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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

Monthly DNA

13 Nov, 2023

28 Min Read

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)

GS-I : Social issues Tribal problems and solutions

The Union government is now looking to design a survey that can gauge the Human Development Index (HDI) specifically for about 28 lakh people of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

  • According to the 2011 Census, the Scheduled Tribes account for 104 million representing 8.6% of the country’s population.
  • These Scheduled Tribes are spread throughout the country largely in forest and hilly regions.
  • The essential characteristics of these communities are:
    • Primitive Traits
    • Geographical isolation
    • Distinct culture
    • Shy of contact with community at large
    • Economically backwards
  • Government of India set up Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 1999 after the bifurcation of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
    • Objective: To provide a more focused approach towards the integrated socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes (the most underprivileged section of the Indian Society) in a coordinated and planned manner.
  • As in the case of the Scheduled Castes, the Plan objective of empowering the tribals is being achieved through a three-pronged strategy of:
    • Social empowerment,
    • Economic empowerment,
    • Social justice.

What is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)?

  • PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups.
    • Due to this factor, more developed and assertive tribal groups take a major chunk of the tribal development funds, because of which PVTGs need more funds directed for their development.
  • In this context, in 1975, the Government of India declared 52 tribal groups as PVTGs on the recommendation of Dhebar commission.
    • Currently, there are 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
  • The PVTGs are spread over 18 states and one Union Territory (UT), in the country (2011 census).
    • Odisha has the highest number (more than 2.5 lakh) of PVTGs.
  • Characteristics of PVTGs:
    • Population – stagnant/declining
    • Technology – pre-agricultural
    • Literacy Level – extremely low
    • Economy – Subsistence level

Government Scheme(s) for PVTGs

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements a scheme in the name of 'Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)'.
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having a provision of 100% Central assistance to 18 states and Union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • The scheme of Development of PVTGs aims at socio-economic development of PVTGs in a comprehensive manner, while retaining their culture and heritage.
  • As a part of the scheme, State Governments undertakes projects that are tailored to cater to sectors like education, health and livelihood schemes for the PVTGs.

Summary

  • Recently, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda addressed media persons on 9 year achievements and Transformational initiatives of the Ministry.
  • He said that development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in mission mode has been taken up as focus area for the first time ever.
  • The Ministry is now looking to design a survey that can gauge the Human Development Index (HDI) specifically for about 28 lakh people of the PVTGs.
  • A fund of Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated for the socio-economic development of the group for the next three years.
    • The programme envisions connecting all 22,544 PVTG villages to basic government services like communications, electricity, public education, healthcare, water supply, and connectivity.
    • It is part of this programme that Sh Arjun Munda said the survey to create an HDI for PVTGs will be conducted.
    • “With a holistic approach, we will document their lifestyle, their culture, so that we can show the world as to how they proudly and happily live their lives despite being in remote regions,” said the Minister.
  • Giving details of the strides made in the education of tribal people, Sh Arjun Munda said that the Government is setting up 740 Eklavya Residential Model Schools(EMRS) which will serve 3.5 lakh tribal students with quality education.
    • Over the next three years, 38,800 teachers and support staff will be recruited centrally for the 740 EMRSs.
    • These schools will also lay emphasis on local languages to ensure that the students are not detached from their roots, he added.
  • In 2023-24, a budget of Rs 12,460 Crores has been allocated to the Ministry.

Name of States/Union Territory

S. No

Name of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group(s)

Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana)

1

Chenchu

2

Bodo Gadaba

3

Gutob Gadaba

4

Dongaria Khond

5

Kutia Kondha

6

Kolam

7

Konda Reddi

8

Kondasavara

9

Bondo Porja

10

Khond Porja

11

Parengi Porja

12

Tothi

Bihar (including Jharkhand)

