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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 19 June 2024

CONTENTS Environmental Performance Index 2024 US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Visits India 2024 Kavli Prize Awards Dead Zone Filoboletus Manipularis Matsya 6000 Exercise Tarang Shakti Environmental Performance Index 2024 Context: The Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia Center for International Earth Science Information Network released the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2024. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Overview of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Challenges Related to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Key Highlights of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024 India’s Response to the EPI Overview of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) The Environmental Performance Index (EPI), launched by the World Economic Forum in 2002 under the name Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI), is a biennial assessment tool. It measures countries’ efforts to achieve international environmental policy targets, including the U.N. sustainability goals, the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Structure: The 2024 EPI incorporates 58 performance indicators categorized into 11 issues, focusing on three main policy goals: Environmental Health Ecosystem Vitality Climate Change The EPI team converts raw environmental data into scores that rank countries on a 0 to 100 scale, with higher scores indicating better performance. Importance of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) The EPI promotes global collaboration and knowledge sharing, aiming to achieve a more environmentally secure and equitable world. It underscores the need for strong governance frameworks, including transparency, accountability, and effective policymaking, which are essential for implementing and enforcing environmental regulations. Adequate financial resources are crucial for initiating and maintaining environmental initiatives, allowing nations to invest in sustainable practices and infrastructure. Nations with higher levels of human development, such as education, healthcare, and overall well-being, tend to prioritize environmental sustainability and are more capable of implementing effective measures. Well-structured environmental regulations, along with robust enforcement mechanisms, are vital for mitigating environmental degradation and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. Challenges Related to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Measuring biodiversity loss or ecosystem health can be challenging due to complex dynamics and the lack of standardized methodologies across different regions. Some developing countries may lack efficient monitoring systems or face challenges in collecting comprehensive environmental data, resulting in incomplete assessments. Economic development may sometimes be prioritized over environmental protection, leading to potential conflicts or resistance in adopting EPI recommendations. Countries heavily reliant on resource extraction or fossil fuel-based industries may find it difficult to transition to more sustainable practices. Developing nations might struggle to allocate sufficient funds or expertise for environmental projects, and developed countries may not provide adequate financial support for mitigation. Addressing transboundary issues like air pollution, water management, or wildlife protection often necessitates multilateral agreements and collaborative efforts. Key Highlights of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024 Leading Nation: Estonia leads the index by achieving a 59% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. Top Performers: Only five countries — Estonia, Finland, Greece, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom — are on track to reduce GHG emissions to reach net zero by 2050. Lowest Performing Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia rank lowest among the eight regions evaluated. Progress and Challenges: Except for the United Kingdom, other countries identified in the 2022 EPI report as being on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 have shown either slow progress (e.g., the United States) or increasing emissions (e.g., China, India, Russia). India’s Ranking: India ranks 176th out of 180 countries with a score of 27.6 points, ranking higher only than Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. India performs poorly in categories such as air quality, emissions, and biodiversity conservation, primarily due to its heavy reliance on coal, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. India is ranked 177th in air quality and 172nd in projected emissions by 2025. Transboundary Pollution: In South Asia, India is the largest emitter of transboundary pollution, impacting neighboring Bangladesh and affecting residents’ well-being. Renewable Energy Investments: Despite its low overall ranking, India fares better in the climate change category (133rd), attributed to investments in renewable energy and a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Achieving these goals will require an additional USD 160 billion annually in climate change mitigation investments. New