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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 12 March 2024

CONTENTS Supreme Court Acknowledges Bail System InefficacyStatus Quo Ordered on Shanan Hydropower Project Amid Punjab-Himachal Pradesh DisputeIndia to Resume Penicillin G Manufacturing Under PLI SchemeGig WorkersYaounde DeclarationGolden LangursParrot Fever Supreme Court Acknowledges Bail System Inefficacy Context: The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Satender Kumar Antil vs Central Bureau Of Investigation (2022), has brought attention to the inefficiency of India’s bail system. This acknowledgment underscores the urgent requirement for reforming bail laws to tackle systemic challenges within the criminal justice system and alleviate the crisis of undertrial incarceration. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Concerns Regarding India’s Bail SystemFair Trial Programme (FTP)Way Forward for Bail System Reform Concerns Regarding India’s Bail System: High Undertrial Population: Over 75% of India’s prison population consists of undertrials, revealing a significant issue with the bail system. Undertrial Definition: Undertrial prisoners are accused individuals awaiting trial who haven’t been convicted, leading to judicial custody during court proceedings. Overcrowding in Prisons: Indian prisons exhibit an overcrowding rate of 118%, highlighting systemic problems within the criminal justice system. Discretionary Bail Adjudication: Bail decisions heavily rely on court discretion, guided by Supreme Court guidelines emphasizing the need for bail but allowing denial based on factors like the gravity of the offence and the risk of absconding. Inconsistent Court Practices: Courts often deviate from guidelines, leaning towards bail denial or imposing strict conditions without providing clear reasons for their decisions. Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized: Marginalized individuals face disproportionate consequences, either facing bail denial or stringent conditions, due to broad exceptions in the system. Challenges in Meeting Bail Conditions: Many undertrials remain in prison even after receiving bail due to difficulties in meeting conditions, including financial constraints, lack of local sureties, and navigating the court system. Inadequate Addressal of Challenges: Existing bail laws fail to adequately address challenges, as demonstrated by data from the Fair Trial Programme (FTP) revealing continued imprisonment in 14% of cases and delays in meeting conditions in almost 35% of cases. Lack of Safeguards Against Arbitrary Arrest: While the Supreme Court emphasizes safeguards against arbitrary arrest, these safeguards often exclude individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to the high number of undertrials. Exclusion from Arrest Protections: Data from the FTP underscores the unjustifiable exclusion of a significant portion of undertrials, such as migrants, asset-less individuals, those without family contact, and those with a history of previous incarceration. Assumptions in Current Bail System: The current bail system assumes that all arrested individuals can afford bail or have influential social connections, contradicting the principle of “bail not jail.” Need for Evidence-Based Reforms: Reforms in the bail system are necessary, but they should be based on empirical evidence to understand the root problems and implement effective changes. Fair Trial Programme (FTP): The Fair Trial Programme (FTP) is a criminal justice initiative situated at the National Law University in Delhi.The primary goal of the FTP is to ensure fair trials for undertrial prisoners within the Indian criminal justice system.The FTP undertakes the training and mentorship of young professionals, including lawyers and social workers.These trained professionals collaborate with the State Legal Services Authority, working together to enhance the fairness of legal proceedings for undertrial prisoners.The initiative places a specific emphasis on promoting fair trials, addressing systemic issues, and ensuring that legal processes adhere to principles of justice and human rights.Through training and mentorship programs, the FTP aims to build the capacity of young professionals, empowering them to contribute effectively to the improvement of the criminal justice system.The collaboration with the State Legal Services Authority likely involves providing legal assistance, representation, and support to undertrial prisoners who may face challenges in navigating the legal system.By focusing on fair trials and involving young professionals in the legal and social work domains, the FTP plays a crucial role in contributing to broader criminal justice reform in India. Way Forward for Bail System Reform: Bail Law Revision:Revise bail laws to ensure fairness and equity, irrespective of socio-economic status, addressing systemic issues contributing to the high undertrial population.Special Bail Legislation:Consider the enactment of special bail legislation similar to the Bail Act of the UK.Establish a general right to bail and define clear criteria for bail decisions to reduce reliance on monetary bonds and sureties.Legal Aid for Compliance:Provide legal aid and support to undertrial prisoners to facilitate bail compliance and court appearances.Safeguards Against Arbitrary Arrest:Ensure safeguards against arbitrary arrest are inclusive and accessible to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.Support Programs for Bail Conditions:Establish support programs to assist undertrials in meeting bail conditions.Provide access to legal aid, financial assistance, and social support services to overcome challenges.Collaboration Among Stakeholders:Foster collaboration among government agencies, legal institutions, civil society organizations, and community groups.Develop holistic approaches to bail reform that address multi-faceted challenges.Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation:Establish mechanisms for continuous monitoring and evaluation of bail reform initiatives.Assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and adapt strategies based on empirical evidence. -Source: The Hindu Status Quo Ordered on Shanan Hydropower Project Amid Punjab-Himachal Pradesh Dispute Context: The central government has issued orders for maintaining the status quo on the Shanan hydropower project, which has become a subject of contention between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The dispute has prompted Punjab to approach the Supreme Court seeking resolution. Relevance: GS III: Infrastructure Dimensions of the Article: Shanan Project and Claims of Different PartiesMajor Inter-State River Disputes in India Shanan Project and Claims of Different Parties: Historical Context: The Shanan Project, a 110-MW hydropower project in Jogindernagar, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, was leased to Punjab in 1925 during the British era. Lease Agreement Details: Lease formalized between Raja Joginder Bahadur of Mandi and Col BC Batty, Chief Engineer of Punjab, representing the British government.Served energy needs of undivided Punjab and Delhi during the British era. Post-Partition Changes: After partition, supply to Lahore ceased, and the transmission line terminated in Amritsar.In 1966, the project was transferred to Punjab during state reorganization, as Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory. Claims of Himachal Pradesh: Ownership and Operational Rights: Asserts ownership and operational rights over the project before the 1925 lease.Lease Period Only: Contends that the 1925 lease granted operational, not ownership, rights for a specific period.Deterioration Concerns: Raises concerns about the project’s deteriorating condition due to alleged neglect by Punjab. Claims of Punjab: Rightful Owner: Asserts Punjab’s rightful ownership and lawful possession under the central notification of 1967.Control through PSPCL: Exercises control over project assets through Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL).Legal Action: Files a case in the Supreme Court under Article 131, seeking a “permanent Prohibitory Injunction” to prevent Himachal Pradesh’s interference. Centre’s Interim Measure: Status Quo Order: Central government intervenes, issuing an order to maintain the status quo on the Shanan Project a day before the lease conclusion.Legal Basis: Invokes powers under Sections 67 and 96 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and Section 21 of the General Clause Act, 1887. Major Inter-State River Disputes in India River (s)StatesRavi and BeasPunjab, Haryana, RajasthanNarmadaMadhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, RajasthanKrishnaMaharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, TelanganaVamsadharaAndhra Pradesh & OdishaCauveryKerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and PuducherryGodavariMaharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, OdishaMahanadiChhattisgarh, OdishaMahadayiGoa, Maharashtra, KarnatakaPeriyarTamil Nadu, Kerala Active River Water Dispute Tribunals in India Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal II (2004) – Karnataka, Telangana, Andra Pradesh, MaharashtraMahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (2018) – Odisha & ChattisgarhMahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (2010) – Goa,Karnataka, MaharashtraRavi & Beas Water Tribunal (1986) – Punjab, Haryana, RajasthanVansadhara Water Disputes Tribunal (2010) – Andra Pradesh & Odisha. Constitutional and legal provisions related to water disputes Article 262(1) provides that Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution or control of the waters of, or in, any inter State river or river valley.Article 262(2) empowers Parliament with the power to provide by law that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint.Under Article 262, two acts were enacted:River Boards Act 1956: It was enacted with a declaration that centre should take control of regulation and development of Inter-state rivers and river valleys in public interest. However, not a single river board has been constituted so far.The Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (IRWD Act) confers a power upon union government to constitute tribunals to resolve such disputes. It also excludes jurisdiction of Supreme Court over such disputes.Despite Article 262, the Supreme Court does have jurisdiction to adjudicate water disputes, provided that the parties first go to water tribunal and then if they feel that the order is not satisfactory only then they can approach supreme Court under article 136.The article 136 gives discretion to allow leave to appeal against order, decree, judgment passed by any Court or tribunal in India. Issues with Interstate Water Dispute Tribunals Interstate Water Dispute Tribunals are riddled with Protracted proceedings and extreme delays in dispute resolution.For example, the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, constituted in 1990, gave its final award in 2007.Interstate Water dispute tribunals also have opacity in the institutional framework and guidelines that define these proceedings and ensure compliance.There is no time limit for adjudication. In fact, delay happens at the stage of constitution of tribunals as well.Though award is final and beyond the jurisdiction of Courts, either States can approach Supreme Court under Article 136 (Special Leave Petition) under Article 32 linking issue with the violation of Article 21 (Right to Life). In the event the Tribunal holding against any Party, that Party is quick to seek redressal in the Supreme Court. Only three out of eight Tribunals have given awards accepted by the States.The composition of the tribunal is not multidisciplinary and it consists of persons only from the judiciary.No provision for an adequate machinery to enforce the award of the Tribunal.Lack of uniform standards- which could be applied in resolving such disputes.Lack of adequate resources- both physical and human, to objectively assess the facts of the case.Lack of retirement or term- mentioned for the chairman of the tribunals.The absence of authoritative water data that is acceptable to all parties currently makes it difficult to even set up a baseline for adjudication.The shift in tribunals’ approach, from deliberative to adversarial, aids extended litigation and politicisation of water-sharing disputes.The growing nexus between water and politics have transformed the disputes into turfs of vote bank politics. -Source: Indian Express India to Resume Penicillin G Manufacturing Under PLI Scheme Context: India is set to resume the manufacturing of Penicillin G in 2024, marking a significant development after three decades since the closure of India’s last plant. This revival comes as a result of the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic to bolster domestic manufacturing. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Reasons for the Discontinuation of Penicillin Manufacturing in India:Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme Overview Reasons for the Discontinuation of Penicillin Manufacturing in India: Competition from Chinese Alternatives: Influx of competitively priced Chinese alternatives flooded the market.Lower prices made Indian manufacturers economically nonviable, leading to plant closures. Economic Factors: Significantly lower prices of Chinese alternatives rendered Indian production economically unviable.Multiple manufacturing plants had to be liquidated for scrap. Drug Prices Control Order: Price caps on essential medicines under the Drug Prices Control Order further incentivized the adoption of cheaper imported products.For Example, India initially sold Paracetamol at approximately Rs 800 per kilogram, but the entry of Chinese competitors slashed prices to nearly Rs 400 per kilogram, rendering domestic production economically unviable.. Lack of Urgency for Domestic Revival: Availability of cheaper alternatives globally diminished the urgency to revive Penicillin manufacturing domestically. Disruption in Supply Chain during the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains, prompting a reevaluation of self-reliance. Government Initiatives: The government initiated the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing. High Initial Costs and Capital Investment: Substantial capital investment required, particularly for fermented drugs like Penicillin G.Profitability often takes years to achieve. Chinese Dominance in Manufacturing: China has emerged as a dominant supplier with expanded manufacturing capabilities.Competing with Chinese prices would necessitate substantial investments in larger facilities. PLI Scheme Impact: Significant decrease in API imports, such as Paracetamol, following the implementation of the PLI scheme.Ongoing imports highlight the need for further development in domestic API manufacturing. Incentives Under PLI Scheme: PLI scheme offers incentives for fermentation-based bulk drugs like antibiotics, enzymes, and hormones.Support includes a 20% incentive for the first four years, 15% for the fifth year, and 5% for the sixth year. Need for Further Development: Despite the decline in API imports, a substantial portion, especially for antibiotics, is still imported.The PLI scheme aims to encourage development in domestic API manufacturing. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme Overview: The PLI Scheme, or Production Linked Incentive Scheme, is a government initiative in India.It operates as a performance-linked incentive, offering companies incentives based on incremental sales from domestically manufactured products.The primary goals include boosting the manufacturing sector and reducing dependence on imports.The scheme has the potential to significantly enhance production, employment, and overall economic growth over the next few years.In 2021, the government announced PLI schemes worth Rs 1.97 lakh crore for 13 key sectors, spanning auto components, electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and more.These schemes are at various stages of implementation, with the aim of positively impacting the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem in the country. Performance Evaluation of PLI Schemes: Positive Outcomes: Mobile Handset Exports: India doubled the value of mobile handset exports in FY22 to Rs 45,000 crore compared to FY21. FY23 estimates indicate further growth, with an expected export value of Rs 90,000 crore.Pharma Industry: India is now manufacturing 35 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) domestically, reducing reliance on imports and showcasing self-sufficiency. Export Achievements: PLI schemes have contributed to exports surpassing Rs 3.2 lakh crore, with notable contributions from electronics, pharma, food processing, and telecom sectors. Challenges and Slow Implementation: Implementation Challenges: The implementation of PLI schemes has been slow, and certain large-ticket industries have been slow to adopt or commence major activities under the scheme.Incentive Payouts: The government spent only Rs 10 crore in incentive payouts in 2021-22 for mobile handsets, white goods, and food processing combined. This increased to Rs 2,874 crore in 2022-23.Job Creation: The slow start has resulted in lower job creation than projected. Out of the projected 6 million new jobs over seven years, only around 300,000 jobs (5% of the total) were created between 2020 and early-2023 through various PLIs. -Source: The Hindu Gig Workers Context: According to a recent study on app-based workers, gig workers work long hours for minimal pay, with 68% of drivers reporting that their expenses surpass their profits. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Highlights of Recent Study on App-Based WorkersMinimum Wage Policy in IndiaWho is a ‘gig worker’? Highlights of Recent Study on App-Based Workers: Long Working Hours: Nearly one-third of app-based cab drivers work over 14 hours daily.More than 83% work more than 10 hours, with 60% working over 12 hours.Social disparities intensify the situation, with over 60% of SCs and STs drivers working over 14 hours a day. Low Earnings: Over 43% of participants earn less than ₹500 a day or ₹15,000 a month after deducting all costs.More than 80% of cab drivers express dissatisfaction with company fares.Over 73% of delivery persons are dissatisfied with their rates.68% of cab drivers’ overall expenses exceed their earnings, potentially leading to debt-like situations. Stress and Health Issues: Demanding work hours result in physical exhaustion, increasing the risk of road traffic accidents.10-minute delivery policies from certain e-commerce platforms contribute to the risk.Lack of social and job security leads to stress and potential health problems. Other Issues: 41% of drivers and 48% of delivery persons are unable to take a single day off in a week.Less than 37% of drivers belong to a union.ID deactivation and customer misbehavior are major concerns raised by workers. Recommendations: Stronger social security measures are recommended for app-based workers.Government oversight on the fairness of algorithms and monitoring mechanisms used by platforms is emphasized.The study aims to address income disparities, social inequalities, and improve the overall working conditions of app-based workers. Minimum Wage Policy in India The Minimum Wage Policy in India is governed by the Code of Wages Act 2019. Here are the key provisions and components of the Minimum Wage Policy in India: Code of Wages Act 2019: The Code of Wages Act 2019 aims to modernize and update the existing labor laws in India, making them more accountable and transparent.It introduces provisions for minimum wages and labor reforms, ensuring uniformity in wage-related matters across sectors and wage ceilings. Universalization of Provisions: The Act universalizes the provisions related to minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all employees, regardless of their sector or income level.This move is intended to guarantee the “Right to Sustenance” for every worker and strengthen the legal protection of minimum wages. Floor Wages: The Central Government is authorized to establish floor wages, considering the living standards of workers. Different floor wages may be set for various geographical areas.It is important to note that the minimum wages fixed by either the central or state governments must be higher than the floor wage. Fixation of Floor Wage: The Code on Wages Rules, 2020 outlines the concept of a floor wage, which provides the central government with the authority to determine floor wages based on the minimum living standards of workers.The floor wage serves as a baseline wage below which state governments cannot set minimum wages. Geographical Variation: The Wage Code permits the fixation of different floor-level wages for different geographical areas.However, this has raised concerns about the potential relocation of capital and industries from areas with higher wages to regions with lower wage standards. Who is a ‘gig worker’? Gig workers are those who work outside the traditional employer-employee relationship.There are two groups of gig workers – platform workers and non-platform workers.Gig workers who use online platforms are called platform workers, while those who work outside of these platforms are non-platform workers.Gig workers have characteristics of both employees and independent contractors and do not fit into any rigid categorization.As a result, gig workers have limited recognition under current employment laws and fall outside the ambit of statutory benefits. Concerns related to gig workers and the proposed labour codes in India: Limited benefits and protections: Gig workers are excluded from the benefits and protections offered by the other proposed labour codes, such as minimum wage and occupational safety.They are also not allowed to create legally recognised unions. Lack of effective remedy: Gig workers are excluded from accessing the specialised redressal mechanism under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.This denies them an effective remedy for grievances against their employers. No right to collective bargaining: Gig workers do not have the right to collective bargaining, which is a fundamental principle of modern labour law crucial to safeguard the rights of workers. Poor working conditions: A 2022 report by Fairwork India highlighted the deplorable working conditions of digital platform workers in India.There is a need for statutory affirmation of the rights of gig workers. Delay in implementation: The proposed labour codes have received the assent of the President, but are still awaiting implementation three years on.The Centre has cited the delay in framing of rules by the States as the reason for the delay. Measures to address the issues related to gig workers: Evaluating scale of Gig economy: As of now there exists no authoritative estimate on the total number of gig workers in India, though the centralised nature of the platforms, and the larger platform labour market should make the collating of this data relatively straightforward for the Labour Ministry.Making regulations related to Gig economy: A more viable strategy then would involve conditional government partnerships with platforms under some of its flagship schemes. Here, the successful pilot of Swiggy’s Street Food Vendors programme under the PM SVANidhi, or PM Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi scheme, may prove to be an illustrative example. -Source: The Hindu Yaounde Declaration Context: Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria recently signed the Yaounde Declaration with the objective of ending malaria deaths. Relevance: GS II: International Relations About Yaoundé Declaration: The Yaoundé Declaration was signed by health ministers from 11 African countries with the highest malaria burden.Signed at the Yaoundé conference, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Cameroon. Participating Countries (70% of global malaria burden): Burkina FasoCameroonDemocratic Republic of the CongoGhanaMaliMozambiqueNigerNigeriaSudanUgandaTanzania Objectives: Commitment to accelerated action for ending malaria-related deaths.Sustainable and equitable addressing of the malaria threat in the African region (95% of global malaria deaths). Pledges: Sustainably address malaria threats with strong leadership and increased domestic funding.Invest in data technology, apply latest technical guidance, and enhance efforts at national and sub-national levels.Increase health sector investments for infrastructure, personnel, and program implementation.Foster multi-sectoral collaboration and build partnerships for funding, research, and innovation. Commitments: Unwavering commitment to the accelerated reduction of malaria mortality.Mutual accountability among signatory countries for outlined commitments in the declaration. -Source: The Hindu Golden Langurs Context: According to the comprehensive population estimation by the Primate Research Centre NE India (PRCNE), Assam Forest Department, Bodoland Territorial Council, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), and Conservation Himalayas there are an estimated 7,396 golden langurs in India. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology About Golden Langurs: Physical Characteristics: Named for the golden color of their fur.Fur changes color with seasons.Young ones are almost pure white. Geographic Range: Limited to Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan.Inhabits the region surrounded by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south). Habitat: Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests.Found in riverine areas and savannas in Assam and Bhutan.Primarily tree-dwelling, living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and more temperate forests in the north.Can be found at elevations close to sea level in the south and up to 3000 m at the foothills of Bhutan in the north. Conservation Status: IUCN: EndangeredCITES: Appendix IWildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I -Source: The Hindu Parrot Fever Context In a recent outbreak parrot fever has claimed the lives of five individuals across Europe this year. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Parrot Fever (Psittacosis): Causative Agent: Also known as psittacosis.Caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci (C. psittaci). Transmission: Primarily affects birds but can be transmitted to humans.Human transmission occurs through inhalation of contaminated particles from feathers or droppings.More common in people with close contact with birds, such as poultry workers, veterinarians, and pet-bird owners. Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle pains, coughing, difficulty breathing.Symptoms may resemble pneumonia.Severe cases can lead to complications such as myocarditis or other neurological symptoms. Human-to-Human Transmission: Very rare, with only a handful of cases reported. Treatment: Involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline or tetracycline.Administered orally for two to three weeks.Supportive care, including over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief.Maintaining proper hygiene practices is crucial for recovery. -Source: Times of India