13

Asur

14

Birhor

15

Birjia

16

Hill Kharia

17

Korwa

18

Mal Paharia

19

Parhaiya

20

Sauria Paharia

21

Savara

Gujarat

22

Kolgha

23

Kathodi

24

Kotwalia

25

Padhar

26

Siddi

Karnataka

27

Jenu Kuruba

28

Koraga

Kerala

29

Cholanaikayan

30

Kadar

31

Kattunayakan

32

Koraga

33

Kurumbas

Madhya Pradesh (including Chhattisgarh)

34

Abujh Maria

35

Baiga

36

Bharia

37

Birhor

38

Hill Korba

39

Kamar

40

Sahariya

Maharashtra

41

Katkaria /kathodi

42

Kolam

43

Maria Gond

Manipur

44

Maram Naga

Odisha

45

Chukutia Bhunjia

46

Birhore

47

Bondo

48

Didayi

49

Dongaria Khond

50

Juang

51

Kharia

52

Kutia Kondha

53

Lanjia Saura

54

Lodha

55

Mankirdia

56

Paudi Bhuiya

57

Saura

Rajasthan

58

Saharia

Tamil Nadu

60

Kattunayakan

61

Kota

62

Korumba

63

Paniyan

64

Toda

Tripura

65

Raing

Uttar Pradesh

(including Uttrakhand)

66

Buksa

67

Raji

West Bengal

68

Birhor

69

Lodha

70

Totos

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

71

Great Andamanese

72

Jarawa

73

Onge

74

Sentinelese

75

Shompen

On the Occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (15th November) the Prime Minister (PM) has launched three key Initiatives to ensure last-mile welfare scheme delivery and protection for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

  • The PM launched ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’, Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Development Mission and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

What is Janjatiya Gaurav Divas?

  • The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year on the Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda, to recognize the efforts of the tribals in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality.
  • Tribals held several tribal movements across different regions of India against the British colonial rule. These tribal communities include Tamars, Santhals, Khasis Bhils,Mizos, and Kols to name a few.

What are these Key Initiatives?

  • PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN):
    • About: PM JANMAN aims to protect and nurture tribal groups, especially those on the verge of extinction, by providing them with necessary support, development, and connectivity to mainstream services and opportunities.
    • Coverage: The initiative covers 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in 18 states and union territories, spread across 22,544 villages in 220 districts.
      • Approximately 28 lakh people belong to these identified tribal groups.
    • Significance: PM JANMAN underscores the government's commitment to uplifting and safeguarding tribal communities, preserving their cultural heritage, and integrating them into the mainstream development process.
      • It emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between tribal populations and essential services while ensuring their socio-economic empowerment.
  • Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra:
    • The focus of the Yatra will be on reaching out to people, creating awareness and providing benefits of welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare, clean drinking water, etc.
    • Enrolment of potential beneficiaries will be done through details ascertained during the Yatra.
    • The Yatra will start from districts with significant tribal populations initially and will cover all districts across the country.
  • PM PVTG Mission:
    • The PM-PVTG Development Mission program aims to improve the socio-economic status of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
      • For this, availability of Rs 24000 Crore for Scheduled Tribes has been envisaged in the Union Budget.
    • The mission includes providing basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, better access to roads in settlements for backward scheduled tribes.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (Social Issues)

On the occasion of the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15 in 2023, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched from Jharkhand.

  • It is one of the largest ever outreach initiative to be undertaken.
  • Aim – To reach out to people to spread public awareness about government’s welfare schemes at the grass root level.
  • Target – To cover over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats and over 3,600 urban local bodies (ULB) by 25th January 2024 touching every district of the country.
  • Implementation – It follows ‘whole of Government’ approach involving active participation of the State Governments, District authorities, Urban Local Bodies and Gram Panchayats.
  • IEC Vans – Information, Education and Communication (IEC) vans have been branded and customized
    • To enable dissemination of information through audio visuals, brochures, pamphlets, booklets and flagship standees
    • In Hindi and state languages
    • Showcasing the major schemes, highlights and their achievements at national, state and district level.
  • Address specific concerns of Tribal areas – Like sickle cell anaemia elimination mission, enrolment in eklavya model residential schools, scholarship schemes, forest right titles, van dhan vikas Kendra and organising Self Help Groups.
  • Activities undertaken
    • Experience sharing by beneficiaries and interaction with progressive farmers.
    • Celebration of achievements of Gram Panchayats achieving 100% saturation of schemes like Ayushman Card, Jal Jeevan Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, ODF Plus status.
    • On the spot quiz competitions, drone demonstration, health camps, Mera Yuva Bharat volunteer enrolment and other activities.