Metrics: The 2024 EPI introduces pilot indicators to measure the effectiveness and stringency of protected areas. India’s Response to the EPI Extended Timeframe: India contends that the calculations should consider a longer period (10 to 20 years) and include renewable energy capacity and usage, additional carbon sinks, and energy efficiency measures implemented by respective countries. Rate of Change: The calculation of projected GHG emissions by 2050 is based on the average rate of change in emissions over the last 10 years, which India deems inadequate. Carbon Sinks: India’s forests and wetlands, which act as crucial carbon sinks, have not been considered in the projected GHG emissions trajectory up to 2050 in the EPI 2024. Ecosystem Condition: While the index measures the extent of ecosystems, it does not evaluate their condition or productivity. Exclusion of Critical Indicators: The index does not include indicators such as agro-biodiversity, soil health, food loss, and waste, which are crucial for developing countries with large agrarian populations. -Source: The Hindu US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Visits India Context: In the first official visit from the US since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected for a third term, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Delhi. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: News Summary What is the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)? National Security Council (NSC) of India News Summary Bilateral Talks: India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, held a bilateral meeting with the US’ National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, in New Delhi. Agreed Areas of Cooperation: They agreed to enhance cooperation in various domains including Defence technology, Space, Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing, and critical minerals. Commitments: Both sides committed to taking concrete steps in the upcoming months to overcome long-standing obstacles in bilateral strategic trade, technology, and industrial cooperation, including commercial and civil space sectors. iCET Meeting: They co-chaired the second meeting of the India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). What is the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)? Framework: The iCET is a framework agreed upon by India and the U.S. to foster cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. Technologies: The initiative focuses on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and wireless telecommunication. Announcement: Prime Minister Modi and President Biden announced the framework during the Quad meeting in Tokyo in May 2022. Launch: It was officially launched in 2023 to bolster strategic partnership and promote technology and defence cooperation between the two nations. Focus Areas of iCET Primary Goal: The iCET aims to establish New Delhi and Washington D.C. as “trusted technology partners” to develop supply chains and support the co-production and co-development of technologies. Key Focus Areas: Research Partnership: Establishing a research agency partnership to collaborate on Artificial Intelligence. Defence Cooperation: Creating a new defence industrial cooperation roadmap to speed up technological collaboration for joint development and production. Standards Development: Developing common standards in Artificial Intelligence. Defence Technological Cooperation: Formulating a roadmap to enhance defence technological cooperation and an ‘innovation bridge’ to connect defence startups. Semiconductor Ecosystem: Supporting the development of a semiconductor ecosystem. Human Space Flight: Strengthening cooperation on human space flight. 5G and 6G Development: Advancing cooperation on the development of 5G and 6G technologies. OpenRAN Technology: Adopting OpenRAN network technology in India. National Security Council (NSC) of India Primary Role: The NSC is the main advisory body to the Prime Minister on national security and strategic interests. Establishment: The council was established in 1998 by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with Brajesh Mishra as the first National Security Advisor (NSA). Composition of the NSC: Head: Prime Minister Oversees all aspects of national security and strategic policy. National Security Advisor: Acts as the primary advisor to the Prime Minister on national security matters. Coordinates with various ministries, agencies, and departments involved in national security. Members: National Security Advisor (NSA) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Deputy National Security Advisors Union Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home, Finance Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog Functions of the NSC: Policy Formulation and Coordination Intelligence Assessment Strategic Planning Crisis Management International Security Cooperation Historical Note: Before the formation of the NSC, these functions were managed by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. -Source: Indian Express 2024 Kavli Prize Awards Context: Recently, eight scientists were awarded the 2024 Kavli Prize for their contributions to astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. All eight scientists awarded the Prize this year are professors at leading American universities. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Dimensions of the Article: Kavli Prize Kavli Medal Kavli Prize Overview: The Kavli Prize is an international award recognizing outstanding achievements in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience. It is awarded biennially and was established in 2008 by Norwegian-American businessman and philanthropist Fred Kavli. Administered by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, in partnership with the Kavli Foundation and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. Comparison with Nobel Prize: The Kavli Prize is similar to the Nobel Prize in the fields of astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. Unlike the Nobel Prize, which is awarded for achievements made “during the preceding year,” the Kavli Prize recognizes achievements without this restriction. 2024 Winners: Astrophysics: Winners: David Charbonneau (Harvard University) and Sara Seager (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Achievements: Discoveries and characterization of exoplanets and their atmospheres. Contributions: Pioneered methods for detecting atomic species in planetary atmospheres and measuring thermal infrared emissions, crucial for identifying molecular fingerprints in planetary atmospheres. Nanoscience: Winners: Robert Langer (MIT), Armand Paul Alivisatos (University of Chicago), and Chad Mirkin (Northwestern University). Contributions: Langer: Nano-engineering for controlled drug delivery systems. Alivisatos: Development of semiconductor quantum dots for bio-imaging. Mirkin: Concept of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) for applications in gene regulation and immunotherapy. Neuroscience: Winners: Nancy Kanwisher (MIT), Winrich Freiwald (Rockefeller University), and Doris Tsao (University of California, Berkeley). Achievements: Mapping brain functions related to facial recognition using neuroimaging and neuronal recording techniques, identifying brain centres and neural architectures involved in face processing. Kavli Medal Description: The Kavli Medal, separate from the Kavli Prize, is awarded annually for excellence in environmental science and engineering. Eligibility: Open to UK, Commonwealth, or Irish Republic citizens or residents with at least three years of residency. Targets early career scientists within 15 years of their PhD, excluding career breaks. Selection Process: Recipients are chosen by the Royal Society Council based on recommendations from the Joint Physical and Biological Sciences Awards Committee. Nominations are valid for five years; candidates must wait a year before being re-nominated after this period. -Source: Indian Express Dead Zone Context: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an above-average summer “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico covering approximately 5,827 square miles. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: About Dead Zones How are Dead Zones Formed? About Dead Zones Definition: The term “dead zone” or “hypoxia” refers to low-oxygen areas in the world’s lakes and oceans. Because most organisms need oxygen to live, few organisms can survive in hypoxic conditions, leading to these areas being termed dead zones. Hypoxic zones can occur naturally, but human activities can also lead to the creation of new dead zones or the worsening of existing ones. How are Dead Zones Formed? Eutrophication Process: Dead zones occur due to eutrophication, which happens when a body of water is overloaded with nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. Normally, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) feed on these nutrients. Excessive nutrients cause a rapid overgrowth of algae, known as algae blooms. Dead zones form when these algae die, sink to the bottom, and are decomposed by bacteria, a process that depletes dissolved oxygen from the surrounding water. Dense algae blooms block sunlight, preventing underwater grasses from growing, which negatively impacts animals that rely on these grasses for food and shelter. Human activities often cause these nutrient excesses, leading to dead zones frequently being located near populated coastlines. Influencing Factors: Wind can mix oxygen from the surface into deeper water, helping to break up dead zones. High temperatures can worsen dead zones by creating a layer of warm surface water that traps colder, oxygen-poor water below. Heavy rainfall can increase the amount of pollution washed into waterways. Water Depth and Mixing: Shallow waters are less likely to stratify compared to deep waters, making them less prone to developing hypoxic conditions due to better mixing by winds and tides. Shallow and clear waters that allow light to reach the bottom can support primary producers such as phytoplankton, algae, and seagrasses, which release oxygen during photosynthesis. -Source: Down To Earth Filoboletus Manipularis Context: Recently, researchers have discovered a rare species of bioluminescent mushrooms in the forests of Kasaragod which are scientifically known as Filoboletus manipularis. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Filoboletus manipularis: Species Characteristics: Filoboletus manipularis is an intriguing species of bioluminescent mushroom. These mushrooms emit a bright green glow at night due to a chemical reaction occurring within their cells. Habitat: They thrive in tropical, humid environments, commonly found in dense forests rich in decaying organic matter such as fallen trees and leaves. This moist and nutrient-rich environment is essential for their growth and bioluminescence. Biochemical Process: The glowing property of these mushrooms is due to a chemical reaction involving luciferin (a pigment) and luciferase (an enzyme) in the presence of oxygen. This reaction generates light, similar to the bioluminescence seen in fireflies and certain marine organisms. Advantage: In fungi, this bioluminescent trait is believed to attract insects, aiding in the dispersion of the mushroom’s spores. What are Mushrooms? Role in Ecosystem: Mushrooms are secondary saprophytic fungi within the forest ecosystem. Secondary saprophytic fungi are crucial for decomposing plant litter. The Western Ghats region in Kerala is abundant in fungi, many of which are endemic to this region. -Source: The Hindu Matsya 6000 Context: India is set to become the sixth country to have its own deep-sea mission. The first stage of the harbour trial, reaching depths of 40-50 meters, is planned by September 2024. This mission has the potential to significantly contribute to the overall growth of the Indian economy. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Matsya 6000: A three-person submersible capable of descending to a depth of 6,000 meters. Developed by Chennai’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). Structure: Constructed with 80mm-thick titanium alloy, it can withstand pressures 600 times that at sea level. The submersible can operate continuously for 12 to 16 hours and has an oxygen supply lasting 96 hours. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT): Establishment: Founded in November 1993 as an autonomous society under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Objectives: To develop reliable indigenous technologies to address various engineering challenges related to the extraction of non-living and living resources in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which covers about two-thirds of India’s land area. Deep Sea Mission: Overview: The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a significant Indian initiative aimed at exploring and utilizing oceanic depths. Details: A five-year mission approved by the Union Cabinet in 2021, with a budget of approximately ₹4,077 crore. The mission’s goals include developing technologies for deep-sea mining, manned submersibles, and underwater robotics, as well as providing ocean climate change advisory services, and conducting deep-ocean surveys and exploration. -Source: Indian Express Exercise Tarang Shakti Context: The Indian Air Force will host an air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024 in August. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Exercise Tarang Shakti: Description: Exercise Tarang Shakti is the inaugural multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Objective: To invite and collaborate with friendly foreign countries with whom the IAF interacts regularly and shares a certain degree of interoperability. Phases: Phase 1: Scheduled in southern India during the first two weeks of August. Phase 2: Scheduled in the western sector from the end of August to mid-September. Participating Countries: Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Germany will deploy fighter jets and an A-400M transport aircraft. Aims: To foster professional interactions among the participating forces. To enrich the employment philosophy of the forces. To facilitate the exchange of valuable insights. Significance: Provides a unique opportunity for these nations to collaborate and enhance their tactical and operational capabilities. -Source: The Hindu

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 18 June 2024

CONTENTS Global Wind Day Exercise Red Flag 2024  Global Wind Day Context: Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organised ‘Global Wind Day’ on the 15th June 2024 with the theme of “Pawan Urja: Powering the Future of India”. Relevance: Facts for prelims Key points The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently celebrated ‘Global Wind Day’ on June 15, 2024, under the theme “Pawan Urja: Powering the Future of India.” The event was focused on acknowledging the achievements of the Indian Wind Sector and exploring strategies to enhance wind energy adoption in the country. As of May 2024, India has achieved a cumulative installed wind power capacity of 46.4 GW, making it the 4th largest in the world, following China, the US, and Germany. Wind energy plays a vital role in India’s goals to reach 50% of its electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources (500 GW renewable energy capacity) by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are the leading states in wind-energy production in India. Exercise Red Flag 2024 Context: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 conducted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska of the United States Air Force, from 04 Jun to 14 Jun 24. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About: The second edition of Ex Red Flag 2024, an advanced aerial combat training exercise held four times annually by the US Air Force, took place recently. Participants included the Indian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force (USAF). Red Flag is an air combat exercise featuring realistic combat scenarios, dividing forces into Red Force (simulating Air Defence with USAF Aggressor Squadron’s F-16 and F-15 aircraft) and Blue Force (simulating Offensive Composite elements). This year marked the debut of the Indian Air Force’s Rafale aircraft in the exercise, operating alongside RSAF and USAF F-16s, F-15s, and A-10s. The missions included Beyond Visual Range combat exercises in Large Force Engagements, focusing on Offensive Counter Air and Air Defence roles.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 18 June 2024