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 11 March 2024

CONTENTS Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Fellowships and Awards School Soil Health Programme Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Fellowships and Awards  Context: Recently, the President of India presented Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Fellowships and Awards for the years 2022 and 2023 in New Delhi. Relevance: GS I: Art and Culture Dimensions of the Article: Sangeet Natak Akademi FellowshipSangeet Natak Akademi AwardsSangeet Natak Akademi Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship: Prestigious Honour: The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna Sadasyata) stands as the most prestigious honor conferred by the SNA. Eligibility Criteria: Established individuals in the fields of music, dance, and drama are considered, with a stipulation that individuals below 50 years of age are not ordinarily considered for this fellowship. Fellowship Benefits: The Akademi Fellowship includes a purse of Rs. 3.00 lakhs, a Tamrapatra (copper plaque), and an Angavastram (shawl). Recommendation Process: Recommendations for the fellowship are received from current fellows of the Akademi and members of the General Council. Seat Expansion: Initially comprising 30 seats, the General Council amended rules in 2010, adding 10 more seats over five years, with two seats added annually. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards: Rich History: With a history spanning over 70 years, the SNA Awards honor practitioners, gurus, and scholars in music, dance, and drama, representing the nation’s highest achievements in these art forms. Inception: Awards in Hindustani and Carnatic music were instituted in 1951, pre-dating the establishment of the Akademi and initially known as Presidential Awards. Award Components: Each award includes a purse of Rs. 1.00 lakh, a Tamrapatra (copper plaque), and an Angavastram (shawl). Annual Conferment: Currently, 41 awards are conferred annually, and over 1298 artists have been honored with Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards. Sangeet Natak Akademi: Establishment: Established in 1953, the SNA is the apex body dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s rich intangible heritage expressed through music, dance, and drama. Founding Chairman: Created by a resolution of the Ministry of Education in 1952, Dr. P.V. Rajamannar served as its first Chairman. Management Structure: Oversight is provided by the General Council, with the Chairman appointed by the President of India for a five-year term. Office and Autonomy: The registered office is located at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, operating autonomously under the Ministry of Culture. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: Recognizing excellence in artists under 40 in dance, music, and theatre, this award was introduced in 2006. Cultural Heritage Preservation: More than 100 rare art forms facing extinction are revived through training programs under the name ‘Kala Deeksha’ by the Akademi. School Soil Health Programme Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Union Minister for Rural Development inaugurated School Soil Health Programme, New Delhi. Relevance: GS II: Education Dimensions of the Article: School Soil Health ProgrammeSignificance of School Soil Health Programme School Soil Health Programme: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with the Department of School Education and Literacy, has initiated a pilot project focused on the School Soil Health Programme. Key Features: Pilot Project Implementation: Initiated with collaboration from the Department of School Education and Literacy, the pilot project established 20 soil labs in Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalaya schools in rural areas. Study Modules and Training: Specialized study modules were developed, and training sessions were conducted for both students and teachers. Customized Mobile Application: A mobile application tailored for the school programme was introduced, featuring a dedicated portal segment documenting all student activities. Scaling Up to 1000 Schools: Following the successful pilot, the programme has been expanded to include 1000 schools, encompassing Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and Eklavya Model Schools. Lab Setup by NABARD: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), will establish soil labs in these schools. Student-led Soil Sampling and Testing: Students from the enrolled schools will actively collect soil samples, perform tests in the on-site labs, and generate Soil Health Cards. Farmers’ Education: Following the card generation, students will take the initiative to educate farmers about the recommendations provided in the Soil Health Cards. Significance of School Soil Health Programme: Hands-on Learning Opportunities: The programme offers students the opportunity to conduct experiments, analyze soil samples, and explore the rich biodiversity within the soil. Skill Development: Through practical engagement, students will develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 11 March 2024

