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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 22 July 2024

Contents: Need for increasing FDI inflows from China ICJ: Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem violates international law Domestic patent applicants outpaced foreign entities Budget Session begins PM emphasis on shared consciousness of heritage Amoebic meningoencephalitis Need for increasing FDI inflows from China Context: As per the latest Economic Survey, FDI inflows from China can help India increase global supply chain participation. Relevance: GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development of Indian Economy, External Sector) Dimensions of the Article: Enhanced focus on more FDI inflows from China About Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) FDI in India FDI Routes in India Government Measures to Promote FDI Enhanced focus on more FDI inflows from China: The Economic Survey 2023-24 has pointed out that increased foreign direct investment inflows from China can help increase India’s global supply chain participation and in-turn boost exports. As an effort to deepen India’s involvement in global value chains (GVCs), it needs to look at the successes and strategies of East Asian economies. China plus one’ strategy: It added that India can either choose to integrate into China’s supply chain or promote FDI from China, which id termed as ‘China plus one’ strategy. Among these choices, focusing on FDI from China seems more promising for boosting India’s exports to the US. Current Status: China stands at 22nd position with only 0.37% share ($2.5 billion) in total FDI equity inflow reported in India during April 2000 to March 2024. About Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an investment in the form of a controlling ownership in a business in one country by an entity based in another country. It is thus distinguished from a Foreign Portfolio Investment by a notion of direct control. FDI may be made either “inorganically” by buying a company in the target country or “organically” by expanding the operations of an existing business in that country. Broadly, FDI includes “mergers and acquisitions, building new facilities, reinvesting profits earned from overseas operations, and intra company loans”. In a narrow sense, it refers just to building a new facility, and lasting management interest. FDI in India Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a major driver of economic growth and an important source of non-debt finance for the economic development of India. It has been the endeavor of the Government to put in place an enabling and investor friendly FDI policy. The intent all this while has been to make the FDI policy more investor friendly and remove the policy bottlenecks that have been hindering the investment inflows into the country. The steps taken in this direction during the last six years have borne fruit as is evident from the ever-increasing volumes of FDI inflows being received into the country. Continuing on the path of FDI liberalization and simplification, Government has carried out FDI reforms across various sectors. FDI Routes in India Foreign investment was introduced in 1991 under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), driven by then FM Manmohan Singh. There are three routes through which FDI flows into India. They are described in the following table: Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 100% FDI permitted through Automatic Route Up to 100% FDI permitted through Government Route Up to 100% FDI permitted through Automatic + Government Route Automatic route: By this route, FDI is allowed without prior approval by Government or RBI. Government route: Prior approval by the government is needed via this route. The application needs to be made through Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal, which will facilitate the single-window clearance of FDI application under Approval Route. Global Depository Receipts – GDR Foreign Depository Receipts – FDR Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds – FCCB Foreign institutional investors – FII Government Measures to Promote FDI Factors such as favourable demographics, impressive mobile and internet penetration, massive consumption and technology uptake, played an important role in attracting the investments. Launch of Schemes attracting investments, such as, National technical Textile Mission, Production Linked Incentive Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, etc. The government has elaborated upon the initiatives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat to encourage investments in different sectors. As a part of its Make in India initiative to promote domestic manufacturing, India deregulated FDI rules for several sectors over the last few years. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        ICJ: Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem violates international law Context: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently said that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem violates international law and called for its withdrawal from Palestinian territories as soon as possible. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About International Court of Justice Seat and role of ICJ Judges of the court The Israel-Palestine Conflict Emergence of Hamas and the Oslo Accords Territorial Disputes of Israel with Neighboring Countries About International Court of Justice The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).  It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946. The court is the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ), which was brought into being through, and by, the League of Nations, and which held its inaugural sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, in February 1922. After World War II, the League of Nations and PCIJ were replaced by the United Nations and ICJ respectively. The PCIJ was formally dissolved in April 1946, and its last president, Judge José Gustavo Guerrero of El Salvador, became the first president of the ICJ. The first case, which was brought by the UK against Albania and concerned incidents in the Corfu channel — the narrow strait of the Ionian Sea between the Greek island of Corfu and Albania on the European mainland — was submitted in May 1947. Seat and role of ICJ Like the PCIJ, the ICJ is based at the Peace Palace in The Hague. It is the only one of the six principal organs of the UN that is not located in New York City. (The other five organs are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Secretariat.) According to the ICJ’s own description, its role is “to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies”. The court “as a whole must represent the main forms of civilization and the principal legal systems of the world”. The judges of the court are assisted by a Registry, the administrative organ of the ICJ. English and French are the ICJ’s official languages. All members of the UN are automatically parties to the ICJ statute, but this does not automatically give the ICJ jurisdiction over disputes involving them. The ICJ gets jurisdiction only if both parties consent to it. The judgment of the ICJ is final and technically binding on the parties to a case. There is no provision of appeal; it can at the most, be subject to interpretation or, upon the discovery of a new fact, revision. However, the ICJ has no way to ensure compliance of its orders, and its authority is derived from the willingness of countries to abide by them. Judges of the court The ICJ has 15 judges who are elected to nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, which vote simultaneously but separately. To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes in both bodies, a requirement that sometimes necessitates multiple rounds of voting. Elections are held at the UNHQ in New York during the annual UNGA meeting. A third of the court is elected every three years. The judges elected at the triennial election commence their term of office on February 6 of the following year. The president and vice-president of the court are elected for three-year terms by secret ballot. Judges are eligible for re-election. Four Indians have been members of the ICJ so far. The Israel-Palestine Conflict Origins of Conflict: The conflict traces its roots back to the 1917 Balfour Declaration, where the British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour expressed official support for the establishment of a Jewish “national home” in Palestine. Creation of Palestine: In 1948, Britain, unable to quell Arab-Jewish violence, withdrew its forces from Palestine, leaving the responsibility of resolving competing claims to the newly formed United Nations. The UN proposed a partition plan to establish independent Jewish and Arab states in Palestine, but it was not accepted by most Arab nations. Arab-Israel War (1948): Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948 led to attacks by surrounding Arab states. Israel ended up controlling about 50% more territory than originally envisioned by the UN partition plan. UN Partition Plan: The UN partition plan saw Jordan control the West Bank and Jerusalem’s holy sites, while Egypt controlled the Gaza Strip. However, it didn’t resolve the Palestinian crisis, resulting in the formation of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in 1964. Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO): Founded with the goal of freeing Palestine from Israeli rule and Jewish dominance, establishing Muslim Brotherhood dominance in the Arab world. The United Nations granted PLO observer status in 1975, recognizing Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Six-Day War (1967): Israeli forces seized the Golan Heights from Syria, the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt. Camp David Accords (1978): The “Framework for Peace in the Middle East,” brokered by the U.S., laid the groundwork for peace talks between Israel and its neighbors and a resolution to the “Palestinian problem,” although this remained unfulfilled. Emergence of Hamas and the Oslo Accords Founding of Hamas (1987): In 1987, Hamas, a violent offshoot of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, was founded. It sought to fulfill its agenda through violent jihad and is regarded as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. In 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian Authority’s legislative elections, leading to its control of Gaza and the expulsion of Fatah in 2007, resulting in a geographical split in the Palestinian movement. First Intifada (1987): The First Intifada (Palestinian Uprising) began in 1987 as tensions in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza reached a boiling point. This uprising evolved into a small war between Palestinian militants and the Israeli army. Oslo Accords (1993): In 1993, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo Accords. The agreements led to both parties officially recognizing each other and renouncing the use of violence. The Oslo Accords also established the Palestinian Authority, which was granted limited autonomy in the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza (2005): In 2005, Israel initiated a unilateral withdrawal of Jewish settlements from Gaza, while maintaining tight control over all border crossings, effectively imposing a blockade on the region. UN Recognition (2012): In 2012, the United Nations upgraded Palestinian representation to that of a “non-member observer state.” Territorial Disputes of Israel with Neighboring Countries West Bank: The West Bank is situated between Israel and Jordan, with its major city being Ramallah, the de facto administrative capital of Palestine. Israel took control of the West Bank during the 1967 war and has since established settlements in the region. Gaza: The Gaza Strip is located between Israel and Egypt. Israel occupied Gaza after the 1967 war but transferred control of Gaza City and day-to-day administration in most of the territory during the Oslo peace process. In 2005, Israel unilaterally removed Jewish settlements from Gaza, although it retains control over international access to the territory. Golan Heights: The Golan Heights is a strategically important plateau captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 war. Israel effectively annexed the territory in 1981. The USA has officially recognized Jerusalem and the Golan Heights as part of Israel in recent developments. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        Domestic patent applicants outpaced foreign entities Context: Domestic patent applications in FY24 have for the first time outpaced foreign applicants in FY24 as there was increased applications in sectors such as chemicals, pharma, computer science and information technology. Foreign entities maintain a dominant share of patents granted in India that amounts to nearly two-thirds of the overall applications cleared. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What are Patents and IPR? Patenting Trends in India Report What are Patents and IPR? Definition: A patent is a significant Intellectual Property Right (IPR) granting an exclusive monopoly by the government to an inventor for a limited, pre-defined period. It provides a legal right to prevent others from replicating the invention. Types of Patents: Product Patent: Protects the rights to the final product, preventing anyone other than the patent holder from manufacturing it during a specified period. Process Patent: Allows others to manufacture the patented product by altering certain processes in the production exercise. History in India: Initially, India adopted process patenting in the 1970s, which enabled the country to become a significant producer of generic drugs on a global scale. Due to obligations under the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement, product patenting is now also permitted in India. TRIPS is an international legal agreement among all member nations of the World Trade Organization. Patenting Trends in India Report Release: Nasscom released the report on World Intellectual Property Day. Trends: In FY2023, India witnessed 83,000 patents filed, with an annual growth rate of 24.6%, the highest in two decades. Patents granted also saw significant growth, doubling between FY2019 and FY2023. Share of patents filed by Indian residents doubled over the last decade, exceeding 50% in FY2023. Key Areas: Healthcare: Dominated patent applications, particularly in medical imaging, diagnosis, report generation, and testing. Other Areas: Significant filings in Automation/Software Development and Retail/e-commerce. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Maximum patents filed in image processing, Natural Language Processing, and Predictive modeling. Emerging Areas: Gen AI, Medical Data Processing, and Cognitive computing witnessed notable filings. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        Budget Session begins Context: The Budget session is set to begin soon and the government has listed six Bills for this session, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, to replace the Aircraft Act, 1934, to improve “ease of doing business” in the civil aviation sector. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is Union Budget? Terms Related to Union Budget What is Union Budget? According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget of a year, also referred to as the annual financial statement, is a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the government for that particular year. Terms Related to Union Budget: Annual Financial Statement : It encompasses the receipt and expenditure of the Indian government. The information on the Consolidated Fund of India, Contingency Fund of India and Public Accounts is provided. Revenue – Receipt & Expenditure         Revenue Receipt: The receipts received which cannot be recovered by the government. It comprises income amassed by the Government through taxes and non-tax sources like interest, dividends on investments. Revenue Expenditure: Expenditure incurred by the Union Government for purposes other than for the creation of physical or financial assets. It includes those expenditures incurred for the usual functioning of the government departments, grants given to state governments and interest payments on the debt of the Union Government etc. Capital – Receipt & Expenditure         Capital Receipt: Receipts which generate liability or decrease the financial assets of the government. It includes borrowings from the Reserve Bank of India and commercial banks and other financial institutions. It also consists of loans received from foreign governments and international organization and repayment of loans granted by the Union government. Capital Expenditure: Spending incurred by the government which results in the formation of physical or financial possessions of the Union government or decrease in financial liabilities of the Union Government. It contains expenditure on procuring land, equipment, infrastructure, expenditure in shares. It also includes mortgages by the Union government to Public Sector Undertakings, state and union territories. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        PM emphasis on shared consciousness of heritage Context: The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) As part of his speech in the session, he said that as part of India’s vision of “development as well as heritage”, India was committed to promoting global cooperation and engaging local communities in heritage conservation efforts. Relevance: Prelims, GS-I: Art and Culture, GS-II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: UNESCO World Heritage Committee What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites? About UNESCO Areas of Specialization of UNESCO are: UNESCO World Heritage Committee The World Heritage Committee selects the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. It monitors the state of conservation of the World Heritage properties, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties. It is composed of 21 states parties that are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term. India was elected to the 21-member WHC in the 23rd General Assembly in 2021 for a period of four years (2021-2025). This is India’s fourth term on the WHC. What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites? UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of distinctive cultural or physical importance which is considered of outstanding value to humanity. It may be a building, a city, a complex, a desert, a forest, an island, a lake, a monument, or a mountain. They have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy as they have a special cultural or physical significance and outstanding universal value to the humanity. Italy is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites. At present, India has 38 World Heritage Properties. All the sites under the Ministry are conserved as per ASI’s Conservation Policy and are in good shape. About UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), a coalition of UN agencies and organizations aimed at fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNESCO’s Headquarters are located in Paris and it has 193 Members and 11 Associate Members. Three UNESCO member states are not UN members: Cook Islands, Niue, and Palestine. While three UN member states (Israel, Liechtenstein, United States) are not UNESCO members. UNESCO sponsors many programmes such as in the fields of teacher training, science, promotion of media and press freedom, regional and cultural history, cultural diversity, natural and cultural heritage, translating world literature, human rights, etc. Areas of Specialization of UNESCO are: Education transforms lives and is at the heart of UNESCO’s mission to build peace, eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development. Protecting Heritage and Fostering Creativity is another area of focus for UNESCO and it has adopted a three-pronged approach to make culture takes it rightful place in development strategies and processes: Spearheads worldwide advocacy for culture and development. Engages with the international community to set clear policies and legal frameworks Works on the ground to support governments and local stakeholders to safeguard heritage, strengthen creative industries and encourage cultural pluralism. Science for a Sustainable Future is another area where UNESCO works to assist countries to invest in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), to develop national science policies, to reform their science systems and to build capacity to monitor and evaluate performance through STI indicators. Regarding Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO helps to enable people to create and use knowledge for just and inclusive societies, support them in understanding each other and working together to build lasting peace. UNESCO advances freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, combats online hate speech, as well as disinformation and misinformation through awareness raising initiatives. -Source: The Hindu Amoebic meningoencephalitis Context: Recently, five cases of Amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported  in adolescents in Kerala in the past three months and with three young lives lost. The Kerala health Department has come out with technical guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the infection, possibly the first set of guidelines in the country on this rare but fatal infection. The causative organism was the amoebic parasite, Naegleria fowleri. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: What is Naegleria fowleri? How does it infect humans? Symptoms of PAM Can climate change increase the spread of the infection? What is Naegleria fowleri? Naegleria is an amoeba, a single-celled organism, and only one of its species, called Naegleria fowleri, can infect humans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It was first discovered in Australia in 1965 and is commonly found in warm freshwater bodies, such as hot springs, rivers and lakes. How does it infect humans? The amoeba enters the human body through the nose and then travels up to the brain. This can usually happen when someone goes for a swim, or dive or even when they dip their head in a freshwater body. In some cases, it was found that people got infected when they cleaned their nostrils with contaminated water. Scientists haven’t found any evidence of the spreading of Naegleria fowleri through water vapour or aerosol droplets. Once Naegleria fowleri goes to the brain, it destroys brain tissues and causes a dangerous infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), according to the CDC. Symptoms of PAM The first signs of PAM start showing within one to 12 days after the infection. In the initial stages, they might be similar to symptoms of meningitis, which are headache, nausea and fever. In the later stages, one can suffer from a stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and even coma. The US public health agency also observed that the infection spreads rapidly and on average causes death within about five days. The fatality of PAM is as such that only four people have survived out of 154 known infected individuals in the United States from 1962 to 2021. Treatment for the infection As the Naegleria fowleri infection is rare and progresses quickly, scientists haven’t been able to identify any effective treatments yet. At present, doctors treat it with a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone. Can climate change increase the spread of the infection? According to the CDC, with the rising global temperatures, the chances of getting Naegleria fowleri infection will go up as the amoeba mainly thrives in warm freshwater bodies. The organism best grows in high temperatures up to 46°C and sometimes can survive at even higher temperatures. Various recent studies have found that excess atmospheric carbon dioxide has led to an increase in the temperature of lakes and rivers. These conditions provide a more favourable environment for the amoeba to grow. Heat waves, when air and water temperatures may be higher than usual, may also allow the amoeba to thrive So far, Naegleria fowleri has been found in all continents and declared as the cause of PAM in over 16 countries, including India. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express   

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 20 July 2024

CONTENTS The Voicebox Programme Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Program The Voicebox Programme Context: Recently, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has joined hands with Netflix India to launch an upskilling program for voice-over artists in India called “The Voicebox”. Relevance: Facts for Prelims The Voicebox Programme Overview Training Focus: The Voicebox Programme will provide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training for voice-over artists in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Gujarati. Eligibility Criteria: Open to professionals with over two years of experience in the media and entertainment sector, with a preference for women, aiming to advance their voice-over skills. Funding: Sponsored by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, which allocates $100 million annually over five years to support underrepresented communities in the TV and film industries globally. Program Structure: Workshops: Includes structured training sessions, guest lectures, and mentoring, culminating in an assessment. Locations: The workshops will be held in seven major cities across India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi. Participants: Each batch will accommodate up to 30 candidates, with 210 selected through preliminary screening. At least 50% of the participants will be women. Partnerships: Training Partner: Pearl Academy, a leading design institute in India, will collaborate as the Training Partner. Special Project: The top seven participants from each batch will be selected to work on Netflix’s project, “Azaadi ki Amrit Kahaniya”, contributing their voices to narrate stories about the Indian independence movement. National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Key Facts Nature: A public sector enterprise operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) of India. Formation: Established in 1975 by the Government of India. Objective: Aims to plan, promote, and facilitate the organized, efficient, and integrated development of the Indian film industry. Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Program Context: The Government’s ambitious Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program is set to get a fresh boost under the leadership of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Program Overview Target Audience: School children aged 9 to 18 years. Objectives: Talent Identification: To discover and nurture sports talent from every corner of the country. Distraction Management: To use sports as a means to reduce addiction to drugs and excessive use of gadgets. Implementation: Initial Phase: Launched across 50 centres in India, assessing 50,000 applicants in the first phase. This assessment covers 10 sports, including athletics, boxing, wrestling, hockey, and football. Assessment Goals: Plans to conduct 20 lakh assessments nationwide throughout FY 2024-25 via notified Talent Assessment Centres. Selection Methodology: Athlete-Centric Approach: Transparent selection process driven by Information Technology. Data Analytics: Utilizes Artificial Intelligence to analyze and predict the sporting potential of aspiring athletes. Program Features: Decentralized Approach: Employs a pocket-based method to identify talent, supporting both excellence in sports and mass participation in sports as part of the broader Khelo India Scheme.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 20 July 2024

CONTENTS High Seas Treaty: A Crucial Step for Marine Biodiversity Protection On the Jurisdiction of the CBI High Seas Treaty: A Crucial Step for Marine Biodiversity Protection Context: Despite their importance in terms of regulation of climate patterns and maintenance of biodiversity, the high seas—areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdictions—are largely unprotected and poorly managed. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement addresses this issue. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, is a significant international treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in these areas. Relevance: GS1- Water Resources GS2- International Treaties & Agreements GS3- Conservation Mains Question: The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty represents a significant international effort to protect our oceans, promoting equity and cooperation among nations. Discuss the significance of high seas and the challenges associated with the implementation of the treaty. (15 Marks, 250 Words). About High Seas: The term “High Seas” refers to those portions of the ocean that are not considered part of any nation’s territorial waters or internal waters, as defined by the 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas. These areas lie beyond a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline and where the nation has jurisdiction over both living and non-living resources. Importantly, no single country bears responsibility for managing or protecting resources in the high seas. Significance of High Seas: The world’s vast and enigmatic oceans play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. They regulate climate patterns, produce approximately half of the oxygen we breathe, and support a diverse array of life essential to global biodiversity. Marine ecosystems are exceptionally varied, housing numerous species, many of which remain undiscovered. Preserving this biodiversity is not only a moral imperative but also essential for practical reasons. Healthy marine ecosystems provide critical services, such as carbon storage, which helps mitigate climate change and support fisheries that millions rely on for sustenance and livelihoods. Covering about two-thirds of the ocean’s surface and 95% of its volume, these regions provide invaluable ecological, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and food security benefits. Associated Concerns: High Seas face serious threats such as pollution, overexploitation, and escalating climate change impacts. Anticipated increases in human activities, including fishing, mining, and biotechnology, pose further risks to these vulnerable areas. Despite covering nearly half of the Earth’s surface, they lack comprehensive legal frameworks to regulate these activities effectively. This regulatory gap leaves them susceptible to overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change impacts. The BBNJ Agreement: The BBNJ Agreement seeks to establish measures for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, aiming to safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations. The BBNJ Agreement stands out for its commitment to equity, recognizing the varying capabilities of developed and developing nations in managing marine resources. It includes provisions for capacity-building and technology transfer, aiming to level the playing field and enable all countries to effectively participate in ocean governance. This approach is crucial for ensuring equitable sharing of the benefits derived from marine resources. The BBNJ Agreement embodies a global vision of stewardship where nations collaborate to safeguard the shared heritage of our oceans. It establishes frameworks for creating marine protected areas (MPAs), conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and ensuring fair access to marine genetic resources (MGRs) and their associated benefits. This comprehensive approach ensures that conservation efforts are globally coordinated, scientifically grounded, and inclusive of all stakeholders. It exemplifies the effectiveness of multilateralism in tackling global challenges. Challenges Associated with the BBNJ Agreement: Despite its significant advancements, the BBNJ Agreement faces substantial challenges. Enforcing compliance across the vast and remote high seas will be complex. Effective implementation will require robust monitoring systems, international cooperation, and adequate financial resources. Furthermore, harmonizing the agreement with existing regional and sectoral bodies is essential to avoid conflicts and duplication of efforts. Conclusion: Nevertheless, the BBNJ Agreement represents a beacon of hope for addressing the environmental impacts of human activities on our planet. It demonstrates how international collaboration can lead to meaningful progress in protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations. On the Jurisdiction of the CBI Context: The Supreme Court on July 10 upheld the West Bengal government’s lawsuit accusing the Union government of “constitutional overreach” for using