Source:

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023 (IPRD-2023)

GS-II : International organisation Major International Organizations

Recently, the 5th edition of “Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023” (IPRD-2023), 3-day annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue of the Indian Navy commenced in New Delhi.

  • It is an apex-level international annual conference of the Indian Navy at the strategic-level, addressing maritime security issues across the Indo-Pacific.
  • MeetingPreviously 4 editions of IPRD has been completed (2018, 2019, 2021-online, 2022).
  • Organised by – The Indian Navy in association with the National Maritime Foundation as its knowledge partner.
  • Objectives
    • To review maritime trends within the Indo-Pacific region, the regional opportunities and associated challenges.
    • To foster the exchange of solution-oriented dialogue amongst key stakeholders.
  • Theme of IPRD-2023 – Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity.
  • Both ‘trade and maritime transport’ are the segments of maritime connectivity.

National Maritime Foundation (NMF)

National Maritime Foundation (NMF) is India’s 1st maritime think-tank for the conduct of independent and policy-relevant research on all matters of maritime.

  • Establishment – In 2005.
  • It is an independent and autonomous think-tank based in New Delhi.
  • Government Support – Its intellectual and organisational development is supported by the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy.

Strategic Importance of Indo Pacific

Indo Pacific is a decade old concept which has gained a significant currency recently. It is based on the understanding that the seemingly diverse theatres of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean constitute a linked strategic theatre and a unified strategic heft.

How did the Term Indo Pacific Gained Currency?

  • Countries of a region naturally come together to talk about securing certain order and structure for ensuring peace and security.
  • In a similar fashion, various countries have been using the term Indo Pacific (I.P) in their official statements.
  • During his visit to Russia, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar said that I.P is one of the new concepts and approaches thrown up by the changing world.
  • At the Shangri La summit held in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about I.P as a shared future.
  • Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for safeguarding freedom of navigation and stability of I.P as he met French President Emmanuel Macron.
  • A ‘Track 1.5’ dialogue was also held between India, France and Australia focused on the identification of security challenges and sustaining issues in the Indo Pacific.
    • Track 1.5 dialogues are conversations that include a mix of government officials—who participate in an unofficial capacity—and non-governmental experts, all sitting around the same table.
  1. presence of four big economies (USA, China, Japan and India) enhances the importance of Indo Pacific.

What are the different Versions of Interpreting Indo Pacific?

  • Indo Pacific (I.P) is interpreted differently by different countries. There are mainly three versions to the interpretation:
  1. The Indian version views I.P as an inclusive space for all stakeholders based on common responsibilities and common interests.
    1. India’s view on I.P also recognises a strategic interconnection with regard to the common opportunities and common challenges shared by the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
  1. US version interprets a free and open I.P based on a rules based order.
    1. It is little different from the Indian version in such a way that it excludes any country which doesn’t abide by certain rules and expected norms of conduct.
    2. Further, the US version of I.P extends from the Pacific shores of America to the Bay of Bengal only, while the Indian version includes the area up to the shores of Eastern Africa.
    3. Not many countries subscribe to this version.
  1. A third version is one which is interpreted by ASEAN, as a model based on consociation, unlike the rules based order prescribed by the US and to some extent by India as well.
    1. Consociation refers to a political system formed by the cooperation of different and opposing social groups on the basis of power sharing.
    2. They argue for the practical cooperation with China instead of merely treating it as any other stakeholder.
    3. Since a number of ASEAN countries are economically ‘bankrolled’ (financed) by Chinese aids, they are forced not to make any anti-China position. Further, China is the largest trading partner of ASEAN.
    4. Hence the cooperative thinking envisaged by the ASEAN, through a 2011 agreement, is getting eroded.
    5. India emphasises on the centralism and major role of ASEAN in the securitisation of I.P with respect to the policy of Act East. It is a countermeasure to the geopolitical constraint India has on its Northern and Western borders, shared with China and Pakistan
    6. India is also looking for opportunities of ASEAN as a source of raw materials and as a market for produced goods.
    7. From a different perspective, ASEAN also seems to realise the need for India to balance China, particularly in the backdrop of US withdrawal from international alliances.
  • It can be observed that Indian version lies at the centre with the US and ASEAN versions at its right and left
  • India is constantly pursuing to balance the three narratives with the support of our engagement with France, Australia, Japan, etc.