CONTENTS Election Commission’s Proposal to Amend Voter ID RulesIndia-EFTA Trade Deal Set for ConclusionRevised Terms for PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna UnveiledGroundbreaking Coal Logistics Plan Unveiled in IndiaState Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023IRIS AI RobotGold nanoparticles Election Commission’s Proposal to Amend Voter ID Rules Context: The Election Commission of India has urged the Union government to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and modify voter registration forms. The proposed changes aim to eliminate the necessity for voters to provide reasons for not linking their Aadhaar number with their voter ID card. The EC suggests removing the “sufficient cause” requirement in the RP Act, 1950 and amending registration forms to include an option for individuals with Aadhaar who opt not to disclose it. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Representation of People Act: Legal Framework for ElectionsPrevious Attempts to Link Voter Card and Aadhaar Number: A Chronological OverviewBroad Reasons in Support of Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage Representation of People Act: Legal Framework for Elections Parliamentary Legislation: Two laws enacted to establish the legal framework for election conduct: Representation of the People Act, 1950Representation of the People Act, 1951 1950 Act: Key Provisions: Seat Allocation and Constituency Delimitation: Addresses the allocation of seats and the delineation of constituencies for elections.Voter Qualifications: Defines the qualifications of voters.Electoral Rolls: Governs the preparation of electoral rolls. 1951 Act: Conduct of Elections: Election Procedures: Regulates the actual conduct of elections and by-elections.Offences and Disputes: Addresses offences and disputes related to elections.Political Parties: Deals with the registration of political parties.Membership Qualifications: Specifies qualifications and disqualifications for membership of the Houses. Previous Attempts to Link Voter Card and Aadhaar Number: A Chronological Overview 2015 Initiative: National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme Objective:Remove bogus or duplicate entries from the electoral roll.Outcome:Approximately 32 crore Aadhaar numbers seeded.Interruption:Supreme Court halted the initiative in August 2015 with a landmark privacy judgment in the Puttaswamy case.The interim order restricted Aadhaar usage, allowing it only for state-facilitated distribution of food grain and cooking fuel. 2019 Proposal: Revisiting Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage Initiative:Election Commission proposed Aadhaar linking with the electoral roll.Requested government amendment to election laws for Aadhaar collection.Legislative Action:Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 introduced and passed in December 2021.Resumption:EC restarted Aadhaar collection voluntarily from July 2022.Introduction of Form 6B for existing electors to provide Aadhaar details. Legal Challenge in Supreme Court (2022): Form 6B and Aadhaar Linkage Challenges:Form 6B offered two options—provide Aadhaar number or declare non-possession, leaving no alternative for those unwilling to link.Petition sought amendments allowing individuals to opt out of Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage.Response:EC committed to making clarificatory changes in September 2022.Legal Landscape:Ongoing developments to address concerns raised regarding Aadhaar linkage, providing flexibility for individuals opposed to the connection. Broad Reasons in Support of Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage Enhancing Electoral Roll Accuracy: Weed out duplication and misrepresentation in electoral rolls.Integration of Aadhaar can serve as a robust identity verification mechanism, minimizing the risk of duplicate or false entries. Implementation of Advanced Voting Mechanisms: Facilitate advanced mechanisms like electronic and internet-based voting.Aadhaar linkage can streamline the authentication process, enabling secure and technologically advanced voting methods. Enabling Voting Rights for Domestic Migrants: Provide remote voting rights to domestic migrants.Aadhaar can serve as a nationally recognized identity document, allowing individuals who have migrated within the country to exercise their voting rights remotely. Facilitating Proxy Voting with Aadhaar Verification: Streamline the proxy voting process.Aadhaar-backed verification can enhance the authenticity of proxy voting, ensuring the legitimacy of the representative voter. -Source: The Hindu India-EFTA Trade Deal Set for Conclusion Context: India is on track to finalize a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This agreement is part of India’s efforts to conclude three free-trade agreements (FTAs) in March, including deals with Oman and the UK, ahead of the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: European Free Trade Association (EFTA)Economic Ties Between EFTA States and IndiaTrade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Establishment and Objectives: EFTA is an intergovernmental organization created by the Stockholm Convention in 1960.The main objective of EFTA is to promote free trade and economic integration among its member countries within Europe and globally. Membership and Free Trade Agreements: EFTA currently has four member countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.The EFTA member states have developed one of the largest networks of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that covers over 60 countries and territories, including the European Union (EU). Customs Union and Governance Structure: Unlike the EU, EFTA is not a customs union, which means that each EFTA member state can set its own customs tariffs and negotiate foreign trade policies independently.The highest governing body of EFTA is the EFTA Council, which meets eight times a year at the ambassadorial level and twice a year at the ministerial level.The EFTA Secretariat is based in Geneva and assists the EFTA Council in managing the relationships between member states and negotiating and operating FTAs.The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) monitors compliance with European Economic Area (EEA) rules in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.The EFTA Court, located in Luxembourg, has the authority to settle internal and external disputes related to the implementation, application, or interpretation of the EEA agreement. Economic Ties Between EFTA States and India: Steady Growth in Two-Decade Trade: Over the last two decades, economic relations between the EFTA States and India have witnessed consistent growth. 2022 Merchandise Trade Surpasses USD 6.1 Billion: In 2022, the total merchandise trade between EFTA States and India exceeded USD 6.1 billion. Key Imports to EFTA States: The primary imports to the EFTA States included organic chemicals (27.5%), machinery (17.5%), and pharmaceutical products (11.4%).Noteworthy FY23 Imports from Switzerland to India:Gold: $12.6 billionMachinery: $409 millionPharmaceuticals: $309 millionCoking and Steam Coal: $380 million Substantial Levels of Services Trade and FDI: Apart from merchandise trade, services trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) between EFTA States and India have also reached significant levels. Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): Investment Commitment: The India-EFTA TEPA involves a significant commitment from the European bloc, pledging $100 billion in investments over 15 years. Sectors targeted include pharma, food processing, engineering, and chemicals. Source of Investment: The investment, a groundbreaking aspect of this FTA, is anticipated to come largely from provident funds in EFTA countries, including Norway’s $1.6-trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest pension fund. Nature of Commitment: Despite its substantial size, the investment commitment may not be legally binding and falls under the category of “investment promotion.” Notably, it does not constitute a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) similar to negotiations with the UK and the EU. Benefits of TEPA: For EFTA: Reduction in Indian Tariffs: With historically high average tariffs in India (around 18%), the TEPA is expected to lead to increased imports of machinery, pharmaceuticals, and medical instruments. This reduction in Indian tariffs is particularly advantageous for EFTA countries. Crucial Investment Commitment: The investment commitment becomes crucial for EFTA, given that India-EFTA trade, especially in goods, has been in favor of the European grouping. Elimination of duties could potentially widen India’s trade deficit, particularly with countries like Switzerland. For India: Attracting Investments and Market Access: India seeks to attract investments and gain improved market access for its service sector workforce through the TEPA. Joint Ventures and Diversification: The agreement opens avenues for joint ventures in key sectors such as pharma (especially medical devices), chemicals, food processing, and engineering. India sees the TEPA as a means to diversify imports away from China, especially in critical medical imports where the country currently heavily depends on China. -Source: The Hindu Revised Terms for PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna Unveiled Context: The Centre has modified the ₹75,000-crore PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, originally intending to fully fund 1-3 KW solar system installations in one crore households. The revised plan now covers up to 60% of installation costs, requiring households to contribute the remainder, with a minimum payment of ₹20,000. Eligible houses must have suitable roofs, grid connectivity, and consumers are still responsible for grid power usage payments. Additionally, low-interest, collateral-free loans are available to assist with installation expenses. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Intervention Dimensions of the Article: About Surya Ghar Muft Bijli YojanaIndia’s current solar capacityIndia’s solar policy  About Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: The scheme provides free electricity to its beneficiaries and further sustainable development and people’s wellbeing.It aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.It scheme provides substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts and heavily concessional bank loans.The Central Government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions.Hence, the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people. Rooftop Solar Panels: Definition: Rooftop solar panels are photovoltaic panels installed on a building’s roof, integrated into the main power supply system. Benefits Energy Consumption Reduction: Significantly reduces reliance on grid-connected electricity, leading to lower electricity costs for consumers.Surplus Power Export: Excess solar power generated can be exported to the grid, providing monetary benefits to consumers based on prevailing regulations. India’s current solar capacity: Solar power has a major share in the country’s current renewable energy capacity, which stands at around 180 GW.According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s website, solar power installed capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as of December 2023.The rooftop solar installed capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023.In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second position with 10.5 GW. When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW. Importance for expansion of solar energy in India: According to the latest World Energy Outlook by the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is expected to witness the largest energy demand growth of any country or region in the world over the next 30 years.To meet this demand, the country would need a reliable source of energy and it can’t be just coal plants.Although India has doubled down on its coal production in recent years, it also aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.Therefore, it is essential to expand solar power capacity. India’s solar policy: Since 2011, India’s solar sector has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 59% from 0.5GW in 2011 to 55GW in 2021. National Solar Mission (NSM): The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), also known as the National Solar Mission (NSM), which commenced in January 2010, marked the first time the government focussed on promoting and developing solar power in India.Under the scheme, the total installed capacity target was set as 20GW by 2022.In 2015, the target was revised to 100GW and in August 2021, the government set a solar target of 300GW by 2030.India currently ranks fifth after China, U.S., Japan and Germany in terms of installed solar power capacity.As of December 2021, the cumulative solar installed capacity of India is 55GW, which is roughly half the renewable energy (RE) capacity (excluding large hydro power) and 14% of the overall power generation capacity of India.Within the 55GW, grid-connected utility-scale projects contribute 77% and the rest comes from grid-connected rooftop and off-grid projects. -Source: The Hindu Groundbreaking Coal Logistics Plan Unveiled in India Context: India has introduced a transformative initiative, the “Coal Logistics Plan and Policy,” signaling a significant step forward in the modernization of coal transportation. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Coal Logistics Plan and Policy in India Coal Logistics Plan and Policy in India: Coal logistics has been a persistent challenge in India, especially during high-demand periods, prompting the development of the Coal Logistics Plan and Policy. Key Points: Seasonal Coal Shortages:Persistent coal shortages during summer months, when electricity demand peaks, have highlighted the need for improved coal logistics.Challenges in Transportation:Frequent challenges in coal transportation have necessitated special measures by railways to prevent disruptions in coal supply.Objective of the Plan:The Coal Logistics Plan and Policy aim to enhance the affordability, efficiency, and environmental friendliness of coal logistics.Scope:Encompassing storage, loading, unloading, and delivery, the plan targets various industries such as power plants, steel mills, cement factories, and washeries.Strategic Shift to Railway-based System:Proposes a strategic shift towards a railway-based system, particularly in First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects.Cost Reduction Goals:Aims for a 14% reduction in rail logistic costs, with an anticipated annual cost-saving of Rs 21,000 Crore. Expected Outcomes: Environmental Benefits:Anticipated reduction in air pollution, alleviation of traffic congestion, and a decrease in carbon emissions by approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum.Efficiency Improvements:Forecasts a 10% reduction in the average turnaround time of wagons nationwide, contributing to overall logistics efficiency. Status of the Coal Sector in India: Coal, a naturally occurring combustible sedimentary rock, holds significant importance in India’s energy landscape. Geographic Distribution: India’s coal reserves are concentrated in the eastern and central regions, with major coal-producing states being Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Types of Coal and Clusters: Anthracite: Carbon content: 80% to 95%Limited quantities, primarily found in Jammu and Kashmir. Bituminous Coal: Carbon content: 60% to 80%Predominantly found in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Lignite: Carbon content: 40% to 55%High moisture levelsFound in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir. Peat: Carbon content below 40%Represents the earliest stage of the transformation from organic matter into coal. Coal Imports in India: Import Policy:The current import policy allows unrestricted coal imports under an Open General License.Consumer Categories:Steel, power, and cement sectors, along with coal traders, can import coal based on their commercial requirements.Coking Coal in Steel Sector:The steel sector primarily imports coking coal to supplement domestic availability and improve quality.Non-Coking Coal Imports:Other sectors like power and cement, as well as coal traders, import non-coking coal to meet their respective needs. Challenges Related to Coal for India: Environmental Impact: Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions:Coal mining and combustion contribute to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and habitat destruction, necessitating the management of environmental impacts.Addressing Environmental Impacts:Balancing the need for energy security with addressing environmental impacts remains a significant challenge. Health Risks: Community Health Hazards:Exposure to coal dust, particulate matter, and emissions from coal-fired power plants poses health risks to communities, leading to respiratory diseases and other health issues. Social Challenges: Land Acquisition and Displacement:Acquiring land for coal mining often displaces communities, disrupting livelihoods and posing challenges for proper rehabilitation and resettlement.Socio-economic Hardships:Rehabilitation and resettlement efforts encounter challenges, with affected populations facing social and economic hardships. Technology Adoption: Limited Adoption of Clean Coal Technologies:Despite advancements in technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), their widespread adoption in India is limited due to high costs and technical challenges. Transition to Renewable Energy: Balancing Energy Security and Renewable Transition:India’s commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions presents challenges for the coal sector. Finding a Balance: Striking a balance between ensuring energy security and meeting climate change mitigation objectives remains a significant hurdle. International Advocacy: COP28 Position: India advocated for a “phase down” of coal power at COP28, signaling a nuanced approach rather than an immediate “phase out,” highlighting the complexities in managing the coal sector amidst global environmental goals. Significance of Coal for India: Energy Source:Accounts for 55% of the country’s energy needs, making it the most important and abundant fossil fuel.Power Generation:70% of India’s power demand is met by thermal power plants, mostly powered by coal.Energy Consumption Trends:Over the past four decades, commercial primary energy consumption in India has increased by approximately 700%.Per Capita Consumption:Current per capita consumption is around 350 kilograms of oil equivalent per year, still lower than developed countries. -Source: The Hindu State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023 Context: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency celebrated its 22nd Foundation Day, centering on the theme “Energy Transition through Electrification and Decarbonization in India.” Additionally, the State Energy Efficiency Index 2023 was unveiled during the commemoration. Relevance: GS III: Energy Dimensions of the Article: State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2023: Development and Evaluation: The 5th edition of SEEI is developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE). Evaluation Criteria: It assesses the performance of 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) across seven demand sectors, employing 65 indicators that include qualitative, quantitative, and outcome-based measures. Classification: States and UTs are categorized as ‘Front runner’ (>=60), ‘Achiever’ (50-59.75), ‘Contender’ (30-49.75), and ‘Aspirant’ (<30) based on their total scores. Peer-to-Peer Comparison: Peer-to-peer performance comparison is facilitated by classifying states and UTs into four groups based on their total final energy consumption (TFEC): Group 1 (>15 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE)), Group 2 (5-15 MTOE), Group 3 (1-5 MTOE), and Group 4 (<1 MTOE). Top-Performing States: The leading states in each group are Karnataka (Group 1), Andhra Pradesh (Group 2), Assam (Group 3), and Chandigarh (Group 4). Key Findings of SEEI 2023: Front Runner (>=60): Seven states classified as ‘Front runner,’ including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Telangana. Achiever (50-59.75): Two states, Assam and Uttar Pradesh, fall under the ‘Achiever’ category. Contender (30-49.75): Three states, Goa, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu, are categorized as ‘Contender.’ Aspirant (<30): Maharashtra and Haryana showcase significant improvement, with score increases of 18.5 and 17 points, respectively.Fifteen states have improved their scores compared to SEEI 2021-22.Rajasthan experiences a substantial decline in score, primarily attributed to a lack of reported data. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): Establishment: BEE was established on March 1, 2002, under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, within the Ministry of Power. Mission: BEE’s mission is to aid in developing policies and strategies for energy efficiency, primarily aiming to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy. Functions: Responsible for regulatory and promotional functions outlined in the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Achievements: BEE has contributed to reducing India’s energy consumption by approximately 3.5%. -Source: The Hindu IRIS AI Robot Context: A groundbreaking development in education has emerged from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, where a school has introduced India’s first AI teacher robot, Iris. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology IRIS AI Robot: Technological Features: Powered by Robotics and Generative AI technologies, IRIS is equipped with a dedicated Intel processor and coprocessor, ensuring seamless performance. User Interface: The Android App interface allows users to control and interact with the robot, providing a personalized learning experience. Dynamic Functionality: IRIS is not merely a passive presence in the classroom but serves as a dynamic voice assistant and interactive learning tool. AI Voice-Controlled Assistant: It acts as an AI voice-controlled assistant, responding to user queries, providing explanations, and delivering educational content. Interactive Learning Experiences: Engages users in interactive learning experiences through personalized content generation, quizzes, and interactive activities. Mobility: Equipped with a 4-wheel chassis, IRIS can move freely within its environment, facilitating interaction with users and navigating through learning spaces. Manipulative Abilities: IRIS’s hands, featuring 5 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) each, enable it to manipulate objects, perform demonstrations, and engage in hands-on learning activities. Educational Scope: Capable of teaching subjects from nursery to Class 12, making it versatile across different educational levels. Multilingual Capabilities: Currently, the robot speaks three languages – English, Hindi, and Malayalam, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base. Creators: IRIS AI Robot is created by Maker Labs, showcasing advancements in educational technology and interactive learning tools. -Source: Times of India Gold Nanoparticles Context: Experts recently said that Gold nanoparticles used in medicines and beauty products may not only protect the skin from external infestations but can also help arrest the effects of ageing. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs): Gold nanoparticles are small gold particles with diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm. When dispersed in water, they are known as colloidal gold and are sometimes referred to as ‘gold bhasma.’ Properties: Attributes:Spherical AuNPs possess beneficial attributes such as size- and shape-related optoelectronic properties, a large surface-to-volume ratio, excellent biocompatibility, and low toxicity.Physical Properties:Key physical properties include surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and the ability to quench fluorescence.Color Variations:Spherical AuNPs exhibit various colors (brown, orange, red, purple) in aqueous solutions as the core size increases from 1 to 100 nm.Safety Characteristics:Not toxic, phototoxic, genotoxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing. Applications: Electronics:Designed for use as conductors, from printable inks to electronic chips. Nanoscale gold nanoparticles are employed to connect resistors, conductors, and other electronic chip elements.Photodynamic Therapy:Near-IR absorbing gold nanoparticles generate heat when excited by light (700 to 800 nm), enabling the eradication of targeted tumors.Therapeutic Agent Delivery:Coating therapeutic agents onto the surface of gold nanoparticles is possible due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio.Sensors:Utilized in various sensors, such as colorimetric sensors based on gold nanoparticles that can identify the suitability of foods for consumption.Diagnostics:Used in the detection of biomarkers for the diagnosis of heart diseases, cancers, and infectious agents. -Source: The Hindu

