Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme launched

The Centre has launched the Vivad se Vishwas II scheme, a one-time settlement scheme, to effectively resolve pending contractual disputes with vendors or suppliers to the government and its undertakings.

Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme

The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.

It aims to settle government and government undertakings’ contractual disputes wherein arbitral awards are challenged in courts.

The Vivad Se Vishwas I scheme was announced under Union Budget 2020 to reduce ongoing legal disputes under direct taxation.

Around 150,000 cases were resolved with the recovery of about 54 per cent of the amount under litigation.

The scheme was started in March 2020, and closed on March 31, 2021.

Key details about the Scheme

Deadline and Guidelines: The scheme sets an October 31 deadline for firms to submit their claims for consideration. The Department of Expenditure had earlier issued guidelines for its operation in late May.

Eligibility: The scheme applies to domestic contractual disputes where one of the parties is either the Government of India or an organization working under its control.

Cut-off Dates: To be considered for settlement, an arbitral award must have been secured by the aggrieved party by January 31, 2023, while the cut-off date for court orders is set at April 30.

Graded Settlement Terms: The scheme offers graded settlement terms based on the pendency level of the disputes. For cases involving court awards, the settlement amount offered to the contractor can be up to 85% of the net amount awarded or upheld by the court. For arbitral awards, the threshold is “up to” 65% of the net amount.

Processing and Registration: Eligible claims shall be processed only through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which has developed a dedicated web-page for implementing this scheme. For Ministry of Railways’ contractors, claims can be registered on the Indian Railways E-Procurement System.

Law passed allowing Auction, Mining of Lithium Reserves

The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to allow commercial mining of lithium and five more minerals.

This move is aimed at increasing the exploration and mining of these valuable resources from newly discovered mines by opening them to private sector participation.

Mining of Critical Minerals

Minerals Removed from Atomic Minerals List: The law removes lithium, beryllium, titanium, niobium, tantalum and zirconium from the list of atomic minerals, which previously restricted their exploration and mining to state-run companies only.

Private Sector Participation: With the removal of these minerals from the atomic minerals list, private companies can now participate in the exploration and mining processes.

Why such move?

New Lithium Reserves in J&K: Earlier this year, lithium reserves were discovered in the federally administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. The government plans to find more reserves later this year.

Expected Increase in Exploration and Mining: The government expects a significant increase in the exploration and mining activities of these minerals across the country due to private sector involvement.

Significance of Private Sector Involvement

Force Multiplier: The involvement of private companies is seen as a “force multiplier” as it is expected to boost the production of these critical minerals, meeting the growing demands of the country.

Increased Production Capacity: The participation of private players is likely to lead to increased production capacity, enabling India to meet the rising demand for electric vehicle batteries and other industrial applications.

Need for Vigorous Exploration and Production

Meeting Growing Demands: India’s increasing focus on electric vehicles and other technological advancements necessitates a robust supply of critical minerals. Vigorous exploration and production are crucial to fulfill the country’s requirements.

Conclusion

The passage of the law by India’s Parliament marks a significant step towards increasing the exploration and mining of critical minerals, including lithium, for electric vehicle batteries and other industrial applications.

By allowing private sector participation, the government aims to bolster the production capacity and meet the growing demands of the country, ensuring a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Post-1957, President retains power to scrap Article 370: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court deliberated on the President’s power to declare Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to J&K, inoperative after the dissolution of the State’s Constituent Assembly in 1957.

The court questioned whether the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution nullifies the substantive part of Clause 3 in Article 370.

Senior counsel argued that Article 370 cannot be revoked after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution, but the court questioned the extent of the President’s powers.

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Historical Context of Article 370

The Constituent Assembly of J&K was a temporary body convened for drafting the State’s Constitution, becoming functus officio after its completion.

Article 370 was considered “temporary” because it allowed the people of J&K to determine their Constitution and the jurisdiction of Union of India.

The collaborative relationship between the Union and J&K, with constant dialogue and parliamentary laws applying to J&K through Constitution Orders, was disrupted by the abrogation of special constitutional status in 2019.

Contentions raised against A370 Revocation

Constituent Assembly’s Role: The provision requiring the J&K Constituent Assembly’s recommendation for abrogation has no application, given its specific purpose was to draft the State’s Constitution.

Impact on Democracy: The argument raised concerns about silencing the people’s will in J&K, where representative democracy had been absent for five years. The State’s unique relationship with India was emphasized.

Parliament’s Authority: The counsel questioned Parliament’s authority to declare itself the legislature of J&K and abrogate Article 370, asserting that Parliament could not act outside the Constitution.

Temporary Provision: It was clarified that Article 370 was mentioned as a “temporary” provision because it allowed the people of J&K to determine their future through their Constituent Assembly.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s examination of the President’s power over Article 370 after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution raises significant questions about the unique constitutional structure and the collaboration between the Union and J&K.

The verdict will determine whether Article 370 remains operative and its implications on the historical relationship between the State and the Union.

Room Temperature Superconductivity

Recently, two South Korean researchers sparked excitement in the physics community by claiming to have achieved Superconductivity at room temperature.

They claim to have developed a lead-based compound exhibiting superconducting properties at normal room temperature and pressure (NTP) conditions.

What is Superconductivity?

Zero Resistance: Superconductivity occurs when a material offers almost zero resistance to the flow of electric current, enabling energy-efficient electrical appliances and lossless power transmission.

Magnetic Behavior: Superconductors also display fascinating behavior under magnetic fields, enabling technologies like MRI machines and superfast Maglev trains.