Is Indo Pacific a Major Transition of the International Political Order?

  • International Liberal order led by the USA had lasted for around 75 years.
    • China is the largest beneficiary of the order in terms of growth in trade and investment.
  1. centre of gravity of global politics and trade remained across the Atlantic Ocean until the beginning of the Cold War.
  1. on it was substituted by Asia Pacific, which was aimed at excluding Indian interests, particularly in the background of the Cold
  1. present, the liberal order is transforming itself as countries such as the US is looking differently at the international politics.
  2. transition from Asia Pacific into I.P is viewed as the shifting of centre of gravity of international politics towards Asia.
  1. also signifies a shift in the Balance of Power and the fulcrum of Geopolitics.
  1. behind the shift:
    • To securitise and to maintain peace and law abiding nature in the Indian and Pacific Oceans through which majority of world trade occurs. India also backs this cause but never does a ‘drum beating’ of the same. According to India, the sea lanes of I.P are vital for communication and nobody’s property.
    • Under the Presidency of Donald Trump, the US is showing a ‘withdrawal’ tendency with regards to international alliances, sending shivers down the spine of its traditional allies such as South Korea, Japan and the ASEAN countries.
    • China is emerging as an aggressive player, particularly in the context of changing stand of ASEAN countries.

What are the Cornerstones of India’s Vision towards Indo Pacific?

  • India’s vision towards I.P can be summarised as an ‘Open, Integrated, and Balanced’
    • Open: Absence of any hegemonic power in the I.P. It is a significant aspect in the context of the Chinese PLA navy attempting to replace the US presence which was predominant in the region. China has informally established dominance in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean as well.
    • Integrated: India aspires to transform a ‘divided’ region into an ‘integrated’ one, particularly in the case of ASEAN It is a countermeasure against Chinese divide and rule policy among ASEAN countries.
    • Balanced: India’s vision is based on a multipolar world (by working with all countries) and a multipolar Asia (consisting of India, China, ASEAN, Japan, Australia, etc.). In such an order, no major powers will take over vital economic and trade routes.
  1. also wish for the democratisation of the region. In the last 10-15 years, the region has transformed from an American lake to a situation of Chinese assertion of power.
    • The US had to accept that only a war could dislodge China from the South China Sea.
    • US’s incapacity on projecting power, maintaining coalitions and building alliances has led to a threat of the region becoming a Chinese lake.
  2. approach is also aimed at ensuring the re-establishment of an older order in the I.P, which is being destabilised by Chinese assertion.

What are the Views of Other Major Powers towards India’s Vision on Indo Pacific?

  • The transition of terminology from Asia Pacific to I.P is primarily aimed at including India.
  • It shows that the global community has started to accept India’s norms, salience and emergence as an important power.
    • In 1999 itself, the then US President Bill Clinton expressed that the 21st century will belong to India and China (apart from the USA), a prediction stemming out of conditions prevailing in India.
    • Recently the US have renamed their Asia Pacific Command as Indo Pacific Command, which is a big transition in terms of military organizations.
    • India-US relations has also seen promising growth in the past 20 years, in spite of problems any two big countries would have. However, a similar transition didn’t occur in India-China relations despite the continuing efforts by New Delhi.
  1. of the traditional allies of USA are looking towards India in order to counterbalance the withdrawal policy of the US. At the same time the US is also searching for other countries to share some responsibilities. Ex.: Talks on the QUAD, an informal mechanism between USA, India, Australia and Japan.
  1. most of the regional powers such as the USA, Australia, Japan and Indonesia views I.P as merely an addition of India to the Asia Pacific.
    • India is being viewed as an outlier and lays focus on India’s role in the maritime domain awareness in Asia Pacific only. Ex.: South China Sea and East China Sea.
    • However, India’s view of self is based on one combined theatre of Indian and Pacific Oceans, in which it is calling for attention towards Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean region as well.