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 09 March 2024

CONTENTS NITI For States’ PlatformUttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI) NITI For States’ Platform Context: The Minister of Communications, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology will launch NITI Aayog’s NITI For States platform and Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’ at Rang Bhawan auditorium, New Delhi. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About NITI For States’ PlatformAbout ‘Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’ About NITI For States’ Platform Objective: The platform serves as a cross-sectoral knowledge repository, aiming to establish itself as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Policy and Good Governance. Key Features: Comprehensive Repository: Hosts a live repository featuring 7,500 Best Practices, 5,000 Policy documents, 900+ datasets, 1,400 data profiles, and 350 NITI publications.Sectoral Coverage: Encompasses knowledge products across 10 sectors, including Agriculture, Education, Energy, Health, Livelihoods and Skilling, Manufacturing, MSME, Tourism, Urban, and Water resources & WASH. Two cross-cutting themes are Gender and Climate Change.User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface for easy navigation, accessible through various devices, including mobile phones.Digital Transformation: Aims to facilitate the digital transformation of governance by providing government officials with robust, contextually relevant, and actionable knowledge and insights.Support for Functionaries: Supports functionaries at various levels, including district collectors and block-level functionaries, by granting access to innovative best practices from different States and Union Territories. About ‘Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’ Interactive Data Visualization: A space designed for interactive visualization of data, trends, best practices, and policies.Enables users to make a holistic assessment of problem statements. Features: Immersive Interaction: Allows users to interact through voice-enabled AI.Video Conferencing: Facilitates connection to multiple stakeholders through video conferencing.Plug-and-Play Model: Designed as a plug-and-play model for easy replication by states, districts, and blocks. Collaborative Initiative: Various government organizations, including iGOT Karmayogi, NITI Aayog’s National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP), National E-Governance Division (NeGD), Bhashini for multi-lingual support, and PM Gatishakti BISAG-N team with DPIIT support, have collaborated in this initiative. Integration: Integrates iGOT Karmayogi’s online training modules called “SAMARTH.”Incorporates NITI Aayog’s NDAP for access to government datasets.Leverages support from NeGD for developing the unique Viksit Bharat Strategy Room.Utilizes geospatial tools for Area-Based Planning with support from PM Gatishakti BISAG-N team and DPIIT. Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI) Context: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister of India approved the proposal of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade for Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme, 2024 (UNNATI – 2024). Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions About Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI) Objective: Develop industries and generate employment in the North East Region.Create productive economic activity in manufacturing and services. Duration and Financial Outlay: Effective from the date of notification until March 31, 2034 (inclusive of 8 years of committed liabilities).Financial outlay of Rs. 10,037 crore for the 10-year scheme period.Central Sector Scheme with Rs. 9,737 crore for incentives (Part A) and Rs. 300 crore for implementation and institutional arrangements (Part B). Salient Features: Application period for registration: From the date of notification to March 31, 2026.Production Commencement: Eligible units to start production or operation within 4 years from registration.District Categorization: Zones A (Industrially Advanced Districts) and B (Industrially Backward Districts).Earmarking of Funds: 60% of Part A outlay allocated to 8 NE states, and 40% on First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis.Eligibility: New and expanding industrial units. Implementation: Overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with states.National and state-level committees, including the Steering Committee and State Level Committee, will monitor implementation, ensure transparency, and recommend registrations and incentives claims.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 09 March 2024