Exploring the Material LK-99

Apatite Structure: The Korean group utilized copper-substituted lead apatite, a phosphate mineral with unique tetrahedral motifs, to create LK-99.

Superconducting Behavior: LK-99 displayed essential superconducting properties, with almost zero resistance to current flow and sudden emergence of resistance above a critical current threshold.

Magnetic Resilience: LK-99 retained superconductivity even under the presence of a magnetic field until reaching a critical threshold.

Current Superconductors and Their Limitations

Earlier Discoveries: In the 1980s, scientists found copper oxide materials exhibiting superconductivity above -240°C. Subsequent research yielded limited success in achieving higher temperatures.

Extreme Conditions: Existing superconductors operate at extremely low temperatures, often below -250°C, close to absolute zero (-273°C).

Critical Temperatures: Materials like Mercury, Lead, and Aluminum, Tin, and Niobium exhibit superconductivity at critical temperatures just above absolute zero.

High-Temperature Superconductors: Some materials, labelled ‘high-temperature’ superconductors, display superconducting properties below -150°C.

Scientific Community’s Response

Cautious Optimism: The scientific community responded cautiously to the claims of LK-99’s room-temperature superconductivity, given previous controversies and unverified claims.

Technical Errors: Some data in the research papers raised questions and were deemed “sloppy” or “fishy” by independent scientists.

Replication Efforts: Numerous research groups worldwide are attempting to reproduce the results to validate the claim.

Mixed Perspectives: The authors’ unwavering confidence in their work contrasts with certain aspects of the research that appear hurried or contentious.

Conclusion

The search for room-temperature superconductors represents a holy grail in science, promising immense rewards and recognition.

Although the recent claim by South Korean researchers has captured attention, it awaits rigorous validation.

Saudi Arabia to mediate Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step towards mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict by hosting peace talks on August 5 and 6 in Jeddah.

The talks come amidst ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides unwilling to compromise on their respective visions for peace.

Upcoming Peace Talks in Jeddah

Participants: The UK, EU, India, South Africa, Poland, and the US National Security Advisor have confirmed their attendance. Russia, having rejected Ukraine’s peace plan, has not been invited.

Goal: Ukraine aims to garner support for its 10-point peace plan and promote the restoration of lasting and just peace. The talks are seen as a constructive way to involve non-aligned countries and promote third-party mediation beyond the West.

Current status of the war

Military Standoff: Ukraine is determined to fight back, supported by military aid from Europe and the US.

Unlikely Peace Talks: The United Nations Secretary-General expressed doubts about the possibility of peace negotiations at this stage, given both sides’ conviction of their ability to win on the battlefield.

Divergent Views: While both Russia and Ukraine express openness to talks, they vehemently disagree on the terms of peace. Ukraine insists on the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of its territorial integrity, while Russia seeks recognition of redrawn borders, including annexed territories.

Previous (Failed) Negotiations

Early Talks: In the initial stages of the conflict, talks for temporary ceasefires and humanitarian corridors took place.

War atrocities: However, direct peace negotiations have not occurred since May last year due to mounting evidence of war atrocities and attacks on civilians.

China’s Peace Plan and African Efforts

China’s 12-Point Plan: Released in February, China’s plan called for the ceasing of hostilities, support for territorial integrity, and the abandonment of a cold war mentality. It was seen as skewed in favor of Russia and a diplomatic attempt by China to engage in the peace process.

African Proposal: Seven African countries led by South Africa proposed a 10-point plan for recognizing sovereignty, prisoner release, foodgrain exports, de-escalation, and prompt peace negotiations. The plan aimed to address the conflict’s impact on African nations’ food security.

Status of the War

Kerch Bridge Incident: A terrorist attack on the Kerch Bridge led to Russia terminating the Black Sea Grain Initiative, further impacting grain shipments from Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive: Ukraine continues its counter-offensive efforts, achieving advances in some regions but facing challenges in others.

US-Supplied Cluster Bombs: Ukraine’s use of US-supplied cluster bombs has been confirmed, effective against Russian defensive positions.

NATO Entry Denied: Ukraine’s last-ditch effort to secure an invitation for NATO membership was not successful.

Ukraine attacks Moscow: At least 3 different Ukrainian-made drones have been used in attacks inside Russia, including Moscow.

Nature of the Conflict

Territorial Disputes: The conflict centers around territorial disputes and geopolitical interests, leading to extensive missile attacks and drone strikes.

Cold War Wounds: Historical contestations and ideological clashes contribute to the Ukraine crisis.

NATO Expansion: Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership and Russian interests in the Black Sea are key factors in the conflict.

India’s Position in the Conflict

Exercising strategic autonomy: India practices strategic autonomy, maintaining a nuanced neutrality between the US-led West and Russia.

Favor for Russia: India abstains from supporting the US-led Western coalition, focusing on economic relationships with both parties.

Symbolic Criticisms: India emphasizes the importance of respecting territorial integrity while calling for an immediate end to violence and diplomatic solutions.

Condemnation: PM Modi openly appealed to Mr. Putin for peace, highlighting the pursuit of diplomatic solutions.

Challenges to Ending the War

Proxy War: External players, including the US and NATO, complicate the conflict with their strategic interests.

Sovereignty Disputes: Unresolved territorial disputes fuel ongoing hostilities.

Ideological Divide: Clashes between Ukraine’s European aspirations and Russia’s sphere of influence add to tensions.

Military Support: Foreign military assistance to both parties sustains the conflict.

Economic Interests: Energy resources and Europe’s dependence on Russian gas play a role.

Lack of Trust: A deep lack of trust hinders lasting agreements.