What are the Threats Posed by China in Indo Pacific?

  • China is a ‘power player’ in international diplomacy and it threatens the political order in the region.
  • China is asserting itself in the I.P by supplying military equipment to Bangladesh, Thailand (three submarines), Myanmar, Sri Lanka (frigate), etc.
  • China claims that they are rising in a peaceful way, however they fail to address the concerns of regional countries emerging out of a lack of transparency in their functioning. One doesn’t know what will be the next move of China.
  • China is also accused of colonising the region as illustrated by the rising debts of those countries which took loans from china and cultural issues raised by the locals of Hambantota in Sri Lanka (where Chinese is funding a strategically important port) and the unlawful ingress into Myanmar.
  • Chinese policy is popular for uncertainty and swinging from one extreme to another swiftly, as evident from their slogan “Let a hundred flowers bloom” followed by a cultural revolution.
  • : In 2012, Scarborough shoal in the South China Sea was invaded and barricaded by China in spite of Philippine’s claims and US de marche (diplomatic move) against it. But the Chinese didn’t budge and still controls the shoal, posing with a hegemonic threat.

What are the Other Challenges and Threats?

  • Challenges in the I.P are not just about securing trade routes from domination of a particular country.
  • Terrorism is a huge threat, particularly for India. A hotbed for terrorism is operating at regions in vicinity to I.P, which is probably admitted by even Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
  • Maritime security and maritime domain awareness are also central to the concept of I.P.
  • There exists a political rhetoric describing the I.P as an arc of prosperity where everyone can work together. While political focus is centred on such opportunities, it often detracts from the real issues such as countering the Chinese assertion.
  • India is working towards a multipolar world order and a resolution of like-minded countries to counter anyone who may challenge a multipolar world. However, a large portion of the international community is vary of such a resolution which resembles a cold war mentality (such as NATO and Warsaw pact).
  • India also envisions an international order which is rule bound. But there are worries regarding countries that challenge the order by use of force and power.

Is there a Need for India to focus more on Operational Challenges in the Indo Pacific?

  • China’s assertive moves in the region is a geopolitical and geo-economic reality. In Cold War terminology, it necessitates counter balancing and containment of China as an inevitable part of I.P strategy.
  • There are various opinions regarding India’s response:
  • No, India need not focus on such challenges.
    • According to Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, the version subscribed by US etc. about containing China is based on a Cold War mentality.
    • He also stated that India is looking for opportunities to work together with China and other stakeholders.
    • At the most, India’s strategy views China as more of a challenge than a threat.
      • India and China share the table in associations such as BRICS, Russia-India-China Trilateral (RIC), East Asia Summit (EAS), etc.
    • In many issues such as impacts of globalisation, climate change, etc. India and China have similar interests, especially in the backdrop of US’s withdrawal tendency.
    • An upcoming summit in Russia aimed at Eurasian Economic Cooperation also reiterates that India is looking more towards opportunities rather than challenges.
  1. , India need to counter balance such challenges.
    • There is potential for India with respect to forming minilateral and trilateral partnerships such as India-France-Australia and India-Australia-Indonesia (Indonesia is a central player within the ASEAN). Minilateralism is a diplomatic dialogue by a group of countries on specific topics.
    • Recently inked strategic partnerships with Japan, a similar one proposed with South Korea and bilateral partnerships with ASEAN countries such as Vietnam reiterates the need for counterbalancing.
    • India is also expected by smaller countries in the region to step up and help them in economic and military terms, as a counterbalance against China.