CONTENTS Surging Copper Demand Spurs Focus on Economic GrowthPradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha AbhiyanGenome India ProjectVery Small Aperture TerminalHaiperTaeniogonalos deepakiOrans Surging Copper Demand Spurs Focus on Economic Growth Context: In FY23, the demand for copper witnessed a substantial 16% year-on-year growth. This surge has prompted policymakers and corporations to recognize the pivotal role of copper in driving economic growth. Relevance: GS I: Mineral and Energy Resources Dimensions of the Article: Key Points on CopperHindustan Copper Limited (HCL)Copper’s Key Importance About Copper: Attributes: Malleable, ductile metal with excellent heat and electricity conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties.Malleability: Ability to be pressed or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.Ductility: Can be stretched into a thin wire without losing strength. Applications: Widely used in construction, consumer durables, transportation, and industrial manufacturing.Integral to clean energy technologies like solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy-efficient motors.100% recyclable, promoting a circular economy. Occurrence and Composition: Naturally found in various forms in the Earth’s crust.Occurs in sulphide, carbonate, and silicate deposits, as well as in pure native form.Most commercial copper ore deposits globally have an average grade of 0.8%. Mining Methods: Primary methods: Open-pit (80% global operations) and underground mining. Copper Deposits in India: Mainly in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Jhunjhunu, and Alwar (Rajasthan).Minor deposits in Agnigundala (Andhra Pradesh), Chitradurg, Hasan (Karnataka), and South Arcot (Tamil Nadu). India’s Copper Appetite: Rising demand due to infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and urbanization.Heavy reliance on copper imports, prompting efforts to boost domestic production. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL): Formed in 1967, a Miniratna Category-I enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.Vertically integrated copper producing company, consolidating exploration and exploitation projects. Copper’s Key Importance: Economic Barometer: Reflects global economic conditions, influenced by demand/supply dynamics, monetary markets, and speculation.Energy Efficiency: Vital for energy-efficient buildings, reducing energy consumption in heating, cooling, and lighting.Sustainable Future: Contributes to sustainability by minimizing energy losses throughout a building’s lifespan. -Source: Indian Express Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan Context: The housing component of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN), aimed at providing housing for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), faces significant challenges hindering its smooth implementation. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Challenges Hindering the Implementation of PM-JANMANPradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN): Empowering Tribal Communities Challenges Hindering the Implementation of PM-JANMAN Discrepancies in Data: Disparity between Centre and state-provided data hinders accurate identification of beneficiaries.Reliance on PM Gati Shakti portal led to varying population figures for 75 PVTGs. Rushed Data Collection: Limited timeframe for state surveys resulted in incomplete data collection.Concerns raised by states like Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Tripura about beneficiaries being missed. Delays in Housing Component: Simultaneous data collection and project implementation caused delays in housing component.Only 1.59 lakh houses sanctioned out of targeted 5 lakh. Urgency for Election Progress: Rapid implementation pace ahead of General Elections 2024 may compromise planning and execution quality. Logistical Challenges in Remote Areas: Identifying eligible beneficiaries in remote and inaccessible areas poses logistical hurdles.Lack of infrastructure and communication networks hinder data collection and housing scheme implementation. Dynamic Population Movement: Tribal populations, especially PVTGs, exhibit migratory patterns.Population movement complicates accurate beneficiary estimation, requiring adaptive strategies for comprehensive coverage. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN): Empowering Tribal Communities Comprehensive Scheme: PM JANMAN, comprising Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, is a holistic initiative targeting 11 critical interventions through nine ministries, with a particular focus on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Key Interventions: Aims to address 11 critical interventions, including permanent housing, road connectivity, piped water supply, mobile medical units, hostel construction, ‘Anganwadi’ facilities, and skill development centers. Additional Ministries’ Involvement: Beyond the 11 critical interventions, other ministries contribute to the mission’s success.Ministry of Ayush:Establishes Ayush Wellness Centres based on existing norms.Extends Ayush facilities to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations through Mobile Medical Units.Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship:Facilitates skill and vocational training in PVTG habitations, multipurpose centers, and hostels, aligning with the specific skills of these communities. -Source: The Hindu Genome India Project Context: The Genome India Project, a project funded and coordinated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), announced that it had finished sequencing 10,000 Indian genomes. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About GenomeGenome India ProjectSignificance of the Genome India ProjectChallenges of the Genome India Project About Genome: It refers to the complete set of genetic instructions or information that an organism possesses.It is made up of DNA, which carries the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms.The study of genomics involves the analysis of genomes and has led to many breakthroughs in various fields, including medicine and biotechnology. Genome Sequencing Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), that make up an organism’s DNA. Genome India Project India’s population consists of over 4,600 diverse population groups, many of which are endogamous.These groups have unique genetic variations and disease-causing mutations that cannot be compared to other populations.The Genome India Project aims to create a database of Indian genomes to learn about these unique genetic variants and use the information to create personalized drugs and therapies.The project was started in 2020 and is inspired by the successful decoding of the entire human genome in the Human Genome Project (HGP).The project seeks to better understand the genetic variations and disease-causing mutations specific to the Indian population, which is one of the most genetically diverse in the world.By sequencing and analyzing these genomes, researchers hope to gain insights into the underlying genetic causes of diseases and develop more effective personalized therapies.The project involves the collaboration of 20 institutions across India and is being led by the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, China, and the United States, also have similar programs to sequence their genomes. Significance of the Genome India Project: The Genome India Project (GIP) has significant implications in various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, and global science. Here are the key points of its significance: Personalized Medicine: The GIP aims to develop personalized medicine based on patients’ genomes to anticipate and modulate diseases. By mapping disease propensities to genetic variations, interventions can be targeted more effectively, and diseases can be anticipated before they develop.Understanding Disease Propensities: GIP can help understand the genetic basis of disease propensities in different populations. For example, variations across genomes may explain why cardiovascular disease leads to heart attacks in South Asians but to strokes in most parts of Africa.Agriculture: The GIP can benefit agriculture by understanding the genetic basis of the susceptibility of plants to pests, insects, and other issues hampering productivity. This can reduce dependence on chemicals.Global Science: The project is said to be among the most significant of its kind in the world because of its scale and the diversity it would bring to genetic studies. Global science will also benefit from a mapping project in one of the world’s most diverse gene pools. Challenges of the Genome India Project Potential for scientific racism and reinforcement of stereotypes: There are concerns that genetic mapping could be used to promote ideas of racial purity and justify discrimination. Deepening of social divisions: In a country already divided by identity politics, genetic mapping may further deepen existing social divisions.Data privacy and storage concerns: In the absence of a comprehensive data privacy bill in India, there are concerns about the possible misuse of genetic information collected by the GIP.Ethical questions about gene modification and selective breeding: The project raises ethical questions about the potential for doctors to privately perform gene modification or selective breeding, which have always been controversial.Risk of misuse of genetic information: There is a risk that genetic information collected by the GIP could be misused, either intentionally or unintentionally. The 2018 sentencing of a Chinese scientist who created the world’s first gene-edited babies highlights the seriousness of these concerns. -Source: The Hindu Very Small Aperture Terminal Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is planning to collaborate with ISRO to deploy V-SAT stations on a pilot basis for around 80 tribal villages. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Key HighlightsVery Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)Advantages/Disadvantages of VSAT Key Highlights: The Union Ministry for Tribal Affairs (MoTA) unveils transformative partnerships for tribal development.Collaborations established with premier institutions including ISRO, IISc Bengaluru, AIIMS Delhi, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Delhi.Focus on addressing connectivity challenges in around 18,000 remote tribal villages through a gap analysis.Limited mobile and internet accessibility in these areas impedes access to basic services.Partnership with ISRO targets the deployment of satellite-based V-SAT solutions.V-SAT stations, whether static or mounted on vehicles, aim to overcome connectivity challenges.MoTA and ISRO collaboratively launch V-SAT stations on a pilot basis in 80 villages across Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.The stations will provide Wi-Fi with a capacity of 100 Mbps, expandable to another 100 Mbps with boosters.The initiative seeks to enhance connectivity and provide access to essential services for tribal communities.The success of the pilot project may lead to scaling up in other similar tribal villages, contributing to e-governance in remote areas. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) A VSAT is a two-way ground station facilitating data transmission to and from satellites.It is compact, standing at less than three meters, and supports both narrow and broadband data in real-time. Functionality: VSAT networks find diverse commercial applications, notably in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).Walmart, for instance, uses VSAT to track inventory, enhancing real-time inventory management and reducing delivery costs.The hub system, combined with VSAT, enables precise stocking, minimizing product movements between locations. Applications in Manufacturing: Manufacturers utilize VSAT for relaying orders, monitoring real-time production figures, and other functions usually handled over wired networks. National Stock Exchange (NSE) Connectivity: NSE in India boasts one of the world’s largest VSAT networks, offering connectivity options.VSAT enables access in areas where wired options are limited, expanding the exchange’s reach. Reliability of VSAT Network: Despite occasional sun outages caused by solar radiation, the VSAT network, including the NSE’s extensive network, has demonstrated reliability. Significance: VSAT plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient data communication, especially in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and financial exchanges. Advantages/Disadvantages of VSAT Advantages: Ease of Deployment:VSAT networks excel in deployment efficiency due to reduced infrastructure requirements for servicing remote locations through satellite communication.Connectivity for Remote Work Sites:Ideal for remote work sites like exploratory drilling locations, facilitating the relay of critical data such as daily drill logs to central headquarters.Independence from Local Telecom Networks:VSAT operates independently of local telecommunications networks, serving as a robust backup system for wired networks and mitigating business recovery risks.Network Redundancy:In case of wired network failures, businesses can seamlessly continue operations using the VSAT network, providing essential network redundancy. Disadvantages: Latency Challenges:VSAT encounters latency issues as information takes time to travel between the ground station and the satellite in geosynchronous orbit, affecting real-time communication.Limitations in Two-Way Communication Protocols:Protocols requiring frequent two-way communication face challenges with VSAT due to latency, which is more pronounced compared to one-way data transfer.Weather-Dependent Signal Quality:The quality of the VSAT signal can be adversely affected by weather conditions, introducing variability and potential disruptions.Obstruction Impact:Obstructions such as buildings can interfere with the VSAT signal, posing challenges to signal integrity and requiring careful consideration of placement. -Source: The Hindu Haiper Context: Recently, former members of Google’s DeepMind team, have introduced Haiper, a cutting-edge AI-powered video generation tool. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Haiper Description: An all-in-one visual foundation model designed for easy generation of high-quality video content.Aims to make cutting-edge machine learning accessible to everyone, regardless of technical training. Founders’ Vision: Believes in making creativity “fun, surprising, and shareable.”Positions Haiper as a powerful perceptual foundation model-driven AI contributing to a new path towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Features: Offers various tools, including text-to-video, animated static images, and video repainting tools.Provides a platform for users to generate videos for free by entering text prompts. Current Limitations: Users can generate HD videos, with a duration of 2 seconds for free.Slightly lower-quality videos can extend up to four seconds. Accessibility: Users can access the platform through the website by logging in with their email addresses. -Source: The Hindu Taeniogonalos deepaki Context: Entomologists of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment have discovered a new species of wasp in the Western Ghat region of Karnataka. Relevance: GS III: Species in News About Taeniogonalos deepaki Discovery: Discovered in the Belgaum region of Karnataka.Named after Dr. Deepak Deshpande, a medical doctor and nature enthusiast who collected the specimen. Taxonomy: Belongs to the genus Taeniogonalos.Part of the family Trigonalyidae within the order Hymenoptera. Family Characteristics: Trigonalyidae is known for hyperparasitoids, insects that infiltrate and develop within other parasitoids. Distribution: Genus Taeniogonalos is found in various regions, including Afrotropical, oriental, eastern palaearctic, nearctic, Australian, and neotropical.Six species reported earlier from India and 20 from China. Male Description: Scientists reported the first male description of another species, Taeniogonalos eurysoma. Geographical Presence: Majority of Taeniogonalos species reported from south India. Understanding Parasitoid: Organism with young that develop on or within another organism (host), ultimately leading to the host’s death.Exhibits characteristics of both predators and parasites. -Source: The Hindu Orans Context: Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the state’s proposal to classify orans (sacred groves) as deemed forests. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Dimensions of the Article: About Orans in RajasthanUnderstanding Sacred Groves About Orans in Rajasthan Definition: Orans are traditional sacred groves located in Rajasthan.These are community-managed forests preserved through cultural and religious significance. Management and Preservation: Rural communities actively manage Orans.Preserved through institutions and codes, often considered sacred.Local deities are associated with Orans. Characteristics: Rich in biodiversity.Typically include a water body.Serves as a communal space for herding, festivals, social events, and congregations. Connection to Communities: Communities in Rajasthan have conserved Orans for centuries.Lives of these communities are intertwined with these sacred spaces. Wildlife Habitat: Natural habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).GIB is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act. Understanding Sacred Groves: Definition: Relic forest patches protected by communities out of reverence for a deity.Essential for biodiversity conservation, providing refuge for diverse plant and animal species. National Presence: India boasts over 13,000 documented Sacred Groves.Found across the country, notably in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Regional Names: Known by various regional names such as Kavu/Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, Devarakadu/Devkad in Karnataka, Deorai/Devrai in Maharashtra, Jahera/Thakuramma in Odisha, etc. -Source: Indian Express

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 08 March 2024

CONTENTS Golden Jubilee Celebration of GCMMF and Amul’s Success: Prime Minister’s Highlightse-Kisan Upaj Nidhi Golden Jubilee Celebration of GCMMF and Amul’s Success: Prime Minister’s Highlights Context: The Prime Minister participated in the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and emphasized the remarkable success of Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul), which is a product of GCMMF. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Evolution of Amul: Nurturing the White Revolution Founding Years (1946-1950): Established in 1946 as the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited in Anand, Gujarat.Founded by Tribhuvandas Patel with crucial support from Morarji Desai and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.In 1950, transitioned into Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited), a brand representing cooperative-produced dairy products. Cooperative Empowerment Model: Pioneered the Anand Pattern, an economic organizational model emphasizing collective action for small producers.The model integrates producers for scale benefits while preserving individual decision-making autonomy. International Recognition: Amul’s success story became a global reference in cooperative economics and rural development.Garnered attention for effectively empowering small producers through a cooperative framework.White Revolution Catalyst (1955 onwards):Integral role in India’s White Revolution, geared towards self-sufficiency in milk production.Initiated the White Revolution with the introduction of milk powder manufacturing in 1955. Global Presence and Impact: Over 50 countries receive Amul products, highlighting its global export footprint.Network encompasses 18,000+ milk cooperative committees and 36,000+ farmers.Daily processing capacity of over 3.5 crore litres of milk and facilitating online payments exceeding Rs 200 crores to livestock breeders. India’s White Revolution – Operation Flood: Transforming Dairy Dynamics Foundations of Change (1965): National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), chaired by Verghese Kurien, established in 1965.Objective: Revolutionize India’s dairy sector through innovative strategies. Launch of Operation Flood (1970): Operation Flood initiated in 1970, also known as the White Revolution.Inspired by the successful “Anand Pattern” to connect rural milk producers with urban consumers through cooperative models. Key Achievements: India became the world’s largest milk producer.Significant enhancement in milk production and management efficiency. Operational Phases: Phase I (1970-1980): Financing through European Union’s milk powder and butter oil.Connected 18 milksheds with major cities.Laid the foundation for village cooperatives. Phase II (1981-1985): Expanded to 136 milksheds and 290 urban markets.Established 43,000 village cooperatives, covering 4.25 million milk producers.Promoted self-reliance in milk powder production. Phase III (1985-1996): Strengthened infrastructure for milk procurement and marketing.Emphasized veterinary healthcare, feed, and artificial insemination.Expanded to 30,000 new cooperatives, peaking at 173 milksheds. Post-Operation Flood (1991 onwards): Liberalization reforms allowed private participation in the dairy sector.Introduction of Milk and Milk Products Order (MMPO) in 1992 for regulation and oversight.MMPO aimed at maintaining and increasing milk supply. Industry Dynamics: Initial phase marked by unregulated dairies and concerns of adulteration.Growth in processing capacity driven by large private players.Sector witnessed significant expansion and modernization. Current State of Indian Milk Production Production Leadership (2021-22): India ranks first globally in milk production, contributing 24% of the world’s output.Over the last decade, milk production has surged by nearly 60%, with a corresponding 40% increase in per capita milk availability. Top Milk-Producing States: Leading states in milk production: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.Rajasthan tops the list, emphasizing regional contributions. Sector Growth and Global Comparison: Indian dairy sector experiences a robust 6% annual growth, surpassing the global average of 2%. Dairy Exports (2022-23): India exported 67,572.99 Metric Tons (MT) of dairy products globally, valued at USD 284.65 million during 2022-23. Challenges in the Indian Dairy Sector: Low Milk Yield: Milk yield per animal in India falls below the global average.Attributed to factors like poor-quality feed, traditional cattle breeds, and inadequate veterinary care. Logistical and Handling Challenges: Issues in milk collection, pasteurization, and transportation.Handling concerns in informal dairy setups impact milk safety. Adulteration Concerns: Adulteration of milk remains a persistent challenge due to quality control difficulties. Price Disparities: Milk producers receive lower purchase prices compared to market rates, affecting profit distribution in the value chain. Livestock Health Issues: Frequent outbreaks of diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Black Quarter infection, and Influenza impact livestock health and productivity. Crossbreeding Limitations: Limited success in crossbreeding indigenous species with exotic stocks to enhance genetic potential. e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi Context: Recently, the union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Commerce and Industry and Textiles launched ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) in New Delhi. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi Platform: Facilitating Farmers’ Post-Harvest StorageAbout Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA): e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi Platform: Facilitating Farmers’ Post-Harvest Storage Digital Gateway: e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi is a digital platform operated by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).Objective: It simplifies the process for farmers to store their produce at any registered WDRA warehouse for up to 6 months, offering an attractive 7% interest per annum. Key Features: Digital Process:The platform leverages digital technology for a streamlined and simplified process.Aims to alleviate distress sales by providing farmers with viable post-harvest storage options.Interest Rate:Farmers opting for storage through this platform benefit from a competitive 7% interest per annum. About Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA): WDRA was established under the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007.Consists of one Chairperson and two full-time Members. Mission: Establishment of a negotiable warehouse receipt system in the country.Promotion of warehouse receipts as a primary tool of trade and facilitation of finance against it.Improvement of the quality of lending portfolios for banks.Enhancement of interest in lending against goods stored in warehouses. Functions: Issuance of negotiable warehouse receipts to help farmers secure loans from banks.Mitigation of distress sales during peak marketing seasons.Prevention of post-harvest storage losses. Commodity Coverage: WDRA covers 136 agricultural commodities for issuing negotiable warehouse receipts, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, spices, rubber, tobacco, and coffee.Additionally, 24 horticultural commodities are covered for cold storage, along with 9 non-agricultural commodities.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 08 March 2024