the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register and investigate cases in the state, despite the state’s withdrawal of general consent on November 16, 2018. Relevance: GS2- Government Policies & Interventions Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability and institutional and other measures Mains Question: Does the CBI need the permission of the State to carry out investigation in its territory? Which states have withdrawn general consent to the central agency and what have been the subsequent repercussions? (15 Marks, 250 Words). More on the Judgement: A Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the Centre’s preliminary objections, which argued that it was wrongly made a defendant because the CBI is an “independent agency” not controlled by the Centre. After reviewing the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, under which the CBI operates, the Bench determined that the establishment, exercise of powers, extension of jurisdiction, and superintendence of the DSPE all lie with the Government of India. Consequently, the Court ruled that the suit has a valid cause of action and should be heard on its merits, scheduling the next hearing for August 13. What is General Consent? Under Section 6 of the DSPE Act, the CBI must obtain consent from the concerned state government before initiating an investigation within its jurisdiction. This requirement is crucial because “police” and “public order” fall under the State List in the Constitution’s seventh schedule. However, no such prior consent is needed in Union territories or railway areas. General consent is typically given by states to facilitate the CBI’s investigation into corruption charges against Central government employees within their territories. Since 2015, several states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Meghalaya, and West Bengal, have revoked their general consent, accusing the Centre of misusing the federal agency to unfairly target the Opposition. Without this general consent, the CBI cannot register new cases in these states without explicit permission from the respective state governments, according to P.D.T. Achary, former Secretary General of the Lok Sabha. What does the Case Filed by the West Bengal Government Allege? In August 2021, the West Bengal government filed an original suit under Article 131 of the Constitution, arguing that the actions of the Union government and the CBI’s involvement in the State infringed on its sovereignty. The suit noted that despite the Trinamool Congress government withdrawing general consent for CBI investigations on November 16, 2018, the agency went on to register 12 new cases. The State viewed this as “constitutional overreach” and sought to annul these cases and prevent the CBI from filing any further cases. The Constitution’s framers anticipated such conflicts between the Centre and States due to the quasi-federal structure and dual polity, granting original and exclusive jurisdiction to the Supreme Court to resolve these disputes under Article 131. For a suit to be maintainable under this provision, two conditions must be met: it must involve a dispute between the Government of India and one or more State Governments, or between multiple State Governments, and it must concern a legal question crucial to determining legal rights. In the State of Karnataka vs. Union of India (1977), the Supreme Court noted that Article 131 is a federalism feature and should be “widely and generously interpreted” to advance the intended remedy. Similarly, in State of Rajasthan & Ors. vs. Union of India (1977), the Court cautioned against a “restrictive or hyper-technical view of the State’s rights.” What was the Union Government’s Argument? Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, urged the Court to dismiss West Bengal’s suit, raising preliminary objections to its maintainability. He argued that original suits under Article 131 exclusively involve the Union and States as parties. Mehta contended that since the CBI registered the cases in question and was not a defendant in the suit, it couldn’t be included because it is not a ‘State’ under Article 131. He further claimed that the CBI is an “independent agency” and does not function under the Union government’s direct control, stating that the Union does not supervise the registration of offenses, investigations, closures, filing of chargesheets, or the outcomes of cases handled by the CBI. However, Mehta later conceded that the CBI cannot initiate any investigation without express authorization from the Union government under Section 5 of the DSPE Act. On the other hand, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the case went beyond the Centre’s control over the CBI to the fundamental issue of whether the agency could ignore a specific notification issued by the West Bengal government in 2018, withdrawing its consent. Sibal asserted that once a State grants and then withdraws its consent, the CBI lacks jurisdiction to exercise its powers within that State. What did the Verdict State? The Court noted that a straightforward reading of the DSPE Act provisions reveals that the Central government is significantly involved with the CBI, from its formation to its administration and the types of offenses it investigates. The author of the verdict, pointed out that under Section 4 of the DSPE Act, except for offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act (where the Central Vigilance Commission has superintendence), the Central government holds superintendence over the DSPE in all other matters. He also reminded the Centre that Section 6 of the DSPE Act requires the State government’s prior consent for a CBI probe within its jurisdiction. While the Court acknowledged the CBI’s right to independently investigate offenses, it emphasized that this autonomy does not diminish the Centre’s administrative control and superintendence over the CBI. Consequently, the Court rejected the Solicitor General’s argument that the CBI is an “independent agency.” However, the verdict clarified that these observations were only made to address the Union government’s preliminary objections and would not affect the merits of the suit. Conclusion: According to P.D.T. Achary, allowing the CBI to initiate investigations in States that have revoked their general consent would undermine federalism, as policing is a State subject under the Constitution. This could strain Centre-State relations, as it would effectively grant the CBI the same powers as State police forces. While the Supreme Court has only addressed the preliminary objections to the maintainability of West Bengal’s suit, the final ruling on its merits will significantly impact other similar pending cases.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 20 July 2024

CONTENTS Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 Women’s Representation in Politics Transformation of India’s Maize Industry SEBI’s Proposal for a New Investment Product UN Water Convention Florida Carpenter Ants  Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 Context: Recently, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 has been generally well-received by the industry due to its straightforward compliance structure. However, the requirement for verifiable parental consent before processing children’s data has caused some friction between the industry and the government. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Salient Features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 Issues with Obtaining Parental Consent Addressing the Issue of Parental Consent Salient Features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 Empowerment of Individuals: Grants individuals rights to access, correct, and erase their personal data. Provides citizens with enhanced control over their personal information. Consent Requirement: Stipulates that personal data can only be processed with explicit consent from individuals. Organizations must present clear and specific consent forms and secure consent before collecting data. Data Localization: Mandates that certain sensitive personal data must be stored and processed within India. Aims to bolster data security and simplify the enforcement of data protection regulations. Establishment of Data Protection Board: Creates the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) to oversee compliance and address grievances. The Board is tasked with resolving disputes and imposing penalties for non-compliance. Breach Notification: Requires organizations to inform both individuals and the Data Protection Board about any data breaches that could compromise personal information. Promotes transparency and prompt action in the event of data leaks. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Imposes substantial fines for violations to encourage adherence to data protection standards. Issues with Obtaining Parental Consent Consent Requirement for Children’s Data: Section 9 of the DPDPA mandates that data fiduciaries must obtain verifiable consent from parents or guardians before processing children’s data. Prohibits harmful data processing and ad targeting aimed at minors. Exemptions: Certain entities, such as healthcare and educational institutions, may be exempt from obtaining verifiable parental consent under specific conditions. Limited exemptions are allowed based on the particular purpose for which the child’s data is processed. Challenges in Implementation: Difficulties in age verification and defining harm to children remain significant. Issues arise when parents revoke consent or when children reach the age of consent. Storing biometric data and ensuring compatibility across devices pose practical challenges. The act lacks clear guidance on how platforms should perform age-gating. Delay in Rules Implementation: The delay in finalizing data protection rules is primarily due to unresolved issues regarding verifiable parental consent. The DPDPA requires at least 25 provisions to operationalize the act, adding to the complexity. Proposed Solutions: The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) initially considered using the DigiLocker app, but privacy and scalability concerns led to its rejection. Another suggestion was an electronic token system, but it faced practical limitations. A recent industry meeting proposed a graded approach based on risk, with the UK’s Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC) as a reference model. Addressing the Issue of Parental Consent Self-Declaration by Parents: Companies can allow parents to declare their relationship with the child during the account setup process. This method depends on the honesty of the parents and lacks a robust verification mechanism. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implementing 2FA for parental accounts can enhance security. Parents receive a verification code via SMS or email to confirm their consent, adding an extra layer of security. Biometric Verification: Utilizing biometric methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for parental consent can be both secure and privacy-conscious. Biometrics offer a high level of security by ensuring that only the authorized parent can provide consent. Proxy Consent: Allowing parents to authorize a trusted third party, such as a school or pediatrician, to verify their relationship with the child. This approach can provide additional verification and ease the process of obtaining consent. -Source: The Hindu Women’s Representation in Politics Context: The recently concluded general elections in the United Kingdom marked a historic achievement with 40% women representation in the House of Commons, underscoring significant advancements in women’s political participation globally. Contrastingly, India’s women’s representation in the Parliament remains significantly below the global average of 25%. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Status of Women’s Representation in Indian Parliament Reasons for the Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Arguments in Favor of Women’s Reservation in Indian Parliament Measures Taken to Address Underrepresentation of Women in Indian Politics Status of Women’s Representation in Indian Parliament Current Representation: Lok Sabha: Women members make up 13.6% of the 18th Lok Sabha, an increase from 5-10% until 2004. Rajya Sabha: Women constitute 13% of its members. Election Participation: Historical Data: In 1957, only 45 women contested Lok Sabha elections. By 2024, this number had risen to 799, representing 9.5% of all candidates. Regional Insights: West Bengal: Leads with the highest number of women MPs, totaling 11. Trinamool Congress: Has the highest percentage of women MPs in the Lok Sabha at 38%. Comparison to Global Standards: India’s Standing: India ranks 143rd out of 185 countries in women’s representation in the lower house of Parliament. Global Averages: Countries like Sweden (46%), South Africa (45%), the UK (40%), and the US (29%) have higher female representation. Comparative Context: India falls behind countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, and China in gender representation. State Legislative Assemblies: National Average: Women’s representation stands at just 9%. Highest Representation: Chhattisgarh leads with 18% women MLAs, but no state exceeds 20%. Reasons for the Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Patriarchal Norms and Gender Stereotypes: Traditional gender roles and household responsibilities often restrict women’s political participation. Disparities in education and economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas, further limit involvement. Party Dynamics: Political parties tend to avoid fielding women candidates for key positions, often assigning them to “safe” or “unwinnable” seats. The absence of internal quotas or affirmative action policies within parties restricts women’s candidacies. Electoral System Challenges: The first-past-the-post electoral system benefits established male candidates who have significant financial and organisational support. High election costs and the influence of criminalisation and money power further disadvantage women candidates. Legislative Delays: The delayed implementation of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, which mandate one-third reservation for women in local bodies, affects the pipeline for women in politics. Repeated failure to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, remains a major obstacle. Lack of Institutional Support: Major political parties often do not prioritize women’s political empowerment. The lack of sustained advocacy from women’s movements and civil society organizations perpetuates the status quo. Arguments in Favor of Women’s Reservation in Indian Parliament Addressing Underrepresentation: Women’s representation in the Indian Parliament is significantly lower than the global average of around 25%. Implementing a 33% reservation would help close this gap and ensure more equitable representation. Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusive Governance: Women in India face numerous barriers to political participation, including patriarchal norms, limited resources, and gender-based violence. Reservation would help mitigate these barriers and support gender-inclusive governance. Reflecting Population Proportions: Women constitute nearly 50% of India’s population but are underrepresented in political decision-making. Increasing their presence in Parliament would lead to policies that better address the unique challenges women face. Empowering Women and Strengthening Democracy: Reserving one-third of seats for women would enhance their active participation in politics, strengthen democratic processes, and foster the development of women- and children-centric policies, contributing to human development. Impact on Local Governance: Evidence shows that women representatives in local governance have been instrumental in addressing issues like child marriage, maternal health, and access to clean drinking water in many villages. Measures Taken to Address Underrepresentation of Women in Indian Politics Constitutional Amendments: 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992/1993): These amendments mandated one-third reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities, boosting their involvement in local governance. 