What are the Future Prospects for India with Respect to Indo Pacific?

  • Naval forces and diplomacy are two vital tools for furthering India’s stature in the affairs of Indo Pacific. Both the tools allows India to influence events far away from our borders.
  • New Delhi is required to leverage the already strong relations in trade and commerce to formulate minilateral diplomacy, blue water policy and deeper economic integration through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). All such pieces are required to complete the open, integrated and balanced picture of Indo Pacific.
  • If we could achieve an open, integrated and balanced Indo Pacific, our power projection and influence in the region will increase tremendously.
  • India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), upon which schemes like Sagarmala is founded, need to be leveraged for growing international confidence over India’s role in Indo Pacific.

Conclusion:

  • Indo Pacific is a strategic space which offer a number of challenges and opportunities for India and all other stakeholders. Appropriate diplomatic manoeuvring and economic and military assertion is vital for the implementation of India’s interests in the region along with leveraging the space as a building block for a multipolar world order.

Source:

Cyprus Confidential-TAX FRAUD

GS-III : Economic Issues Tax

An investigation titled ‘Cyprus Confidential’ has shed light on the intricate web of tax avoidance and wealth concealment.

What is Cyprus Confidential?

  • It is a global offshore investigation of 3.6 million documents that reveal how the rich and powerful from around the world use Cyprus as a tax haven and a secrecy jurisdiction.
  • Partnership- International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and 68 media partners.

Cyprus- It is a small Mediterranean island off the coast of Turkey that has an outsized financial sector.It has some of the European Union’s most lax financial disclosure laws, making the country an ideal destination for stashing wealth.

  • Cyprus Investment Programme- It is a golden passport scheme launched by Cyprus in 2007.
  • It enabled financially prominent individuals to obtain Cypriot citizenship, thereby attracting foreign direct investments into the country.
  • India’s connection- The investigation shows how some Indian investors and businesses set up entities in Cyprus to take advantage of the low tax rates, the double taxation avoidance agreement, and the anonymity of the beneficial owners.

Tax Haven

  • It is a country or jurisdiction that offers low or no tax liability to foreign individuals and businesses who deposit their money or operate their activities there.
  • It is an offshore financial center that may also have secrecy laws that prevent the disclosure of information to foreign tax authorities.
  • Example- Cayman Islands, Luxemburg, Panama Islands, Mauritius etc.,
  • Tax havens may be used for various purposes, such as tax avoidance, tax evasion, money laundering, or hiding assets from creditors
  • Criteria for a tax haven country- It was set by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 1988.
    • Nil or nominal tax on the relevant income
    • No effective exchange of information
    • Non-transparent
    • No substantial activities occur
  • Corporate Tax Haven Index- It is launched by Tax Justice Network that tracks the most complicit jurisdictions in helping multinational corporations evade taxes.
    • As of 2021, the worst offenders were the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda.
  • Offshore trusts- As per Cyprus International Trust Law, they are trusts whose property and income are outside Cyprus, and even the settlor and beneficiaries are not permanent residents of Cyprus.
  • It allows businesspersons to avoid tax that would have otherwise been paid by the settlor had she/ he remitted the income arising from overseas operations, to the country of residence.

How India is connected to Cyprus Confidential?

  • India investigation -It reveals how entities with offshore residency in Cyprus were controlled from India, and instructions for financial transactions in these entities are given by individuals in India.
  • Offshore entities in Cyprus- It is not illegal to set up an offshore company in Cyprus as India has Double-Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Cyprus.
  • Companies use their tax residency certificates in such countries to enjoy tax benefits that are available legally.

India’s tax treaty with Cyprus-

  • DTAA does not stop the Income Tax department from denying tax treaty benefits if it is established that a company has been inserted as the owner of shares in India at the time of disposal of the shares to a third party, solely with a view to avoid tax.

DTAA is a tax treaty signed between any two/multiple countries so that taxpayers can avoid paying double taxes on their income earned from the source country as well as the residence country.

At present, India has double tax avoidance treaties with more than 80 countries around the world.