CONTENTS FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate”Google-App Developer Dispute: Market Monopoly ConcernsJim Corbett National ParkIndia’s First Under-River Metro TunnelStar DunesFrontier Technology Lab FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate” Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently released a report titled “The Unjust Climate,” highlighting the varying impacts of climate change on income and adaptation in rural areas based on gender, wealth, and age. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Findings of the FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate”Recommendations from the ReportFAO’s Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change ImpactFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Key Findings of the FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate” Analysis Scope: FAO examined socioeconomic data from 100,000 rural households across 24 Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs).Integrated data with 70 years of georeferenced daily precipitation and temperature data. Impact of Extreme Heat: Each day of extreme heat leads to a 2.4% loss in on-farm incomes for poor rural households.A 1°C temperature increase would result in a 33% decrease in off-farm incomes for rural poor households. Impact of Extreme Precipitation: Daily extreme precipitation causes poor households to lose 0.8% of their incomes relative to non-poor households.In an average year, poor households lose 5% of total income due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods compared to better-off households. Income Gap Widening: Floods and heat stress widen the income gap between poor and non-poor rural households by approximately USD 21 billion and USD 20 billion per year, respectively. Maladaptive Coping Strategies: Poor rural households adopt maladaptive coping strategies, including distress sale of livestock and reducing investments in agriculture during extreme weather events.These coping strategies make them more vulnerable to future climate stressors. Lack of Inclusion in Policies: Rural people and their climate vulnerabilities are largely absent in national climate policies.Less than 1% of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and national adaptation plans (NAP) mention poor people, with only about 6% referring to farmers in rural communities.Only 7.5% of tracked climate finance in 2017-18 was allocated to climate change adaptation, with less than 3% directed to agriculture, forestry, and other land uses.Agricultural policies often neglect gender equality, women’s empowerment, and intersecting vulnerabilities related to climate change. Recommendations from the Report: Targeted Interventions: Address challenges through targeted interventions empowering various rural populations to engage in climate-adaptive measures. Investment in Policies and Programs: Imperative to invest in policies and programs addressing multidimensional climate vulnerabilities of rural populations, considering their limited access to productive resources. Link Social Protection Programs: Link social protection programs to advisory services, encouraging adaptation and compensating farmers for losses through cash-based social assistance programs. Gender-Transformative Methodologies: Implement gender-transformative methodologies challenging discriminatory gender norms to empower women and enhance their agency over economic decisions. FAO’s Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change Impact: Inclusive Climate Actions: FAO’s Strategy and Action Plan on Climate Change embeds inclusive climate actions.Mainstreaming climate change impact in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, focusing on better production, nutrition, environment, and life for all. Global Roadmap for SDG 2: FAO’s Global Roadmap for Achieving SDG 2 without breaching the 1.5 °C threshold emphasizes simultaneous considerations of gender inequalities, climate actions, and nutrition.Actions encompass these dimensions and promote inclusivity for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on leading international efforts to eliminate hunger.World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, marks the founding anniversary of FAO in 1945.Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO collaborates with sister organizations, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Initiatives Taken: Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS): Recognizes and promotes agricultural systems contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.Desert Locust Monitoring: Monitors the global situation of Desert Locust to address potential threats to crops.Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): Responsible for implementing the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources: Adopted in 2001 to ensure conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Flagship Publications: The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO).The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO). -Source: The Hindu Google-App Developer Dispute: Market Monopoly Concerns Context: In recent developments, a conflict has arisen between Google and app developers, leading to the removal of nearly a dozen firms from Google’s Android app marketplace. The dispute revolves around issues related to market monopoly and anti-competitive practices, putting Google’s strong control over the Android app ecosystem at the center of contention. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Google and App Developers DisputeMarket MonopolyIndian Initiatives to Deal with Market MonopolyInternational Initiatives to Deal with Market Monopoly Google and App Developers Dispute: Background: Google’s Android platform and Google Play store dominate India’s smartphone ecosystem.Indian app developers heavily rely on Google Play for app distribution and monetization. Key Issue: Imposition of Fees: Google charges fees ranging from 11% to 30% on in-app purchases of digital services, a point of contention for developers. Developers’ Perspective: Developers, including Bharat Matrimony and Disney+ Hotstar, find Google’s fees excessive, economically burdensome, and limiting choices. Regulatory Involvement: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Google for anticompetitive practices, signaling regulatory concern over market dominance and pricing policies. Broader Concerns: The conflict highlights concerns about platform monopolies affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovation, and consumer welfare. Global Context: Similar disputes between tech giants and app developers have arisen globally, with Apple facing scrutiny over its App Store fees.Legal and regulatory actions in the EU and the US set precedents for addressing antitrust concerns and promoting fair competition in digital markets. Market Monopoly: Market Dominance: A situation where a single company or a group of companies controls a substantial share of a specific market or industry.Exclusive Provider: In a monopoly, there is only one seller or producer for a particular product or service, and no close substitutes are available. Features: Exclusive Dominance: The monopolistic entity is the sole provider, enjoying exclusive control over the market.Barriers to Entry: Monopolies often emerge due to barriers like high startup costs, resource access, regulations, or strong brand loyalty.Limited Consumer Options: Consumers have minimal or no alternatives for the monopolistic product or service, lacking substitutes.Market Power: The monopoly wields significant market power, influencing conditions, setting prices, and controlling supply.Supply Control: The monopolistic entity dictates the quantity produced and can adjust supply to impact market dynamics.Reduced Competition: With no direct competitors, monopolies may lack incentives for innovation and efficiency. Impact: Consumer Prices: Monopolies may lead to higher prices for consumers.Innovation Challenges: Lack of competition can reduce incentives for innovation in a monopolistic environment. Indian Initiatives to Deal with Market Monopoly: Competition Act, 2002: Objective: Enacted to promote competition, prevent anti-competitive practices, and safeguard consumer interests. Competition Amendment Bill, 2022: Purpose: Aims to strengthen the regulatory framework, address emerging challenges, and enhance the effectiveness of competition law enforcement. Competition Commission of India (CCI): Role: Regulator responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.Functions: Investigates and takes actions against anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive agreements. Competition Appellate Tribunal and NCLAT: History: Initially, COMPAT heard appeals against CCI decisions.Current Status: Replaced by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in 2017, handling appeals related to competition matters. International Initiatives to Deal with Market Monopoly: OECD Competition Committee: Role: Address anti-competitive practices through initiatives facilitating discussions and cooperation among member countries. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): Guidance: Provides guidance on competition policy and law through the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy.Focus: Supports countries in implementing effective competition frameworks and addresses policies protecting consumers and curbing regulations stifling competition.  International Competition Network (ICN): Network: Facilitates communication and cooperation among global competition authorities.Functions: Provides a platform for sharing best practices, developing guidelines, and addressing global competition challenges. World Trade Organization (WTO): Focus: Primarily centered on trade issues but addresses competition policy through its Working Group on the Interaction between Trade and Competition Policy. Objective: Ensures competition policies do not create unnecessary barriers to trade. -Source: The Hindu Jim Corbett National Park Context: The Supreme Court has slammed the political-bureaucrat nexus over illegal construction and felling of trees at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, saying public trust had been thrown into the “waste bin”. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Supreme Court’s Intervention in Alleged Violations at Corbett National ParkJim Corbett National Park: Biodiversity and Key Facts Supreme Court’s Intervention in Alleged Violations at Corbett National Park Background: In 2023, concerns arose regarding alleged illegal constructions and environmental violations within Uttarakhand’s Corbett National Park.Petitions were filed, highlighting the encroachment into core wildlife habitats and violations of environmental norms. Petitioners’ Allegations: Environmental Norms Violation:Alleged creation of illegal buildings and waterbodies.Emphasis on the breach of environmental norms.Wildlife Habitat Encroachment:Highlighted encroachment into core wildlife habitats within the national park.Unauthorised Constructions:Presentation of evidence showcasing unauthorised constructions, including concrete and iron enclosures for a ‘safari’ experience.Tree Cutting:Alleged felling of over 6,000 trees under the pretext of safari development. Supreme Court’s Response: Questioning Safari Facilities:Raised concerns about the necessity of creating such facilities in natural forest environments, particularly in areas designated for the protection of endangered species like tigers.Committee Formation:Directed the Government to constitute a committee.Mandate: Recommend whether tiger safaris should be permitted in buffer or fringe areas.Task: Develop guidelines for establishing such safaris if permitted.Strict View on Violations:Took a stern view of illegal constructions and extensive tree cutting within Corbett National Park. Jim Corbett National Park: Biodiversity and Key Facts Location: Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. Flora: Diverse vegetation includes Sal, Semal, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, and various other species.Sal, Khair, and Sissoo are prominently visible in the park. Fauna: Rich wildlife featuring Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, and more.Abundance of reptiles, including Crocodile, Gharial, King Cobra, and Monitor Lizard. Rivers: Eastern periphery fed by the Kosi River.The Ramganga River (West) and its tributaries form a significant hydrological resource. Key Facts: Established in 1935, making it India’s oldest national park.Initially named Hailey National Park, renamed Corbett National Park in 1956 to honor Jim Corbett.Boasts the highest tiger population in India. Core and Buffer Areas in Tiger Reserves: Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act (2006):Mandates a Tiger Reserve to have a core habitat (National Park or Sanctuary) and a buffer zone.Core Areas:Possess legal status akin to a National Park or Sanctuary.Buffer Areas:Mix of forest and non-forest land, managed for multiple uses.Acts as a protective barrier against poaching pressure on wildlife populations. -Source: The Hindu India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel Context: Prime Minister recently inaugurated a metro train service between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade in Kolkata, marking the opening of India’s first under-river metro tunnel. Relevance: GS III: Infrastructure Dimensions of the Article: About India’s First Under-River Metro TunnelKey Facts about River Hooghly India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel: Connecting Kolkata’s East-West Corridor Integral part of Kolkata Metro’s East-West Corridor.Passes beneath the Hooghly River in the city’s northeast.Tunnel is positioned 13 meters below the riverbed and 37 meters below ground level.Constitutes a 4.8 km underground section from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.Project cost amounts to Rs 4,965 crore. Additional Features: Houses the country’s deepest metro station, Howrah Maidan, located 32 meters below ground level.Expected to traverse the 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly River in just 45 seconds. Key Facts about River Hooghly: Also known as Bhagirathi-Hoogly and Kati-Ganga Rivers.A Ganges distributary, stretching approximately 260 km.Originates in Murshidabad, West Bengal, where the Ganga divides into the Padma in Bangladesh and the Hooghly.Silted up above Kolkata, the river flows southwest to enter the Bay of Bengal through a wide estuary.Majority of water sourced from the Farakka Feeder Canal, thanks to the Farakka Barrage.Fed by rivers like Haldi, Ajay, Damodar, and Rupnarayan in the lower reaches.Important cities along the Hoogli include Jiaganj, Azimganj, Murshidabad, and Baharampur.Spanned by notable bridges like the cantilever bridge between Haora and Kolkata and the Bally Bridge between Bally and Baranagar. -Source: The Hindu Star Dunes Context: Scientists unveiled the first in-depth study of a star dune, revealing the internal structure of these geological features and showing how long it took for one of them to form. Relevance: GS  I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: Star DunesRecent Research Star Dunes: Definition: Also known as pyramid dunes, characterized by distinctive star-like shapes and towering heights, often exceeding hundreds of meters.Global Presence: Found in Africa, Asia, and North America, with sightings on celestial bodies like Mars and Saturn’s moon Titan.Earthly Distribution: Constitute approximately 10% of the world’s desert dunes. Formation: Distinctive Features: Tallest among dune types, surpassing crescent-shaped barchan dunes and linear dunes.Factors: Formed in regions with intricate wind patterns, where winds converge from various directions, leading to the accumulation of sand in specific desert locations. Geographical Hotspots: China: Earth’s largest star dunes located in the Badain Jaran desert.Africa: Present in the Namib Sand Sea in Namibia, Grand Erg Oriental and Grand Erg Occidental in Algeria, and Rub’ al Khali in Saudi Arabia.North America: Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado hosts a series of star dunes. Recent Research: Location: UK research team focused on the Lala Lallia dune in southeast Morocco, measuring 100 meters in height and 700 meters in width.Age Revelation: Luminescence dating technique employed to determine the age of the star dune.Findings: Base of the dune dated back 13,000 years, while the upper part formed in the last 1,000 years.Significance: Offers insights into the dynamic formation and evolution of star dunes, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s geological history. -Source: The Hindu Frontier Technology Lab Context: Recently, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and Meta have announced the launch of Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs). Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions Frontier Technology Lab: Pioneering Digital Skills in Education Overview: An advanced iteration of Atal Tinkering Lab.Aims to propel the government’s objectives of digital inclusion, skill development, and economic growth. Collaboration and Funding: Partnership between Atal Innovation Mission and Meta to establish FTLs in strategically significant schools.Meta to fund the labs, with Atal Innovation Mission serving as the knowledge partner. Infrastructure: Equipped with cutting-edge facilities encompassing components like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Internet of Things.Education to Entrepreneurship Initiative:Integral part of Meta’s Education to Entrepreneurship initiative launched in September 2023.Aims to seamlessly connect students, youth, workforce, and micro-entrepreneurs with futuristic technologies, promoting digital skilling at the grassroots level. Management: Labs to be overseen by Meta’s partner 1M1B (One Million for One Billion). Significance: Aligns with the government’s emphasis on arming the youth with digital skills to navigate the evolving technological landscape and global economy. -Source: The Hindu, PIB

