any rejection of the stocks is completely avoided.

● All states and Union Territories, as well as the Food Corporation of India, should carry out the procurement during KMS 2020-21 in accordance with the uniform specifications.

● Existing rice mills need to be upgraded to fortification facilities. According to the Ministry, an investment of around Rs15-20 lakh would be required to upgrade a rice mill of the operating capacity of 4-5 tonnes/hour.

Source: IE

Polity and Governance

3rd State Food Safety Index

Syllabus: GS 2/Government Policies & Interventions

In News

● Recently, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya

released the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s 3rd State

Food Safety Index (SFSI).

About

● It aimed to determine the performance of States across five major parameters of

Food Safety.

● The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare felicitated nine States/UTs for

their impressive and splendid performance.

Major Findings

● List of Winners:

○ In the Large State Category, Gujarat was the top-ranking state, followed by

Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

○ In the Small State Category, Goa stood first followed by Meghalaya and

Manipur.

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○ In the Union Territories Category, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar

Islands, and New Delhi secured top ranks.

● Parameters for ranking the States

● There are five parameters that are used as benchmarks to rank the states for

the State Food Safety Index. These includes:

○ Human Resources and Institutional Data

○ Compliance

○ Food Testing Facility

○ Training and Capacity Building

○ Consumer Empowerment

About State Food Safety Index

● FSSAI has developed the State Food Safety Index to measure the performance of

states on various parameters of Food Safety.

● This index is based on the performance of State/ UT on five significant parameters,

namely, Human Resources and Institutional Data, Compliance, Food Testing –

Infrastructure and Surveillance, Training & Capacity Building and Consumer

Empowerment.

● The Index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that

provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.

Other Initiatives of India to ensure food safety

● World Food Safety Day

○ The United Nations celebrated World Food Safety Day on June 7, 2019.

○ The same year, India inaugurated the first-ever World Food Safety Day in

the country.

○ The aim of the day was to recognize the efforts of States, Food Businesses,

and individuals in promoting food safety for human consumption.

● Food Safety on Wheels

● Food Safety on Wheels, a mobile Food Testing Vans was flagged off on the

occasion of the release of the State Food Safety Index.

○ Food Testing is an essential component in the food safety ecosystem

that eventually helps build confidence in consumers by ensuring

that food is safe to consume. Food Safety on Wheels adds to food

testing infrastructure in the country.

● The Eat Right Research Awards and Grants to encourage and recognize high-

quality research in the area of food safety and nutrition in India

● Logo for Vegan Foods for easy identification and distinction from non-vegan

foods for empowering consumers to make informed food choices

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● Release of various e-books that advocate and capture recipes around local

seasonal food items, indigenous millets, and plant-based sources of protein.

What is FSSAI?

● Established under Food Safety and Standards, 2006, the Food Safety and

Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) handles food-related issues including

ensuring the safe availability of food for human consumption.

● It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that

is responsible for promoting and protecting public health through various

regulations and supervisions of food safety.

Source: PIB

Facts In News

Government Scheme

Spin Scheme: KVIC

Syllabus: GS2 /welfare schemes

In Context

● The SPIN (Strengthening the Potential of India) scheme was recently launched

by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to help potters become

self-sufficient.

SPIN scheme

● It is an initiative through which KVIC will make it easier for potters to obtain low-

interest bank loans, allowing them to diversify their businesses and increase their

income.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) ● It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries

Commission Act, 1956. It functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Objectives: ● Social objective of providing employment ● Economic objective of producing saleable articles ● The wider objective of creating self-reliance amongst the poor and

building up a strong rural community spirit

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● Objective:

○ It aims to promote long-term development through fostering local self-

employment, in line with the Prime Minister's pledge to "Jobs for Every

Hand" (Har Hath Me Kaam).

● Features:

○ It is a scheme with no subsidies.

○ SPIN will enable registered potters to get a direct loan from the banks

under Pradhan Mantri Shishu Mudra Yojana

○ There is no financial load on the government.

○ The loans can be repaid in convenient instalments by the recipients.

● Significance:

○ It will minimise their need for government subsidies, allowing potters to

become self-sufficient.