What advantages does Cyprus offer India?

  • Tax exemption- Offshore companies and offshore branches managed and controlled from Cyprus are taxed at 4.25%, and offshore branches managed and controlled from abroad and offshore partnerships are totally exempt from tax.
  • No estate duty- Capital gains tax is payable on the sale or transfer of shares in an offshore entity but no estate duty is payable on the inheritance of shares in an offshore company.
  • No import duty- There is no import duty on the purchase of cars, office or household equipment for foreign employees.
  • It also assures anonymity of the beneficial owners of offshore entities.
  • Tax planning- DTAA allows Cyprus which has a low tax regime to be used as a jurisdiction for tax planning.
  • Alternative to Mauritius-Dividends paid out from India will be subject to withholding tax, no taxation will arise in Cyprus as this will be adjusted or credited against the 4.25% tax in Cyprus

Source:

Dollfus’ Stargazer

GS-III : Biodiversity & Environment Wildlife & Fauna

  • Hirodai ohtsukai is a new genus and species of crustacean parasite discovered recently in the Dollfus’ Stargazer (Uranoscopus guttatus) fish species off the coast of India.
  • Dollfus' stargazer (Uranoscopus dollfusi) is a marine fish in the family Uranoscopidae.
  • It is widespread in the Western Indian Ocean, including the Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf. It can be found at depths ranging from 300-550 m.

The stargazers are a family of perciform fish that have eyes on top of their heads.

Source:

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy SOFIA

GS-III : S&T International S&T initiative

  • It's a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7-meter (106-inch) reflecting telescope and is the world's only airborne telescope.
  • The telescope weighs 19 tons and is mounted in the rear fuselage of the aircraft.
  • SOFIA was designed for infrared astronomy observations in the stratosphere at altitudes of about 12 kilometers.

SOFIA achieved full operational capability in 2014 and concluded its final science flight on September, 2022.

Source:

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Indonesia is hosting the 10th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) at Jakarta in 2023 as the chair of ADMM-Plus. ADMM – It is the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism in ASEAN. ADMM-Plus&

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day)

In India, the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year on November 15 since 2021 to recognize the efforts of the brave tribal freedom fighters. It is to mark the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. Obj

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission

It is a joint Low Earth Orbit observatory mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scheduled to take place in the early 2024. Aim - To survey all of Earth's land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days. NISAR carries L and

White-Cheeked Macaque (Macaca leucogenys)

The White-cheeked macaque is a species of macaque found only in Medog County in southeastern Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. Conservation status – Endangered (IUCN Red List) It is not covered by the Wildlife Protection Act of India. Along

11 November,2023
Anti-Immigration Policy of Pakistan’s

Recently, Pakistan government launched a nationwide deportation operation against 17 lakh undocumented Afghan refugees. Why there is huge influx of Afghan refugees in Pakistan? Afghanistan and Pakistan share a 2,640km long border which passes through rugged mountains, densely forested vall

Information Commission – critical analysis

RTI Act 2005 Section 2(j) of the RTI Act defines “right to information,” as the right to information accessible under this Act which is held by or under the control of any public authority. Fundamental right- RTI is a part of the fundam

Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023

Recently, the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 was released by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Broadcasting Regulations in India Ministry of Information and Broadcasting- It is the focal point for matters related to p

India International Science Festival (IISF)

9th edition of the annual event, India International Science Festival (IISF) will be held at Faridabad, Haryana in January 2024. Theme - Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal. Aim - To provide a platform to engage the public with science and celebrate how science

Pandora’s cluster

Recently, scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope to discover the 2nd and 4th most distant galaxies in a part of space known as Pandora’s cluster. Pandora's Cluster is the nickname of Abell 2744, a giant galaxy cluster in the constellation Sculptor. It'

Sea Guardian-3

The Sea Guardian-3 exercise is a joint bilateral naval exercise between China and Pakistan in the Northern Arabian Sea. China and Pakistan will conduct their 1st joint maritime patrol during this exercise. The exercise is divided into 2 phases, shore-based exchanges, an

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