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 07 March 2024

CONTENTS Preserving Heritage through GI TagsUDGAM Portal Preserving Heritage through GI Tags Context: The traditional crochet lace craft of Narasapur in Andhra Pradesh, along with Majuli masks and manuscript painting in Assam, has been granted Geographical Indications (GI) tags. These tags play a crucial role in safeguarding these unique crafts against competition and decline, ensuring their cultural significance endures. The GI recognition seeks to rejuvenate and promote these traditional crafts, contributing to the preservation of India’s rich heritage. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft:Majuli Masks and Manuscript PaintingGeographical Indications (GI) Tag Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft: Originated in 1844, Narasapur’s crochet lace craft faced challenges like the Indian famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929).By the early 1900s, over 2,000 women were engaged in lace crafting in the Godavari region, emphasizing its cultural importance.The craft involves transforming thin cotton threads into intricate artefacts using delicate crochet needles.Artisans utilize a single crochet hook to create loops and interlocking stitches, producing delicate lace patterns.Narsapur’s hand-made crochet industry produces a diverse range of lace products, including garments, home furnishings, accessories, and more.Exports reach global markets, with destinations such as the UK, USA, and France. Majuli Masks and Manuscript Painting: Majuli Masks: Intricately crafted masks made by hand using traditional techniques.Traditionally used in bhaonas (religious theatrical performances) to depict characters with devotional messages.Masks feature gods, goddesses, demons, animals, and birds, with varied materials such as bamboo, clay, dung, cloth, and wood.Sizes range from face coverings to full head and body masks.Modernization of Majuli mask-making extends beyond traditional confines to embrace contemporary contexts.Predominantly found in four sattras (monasteries) in Majuli. Majuli Manuscript Painting: Form of religious art linked to Majuli’s Vaishnavite culture and worship.Attributed to Srimanta Sankardev, the earliest example depicts the Adya Dasama of the Bhagwat Purana in Assamese.Inspired by the Pala school of Painting art, characterized by vibrant colors, detailed work, and emphasis on religious themes.Practised in every sattra in Majuli, continuing a rich cultural tradition. Geographical Indications (GI) Tag Definition and Importance: Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product.They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS. Administration and Registration: Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each. Significance and Examples: GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin.The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea.Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39. Ownership and Proprietorship: Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag.The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product.Protection and Enforcement:Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin.Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions. Location of the Geographical Indications Registry: The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India. UDGAM Portal Context Recently, the Reserve Bank of India said 30 banks are facilitating people to search their unclaimed deposits/accounts through UDGAM portal. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy About UDGAM Portal UDGAM stands for Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to Access inforMation.Development:Developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).Purpose:Facilitates registered users to search unclaimed deposits/accounts across multiple banks centrally.Participating Banks:Currently involves 30 banks, covering approximately 90% of unclaimed deposits (in value terms) in the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund of RBI.Coverage:Encompasses all unclaimed deposits/accounts within the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund of RBI.Information Categories:Provides information for both individuals and non-individuals categories of unclaimed deposits.Functionality:Primarily allows the search of unclaimed deposits/accounts across multiple banks.Offers details on the claim/settlement process for each bank.Claim Process:Unclaimed deposits can only be claimed directly from the respective bank.Registration:Users registering on the portal receive a unique Unclaimed Deposit Reference Number (UDRN).UDRN is generated through Core Banking Solution (CBS) by banks and assigned to each unclaimed account/deposit transferred to the DEA Fund of RBI.UDRN ensures the confidentiality of account holder and bank branch details.Claim Settlement:UDRN facilitates seamless settlement of claims received from customers/depositors who successfully search in the UDGAM portal.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 07 March 2024

