- SC to consider contempt plea against SBI
Background
- The Supreme Court had directed SBI to share details of electoral bonds sold (April 2019 onwards) to the Election Commission by March 6
- SBI filed an application seeking an extension till June 30th, citing scattered information across branches
- Contempt Petitioners’ Argument
- ADR and Common Cause argue SBI’s delay is deliberate to avoid transparency before upcoming elections
- They claim SBI’s excuse contradicts the government’s affidavit ensuring quick access to bond information
- The petition states SBI maintains a record of donors and parties receiving funds, easily retrievable electronically
- Next Steps
- The Supreme Court will decide on listing a contempt petition against SBI Chairman for seeking time to provide details on electoral bonds
2. CYBER TEHSILS IN ALL DISTRICTS
Cyber Tehsil
- Cyber Tehsil is a digital initiative launched as part of a revenue administration reform in Madhya Pradesh, India
- It involves the use of a system that facilitates the electronic transfer of land records, the automation of revenue processes, and the digital execution of sale deeds
- The Cyber Tehsil program is designed to make property transactions efficient, transparent, and corruption-free by moving these processes online
- By minimising the need for physical presence at government offices
Advantages of Cyber Tehsil
- Efficiency in Application Processing: Even without an application, cases for title transfer are processed, removing the need for physical presence at the Tehsil office.
- Decentralised Decision-Making: The decision-making process is conducted entirely online without the use of paper, thus increasing efficiency and transparency.
- Notification and Communication: Notifications are delivered via SMS, and all inhabitants of the village via SMS. Also, the official filing is possible online, and objectors can even file objections via email or WhatsApp.
- Promptness in Record Maintenance: The land records (khasra/maps) are promptly updated once the order is executed.
- Holiday and Weekend Functionality: Except for government holidays, the implementation of orders and revenue records will be concluded within a period of 15 days.
- Speedy Dispute Resolution: Disputes related to land transactions can be resolved electronically, reducing the dependence on manual processes and the possibility of delays.
- Digital Record Keeping: Potential buyers and sellers are notified of all relevant transactions digitally, reducing paperwork and the likelihood of errors.
- Transparency and Accountability: With electronic records and notifications, every step of the transaction is recorded and can be monitored for accountability.
- Access to Records: Land records and other related documents can be accessed online, which simplifies the process for buyers, sellers, and other stakeholders
3. GOVENRMENT PANEL BACKS HIGHER CARBON TAX ON COAL IMPORTS
- A carbon tax is a fee imposed on businesses and industries based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emit, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2)
- It’s essentially a way to make polluting the environment more expensive.
- Effects
- Potential benefits:
- Lower overall greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
- Increased investment in clean energy technologies
- Revenue for government to support environmental programs
- Potential drawbacks:
- Higher costs for consumers as businesses pass on the tax burden (e.g., higher electricity bills)
- May disproportionately impact certain industries
- The Problem
- India relies heavily on coal for power generation, making it the world’s second-largest importer despite significant domestic production
- Domestic coal often has high ash content, making it less efficient and more polluting The Proposed Solution
- A government panel suggests a higher carbon tax on imported, higher quality coal
- This would make imports more expensive, potentially incentivising a shift towards using more domestic coal
- Lower carbon taxes for domestic coal could further encourage its use
- Expected Outcome
- The goal is to reduce India’s dependence on imported coal, potentially lowering overall carbon emissions
4. CENTRE TO ROPE IN ISRO TO PROVIDE INTERNET IN 80 REMOTE TRIBAL VILLAGES
- Bridging the Digital Divide: ISRO to Provide Internet to Tribal Villages
- The Government of India is collaborating with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) to bring internet connectivity to remote tribal villages
- Key Points:
- Pilot Project: This initiative will be rolled out as a pilot in 80 villages across Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra
- Technology: V-SAT (very small aperture terminal) stations will be set up to provide internet access in these geographically remote areas with difficult terrain
- Potential for Expansion: The success of this pilot project will determine its expansion to other tribal villages across India
- Additional Benefits: The project aims to facilitate egovernance initiatives in these regions
- Collaboration for Development:
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry is working with other prominent institutions like AIIMS, IIT Delhi, IIM Calcutta, and IISc Bangalore on various projects for tribal development
- The collaboration with AIIMS focuses on:
- Advanced research on tribal health issues like sickle cell anemia
- Training programs for medical professionals working in tribal areas § Establishing a “Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology” at AIIMS
- A proposal for a specialized department focusing on appropriate technology and entrepreneurship is being discussed with IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta
- Collaboration with IISc Bangalore involves setting up a training facility to offer courses on semiconductors to tribal students
- Significance:
- This initiative highlights the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower tribal communities through better access to information, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities
- By collaborating with leading institutions, the project aims for a holistic approach to tribal development
5. KERALA COMES UP WITH LONG, SHORT TERM MEASURES TO PREVENT MAN ANIMAL CONFLICT
- Long-Term Measures (Habitat Management)
- Smart Fences: High-tech fences to deter elephants from entering human settlements Vegetation Management
- Removing undergrowth in private estates bordering forests to improve visibility for both humans and elephants
- Eradicating invasive plants like senna that might attract elephants
- Restoring natural vegetation and replacing non-native plantations (eucalyptus, acacia) to create better elephant habitats
- Forest Protection
- Exploring entry fees for private vehicles entering forest areas to potentially reduce human interference.
- Improving wildlife habitats within forests.
ONE LINER
India’s First City – Specific Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP) launched in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It aims at developing all buildings in Nagpur to be net zero carbon by 2050.