Other related schemes

● Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana

● Terracotta Grinder

● Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme

Source: PIB

Health

E-Sanjeevani

Tags: GS2 / Health

In Context

● Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ‘’e-Sanjeevani’’ has

conducted more than 1 Crore teleconsultations across India.

○ It has grown over 1000% in the last 10 months.

About the e-Sanjeevani Initiative

● About

○ e-Sanjeevani was conceptualised by the Mohali branch of the Centre for

Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in 2019 as a Doctor-to-

Doctor telemedicine platform.

○ The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in March 2020

conceptualized another version of e-Sanjeevani for Patient-to-Doctor

telemedicine.

○ Also called the National Teleconsultation Service, it aims to provide

healthcare services to patients in their homes.

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○ On 13th April 2020, e-Sanjeevani OPD was launched to facilitate health

services for patients in the confines of their homes.

● Impact

○ Even when the internet penetration in the country is below 50%, this

innovative digital health initiative has been able to defeat the tyranny of

geography, distance, and time and establish itself as a parallel stream of

healthcare services delivery.

○ It is relatively more popular in tier II and tier III cities.

Source: LM

Polity and Governance

Integrated Aroma Dairy Entrepreneurship for Jammu & Kashmir

Syllabus: GS 2/Government Policies & Interventions

In News

● Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science &

Technology proposed integrated Aroma Dairy Entrepreneurship for Jammu &

Kashmir to augment the income of farmers.

Objectives and Need

● Jammu & Kashmir has an abundant stock of Animal Husbandry and Dairy

resources and the same can be effectively integrated with Aroma Mission.

● This will pave the way for integrated Aroma Dairy Entrepreneurship, ensuring

sustainable growth, increased income and fresh avenues of livelihood for

farmers.

Aroma Mission

● The Aroma Mission, also popularly referred to as "Lavender or Purple

Revolution" started from J&K.

● It was launched in 2016 to boost the cultivation of plants like lavender which

have aromatic medicinal properties through new technology developed by the

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

● It is envisaged to bring transformative change in the aroma sector through

desired interventions in the areas of agriculture, processing and product

development.

● It also seeks to provide technical and infrastructure support for distillation and

value-addition to farmers/growers all over the country, apart from enabling

effective buy-back mechanisms to assure remunerative prices to the

farmers/growers.

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● It has transformed the lives of farmers who are able to grow lavender, make

lucrative profit and improve their lives.

● Phase II

○ It is now being expanded as Aroma Mission Phase II and also a

floriculture mission has been recently launched. This will fetch in the

much-needed transformation in the lives of farmers and women.

Source: PIB

Internal Security

Research and Analysis Wing

Tags: GS3/ Various Security Agencies

In Context

● Recently, India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) completed 53 years in

service to the nation.

About

● Established in 1968, to handle the nation’s international intelligence affairs,

RAW came into force after the China-India War in 1962.

● At present, the intelligence arm operates under the aegis of the Prime

Minister’s Office.

● RAW provides intelligence support to various significant operations on foreign

soil.

● RAW works in cooperation with the Intelligence Bureau or other Indian

intelligence agencies.

Genesis

● After the 1962 China-India war and Indo-Pakistani war in 1965, India

established a separate and distinct external intelligence organization – the

Research and Analysis Wing.

● In 1968, R. N. Kao was appointed as the first director of RAW. Under his

leadership, RAW provided intelligence support, which resulted in India’s

successful operations including

○ creation of Bangladesh in 1971,

○ the defeat of Pakistan during the Kargil conflict of 1971,

○ the accession of Sikkim in 1975,

○ and the increase of India’s support to Afghanistan.

Working mechanism of RAW

● RAW collects military, economic, scientific, and political intelligence

through covert and overt operations.

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● It also monitors terrorist elements and smuggling rings that transport

weapons and ammunition into India.

● It primarily focuses on India’s neighbours. The collected inputs by RAW

also help Indian officials, which are further used in national security

policy and revise the foreign policy.

Attached Bodies

● The Aerial Reconnaissance Centre (ARC) collects high-quality overhead

imagery of activities and installations in neighbouring countries.

● Special Frontier Force:

The inspector general of a paramilitary force of India, the Special Frontier Force

reports to the director-general of security for RAW. While the force has functions

independent of RAW, it is often fielded to support covert and overt RAW

missions.

Source: AIR

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