Context: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) plans to offer works contracts for construction projects, awaiting the Centre’s approval.

• Government e-Marketplace is an online platform launched by the Government of India in 2016 to facilitate public procurement in a transparent and efficient manner.

Highlights:

• The aim is to introduce transparent monitoring for contract progress.
• Highlights lengthy traditional tendering process for works contracts.
• GeM inclusion would enable nationwide bidding and online project monitoring.
• Features may include milestone-linked payments and post-contract management.

Source: The Hindu

Context: The Delhi High Court directs the I&B Ministry to notify guidelines for accessible movies.

Synopsis:

• Accessibility for disabled persons deemed an enforceable legal right.
• Private parties are also mandated to ensure accessibility.
• Films in India often lack accessibility despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPWD Act):

Key Areas Covered:

• Rights and Entitlements:Covers rights related to equality, life with dignity, protection from cruelty, abuse, and exploitation, access to healthcare, education, employment, and voting.
• Education:Mandates free and inclusive education for children with disabilities.
• Employment:Prohibits discrimination in employment and mandates reservation of government jobs for persons with disabilities.
• Accessibility:Requires making buildings, transportation systems, and information & communication technology accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Social Security and Welfare: Provides for social security benefits and schemes for persons with disabilities.

Source: The Hindu

Context: Care Ratings report on Indian banks’ non-performing assets.

Synopsis:

• Gross non-performing assets (GNPA) refers to the total amount of money owed on to banks that are considered past due for a specific period, typically 90 days or more.
• GNPA is expected to reach 2.1% by Financial Year 2025.
• Risks: High-interest rates, regulatory changes, liquidity, global issues.
• Factors: Recoveries, write-offs, reduced slippages, asset reconstruction.
• Monitoring needed for unsecured personal loans, and restructured accounts.

Prelims Connect(Institutions in news)

Source: Indian Express

Context: The extinction of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

Threats to GIB:

• Collisions with overhead power lines.
• Dogs, pesticides, habitat loss.
• Infrastructure development

Centre’s Arguments:

• Burying power lines is deemed unfeasible.
• Challenges include high costs and technical constraints.
• Implementation delays persist.

Way Forward:

• Balance needed for development and conservation.
• Prioritize burying power lines in key GIB areas.
• Demarcate suitable land for renewable energy.

Source: Indian Express

Context: Ukraine foreign minister’s visit to India.

Highlights:

• Emphasis on Ukraine’s 10-point “peace formula” seeking support from India.
• Agreement to restore pre-war bilateral cooperation levels.
• Focus areas: Trade, health, science, technology, and agriculture cooperation.
• India’s consistent support for peace efforts acknowledged by Ukraine.
• India is abstaining from condemning Russia directly.

India –Ukraine Relations

• Established diplomatic ties in December 1991.
• Cooperation in education, legal assistance, and outer space activities.
• India sources military technology from Ukraine.
• Ukraine produces R-27 air-to-air missiles used by the IAF SU-30MKI fighters.
• India is Ukraine’s largest export destination in Asia-Pacific.
• Pharmaceuticals dominate Indian exports to Ukraine.

Source: Indian Express

Context: India should center on African countries in its global south narrative.

Africa’s importance for India:

• Indian investments in Africa is $98 billion (2023), with trade amounting to $100 billion.
• Africa’s influence in global forums is crucial for India’s global governance vision.
• Africa houses three-fourths of humanity and contributes over 39% to global GDP.
• Africa’s 30% share of global mineral reserves is vital for the energy transition.
• Convergence of India’s supply chain diversification and Africa’s value chain ambitions

India’s development assistance to Africa:

• 42 African countries rank as the second-largest recipients of credit extended by India.
• Around 200 developmental projects have been completed in Africa.
• Indian social enterprises and NGOs are exporting low-cost, scalable solutions, from eco-friendly houses to rural women solar engineers.

The way ahead:

• Leveraging historical partnerships with Africa is vital for India’s Global South aspirations.
• Consider revitalizing existing collaborations or forging new ones with African technical organizations.
• Such efforts would enhance negotiation skills, provide project management training, and offer industry-specific technical courses.
• Indian research institutes collaborating with Africa’s research community can develop solutions to tackle Global South challenges.

Source: The Hindu

Context: India TB report-2024

Key findings:

• India achieved its 2023 goal of initiating treatment for 95% of diagnosed TB patients.
• India may not achieve TB elimination target next year due to the increasing Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB) epidemic.
• Better testing for MDR-TB, with almost 60% of diagnosed cases undergoing drug resistance tests

Concerns in TB elimination:

• Molecular testing is preferred for MDR-TB detection, yet its usage remains limited.
• Completion rates for MDR-TB treatment are below 60%.
• Mental healthcare support for TB patients remains insufficient.
• TB disproportionately affects the poor, slum dwellers, and HIV/AIDS patients.

Recent steps to eliminate TB:

• Patent office’s decision not to renew Johnson and Johnson’s copyright on bedaquiline enables the development of cheaper generic versions.

The way ahead:

• Transitioning to bedaquiline, a shorter-duration drug for MDR-TB treatment.
• Combine advanced technology and compassionate care to advance TB treatment.

Source: Indian Express

Issues in Indian Political system:

• Money and vested interests undermine genuine representation in Indian politics.
• Elite interests often dictate policy, sidelining marginalized communities.
• Weak government oversight and corruption enable businesses to resort to illegal practices.
• Money plays a significant role in elections, influencing voting patterns and campaign strategies.

Concerns with electoral bonds:

• Aimed to curb illegal funding but drew criticism for opacity.
• Facilitate legalized bribery, benefiting wealthy donors.
• Scheme loopholes permit untraceable donations, opening avenues for fund misuse.
• Exposes weaknesses in Indian democracy, potentially favoring the ruling party.

Source: The Hindu

Context: The revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

• The DGCA has allowed airlines to operate under older regulations until their new schemes are approved.
• Earlier in January DGCA updated flight duty time limitations (FDTL) to address fatigue issues in the aviation industry.
• These changes included more rest time for pilots, redefining night duty, and requiring airlines to report fatigue regularly.

Reasons behind postponement:

• Indian airlines federation sought postponement of new rules, citing potential need for more pilots and up to 20% flight cancellations.

Concerns:

• DGCA’s decision to relax regulations could perpetuate pilot fatigue.
• Indian aviation market, amidst pilot shortage, experiences high growth, leading to stress on flight crews.
• Ultra-long-haul flights, including more wide body aircraft, contribute to crew stress.

The way ahead:

DGCA must enforce regulatory norms aligned with top safety standards for the well-being of flight crews and passengers.

Source: The Hindu