CONTENTS Unleashing AI for Social Justice The Vulnerabilities of India’s Elderly Unleashing AI for Social Justice Context: While AI has significantly impacted areas like medical science, space exploration, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, manufacturing, and transportation, its greatest potential lies in solving complex societal issues and alleviating human hardships at the grassroots level. It shouldn’t be limited to tasks like driving our cars, controlling our air conditioners, writing essays, or improving art. Thus, it’s important to reimagine AI’s role and focus its capabilities on promoting human dignity and social progress. Relevance: GS2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential. GS3- Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. Mains Question: By prioritising ethical deployment, AI stands poised to become a powerful tool for driving meaningful social change. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words). Role of AI in Societal Change: Upliftment of Marginalized Communities: AI should be used to uplift marginalized communities, enhance social equity, and drive meaningful societal change. In primary education, AI can be instrumental in addressing the fundamental challenges faced by children of migrant laborers and displaced civilians, thereby helping to break the cycle of disadvantage. AI can tackle barriers such as lack of access, resources, language, quality instruction, and personalized support. Adaptive learning platforms and customized educational content can meet individual needs, allowing children to integrate into the mainstream education system seamlessly. This ensures equitable access to educational opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstances, and helps prevent anyone from falling behind. Eradication of Manual Scavenging: Another urgent issue requiring AI intervention is the eradication of manual scavenging in countries like India. Despite legal prohibitions, manual scavenging continues, exposing individuals to hazardous conditions and stripping them of their basic dignity. AI-powered sanitation systems and robotics, deployed swiftly, can provide a viable solution by automating waste management processes and eliminating the need for manual labor. Access to Justice: Access to justice is another domain where AI can have a substantial impact, leading to quicker resolutions and better outcomes. AI can manage databases, provide legal assistance, and offer support services and information resources to underserved communities. This can help individuals navigate the legal system, understand their rights, and access legal representation, especially in cases involving war crimes, civil rights violations, discrimination, or social injustice. Using AI for social justice initiatives can help combat systemic biases and promote inclusivity by analyzing large datasets to identify patterns of discrimination in various fields, from education to criminal justice. AI-driven decision-making can reduce biases in hiring and law enforcement, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for everyone. Way Forward: The examples above highlight the transformative potential of AI intervention. It is essential to adopt a ground-up approach rather than a top-down one. Safeguards must be in place to prevent algorithmic biases and mitigate risks of misuse or manipulation, making interdisciplinary collaboration between technologists and policymakers crucial to navigate the ethical complexities of AI development and implementation. It’s important to remember that AI is a tool, not a solution. AI can only be considered transformational if it is used to eliminate dehumanizing practices, build social equity, and improve the lives of grassroots communities. Conclusion: Therefore, AI should be harnessed as a force for positive change, ensuring it remains a tool for empowerment and progress. We should focus its capabilities on endeavors that uplift humanity and promote social progress, setting other applications aside for now. The Vulnerabilities of India’s Elderly Context: The aging phenomenon is one of the most significant experiences of this century, characterized by a remarkable increase in human longevity alongside historically low reproduction rates. While the scale and growth of this phenomenon may seem alarming, efforts are being made to redefine it not just by age, but by other related factors influenced by the increase in longevity and changing vulnerabilities. Relevance: GS1- Population and Associated Issues GS2- Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes Mains Question: What are the concerns associated with the elderly population in India? How