106th Constitutional Amendment (2023): Proposes one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Implementation is pending the next delimitation exercise and census. Women’s Reservation Bill: Introduced in 1996, this bill aimed to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Despite multiple attempts, it has not been passed due to lack of consensus among major parties. Voluntary Party Quotas: Several political parties have implemented internal quotas for women candidates: Naam Tamilar Katchi: 50% women candidates. Lok Janshakti Party and Nationalist Congress Party: 40% each. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Biju Janata Dal: 33% each. Rashtriya Janata Dal: 29%. Samajwadi Party: 20%. All India Trinamool Congress: 25%. Government Initiatives: Programs like Mahila Shakti Kendra, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and STEP aim to improve women’s socio-economic status, though their direct impact on political participation has been limited. Civil Society and Women’s Movements: Continuous advocacy by women’s rights groups, activists, and organizations has been instrumental in pushing for greater political representation for women. -Source: The Hindu Transformation of India’s Maize Industry Context: India’s maize industry has recently seen a significant transformation, shifting from a basic feed crop to a vital component in the fuel and industrial sectors. This change reflects a broader green revolution, reminiscent of historical advances in wheat and rice, but driven primarily by modern innovations in the private sector. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Current State of Maize Production in India Comparison of Maize’s Green Revolution with Wheat and Rice Current State of Maize Production in India Production Growth: Since the year 1999-2000, India’s maize production has more than tripled, increasing from 11.5 million tonnes to over 35 million tonnes annually. Average per-hectare yields have improved from 1.8 to 3.3 tonnes. Global Standing: According to APEDA, India ranks as the fifth largest maize producer, contributing 2.59% to global maize production in 2020. Importance in Agriculture: Maize is the third most significant cereal crop in India after rice and wheat, representing around 10% of the country’s total food grain production. Major Producing States: Key states for maize cultivation include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Cultivation Patterns: Maize is grown year-round, with 85% of cultivation occurring during the Kharif season. Export Data: India exported 3,453,680.58 MT of maize worth Rs. 8,987.13 crores in the 2022-23 fiscal year. Major export destinations include Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Usage: About 60% of maize is used as animal feed (poultry and livestock), while only 20% is consumed directly by humans. Maize serves as a primary energy source in feed, comprising 55-65% of broiler feed and 15-20% of cattle feed. Industrial Applications: Maize, with 68-72% starch content, is utilized in various industries including textiles, paper, and pharmaceuticals. Recent trends have shifted towards using maize for ethanol production, especially as a rice substitute due to food security concerns. Comparison of Maize’s Green Revolution with Wheat and Rice Pollination Differences: Maize is a cross-pollinating crop, unlike the self-pollinating wheat and rice. This characteristic makes hybrid breeding more commercially viable for maize. Private Sector Dominance: The Green Revolution in maize is largely driven by the private sector. Over 80% of maize cultivation relies on private-sector hybrids, which are high-yielding only in the first generation. Reusing these seeds doesn’t yield the same results due to their self-termination nature. Innovations in Maize Cultivation: Waxy Maize Hybrid: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed India’s first “waxy” maize hybrid (AQWH-4), which has high amylopectin starch content, making it ideal for ethanol production. This hybrid contains 93.9% amylopectin compared to the normal 70% in maize. Starch Properties: The hybrid’s high amylopectin content makes the grain softer, improving starch recovery and fermentation rates. Normal maize grains have 68-72% starch with 58-62% recoverable, whereas the Pusa Waxy Maize Hybrid-1 has 71-72% starch with 68-70% recovery. Yield Potential: The hybrid offers an average yield of 7.3 tonnes per hectare, with a potential to reach 8.8 tonnes. Private Sector Contributions: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) has established a maize doubled haploid (DH) facility in Kunigal, Karnataka. This facility produces high-yielding, genetically pure inbred lines more efficiently, reducing development time from 6-8 generations to just two cropping cycles. In 2022, the facility produced and distributed 29,622 maize DH lines, which are drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and pest-resistant. Industry Involvement: Companies such as Mahyco, Shriram Bioseed, and Advanta Seeds are key players in developing and promoting high-yield maize hybrids in India. -Source: Indian Express SEBI’s Proposal for a New Investment Product Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the introduction of a new asset class or product category. This initiative aims to provide investors with a regulated investment product featuring higher risk-taking capabilities while also curbing the proliferation of unregistered and unauthorised investment products. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Proposed New Asset Class About Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposed New Asset Class Overview Minimum Investment Threshold: Rs 10 lakh per investor. Distinct Nomenclature: The new asset class will have a unique name to distinguish it from traditional mutual funds (MFs), portfolio management services (PMS), alternative investment funds (AIFs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), and infrastructure investment trusts (INVITs). Investment Strategies: May include long-short equity funds and inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Investors might also use systematic investment options such as: Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) Eligibility Criteria for Asset Management Companies (AMCs) First Route: Existing MFs with: Minimum of three years of operation. Average assets under management (AUM) of Rs 10,000 crore. No regulatory action by SEBI in the past three years. These MFs can directly offer products in the new asset class. Second Route: For existing and new MFs not meeting the first route criteria: Appoint a Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with: At least 10 years of fund management experience. Managing AUM of not less than Rs 5,000 crore. Appoint an additional fund manager with: At least 7 years of fund management experience. Managing AUM of not less than Rs 3,000 crore. Benefits Regulated Investment Product: Expected to offer higher risk-taking opportunities and higher ticket sizes compared to existing products. Bridging the Gap: Aims to bridge the gap between mutual funds and portfolio management services (PMS), catering to the needs of a new category of investors. Strengthening Mutual Funds: May enhance the role and position of established mutual funds and AMCs in the investment market by setting high eligibility standards. About Securities and Exchange Board of India The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator of the securities and commodity market in India owned by the Government of India. SEBI was established in 1988 and given Statutory Powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992. The SEBI is managed by its members, which consists of the following: The chairman is nominated by the Union Government of India. Two members, i.e., Officers from the Union Finance Ministry. One member from the Reserve Bank of India. The remaining five members are nominated by the Union Government of India, out of them at least three shall be whole-time members. SEBI has to be responsive to the needs of three groups, which constitute the market: issuers of securities investors market intermediaries Functions of SEBI SEBI has three functions rolled into one body: quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive. It drafts regulations in its legislative capacity. It conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive function. It passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity. Though this makes it very powerful, there is an appeal process to create accountability. There is a Securities Appellate Tribunal which is a three-member tribunal. A second appeal lies directly to the Supreme Court. Powers of SEBI To approve by−laws of Securities exchanges. To require the Securities exchange to amend their by−laws. Inspect the books of accounts and call for periodical returns from recognised Securities exchanges. Inspect the books of accounts of financial intermediaries. Compel certain companies to list their shares in one or more Securities exchanges. Registration of Brokers and sub-brokers -Source: Indian Express UN Water Convention Context Recently, Ivory Coast joined the United Nations Water Convention, becoming the 10th African nation to do so. Relevance: GS: International Relations UN Water Convention Overview Official Name: Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. Adopted: Helsinki, 1992. Entered into Force: 1996. Purpose: A legally binding instrument aimed at the sustainable management of shared water resources, supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preventing conflicts, and fostering peace and regional integration. History Regional Origin: Initially negotiated as a framework for the pan-European region. Global Accession: In March 2016, the Convention was opened for accession by all UN Member States. Notable Accessions: 2018: Chad and Senegal became the first African Parties. 2023: Iraq (first from the Middle East), Namibia (first from Southern Africa), and Panama (first from Latin America) joined. Key Provisions Obligations for Parties: Prevent, control, and reduce transboundary impacts. Use transboundary waters in a reasonable and equitable manner. Ensure sustainable management of shared water resources. Cooperation: Parties sharing transboundary waters must cooperate by forming specific agreements and establishing joint bodies. Framework Agreement: Does not replace existing bilateral or multilateral agreements but supports their creation and development. Significance Support for SDGs: Promotes the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. Servicing Body: The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) services the Convention. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – Transboundary Rivers Shares Eight Transboundary River Basins: Black Volta Bia Tanoe Comoe Niger Sassandra Cavally Nuon Neighbours Sharing Basins: Ghana Burkina Faso Mali Guinea Liberia Sierra Leone -Source: Down To Earth Florida Carpenter Ants  Context: Recent study has revealed that Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) perform life-saving surgeries on injured nestmates to improve their survival chances. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Florida Carpenter Ants: Medical Practices and Characteristics Medical Practices Injury Response Based on Location: Amputation: Florida carpenter ants perform amputations for injuries located higher up on their legs, specifically the femur. This involves removing the damaged body part through a surgical-like process. Cleaning: For injuries lower on the leg, such as those on the tibia, ants opt to clean the wound instead of amputating. Role of Hemolymph: Carpenter ants possess a bluish-green fluid known as hemolymph, which functions similarly to blood in vertebrates. Injuries to the higher leg regions can slow down the flow of hemolymph, facilitating more effective amputations. Sophisticated Medical System: The behavior of Florida carpenter ants in managing injuries is regarded as one of the most advanced “medical systems” in the animal kingdom, comparable to human medical practices. Physical Characteristics Appearance: Florida carpenter ants are typically reddish-brown and can grow over 1.5 cm in length. Habitat: These ants are commonly found in the southeastern United States and prefer to nest in rotting wood. Defense Mechanisms: They are known for their defensive behavior, protecting their nests from rival ant colonies. -Source: The Hindu  

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 19 July 2024

CONTENTS Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovation Common Services Centres Special Purpose Vehicle Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovation Context: Recently, union Minister for the Ministry of Science & Technology inaugurated Asia’s first health research-related “Pre-clinical Network Facility” under the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in Faridabad. Relevance: GS III: Security Challenges Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Overview Launch Year: 2017 Founders: Established in Davos, Switzerland by the governments of Norway and India, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and the World Economic Forum. Partnership: A collaborative effort involving public, private, philanthropic, and civil organizations. Mission Objective: Accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures to address epidemic and pandemic threats, ensuring accessibility for all. Achievements Support: CEPI has backed the development of over 50 vaccine candidates and platform technologies. Focus: Targets multiple high-risk pathogens and prepares for future threats, referred to as “Disease X.” Key Initiatives 100 Days Mission: A central part of CEPI’s five-year plan (2022-2026) aiming to reduce the development time for safe and effective vaccines against new threats to just 100 days. India-CEPI Collaboration Ind-CEPI Mission Objective: Enhance epidemic preparedness through rapid vaccine development, focusing on supporting Indian vaccine development. Implementation: Managed by a dedicated Program Management Unit (PMU) at the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). Support: Backed by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Common Services Centres Special Purpose Vehicle Context: Recently, Common Services Centres Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV) celebrated 15 glorious years of its establishment. Relevance: Common Services Centres (CSC) Special Purpose Vehicle Common Services Centres (CSC) Special Purpose Vehicle Overview Incorporation: Established under the Companies Act, 1956 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Role: Oversees the implementation of the Common Services Centers (CSC) Scheme, part of the Digital India Programme. Function: Provides a centralized framework for service delivery through CSCs, ensuring the scheme’s systemic viability and sustainability. Key Facts about Common Services Centres Initiative: Launched by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), Government of India. Purpose: Acts as front-end delivery points for a variety of services, including government, private, and social sector services, to rural citizens. Services Provided: Public Utility Services: Essential services such as electricity, water, and gas. Social Welfare Schemes: Distribution and information about various social schemes. Healthcare: Basic health services and information. Financial Services: Banking, insurance, and financial literacy. Education: Access to educational resources and courses. Agriculture: Support for farmers with information and resources. B2C Services: Various business-to-consumer services for rural areas. Network: A nationwide network catering to India’s regional, geographic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Objective: Supports the Government’s goal of creating a socially, financially, and digitally inclusive society.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 19 July 2024