CONTENTS Supreme Court Overturns 1998 Ruling on Parliamentary PrivilegeAll India Household Consumption Expenditure SurveyArchaeological Discovery in Telangana: Ancient Chalukyan TemplesFourth mass coral bleachingMethaneSATHolistic Progress CardCycas circinalis Supreme Court Overturns 1998 Ruling on Parliamentary Privilege Context: In a recent development, the Supreme Court overturned a 25-year-old majority opinion in the P V Narasimha Rao v State (CBI/Spe) Case, 1998, commonly known as the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) bribery case. The SC clarified that parliamentary privileges do not shield lawmakers from prosecution for bribery, signaling a departure from the previous ruling’s immunity for lawmakers  who accepted bribes could not be prosecuted for corruption if they followed through with voting or speaking in the House as agreed. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: P V Narasimha Rao Case: Supreme Court’s Evolving RulingsWhat does Article 105 say?Parliamentary Privilege: History and Restrictions P V Narasimha Rao Case: Supreme Court’s Evolving Rulings Case Background: In the 1993 P V Narasimha Rao case, JMM MPs faced allegations of bribery for voting against a No-Confidence motion, shedding light on corruption within the parliamentary system.1998 Ruling: Immunity for Bribery: The 1998 Supreme Court ruling granted immunity to MPs and MLAs from prosecution in bribery cases if they fulfilled their end of the bargain, citing Parliamentary Privilege (Article 105(2)). The decision prioritized governmental stability over individual accountability.2024 Ruling: Overturning Immunity: In a recent 7-Judge Constitution Bench ruling, the 1998 decision was overturned. The SC highlighted the detrimental impact of bribery on democratic principles, emphasizing that immunity doesn’t extend to bribery cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This shift underscores a commitment to accountability and integrity in governance, aligning with the principles of a responsible and representative democracy in India. What does Article 105 say? Article 105 of the Constitution deals with “powers, privileges, etc of the Houses of Parliament and of the members and committees thereof”, and has four clauses. It reads:Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament.No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of any thing said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.In other respects, the powers, privileges and immunities of each House of Parliament, and of the members and the committees of each House, shall be such as may from time to time be defined by Parliament by law, and, until so defined, shall be those of that House and of its members and committees immediately before the coming into force of section 15 of the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978.The provisions of clauses (1), (2) and (3) shall apply in relation to persons who by virtue of this Constitution have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, a House of Parliament or any committee thereof as they apply in relation to members of Parliament.”Simply put, Members of Parliament are exempted from any legal action for any statement made or act done in the course of their duties. For example, a defamation suit cannot be filed for a statement made in the House.This immunity extends to certain non-members as well, such as the Attorney General for India or a Minister who may not be a member but speaks in the House. In cases where a member oversteps or exceeds the contours of admissible free speech, the Speaker or the House itself will deal with it, as opposed to the court. Parliamentary Privilege: History and Restrictions Origins of Parliamentary Privilege Provision first brought to India by Government of India Act, 1935References the powers and privileges enjoyed by the House of Commons in BritainInitial draft of the Indian Constitution contained a reference to the House of Commons, but it was later droppedPrivileges of the House of Commons in Britain are based in common law developed over centuries through precedents Historical Precedents In the 17th-century case of ‘R vs Elliot, Holles and Valentine’, the House of Lords provided immunity to a member of the House of Commons who was arrested for seditious words spoken in a debate and for violence against the Speaker, saying that words spoken in Parliament should only be judged therein.This privilege was also enshrined in the Bill of Rights 1689, by which the Parliament of England definitively established the principle of a constitutional monarchy.In the 1884 case of ‘Bradlaugh v. Gosset’, then Chief Justice Lord Coleridge of the House of Lords observed that “What is said or done within the walls of Parliament cannot be inquired into in a court of law.” Restrictions on Parliamentary Privilege Article 121 of the Indian Constitution prohibits any discussion in Parliament regarding the “conduct of any Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court in the discharge of his duties except upon a motion for presenting an address to the President praying for the removal of the Judge.” -Source: The Hindu All India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey Context: Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation disclosed the general results of the All India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey conducted from August 2022 to July 2023. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Highlights of the Recent Household Consumption Expenditure SurveyNational Statistical Office (NSO) Highlights of the Recent Household Consumption Expenditure Survey: Survey Overview: Conducted every 5 years by the National Statistical Office (NSO).Aims to gather information on household consumption of goods and services.Utilized for deriving macroeconomic indicators like GDP, poverty rates, and Consumer Price Inflation (CPI). Poverty Reduction: NITI Aayog reports a decline in poverty to 5% based on the latest consumer expenditure survey. Data Quality Issues: Findings from the 2017-18 survey were not released due to “data quality” concerns. Monthly Per Capita Consumer Expenditure (MPCE): Urban households show a 33.5% increase (₹3,510), while rural households exhibit a 40.42% rise (₹2,008) since 2011-12. Expenditure Distribution: In 2022-23, 46% of rural and 39% of urban household expenditure is on food items.The top 5% of rural and urban populations have the highest average MPCE, reaching Rs. 10,501 and Rs. 20,824, respectively. State-Wise Analysis: Sikkim has the highest MPCE in rural (₹7,731) and urban (₹12,105) areas.Chhattisgarh records the lowest MPCE in rural (₹2,466) and urban (₹4,483) households. Among the UTs,  MPCE is the highest in Chandigarh (Rural Rs. 7,467 and Urban Rs. 12,575).It is the lowest in Ladakh (Rs. 4,035) and Lakshadweep (Rs. 5,475) for rural and urban areas respectively. Rural-Urban Disparities: Meghalaya shows the highest rural-urban difference in average MPCE (83%). Trend Analysis: Share of expenditure on food has gradually declined since 1999-2000.Share of non-food items has increased, indicating improved incomes for other expenditures.Spending on cereals and pulses within food consumption has reduced.Conveyance dominates among non-food items. Fuel and Light Spending: Until 2022-23, fuel and light traditionally saw the highest consumption spending among non-food items. National Statistical Office (NSO): Formation:Established in 2019 by merging the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).Origins:Proposed by the C. Rangarajan Committee as the central body for core statistical activities.Administrative Placement:Operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).Functions:Collects, compiles, and disseminates accurate, unbiased, and pertinent statistical data. -Source: The Hindu Archaeological Discovery in Telangana: Ancient Chalukyan Temples Context: Archaeologists from the Public Research Institute of History, Archaeology, and Heritage (PRIHAH) have made a significant discovery in Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, Telangana. Unearthed during excavations are two ancient temples dating back to the Badami Chalukyan period. The discovery also includes a rare inscription, shedding light on the historical and cultural richness of the region. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: Key Findings in Recent ExcavationKey Features of the Chalukya Dynasty Key Findings in Recent Excavation Ancient Temples: Discovered at the village’s edge, the two temples have been dated between 543 AD and 750 AD, aligning with the Badami Chalukya era.Exhibiting a distinctive architectural fusion, they incorporate styles from both Badami Chalukyas and Kadamba Nagara, presented in the Rekha Nagara format.Noteworthy features include the recovery of a panavattam (Shiva lingam base) in one temple and a Vishnu idol in another. Inscription: An inscription known as ‘Gandaloranru’ was found, estimated to be from the 8th or 9th Century AD. Cultural Significance: Traditionally, the influence of Badami Chalukyas was believed to extend only to sites like Jogulamba temples at Alampur and the submerged Yeleswaram sites.This discovery broadens the recognized boundaries of the Badami Chalukya kingdom, revealing new facets of their historical reach. Key Features of the Chalukya Dynasty Dynastic Structure: The Chalukya dynasty, spanning the 6th to 12th centuries, included the Chalukyas of Badami, Eastern Chalukyas, and Western Chalukyas.Badami Chalukyas, with their zenith under Pulakeshin II, were followed by the rise of Eastern and Western Chalukyas. Geographical Rule: Badami Chalukyas, originating from Vatapi (Badami in Karnataka), ruled the western Deccan.Eastern Chalukyas emerged in the eastern Deccan, centred around Vengi.Western Chalukyas, successors of Badami Chalukyas, ruled from Kalyani. Historical Phases: Pulikesin I’s fortification near Badami marked the dynasty’s foundation.Eastern Chalukyas flourished independently, while the rise of the Rashtrakutas overshadowed Badami Chalukyas.Western Chalukyas revived the legacy until the late 12th century.  Administrative System: Implemented a structured administrative system with divisions like Vishayam, Rastram, Nadu, and Grama for effective governance. Religious Patronage: Notable patrons of Saivism and Vaishnavism, and supporters of Jainism and Buddhism, showcasing religious diversity.Poet-laureate Ravikirti, under Pulikesin II, was a Jain scholar. Architectural Contributions: Introduced sandstone for temple construction, evident in Badami’s cave and structural temples, as well as temples in Pattadakal and Aihole.Mastered both excavated cave temples and structural temples. Literary Contributions: Sanskrit used in official inscriptions, demonstrating commitment to classical literature.Recognition of regional languages like Kannada for official use, acknowledging them as languages of the people. Artistic Expression: Adopted Vakataka style in painting, with examples found in a Vishnu cave temple in Badami. -Source: The Hindu Fourth Mass Coral Bleaching Context: According to the U.S. NOAA, the world is on the verge of a fourth mass coral bleaching event which could see wide swathes of tropical reefs die, including parts of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About Coral ReefsCoral Bleaching and Its ImplicationsNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Findings About Coral Reefs Indonesia has the largest coral reef area in the world and the Great Barrier Reef of the Queensland coast of Australia is the largest aggregation of coral reefs.India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Chagos have the maximum coral reefs in South Asia.Coral Reefs protect humanity from natural calamities acting as a barrier, provide revenue and employment through tourism and recreation and also provide habitats for fishes, starfish and sea anemones.Coral blocks are used for buildings and road construction, the lime supplied by corals is used in cement industries and coral reefs may also be used in jewellery.India has four coral reef areas:Gulf of Mannar,Andaman and Nicobar Islands,Lakshadweep islandsGulf of Kutch. Risks and threats to coral reefs Due to anthropogenic activities such as coastal development, destructive fishing methods and pollution from domestic and industrial sewage.Due to increased sedimentation, over-exploitation and recurring cyclones.Coral diseases such as black band and white band due to infectious microorganisms introduced by the human population that live on the coastal regions. Coral Bleaching and Its Implications Causes of Coral Bleaching: Exposure to stressful conditions, such as high temperatures, pollution, or changes in water chemistry, prompts corals to expel zooxanthellae.This expulsion leads to loss of color, resulting in the term “bleaching,” and, if prolonged, can be fatal for corals. Concerns and Impact: Coral reefs, vital for marine ecosystems, provide habitats and sustenance for numerous fish species.They play a crucial role in coastline protection, storm prevention, and carbon dioxide absorption, contributing to climate regulation.The loss of coral reefs not only diminishes biodiversity and natural beauty but also impacts ecosystems and communities dependent on them. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Findings: The world is approaching a potential fourth mass coral bleaching event, following those in 1998, 2010, and 2014.Global significance requires widespread bleaching in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.The last event (2014-2017) led to significant coral die-offs, with the Great Barrier Reef losing nearly a third of its corals.Preliminary data suggests that around 15% of the world’s reefs experienced substantial coral loss during that event.The current situation, exacerbated by climate change, is indicating a more severe scenario than the previous event.Factors include El Niño, leading to warmer ocean waters, and the Earth registering its first 12-month period with temperatures over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.Scientists believe a 1.5C rise is a critical threshold, estimating potential losses of 90% of the world’s coral reefs. -Source: Down To Earth MethaneSAT Context: MethaneSAT — a satellite which will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale — was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and ImpactMethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission MonitoringSignificance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and Impact Greenhouse Effect: Methane’s Potent Impact: Methane, although invisible, stands as a potent greenhouse gas, ranking as the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.It has been a significant factor, contributing to 30% of global heating since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.Over a span of 20 years, methane’s warming potency surpasses that of carbon dioxide by 80 times, underscoring its critical role in accelerating climate change. Human Health Implications: Formation of Ground-Level Ozone: Methane emissions are linked to the formation of ground-level ozone, a colorless and highly irritating gas situated just above the Earth’s surface.A 2022 report highlights the alarming consequence of ground-level ozone exposure, estimating its involvement in causing one million premature deaths annually.Monitoring and mitigating methane emissions become imperative not only for climate stability but also for safeguarding public health. MethaneSAT’s Role: Tracking and Measurement: MethaneSAT’s orbital monitoring capabilities provide a crucial tool in tracking and measuring methane emissions globally.By identifying emission sources and trends, MethaneSAT contributes significantly to understanding and addressing the environmental and health impacts associated with methane. Global Collaborative Action: Mitigating Climate Change: The urgency to curb methane emissions aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and its multifaceted impacts.As methane plays a substantial role in both the greenhouse effect and adverse health outcomes, tracking and addressing its emissions are paramount for achieving a sustainable and healthier future. MethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission Monitoring MethaneSAT is a revolutionary satellite designed to orbit the Earth 15 times a day, focusing on monitoring methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.It will create a large amount of data, which will tell how much methane is coming from where, who’s responsible, and are those emissions going up or down over time.Developed by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency. Key Features: Comprehensive Monitoring: MethaneSAT will generate extensive, near real-time data showcasing methane emissions worldwide.The data will be publicly accessible, aiding stakeholders and regulators in making informed decisions to mitigate emissions. Partnerships: The EDF partnered with reputable institutions, including Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency, for the satellite’s development. Addressing Monitoring Gaps: MethaneSAT addresses existing gaps in monitoring systems by providing detailed data on specific sources, including smaller ones often overlooked.Aiming to rectify the reported 70% underestimation of global methane emissions by national governments, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency (IEA). High-Resolution Sensors: Equipped with advanced infrared sensors and a spectrometer, MethaneSAT can detect methane concentration differences as small as three parts per billion in the atmosphere.This capability allows the satellite to identify smaller emission sources not captured by previous satellites. Wide-Camera View: MethaneSAT features a wide-camera view of approximately 200 km by 200 km, enabling the identification of larger emitters known as super emitters. AI Technology: The collected data will undergo analysis using cloud-computing and AI technology developed by Google, a mission partner.Google’s Earth Engine platform will host and make the data accessible to the public. Significance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals Fulfilling Global Methane Pledge 2021: MethaneSAT plays a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Global Methane Pledge 2021.Over 150 countries signed this pledge, committing to a collective reduction of at least 30% in methane emissions by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.The satellite aids countries and companies in meeting these ambitious targets, contributing to global environmental sustainability. Driving Transparency: MethaneSAT introduces a new era of transparency in monitoring methane emissions.The satellite’s publicly available data is accessible worldwide, providing a tool for scrutinizing and verifying the methane reduction commitments made by governments and corporations.This transparency fosters accountability and facilitates a more informed approach to environmental stewardship. Catalyzing Global Environmental Initiatives: As more than 50 companies pledged to virtually eliminate methane emissions and routine flaring, MethaneSAT emerges as a crucial instrument in catalyzing and supporting these global environmental initiatives.The satellite’s monitoring capabilities contribute to the overall success of environmental commitments, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing climate change. -Source: The Hindu Holistic Progress Card Context: The traditional report cards students receive in schools are set to undergo a major change, with the National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT) introducing a new ‘holistic progress card’ (HPC). Relevance: GS II: Education Dimensions of the Article: Holistic Progress Card (HPC)Benefits of Holistic Progress Card (HPC) Holistic Progress Card (HPC) Development: Introduced by PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a standard-setting body under NCERT.Applicability: Designed for the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8), aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.Shift in Assessment: Marks a paradigm shift by moving away from grades and embracing a 360-degree evaluation approach.Incorporated Feedback: Utilizes feedback from parents, classmates, and self-evaluation by students for a comprehensive view of academic performance, cognitive abilities, socio-emotional skills, and creativity.Learner-Centric Evaluation: Aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) to prioritize learner-centric evaluation. Key Features: No reliance on traditional marks or grades; emphasis on a 360-degree evaluation.Regular assessment through class activities where students actively apply diverse skills and competencies.Assessment of difficulty level experienced during tasks.Teachers assess strengths (e.g., collaboration, creativity) and weaknesses (e.g., lack of attention) of students.Students actively participate in self-evaluation and peer evaluation.Reflection statements, such as “I learned something new,” encourage self-awareness.Middle-stage students (Classes 6 to 8) set academic and personal goals, outline aspirations through an “ambition card.”Parental involvement in the learning process, integrating insights on homework, classroom engagement, and balancing screen time.Peer evaluation with students assessing classmates’ contributions to activities. Benefits of Holistic Progress Card (HPC) Comprehensive Evaluation: Moves beyond numerical grades to offer descriptive and analytical evaluations.Encompasses academic achievements and critical skill development in children. Shift in Assessment Paradigm: Promotes a transition from summative to formative assessment approaches.Fosters competency-based evaluation for a more holistic understanding of a student’s progress. Holistic Growth: Emphasizes holistic development, considering not only academic performance but also essential skills.Encourages a well-rounded view of a child’s capabilities and potential. Competency-Based Assessment: Focuses on evaluating competencies rather than relying solely on traditional grading systems.Provides a more nuanced understanding of a student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Insights for Support: Aims to offer teachers and parents valuable insights to support each student in their learning journey.Enables targeted assistance based on a comprehensive understanding of a student’s performance. -Source: Indian Express Cycas Circinalis Context: Cycas circinalis is on the verge of extinction in the northern part of the Kerala state after being hit by an unknown and fast spreading plant disease. Relevance: GS III: Species in News About Cycas circinalis Common Names: Popularly known as Eenthu Pana in Kerala.Referred to by various names such as Mund isalu (Kannada), madana kama raja (Tamil), and Malabari supari (Marathi) in different states. Taxonomy: Belongs to cycads (family Cycadaceae), one of the world’s most endangered plant groups.Cycads originated 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, making them the oldest extant group of seed plants. Features: Evergreen palm-like tree, reaching heights of up to 25 ft.Typically found in dense, seasonally dry scrubby woodlands in hilly areas.Facultative deciduous in extremely dry conditions.Similar to areca nut, Eenthu Pana requires complete dryness for preparation, posing a challenge as it is usually harvested in the rainy season.Bears fruits after 40 to 50 years in most cases. Geographical Distribution: Indian endemic species restricted to the Western Ghats, present in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the south of Maharashtra. Endemism: Among the nine recognized cycad species in India, six are endemic. Applications: Serves as a nutraceutical plant for several indigenous communities in the Western Ghats. -Source: The Hindu

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 06 March 2024

CONTENTS Project SeabirdBharat Tex 2024 Project Seabird Context: The Defence Minister will inaugurate two big piers and seven towers with 320 homes for Navy officers and Defence civilians as part of Project Seabird at Naval Base Karwar in Karnataka. Relevance: GS III: Defence Project Seabird: India’s Naval Infrastructure Endeavor Overview: Largest naval infrastructure initiative in India, aimed at establishing a naval base in Karwar, Karnataka, on the west coast. Historical Context: Conceived post the 1971 Indo-Pak War due to congestion and security concerns in Mumbai Harbour.Sanctioned in 1985, foundation stone laid by Rajiv Gandhi in 1986. Scale and Components: Encompasses approximately 11,000 acres, featuring the first sealift facility in India.Facilities include deep-sea harbor, breakwaters, dredging, township, naval hospital, dockyard uplift center, and ship lift. Phases: Phase 1 commissioned in 2005, comprising key infrastructure.Phase 2 development initiated in 2011, divided into 2A and 2B. Future Accommodations: Upon completion, set to be the largest naval base in the Eastern Hemisphere.Capable of housing around 32 warships, 23 submarines, and multiple aircraft in hangars. Bharat Tex 2024 Context: Bharat Tex 2024, the largest global textile event in India, concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, inspired by the 5F Vision of the Prime Minister of India. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Key Highlights of Bharat Tex Event 5F Formula:Encompasses the entire textile value chain: Farm to fibre; fibre to factory; factory to fashion; fashion to foreign.Organizers and Support:Organized by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils.Strong support from the Ministry of Textiles.State Participation:Leading textile states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, actively participated with dedicated pavilions.Initiatives Launched:Launchpad for initiatives such as ‘Innovative Business Practices and Economic Models in the Textile Value Chain in India’ (IndiaTex) and Textile Grand Innovation Challenge.IndiaTex Project:A four-year UN Environment Programme project to accelerate the transition of the Indian textile sector towards circularity.MoUs and Collaborations:Multiple Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed, spanning academic collaboration, research, product development, and market linkage.

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