have government initiatives performed in this regard and what can be done to make them more effective? (15 Marks, 250 Words). Main Vulnerabilities of the Elderly in India: In India, four main vulnerabilities affecting the elderly are restrictions in daily activities, multi-morbidity, poverty, and lack of income. According to the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India (LASI, 2017-18), around 20% of the elderly population experiences each of these vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that includes principles of inclusion and social security measures. Considering these vulnerabilities as part of the life course, it is essential to promote life preparatory measures that ensure not only financial independence but also healthy, active, and productive years. Existing Evaluations of the Aging Phenomenon in India: Most evaluations of the aging phenomenon focus on individual attributes and characteristics rather than the circumstances and conditions of later life. The increasing number of elderly people should not be viewed in isolation, as this population transition is happening alongside a familial transition. This familial transition involves changes in household compositions and how the elderly are accommodated within them. There are households without elderly members, those with multiple elderly members, and instances of elderly living together. This arrangement is becoming more common, and issues of dependence, care provision, social security, and financial protection are more prominent in households with elderly members compared to those without. This indicates that the persistence of vulnerabilities among the elderly arises more from household characteristics than individual ones. Prospective Elderly Populations: Comparing today’s elderly with tomorrow’s, future generations may benefit from better education, life preparation, and economic independence, yet they may face health challenges and reduced quality of life due to increased longevity and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. Therefore, the focus of healthy aging should extend significantly to prospective elderly populations. While limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) worsen with age among the current elderly, there is hope that these patterns might be delayed for future elderly populations. By mid-century, the elderly population is projected to reach 319 million, growing at about 3% annually. This group will have a female predominance, with a sex ratio of 1,065 females per 1,000 males, and 54% of elderly women will be widows. Although 6% of elderly men live alone compared to 9% of elderly women, 70% of the elderly will reside in rural areas. These statistics are crucial for targeting welfare measures for this demographic. Associated Concerns: A particularly concerning aspect is the health status of the elderly, with a quarter reporting poor health compared to about 20% of those aged 45 and above. Seventy-five percent of the elderly suffer from one or more chronic diseases, and 40% of those aged 45 and above have some form of disability. With the increasing global burden of disease, diabetes and cancer are notably prevalent among India’s elderly. Mental health is also an emerging concern, with 20% of those over 45 self-reporting ailments, mainly depression, a higher rate than that reported by the elderly. Food insecurity is another issue among India’s elderly, with 6% of those over 45 eating smaller portions or skipping meals, and 5.3% not eating despite being hungry. While these numbers may seem small, they significantly impact nutrition and related health issues. Recognizing these adversities, protection measures have been implemented, including welfare provisions, legal recourse, and concessional measures for the elderly. However, awareness of these measures is very low. Only about 12% are aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and just 28% know about the various concessions available to them. Overall, India’s elderly have few expectations from life, and their vulnerabilities expose them to various forms of abuse by family, community, and society. Although only 5% report abuse, it is particularly common for women in rural areas, where they are often the most neglected. Conclusion: There is a pressing need for a movement to create social agency for this vulnerable group. Innovative institutional changes are required to reframe their role from a perceived liability to a valuable asset, focusing on ensuring an active life course for future elderly populations.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 18 June 2024