CONTENTS High Seas Treaty: A Crucial Step for Marine Biodiversity Protection On the Jurisdiction of the CBI Trying Juveniles as Adults is not the Answer Context: In May, a speeding car allegedly driven by a teenager killed two young tech professionals in Pune. According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the adolescent was initially brought before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), which granted him bail under seemingly lenient conditions. This decision, combined with the tragic incident and emerging accusations of using privilege to tamper with the investigation, sparked public outrage. Relevance: GS Paper – 2 Issues Related to Children Government Policies and Interventions Issues Arising Out of Design and Implementation of Policies Mains Question: The issue lies not in the perceived leniency or “misuse” of the juvenile justice system, but rather in the failure to fully implement its foundational principles. Discuss in the recent context of the death of two young tech professionals in Pune in an accident. (15 Marks, 250 Words). More about the Case: Following the backlash, the JJB modified its order, directing the adolescent’s detention in an Observation Home. This was challenged before the Bombay High Court, which ordered his release, noting that bail had been granted in accordance with due procedure. The High Court emphasized that the JJ Act is “not only a beneficial legislation, but is also a remedial one.” The push by some to prosecute the adolescent as an adult raises broader questions about the juvenile justice system’s ability to address severe offenses like drunken driving and the demand for accountability in cases involving young offenders. Trying Adolescents as Adults: The Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act allows for adolescents over the age of 16 to be tried as adults if they are accused of committing a “heinous” offense, defined as one carrying a minimum punishment of seven years or more. Offenses like culpable homicide and causing death by negligence, which are common in drunk driving cases, are not considered “heinous” because they do not have a minimum prescribed punishment. The JJ Act, amended in 2021, now categorizes offenses with no minimum sentence but a maximum sentence of more than seven years as “serious offenses.” These serious offenses, however, do not warrant transferring the case to the adult criminal justice system. For adolescents over 16 accused of a “heinous” offense, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), a quasi-judicial body, conducts a preliminary assessment to determine if they should be tried as adults. If the JJB deems it necessary, the adolescent is transferred to a sessions court, which then independently assesses whether to try the adolescent as an adult. These protections are based on the understanding that adolescence is a temporary developmental stage marked by immature judgment and underdeveloped impulse control. This principle has been recognized by the Supreme Court in Dr. Subramanian Swamy v. Raju (2014) and by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Consequently, the juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation and social reintegration over punishment, acknowledging that adolescents, due to their high neuroplasticity, are more receptive to change. Seeking Accountability: The juvenile justice system aims to hold offenders accountable for their actions. When an adolescent is found guilty of a crime, the JJ Act allows the multidisciplinary Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to tailor a response suited to the circumstances and the individual. A conviction can lead to the institutionalization of the offender, but the primary goal is rehabilitation. The JJB can prescribe interventions such as therapy, psychiatric support, and de-addiction programs during and after institutionalization. An individualized care plan is developed for the adolescent’s rehabilitation, considering their socioeconomic background and the specifics of the crime. This approach fosters accountability and healing, creating opportunities for justice that are often not possible within the punitive adult justice system. In cases of deaths caused by motor accidents, innovative approaches have been used in Indonesia and the U.S. to enhance personal accountability. For instance, convicted drunk drivers in some jurisdictions must face a victim impact panel (VIP) of relatives who express how the incident affected their lives. A 2022 report by Kevin Thompson and Sarah Joyce found that exposure to VIPs in North Dakota led to a reduction in recidivism among offenders. While this cannot undo the life-altering incident, it personalizes the loss and grief experienced by the victim and allows the offender to express regret. Acknowledging Victims in the Justice Process: Practices like these recognize the victim and their family as central to the justice process, in contrast to the traditional penal system where the victim is often reduced to a mere witness or excluded entirely as the state handles prosecution. They create space for the needs of the victims, which may include compensation, an apology, an explanation, or acknowledgment of responsibility by the offender. These practices also educate adolescents about accountability and sensitivity towards others, fostering their development into responsible adults. Facing victims or their families can be a powerful and transformative experience for offenders. The juvenile justice system’s responses can include the involvement of family members and communities of both the offender and the victim, and may involve counseling the offender’s family. This approach acknowledges that crime often results from a complex interplay of societal and psychological factors. Conclusion: The potential of the juvenile justice system, hence, remains unfulfilled. Trying adolescents as adults sidesteps the problem of weak implementation of the juvenile justice system. The issue is not with the perceived leniency or “misuse” of the system, but rather with the failure to fully implement its foundational principles. Acceleration in Retail Price Gains and Erratic Rainfalls Context: Last month, retail price gains unexpectedly accelerated, with June’s provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing inflation breaking a five-month downtrend and rising to 5.08%, 28 basis points higher than May’s 4.80%. Food prices were the primary driver of this increase. Year-on-year food price inflation, measured by the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), surged by 67 basis points in June, reaching a concerning 9.36%. Relevance: GS3- Fiscal Policy Inclusive Growth Banking Sector and NBFCs Planning Government Budgeting Mains Question: What effect can erratic rains have in curbing inflation? Suggest a way forward strategy to minimise the effects of rainfall on inflationary forces. (10 Marks, 150 Words). Unpredictability in Food Price Gains: More alarmingly, the CFPI experienced the fastest sequential acceleration in 11 months, with food prices climbing 3.17% from May’s levels, which in turn pushed the broader CPI up by 1.33% month-on-month. This unpredictability in food price gains has been a significant concern for monetary policymakers, leading them to keep interest rates unchanged. RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra highlighted at the Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting that the Indian economy is “hostage to intersecting food price shocks,” stressing the need for increased vigilance to prevent these shocks from affecting other inflation components and expectations. The CFPI data reveals that nine sub-categories of food posted month-on-month gains, with all but the sugar and condiments group showing sequential accelerations. Vegetables saw the most significant price increases, rising 29.3% year-on-year and by a worrying 14.2% month-on-month, the highest in 11 months. The prices of widely consumed vegetables like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes recorded some of the steepest year-on-year gains, increasing by 57.6%, 58.5%, and 26.4%, respectively. Uncertain Food Price Outlook: The outlook for food prices remains troubling. Data from the Department of Consumer Affairs Price Monitoring Division indicates that, as of July 15, the all-India average retail prices of potatoes and onions were nearly 56% and 67% higher, respectively, compared to a year earlier. Although tomato prices were about 43% lower than 12 months ago, they were 76% higher than in mid-June, suggesting a potential shift in price momentum. Cereals, which form the largest part of the food basket, also offered little relief, with the average retail prices of rice and wheat up by almost 10% and 6%, respectively, from a year earlier. Additionally, the Indian Meteorological Department’s data as of July 14 showed that countrywide precipitation since June 1 was not only at a 2% deficit but also unevenly distributed. Eleven of India’s 36 meteorological sub-divisions were still classified as ‘deficient,’ having received 20%-59% less rainfall than the long-period average. Conclusion: With key food-growing areas like Punjab experiencing deficient rains, policymakers are faced with a challenging task in trying to curb the pace of inflation.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 19 July 2024

CONTENTS Formation of Shadow Cabinet in Odisha Recent Trends in Immunisation and Digital Health Initiatives Last Universal Common Ancestor Ladla Bhai Yojana United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Chagos Archipelago Formation of Shadow Cabinet in Odisha Context: The leader of the Opposition (LoP) and president of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has recently established a ‘shadow cabinet’ consisting of 50 BJD Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Odisha. This move follows the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) recent electoral successes in the state and signifies a notable shift in the legislative dynamics. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is a Shadow Cabinet? Challenges Way Forward What is a Shadow Cabinet? Definition and Structure A shadow cabinet is a group of opposition members in the legislature who replicate the roles and responsibilities of the government ministers. Headed by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), the shadow cabinet reviews and critiques the actions of the ruling government across various departments. Role in Governance Integral to parliamentary democracies, the shadow cabinet serves as a key mechanism for monitoring and challenging government policies. Originates from the Westminster system and is utilized in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Benefits Enhanced Expertise Opposition members gain specialized knowledge and skills by overseeing specific government ministries, enabling effective policy critique. Leadership Development Provides opposition members with leadership experience, preparing them for potential future ministerial positions based on their performance. Strengthening Democracy Promotes thorough examination of executive actions and ensures informed parliamentary debates. Offers a credible alternative to government policies, preventing rash legislative decisions. Challenges Coordination Difficulties In India’s multi-party system, unifying the shadow cabinet can be challenging due to diverse party priorities and ideologies. Limited Understanding Focus on specific ministries might restrict MPs’ overall comprehension of governance. However, periodic reshuffles can mitigate this issue. Recognition and Effectiveness The status and institutional recognition of the LoP and shadow cabinets vary, affecting their efficiency across different parliamentary sessions. Potential Implications for Indian Democracy Improved Oversight Institutionalizing a shadow cabinet can enhance parliamentary oversight, ensuring comprehensive debate and justification of legislative actions. Increased Public Trust By presenting coherent policy alternatives, the shadow cabinet can bolster public confidence in parliamentary processes and opposition parties. Policy-Focused Discourse Promotes a shift from personality-driven politics to more substantive policy debates, enriching governance discussions. International Examples United Kingdom The Shadow Cabinet is appointed by the Leader of the Opposition to mirror the Government’s Cabinet, with each member challenging their counterpart in the ruling Cabinet. Canada Opposition parties form shadow cabinets where members, known as critics, are responsible for the same policy areas as government ministers, reflecting a potential replacement scenario. Way Forward Formal Recognition While not legally mandated, Parliament could amend its rules to officially recognize the LoP and establish a formal shadow cabinet. Constitutional Amendment Consider amending the Constitution to formally recognize the LoP and the shadow cabinet, including provisions for their operational framework. Resource Allocation Allocate a budget for research staff and resources for the shadow cabinet to enhance policy analysis and development of alternatives. Appointment Based on Expertise Appoint shadow ministers based on their expertise and qualifications to ensure effective and constructive critique of government policies. -Source: The Hindu Recent Trends in Immunisation and Digital Health Initiatives Context: Recently released WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunisation coverage (WUENIC) revealed a slight dip in childhood immunisation in 2023 compared to 2022. In another development, a quiet digital revolution is unfolding as part of the government’s pilot project to register pregnant women and children on U-Win. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of WUENIC What is U-WIN? Key Highlights of WUENIC Annual Review Process WHO and UNICEF annually assess immunisation coverage by reviewing reports from Member States, finalized surveys, and data from published and grey literature. Major Findings Global Immunisation Stagnation: In 2023, global immunisation efforts stalled, resulting in 2.7 million additional children being either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated compared to 2019. India’s Immunisation Trends: A slight decrease in childhood immunisation in India was noted in 2023 compared to 2022. Coverage of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccines fell from 95% in 2022 to 93% in 2023. Zero-Dose Children: The number of zero-dose children in India increased to 1.6 million in 2023 from 1.1 million in 2022, though this is an improvement from the 2.73 million seen in 2021. DPT Vaccine Coverage: 91% of children received the third DPT dose in 2023, down from 93% in 2022 but above the global average of 84%. Under-Vaccinated Children: In 2023, 2.04 million children were under-vaccinated, slightly fewer than the 2.11 million in 2019. What is U-WIN? Purpose and Launch U-WIN is a digital initiative to modernize India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), launched in a pilot phase following the success of the Co-WIN platform. Platform Features Comprehensive Registry: U-WIN will register and track every pregnant woman, newborn, and all vaccination events from birth doses onward. Data Management: It will serve as a central database for immunisation services, updating vaccination statuses, delivery outcomes, and providing detailed reports on antigen-wise coverage. Real-Time Data: Healthcare workers and programme managers will access real-time data on immunisation sessions and coverage, aiding in effective planning and distribution of vaccines. Beneficiary Services Vaccination Cards: Vaccine acknowledgement and immunisation cards linked to the ABHA ID (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) will be issued to pregnant women and children. Access and Documentation: States and districts will share a common database for tracking and vaccinating beneficiaries. Upon complete digitisation, beneficiaries will receive instant certificates, which can be downloaded and stored in digi-lockers. Surveillance and Planning The system will enhance surveillance, creating an evidence base for effective intervention planning and deployment. -Source: Indian Express Last Universal Common Ancestor Context: Recently, in a new study, scientists have said the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) could have formed just 300 million years after the earth formed. Relevance: Recent Key Highlights of Research Various Competing Theories of Life’s Origin Recent Key Highlights of Research About LUCA Hypothesis Researchers propose that bacteria, archaea, and eukarya originated from a single cell known as the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA). LUCA had a compact genome with approximately 2.5 million bases and 2,600 proteins, enabling its survival in a specific environment. LUCA’s metabolic activities may have fostered a secondary ecosystem for other microbes, and it possibly possessed immunity genes to combat viruses. Despite the lack of fossil evidence for LUCA, similarities across modern genomes provide valuable insights. The molecular clock theory has facilitated the reconstruction of the ‘tree of life’, which posits that the rate of mutations in genomes is consistent over time. Researchers use mutation rates and known evolutionary benchmarks, such as the evolution of the first mammal or fossil ages, to estimate the timing of evolutionary events. Fossil evidence from the Pilbara Craton in Australia suggests that early life forms may date back 3.4 billion years. Significance of Findings These discoveries are essential for understanding the origins and evolution of life on Earth. They have implications for searching for life elsewhere in the universe and for developing synthetic organisms for various applications on Earth. The insights may also aid in the creation and management of extraterrestrial ecosystems in the future. Various Competing Theories of Life’s Origin Oparin-Haldane Hypothesis Proposed by Alexander Oparin (1924) and John Haldane (1929), this theory suggests that early life forms arose from a “primordial soup” in the Earth’s early, prebiotic conditions. This hypothesis posits that simple organic molecules gradually self-organized into more complex structures. Miller-Urey Experiment Demonstrated that under simulated early Earth conditions, inorganic compounds could form complex organic compounds. The experiment involved mixing methane, ammonia, and water, and applying an electric current, which resulted in the production of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Panspermia Hypothesis Suggests that life’s building blocks may have been delivered to Earth via meteorites or comets. Evidence supporting this includes the discovery of extraterrestrial organic material and amino acids on asteroids. In 2019, French and Italian scientists reported finding 3.3 billion-year-old extraterrestrial organic material. Japan’s Hayabusa 2 mission to the asteroid Ryugu found more than 20 amino acids, supporting this hypothesis. -Source: The Hindu Ladla Bhai Yojana Context: The Ladla Bhai Yojana is a welfare scheme introduced by the Maharashtra government to provide financial assistance and skill development opportunities to male youth. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: Ladla Bhai Yojana: Overview and Key Details Ladla Bhai Yojana: Overview and Key Details Introduction Purpose: The Ladla Bhai Yojana is a welfare initiative by the Maharashtra government designed to provide financial support and skill development to male youth. Inspiration: Modeled after the successful Ladli Behna Yojana for girls, this scheme aims to enhance educational and employment opportunities for young men. Budget: The scheme involves a substantial investment of Rs 5,500 crore. Goals Announcement: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde introduced the scheme during his visit to Vitthal temple in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi. Objectives: Address unemployment and promote skill development among male students. Benefits Financial Support Based on Educational Qualifications: 12th Grade Pass: Monthly stipend of Rs 6,000. Diploma Holders: Monthly stipend of Rs 8,000. Graduates: Monthly stipend of Rs 10,000. One-Year Factory Apprenticeship: Practical Experience: Eligible youth will complete a one-year apprenticeship in factories. Enhancing Employability: Stipends will be provided during the apprenticeship to help gain proficiency in their fields. Eligibility Criteria For Youth: Age: 18 to 35 years. Educational Qualifications: Must have passed Class 12, hold an ITI or diploma, or be a graduate. Stipends: Rs 6,000 for Class 12 pass. Rs 8,000 for ITI/diploma holders. Rs 10,000 for graduates. For Employers: Location: Must operate in Maharashtra. Registration: Must be registered with the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation web portal. Duration: Established for at least three years. Certifications: Must be registered with EPF, ESIC, GST, DPIT, and Udyog Aadhaar. Incorporation: Must have a certificate of incorporation. Required Documents For Youth Applicants: Domicile Certificate Educational Qualification Certificate PAN Card Aadhaar Card Passport Size Photo Caste Certificate Income Certificate Mobile Number -Source: The Hindu United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Context: Recently, India has released the first tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East as part of its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25. Relevance: GS II: International Relations United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Overview Establishment: Created in 1949 by the UN General Assembly in response to the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Mandate: Provides aid and protection to Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 conflict and their descendants. Operational Areas: Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Funding: Primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states. Recent Efforts and Support Direct Relief and Work Programs: UNRWA has been assisting registered Palestinian refugees since 1950, focusing on education, healthcare, relief, and social services. Current Challenges: Continuing operations amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. India’s Contribution Financial Support: India has provided USD 35 million up to 2023-24 for UNRWA’s core programs and services. Additional Support: Includes provision of medicines as requested by the agency. -Source: Business Standards Chagos Archipelago Context: Recently, the external affairs minister said that India will continue supporting Mauritius on the issue of Chagos Archipelago in line with its stand on decolonization. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Dimensions of the Article: Chagos Archipelago Overview Chagos Archipelago Dispute Chagos Archipelago Overview Location and Geography Location: Central Indian Ocean, approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of the Indian subcontinent’s southern tip. Territory: An overseas territory of the United Kingdom, established on November 8, 1965. Key Islands: Diego Garcia: Houses a significant US military base. Danger Island Egmont Islands Eagle Islands Nelsons Island Peros Banhos Atoll Climate Type: Tropical marine climate. Characteristics: High temperatures and elevated humidity levels. Moderation: Climate is moderated by trade winds blowing across the islands. Chagos Archipelago Dispute Historical Context Claim: Britain and Mauritius both claimed the archipelago in 1814. US Military Base: In 1966, Britain leased Diego Garcia to the United States for a military base. Legal and Political Issues Chagossian Rights: The Chagossians, descendants of African slaves from the 18th century, have been fighting a legal battle to return to their homeland. Mauritius Claim: After gaining independence from Britain in 1968, Mauritius has consistently asserted its claim over the Chagos Islands. ICJ Ruling: In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK’s governance of the Chagos Islands was unlawful and called for its withdrawal from the archipelago. -Source: The Hindu

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 18 July 2024

CONTENTS BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat G7 (Group of Seven)  BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Context: The 2nd Retreat of the Foreign Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was held in New Delhi, amidst rising tensions and significant developments in Myanmar. India’s External Affairs Minister highlighted the importance of BIMSTEC addressing regional challenges internally, particularly in light of the recent setbacks faced by Myanmar’s military junta against various Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests, Important International groupings), Prelims Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat About BIMSTEC History of Formation of the BIMSTEC Significance of BIMSTEC Key Highlights of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat: Addressing Long-standing Goals: The meeting emphasized the need to prioritize capacity building and economic cooperation amidst current global and regional challenges. Impact of Myanmar Crisis: Discussions focused on the destabilizing impact of the Myanmar crisis on regional stability and developmental projects. The instability has disrupted various initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and cooperation among BIMSTEC countries. Humanitarian Aid Considerations: There were deliberations on the potential for humanitarian aid, with India’s current assistance focused on displaced populations and military personnel sheltering in Mizoram. Caution in Approach: India maintains a cautious stance, particularly concerning Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) controlling critical trade routes and territories near international borders. Cooperation on Countering Transnational Crimes: BIMSTEC countries, including India, reiterated their commitment to collaborate on combating transnational crimes such as cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, and illegal arms trade. About BIMSTEC The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and Southeast Asia: Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal Sri Lanka Myanmar (South-east Asia) Thailand (South-east Asia) Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are the member states dependent on the Bay of Bengal. Its members lie in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. BIMSTEC not only connects South and Southeast Asia, but also the ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. Fourteen priority sectors of cooperation have been identified and several BIMSTEC centres have been established to focus on those sectors. The permanent secretariat of the BIMSTEC is in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The BIMSTEC uses the alphabetical order for the Chairmanship which has been taken in rotation commencing with Bangladesh (1997–1999). History of Formation of the BIMSTEC In 1997, a new sub-regional grouping was formed in Bangkok under the name BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). Following the inclusion of Myanmar on 22 December 1997 during a special Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, the Group was renamed ‘BIMST-EC’ (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation). In 2004, at the first Summit the grouping was renamed as BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Significance of BIMSTEC BIMSTEC acts as a platform for intra-regional cooperation between SAARC and ASEAN members. Around one-fourth of the world’s traded goods cross the Bay of Bengal every year. Important Connectivity Projects related to BIMSTEC Kaladan Multimodal Project – links India and Myanmar. Asian Trilateral Highway – connecting India and Thailand through Myanmar. Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement – for seamless flow of passenger and cargo traffic. Strategic Significance for India BIMSTEC Enables India to pursue three core policies: Neighbourhood First- primacy to the country’s immediate periphery; Act East- connect India with Southeast Asia; and Economic development of India’s North Eastern states- by linking them to the Bay of Bengal region via Bangladesh and Myanmar. India has moved from Look East Policy to Act East Policy and Indo Pacific cooperation through its diaspora, culture and connectivity. This has led to India’s goodwill in the region. Allows India to counter China’s creeping influence in countries around the Bay of Bengal due to the spread of its Belt and Road Initiative. Physical connectivity with BIMSTEC would also help India integrate itself with ASEAN’s Master Plan of Connectivity 2025. A new platform for India to engage with its neighbours with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) becoming dysfunctional because of differences between India and Pakistan. BIMSTEC suddenly received special attention as New Delhi chose to treat it as a more practical instrument for regional cooperation over a faltering SAARC. G7 (Group of Seven) Context: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal holds meetings with counterparts at G7 Trade Ministers’ meet in Italy. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About G7 About G7: G7 stands for Group of Seven, which is an international intergovernmental economic organization consisting of seven member countries. The member countries are the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. As of 2022, G7 countries make up 10% of the world’s population, 31% of the global GDP, and 21% of global carbon dioxide emissions. History: G7 was founded in 1975 as the G6, consisting of the six richest countries in the world at that time. Canada joined the group in 1976, and the group became known as the G7. The group meets annually to discuss global economic issues and make decisions that can affect the global economy. Objectives: The main objectives of G7 are to promote economic growth and stability, enhance international trade, and coordinate policies on economic issues among the member countries. The group also focuses on addressing global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and geopolitical tensions. Meetings and decisions: G7 leaders meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic issues and coordinate policies. Decisions made by the G7 can have a significant impact on the global economy and international relations. The G7 also collaborates with other international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Criticism: The G7 has been criticized for being too exclusive, as it only includes the richest countries in the world and does not represent the interests of developing nations. Critics also argue that decisions made by the G7 can have negative consequences for developing countries and can perpetuate global economic inequality.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 18 July 2024

CONTENTS Choosing the Right Track to Cut Post-Harvest Losses Using Technology in Search of Jobs Choosing the Right Track to Cut Post-Harvest Losses Context: India is the world’s second-largest agricultural producer, but it ranks eighth in global agricultural exports, with only a 2.4% share. This disparity is due to factors like low productivity, failure to meet quality standards, and supply chain inefficiencies, including inadequate transportation and infrastructure, leading to significant post-harvest losses. Relevance: GS3- Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints E-technology in the aid of farmers Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security Mains Question: While increasing food production to meet the needs of India’s rising population is essential, preventing post-harvest losses is crucial. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words). Post- Harvest losses- Statistics: According to a 2022 study by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, India’s post-harvest losses amount to approximately ₹1,52,790 crore annually. As the population grows, meeting the food and nutrition demands becomes increasingly challenging. While increasing food production is essential, preventing post-harvest losses is crucial. A closer examination reveals that perishable commodities experience the most significant losses: livestock produce such as eggs, fish, and meat (22%), fruits (19%), and vegetables (18%). During export, around 19% of perishable food is lost, especially at the import-country stage. Efficient storage, transportation, and marketing are critical for timely delivery to consumers. Strengthening agri-logistics is a priority identified by the Committee on Doubling Farmer’s Income (DFI). Factors Causing Post- Harvest Losses: Stages in the Supply-Chain: The supply chain involves multiple logistical stages, from initial transport from the farm to wholesale markets, long-haul transportation by rail, road, water, or air, to last-mile delivery to consumers. Perishable goods face time constraints post-harvest. The latest agriculture census shows that 86% of Indian farmers are small and marginal, struggling to achieve economies of scale due to small production volumes. The lack of assured market connectivity leads to post-harvest and income losses for farmers. Supply Constraints: Food price volatility in India is partly due to supply constraints affecting perishable produce. A NITI Aayog report notes that freight transport, including agricultural produce, drives 75% of the Indian Railways’ revenue. The Indian Railways connects urban centers and rural areas efficiently and is crucial for moving 90% of the Food Corporation of India’s food grains. However, about 97% of fruits and vegetables are transported by road. Initiatives by Indian Railways: Indian Railways has introduced several initiatives to enhance its freight operations for perishables. The truck-on-train service, which transports loaded trucks on railway wagons, is being expanded after successful trials with commodities like milk and cattle feed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parcel special trains were introduced to transport perishables and seeds between markets and producers. To support small and marginal farmers (SMFs), the Kisan Rail was launched, connecting regions with surplus perishable production (including milk, meat, and fish) to consumption regions more efficiently. A study showed that the Kisan Rail scheme helped reduce post-harvest losses and increased farmer incomes. For instance, grape growers in Nashik, Maharashtra, earned a net profit of ₹5,000 per quintal by transporting around 22,000 quintals via Kisan Rail, demonstrating the benefits of rail-based long-haul transport for fruits and vegetables. Way Forward: Recent efforts by the Railways in the agricultural sector have shown promising results. However, there is a need to increase farmer awareness and accessibility to Railway schemes. Friends of Champions 12.3 India, a coalition of food supply chain actors powered by WRI India, identified challenges such as multiple touch points during the transport of perishables by Railways. Therefore, investing in specialized wagons for temperature-controlled transport and establishing rail-side facilities for safe cargo handling is crucial. This would enhance food safety by minimizing spoilage and contamination risks, supporting both domestic and export markets. The Doubling Farmer’s Income (DFI) committee recommends streamlining loading and unloading processes to reduce transit times and addressing staffing shortages through recruitment and training. Prioritizing railways over roadways, particularly for transporting fruits and vegetables, promises more efficient transportation. The Railways present a significant opportunity to reduce post-harvest losses, benefiting both livelihoods and the environment. According to the Logistics Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Indian Railways emits up to 80% less carbon dioxide for freight traffic compared to road transport. Conclusion: A systems-based approach is necessary, integrating various modes of transport and regions. The private sector can significantly enhance operational efficiency and strengthen rail infrastructure through public-private partnerships. The agriculture budget for 2024 aims to bridge the farm-to-market gap with modern infrastructure and value-addition support. These Railway initiatives complement such efforts by facilitating efficient transportation of perishable goods and minimizing post-harvest losses. Using Technology in Search of Jobs Context: Employment generation will remain a significant challenge for the current government in its third term, and the upcoming Union Budget is expected to address this issue. The growing number of young job seekers and the evolving economy, which requires fewer workers due to rapid technological advancements, complicate the situation. Relevance: GS3-              Mobilization of Resources Growth, Development and Employment Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it Mains Question: The growing number of young job seekers and the evolving economy, which requires fewer workers due to rapid technological advancements, complicate the situation of unemployment in the country. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words). India’s Unemployment Rate: In 2023, India’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above dropped to 3.1%, the lowest in the past three years. This rate was 3.6% in 2022 and 4.2% in 2021. Female unemployment decreased to 3% in 2023 from 3.3% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2021. For males, it fell to 3.2% in 2023 from 3.7% in 2022 and 4.5% in 2021. Urban and Rural Unemployment: Urban unemployment reduced to 5.2% in 2023 from 5.9% in 2022 and 6.5% in 2021. Rural unemployment decreased to 2.4% in 2023 from 2.8% in 2022 and 3.3% in 2021. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in Current Weekly Status (CWS) for individuals aged 15 and above in urban areas rose to 56.2% in 2023, up from 52.8% in 2022 and 51.8% in 2021. Relevant Studies: Recent studies have highlighted the severity of this challenge. The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) indicates that only 21% of total establishments used the internet for entrepreneurial activities. The survey, echoing a previous International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, notes that the unincorporated non-agricultural economy employed about 11 crore workers from October 2022 to September 2023, up from 9.8 crore workers during 2021-22. The ILO’s India Employment Report also warned that manufacturing employment remained stagnant at around 12%-14%, and the slow transition of jobs from agriculture to non-agriculture sectors reversed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Citigroup report similarly stated that the current rate of job creation is insufficient to meet future demand. The ASUSE also found that ‘Other Services’ contributed the most to total employment (36.45%), followed by ‘trading’ (35.61%) and ‘manufacturing’ (27.94%). Various Periodic Labour Force Surveys noted that 45.76% of the total workforce was engaged in agriculture and allied sectors during 2022-23. Government Initiatives and Proposals: While the government cannot instantly change the employment situation, it can explore potential solutions. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch has called for a robot tax and incentives for job creation in the Budget. Trade unions have requested the government to convene the long-pending Indian Labour Conference. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s decision to engage with trade unions is a positive step, but stronger measures beyond the Labour Codes are needed to prevent job losses and create new jobs. Technological innovations should aim to reduce people’s workload rather than hinder their livelihoods. To industrialize agricultural production, the government should consider increased public and cooperative investment to create more jobs and ease the burden on farmers.  In designing a growth model centered on job creation, the government should involve the private and public sectors, labor unions, states, and political parties. Conclusion: Recent global experiences indicate that economic growth without employment growth can lead to social and political unrest. Addressing the problem honestly is a good starting point for developing effective mitigative measures.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 18 July 2024

CONTENTS Reconstitution of NITI Aayog India’s Manufacturing Opportunity with China Plus One Strategy National Clean Air Programme PM SHRI Schools Bhojshala Complex Chandipura Virus Infection ASMITA Project Reconstitution of NITI Aayog Context: The Centre has reconstituted the NITI Aayog, incorporating 15 union ministers, including members from NDA allies and four full-time members, into the government think-tank. This reconstitution follows recent changes in the council of ministers, reflecting a renewed focus on policy-making and strategic planning. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: About NITI Aayog NITI Aayog – Seven Pillars of Effective Governance Related Concerns and Challenges: Performance of NITI Aayog NITI Aayog: Promoting Federalism Reconstitution of NITI Aayog About NITI Aayog The NITI Aayog serves as the apex public policy think tank of the GoI. It was established in 2015, by the NDA government, to replace the Planning Commission which followed a top-down model. It advises both the centre and states on social and economic issues. It is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body but the outcome of an executive resolution. It was not created by the act of parliament. It has two Hubs. Team India Hub acts as interface between States and Centre. Knowledge and Innovation Hub builds the think-tank acumen of NITI Aayog. Composition: Chairperson: Prime minister Vice-Chairperson: To be appointed by Prime-Minister Governing Council: Chief Ministers of all states and Lt. Governors of Union Territories. Regional Council: To address specific regional issues, Comprising Chief Minister and Lt. Governors Chaired by the Prime Minister or his nominee. Ad-hoc Membership: Two members in ex-officio capacity from leading Research institutions on a rotational. Ex-Officio membership: Maximum four from the Union council of ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister. Chief Executive Officer: Appointed by the Prime-minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to Government of India. Special Invitees: Experts, Specialists with domain knowledge nominated by the Prime Minister. Objectives: To generate a platform for national development, sectors and strategies with the collaboration of states and centre. To boost the factor of cooperative federalism between the centre and the states. For national development, it is necessary for both wings to work in synergy. To develop such mechanisms which work at the ground root level for progressive growth. A nation develops when its regions and states develop. To work on long term policies and strategies for long-term development. To set up a system for monitoring progress so that it can be used for analysing and improving methods. To provide a platform for resolving inter-departmental issues amicably. To make it a platform where the programmes, strategies, and schemes can be monitored on a day to day basis, and it could be understood which sector needs more resources to develop. To upgrade technological advancements in such a manner that focus can be made on initiatives and programmes. To ensure India’s level and ranking at the worldwide level and to make India an actively participating nation. To progress from food security towards nutrition and standardised meals and focus on agricultural production. To make use of more technology to avoid misadventures and corruption in governance. To make the working system more transparent and accountable. NITI Aayog – Seven Pillars of Effective Governance NITI Aayog works on principles like Antyodaya (upliftment of poor), inclusion (to include all sections under one head), people participation, and so on. NITI Aayog is a body that follows seven pillars of governance. They are: To look after pro-people agenda so that the aspirations and desires of no one are compromised. To respond and work on the needs of citizens. Make citizens of the nation involve and participate in various streams. To empower women in all fields, be it social, technical, economic, or other. To include all sects and classes under one head. To give special attention to marginalised and minority groups. To provide equal opportunity for the young generation. To make the working of government more accountable and transparent. It will ensure less chance of corruption and malpractices. Related Concerns and Challenges: NITI Aayog has no powers in granting discretionary funds to states, which renders it toothless to undertake a transformational intervention. It acts as an advisory body only that advises the government on various issues without ensuring the enforceability of its ideas. NITI Aayog has no role in influencing private or public investment. Politicization of the organization has been in recent times. NITI Aayog has been transformed into a glorified recommendatory body which lacks the requisite power to bring positive change in the government’s actions. Performance of NITI Aayog Action Tank Role: NITI Aayog functions as an “action tank,” collecting and disseminating new ideas to ensure proactive governance and minimize bureaucratic inertia. Innovation and Atal Innovation Mission: The Atal Innovation Mission, under NITI Aayog, has significantly enhanced India’s innovation ecosystem by fostering entrepreneurial spirit and supporting startups. Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO): DMEO collects real-time performance data from various ministries, enhancing accountability and enabling evidence-based policy decisions at the highest levels. Key Initiatives: Ayushman Bharat: Conceptualized by NITI Aayog, Ayushman Bharat aims to provide healthcare access to all. It exemplifies NITI’s role in policy formulation. Water Conservation: Initiatives under NITI Aayog focus on sustainable water management, crucial for India’s agricultural and environmental sustainability. Artificial Intelligence: NITI Aayog has spearheaded India’s approach towards leveraging AI for socio-economic development. POSHAN Abhiyaan: NITI Aayog’s POSHAN Abhiyaan addresses child malnutrition by coordinating efforts across ministries, illustrating its role in breaking bureaucratic silos. NITI Aayog: Promoting Federalism Cooperative Federalism: NITI Aayog fosters cooperative federalism by facilitating direct interaction between states and central ministries, expediting issue resolution. Regional councils like the North East Forum and Himalayan States Regional Council promote regional development. Competitive Federalism: NITI Aayog promotes competitive federalism through sectoral indices and initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Program, fostering governance competition among states. Best practices emerging from these programs are scaled up and replicated, enhancing governance at grassroots levels. Reconstitution of NITI Aayog Expansion and Inclusivity: The recent reconstitution of NITI Aayog expanded the special invitees and included ministers from allied parties, promoting broader consultation and inclusivity in policy formulation. Key Post Holders: Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues as the Chairperson, with economist Suman K. Bery as Vice Chairperson. Scientist V K Saraswat, agricultural economist Ramesh Chand, paediatrician V K Paul and macro-economist Arvind Virmani will also continue to be full-time members of the government think-tank. BVR Subrahmanyam will also remain the CEO. The four ex-officio members will be: Union Ministers Rajnath Singh (Defence), Amit Shah (Home), Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture) and Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance). -Source: The Hindu India’s Manufacturing Opportunity with China Plus One Strategy Context: India is well-positioned to leverage the China Plus One strategy to attract global manufacturing investments. While China maintains strong export capabilities, India’s large domestic market, affordable talent pool, and significant growth potential present it as a compelling alternative for global investors. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Overview of China+1 Strategy Opportunities for India to Attract Foreign Investment Factors Hindering India’s Competitiveness Way Forward Overview of China+1 Strategy The “China+1” strategy refers to a global trend where companies diversify their manufacturing and supply chains by establishing operations in countries other than China. Here’s a detailed overview of this strategy and India’s opportunities to attract foreign investment: Background: Historical Dependence: China has been termed the “World’s Factory” due to its advantageous factors of production and robust business ecosystem, attracting global manufacturing entities since the 1990s. Recent Challenges: The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains centered around China, exacerbated by China’s zero-Covid policy and resulting industrial lockdowns. Evolution: Adoption of China-Plus-One: Many companies are adopting a “China-Plus-One” strategy to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on China. This involves establishing manufacturing bases in other Asian countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Opportunities for India to Attract Foreign Investment Demographic Advantage: India’s youthful population (28.4% under 30 in 2023) presents a dynamic workforce and growing consumer market, stimulating consumption, savings, and investments. This demographic dividend enhances India’s attractiveness as a potential multi-trillion dollar economy. Cost Competitiveness: Labour and Capital Costs: India offers lower labour and capital costs compared to competitors like Vietnam, with manufacturing wages 47% lower than China’s average. Infrastructure Investment: The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) aims to reduce manufacturing costs by improving logistics, making India’s production sector highly competitive. Policy Support: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Introduced to boost domestic manufacturing across various sectors by providing financial incentives. Tax Reforms and FDI Norms: Relaxed regulations and tax reforms create a conducive business environment for foreign investors. Ease of Doing Business: Initiatives under the Make in India campaign promote ease of doing business, further attracting foreign investments. Digital Advantage: India’s large internet user base (870 million as of January 2024, 61% of the population) and access to global tech giants provide a digital advantage, especially compared to China’s restricted digital environment. Geopolitical Strategy: Sub-regional Partnerships: Initiatives like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE aim to diversify trade and reduce dependence on China, enhancing bilateral trade prospects. Global Engagements: Strategic Groupings: Participation in QUAD and bilateral agreements strengthen economic ties, facilitate technology transfer, finance, and market access. Leadership Roles: India’s involvement in G20 and SCO allows it to influence global trade policies and trends. Large Domestic Market: India’s massive domestic market of 1.3 billion people with rising incomes provides a strong foundation for sustained economic growth and increased global trade, offering a viable alternative to China. Factors Hindering India’s Competitiveness India faces several challenges that hinder its competitiveness in the global manufacturing landscape: Complex Regulatory Environment: Bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent policy implementation deter both domestic and foreign investors. Regulatory uncertainty adds to the complexity of doing business in India. Manufacturing Challenges: High Input Costs: Including raw materials, labour, and capital, which affect cost competitiveness. Infrastructure Deficit: Inadequate transportation, logistics, and energy infrastructure increase operational costs and reduce efficiency. Skilled Labour Shortage: The manufacturing sector faces challenges in finding skilled workers, impacting productivity and quality. Labour Laws: Restrictive labour laws in the organised sector hinder flexibility and discourage job creation. Tax Regime: Complex and multiplicative indirect tax structure increases the cost of compliance and doing business. Land Acquisition Issues: Cumbersome land acquisition processes delay industrial projects and escalate costs. Education System: The education system often fails to produce graduates with the skills required by the modern economy, particularly in technical and vocational fields. Corruption: Corruption erodes investor confidence, increases transaction costs, and creates an uneven playing field. Way Forward To enhance India’s competitiveness and attract more manufacturing investments, the following steps are crucial: Incentives and Subsidies: Offer attractive incentives and subsidies, such as tax benefits, land subsidies, and infrastructure support, particularly in key sectors like electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Regulatory Reforms: Streamline regulatory processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and simplify labour laws, land acquisition procedures, and environmental clearances to improve ease of doing business. Industrial Clusters: Develop dedicated industrial clusters or manufacturing hubs with world-class infrastructure, including plug-and-play facilities, common testing centres, and shared logistics infrastructure. Skills Development: Strengthen vocational training programs and collaborate with industry to develop a skilled workforce aligned with the needs of the manufacturing sector. Promote STEM education and upskill the existing workforce to meet the demands of high-tech manufacturing. Infrastructure Development: Invest in modern and efficient transportation networks (roads, railways, ports, airports) to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs. Ensure reliable and adequate supply of power, water, and other essential utilities. Trade Agreements: Negotiate and sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners to enhance market access for Indian exports, simplify import-export procedures, and reduce tariffs. Research and Development (R&D): Encourage public-private partnerships in R&D to foster innovation in manufacturing technologies and processes. Provide incentives for companies to establish R&D centres and collaborate with academic institutions. -Source: The Hindu National Clean Air Programme Context: The review of air quality improvement action plans of 131 cities is likely to be held by the Government this month as part of the Centre’s 100-day agenda. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: News Summary About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Challenges Faced by NCAP Recommendations News Summary The Indian Government plans to conduct a review of air quality improvement action plans in 131 cities as part of its 100-day agenda. This follows a recent meeting of the NCAP monitoring committee to assess progress in 82 cities. An upcoming meeting of the NCAP steering committee, chaired by the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), will focus on actions taken by city administrations. Key areas of review include dust control, electric vehicle charging stations, public transport enhancement, waste management, and urban greening. The Ministry’s review aims to ensure efficient utilization of funds, especially amidst scrutiny by the National Green Tribunal over the NCAP’s fund allocation. Recent submissions to the tribunal revealed expenditures on non-essential projects like football grounds, water fountains, and desludging machines. About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Initiative: Launched in January 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to combat air pollution in India. Objective: NCAP aims to achieve a 40% reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations by 2026 compared to 2017 levels. Focus Areas: Targets 131 non-attainment cities where air quality standards are consistently exceeded. Customized action plans address local sources of pollution such as vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, and waste burning. Key Features: Strengthening air quality monitoring with more stations and real-time data. Enhanced enforcement of air quality regulations. Public awareness campaigns on health impacts and community involvement. Promotion of cleaner technologies and practices across sectors. Coordination among government departments for integrated pollution control. Financial incentives for clean technologies and subsidies. Funding allocation to support state and municipal action plans. Emphasis on scientific research and collaboration for innovative pollution control solutions. PRANA Portal: Monitors the implementation of NCAP and facilitates data-driven decision-making. Challenges Faced by NCAP Uneven Fund Utilization: Despite substantial funding, only 60% of allocated funds have been used on average. Cities like Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru have spent minimal amounts (0% and 1%, respectively), highlighting inefficiencies in fund utilization. Delays in Approvals: Significant delays in obtaining necessary approvals hinder the timely execution of planned initiatives, such as procurement of mechanical sweepers and electric buses, crucial for pollution control measures. Lack of Standardized Procedures: The absence of standardized procedures for implementing NCAP measures leads to inconsistencies and delays in executing clean air initiatives across different cities. Bureaucratic Red Tape: Bureaucratic processes complicate the implementation process, slowing down effective action against pollution despite allocated resources. Skepticism and Efficacy of Measures: Skepticism persists about the effectiveness of certain measures, such as outdoor smog towers, especially following findings questioning their efficacy. This uncertainty impacts decision-making and hampers swift action. Incomplete Emissions Inventory and Source Apportionment Studies: Only 37% of cities have completed Emissions Inventory (EI) and Source Apportionment (SA) studies. These studies are crucial for identifying specific pollution sources and designing effective Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs). Recommendations Effective Use of EI and SA Data: Cities must utilize Emissions Inventory and Source Apportionment data effectively to pinpoint pollutants accurately and plan targeted mitigation strategies. Increasing the completion rate of these studies is essential. Comprehensive Pollution Control Strategies: Develop comprehensive strategies that address both primary and secondary pollutants, considering the specific pollution sources identified through EI and SA studies. Adoption of Decision-Support Systems: Encourage more cities to adopt decision-support systems for air quality forecasting, as seen in cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. These systems improve real-time monitoring and enable proactive pollution control measures. Streamlined Implementation: Simplify technical and financial planning processes as integral parts of initial strategy formulation to expedite implementation of NCAP measures. -Source: Indian Express PM SHRI Schools Context: As per a report published by Indian Express, The Education Ministry has stopped funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), to Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal because of their reluctance to participate in the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About PM SHRI Schools Key features Aim About PM SHRI Schools: This will be a new centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14,500 Schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies. PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity. Implementation strategy PM SHRI Schools would be implemented through the existing administrative structure available for Samagra Shiksha, KVS & NVS. The other autonomous bodies would be involved on specific project basis as required. These schools shall be monitored vigorously to assess progress and understand the challenges faced in implementation of National Education Policy 2020. Beneficiaries More than 18 lakh students are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the scheme. Futher impact will be generated through the mentoring and handholding of the schools in vicinity of PM SHRI schools. Key features  PM SHRI will provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020. It will provide leadership to other schools in their respective regions by providing mentorship. The PM SHRI  Schools will be developed as Green schools, incorporating environment friendly aspects like solar panels and LED lights, nutrition gardens with natural farming, waste management, plastic free, water conservation and harvesting, study of traditions/practices related to protection of environment, climate change related hackathon and awareness generation to adopt sustainable lifestyle. Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable. Focus will be on learning outcomes of every child in every grade. Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real life situations and will be competency-based. Assessment of the resources available and their effectiveness in terms of availability, adequacy, appropriateness, and utilisation for each of the domains and their key performance indicators will be done and gaps will be filled in a systematic and planned manner. Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored. A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes. Quality evaluation of these schools at regular interval will be undertaken to ensure the desired standards. Aim: The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills. They will provide leadership in their respective regions in providing high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020. -Source: Indian Express Bhojshala Complex Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reported that the current structure at the Bhojshala complex was built using the remains of an earlier temple at the site. This conclusion was drawn from a scientific survey conducted by the ASI. Relevance: GS I: History Overview of the Bhojshala Complex: Location: Situated in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. Founder: Constructed in 1034 AD by Raja Bhoja, a prominent ruler of the Paramara dynasty (1000-1055 AD). Educational Institution: Functioned as a university where subjects such as music, Sanskrit, astronomy, yoga, Ayurveda, and philosophy were taught. Historical Significance: Early Attacks: In 1305 AD, Alauddin Khilji launched the first attack on the complex. Conversion Attempt: In 1514 AD, Mehmudshah Khilji II attempted to convert the complex into a dargah, encroaching on land outside the Saraswati Temple and building the ‘Kamal Moulana’ Makbara. Inscriptions and Artifacts: Prakrit Hymns: Engraved hymns in the Prakrit language depict the Karmavatar, the crocodile incarnation of Vishnu. Sarpabandha Pillar Inscriptions: Includes inscriptions detailing the Sanskrit alphabet, and the declensions of ten tenses and moods of Sanskrit grammar. Recognition and Protection: Declared Monument of National Importance: In 1951, under the Ancient and Historical Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951. Current Protection: Managed and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. -Source: The Hindu Chandipura Virus Infection Context: 6 children die of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Chandipura Virus Infection (CHPV) Chandipura Virus Infection (CHPV): Virus Classification: CHPV belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes rabies virus (lyssavirus). Vectors: Transmitted primarily by sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and certain mosquito species including Aedes aegypti (also vector for dengue). Transmission: The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans and other vertebrates through bites. Pathogenesis: Enters the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain’s active tissues). Symptoms: Initially presents with flu-like symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, body ache, and headache. Progresses to altered mental status, seizures, and encephalitis. Other symptoms include respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, and anemia. Rapid disease progression, with mortality possible within 24-48 hours of hospitalization post-encephalitis. Demographics: Primarily affects children under 15 years of age. Treatment: Currently managed symptomatically; no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine available. Affected Regions in India: First isolated during investigations of a dengue/chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra in 1965. Significant outbreaks observed in 2003-04 in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. Endemic to central India, where the population of sandflies and mosquitoes capable of spreading CHPV is higher. -Source: Indian Express ASMITA Project Context: The Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently unveiled the ASMITA Project, aimed at bolstering the availability of educational resources in Indian languages. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: About ASMITA Project About ASMITA Project: Initiative Overview: ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) aims to develop 22,000 books in Indian languages over the next five years. Collaboration: Joint effort by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a committee under the Ministry of Education. Objective: Promote deeper integration of Indian languages into the education system, enhancing inclusivity and enriching the learning experience. Strategic Focus: Part of a broader strategy to improve accessibility and quality of educational materials across diverse Indian languages. Implementation Framework: Thirteen nodal universities have been designated to spearhead the project, with participation from member universities across different regions. UGC has established a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the book-writing process in each assigned language. Includes steps such as appointing nodal officers and authors, title and subject allocation, manuscript writing and editing, submission, review, plagiarism check, finalization, designing, proofreading, and e-publication. -Source: Indian Today  

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