CONTENTS Climate Change and the Silk Road India’s Rise as a Strategic Intellectual Hub Path to Peace Summit in Switzerland Truenat Diagnostic Test Recognized at World Health Assembly SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024 The Impact of Electromagnets in Modern Life  Climate Change and the Silk Road Context: A recent study by Chinese scientists published in the journal Science Bulletin found that the main route of the ancient Silk Road shifted northward due to climate change. The study provides a valuable case study for examining the relationship between climate change and the spatial evolution of human societies. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: What is the Silk Road? Historical Significance of the Silk Route End of the Silk Route and Modern Revival Efforts The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) What is the Silk Road? Definition: The Silk Road was an extensive network of trade routes linking the Atlantic seaboard of Europe with the Pacific coast of Asia, spanning over 1,500 years. Naming: It was named after the prosperous silk trade that originated in China. Other Goods: In addition to silk, it was used to transport items like spices, gold, and precious stones. Key Cities: This route passed through significant cities and kingdoms such as Samarkand, Babylon, and Constantinople. Historical Background: Establishment: The Silk Road has a history of over 1,500 years, tracing back to the 2nd century BCE when connections between Europe and China were established. Diplomatic Missions: In the 2nd century BCE, Emperor Wu of the Chinese Han Dynasty sent diplomat Zhang Qian to the “Western Regions” (Xinjiang and beyond), which led to the gradual formation of the Tarim Basin route. Zhang Qian’s Role: Zhang Qian is regarded as the “Father of the Silk Road” for his pioneering efforts. Caravan Routes: Caravans traveling from China’s capital Xian used the Tarim Basin route, which was bordered by the Tianshan, Kunlun, and Pamir mountains and included the Takla Makan Desert within the basin. Trade Path: After navigating the Tarim Basin, caravans moved west towards the Levant (modern-day Syria, Jordan, the Holy Land, and Lebanon) and Anatolia, where goods were transferred to ships in Mediterranean ports for further transport to Western Europe. Cultural Exchange: The Silk Road enabled the exchange of goods, people, ideas, religions, and even diseases between the far ends of Eurasia, playing a crucial role in the cultural and economic interactions between Europe and Asia. Route Shifts: Original Route: The initial main route of the Silk Road circled the Tarim Basin, situated between the Tianshan Mountains to the north and the Kunlun Mountains to the south. Merchants selected this route to avoid the harsh desert conditions of the Tarim Basin. Route Changes (420–850 CE): New Route: During 420–850 CE, caravans stopped using the traditional route around the Tarim Basin. Northern Slopes Route: Instead, they began using the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains (in the Junggar Basin in modern-day Xinjiang), historically known as Dzungaria. “New Northern” Route: This new route eventually completely replaced the Tarim Basin route. Consequences of the New Route: Cultural Development: Encouraged the development of the Turco-Sogdian cultural sphere. Trade Facilitation: Improved communication and trade between Chinese dynasties and nomadic empires in Central and West Asia, such as the Khazar Empire. Enhanced Connectivity: Enhanced communication and trade across Eurasia, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic regions. Historical Significance of the Silk Route: Main Trade Route: The Silk Road was the primary trade route, facilitating the exchange of luxury goods like silk, spices, precious metals, and gemstones between regions such as China, India, Persia, Arabia, and the Mediterranean. Economic Impact: This trade route generated substantial wealth and prosperity, contributing to the economic growth and development of societies along the route. Cultural Exchange: The Silk Route enabled the exchange of cultural, artistic, and religious ideas between the East and the West, promoting the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and other beliefs. It also facilitated the transfer of technologies, agricultural practices, and artistic traditions. Cultural Blending: This interaction led to the blending of cultures, languages, and knowledge, enriching cultural heritage and fostering a more interconnected world. Strategic Importance: The Silk Route was a vital network of trade routes, providing power and influence to empires that controlled it. Securing this route led to the establishment of military outposts, fortifications, and diplomatic relationships. Geopolitical Influence: The competition for control over the Silk Road shaped Eurasia’s geopolitical landscape, influencing the rise and fall of civilizations for centuries. Technological Exchange: The Silk Route facilitated the exchange of technological innovations such as the compass, gunpowder, and printing between East and West. Transportation Advancements: It also encouraged the development of advanced transportation methods, including camel caravans and maritime shipping. Modern Impact: The Silk Route continues to influence modern trade and cultural exchanges. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative underscore its importance in contemporary economic and geopolitical contexts. End of the Silk Route and Modern Revival Efforts: Closure: The original Silk Route came to an end in 1453 when the Ottoman Empire blocked trade with the West, leading to the separation of Eastern and Western trade routes. Subsequently, more efficient sea routes were discovered for East-West trade. Revival Initiative: In 2013, China launched the “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) initiative, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative, to revive the Silk Route. Connectivity Goals: This initiative aims to improve connectivity with over 60 countries across Asia, Europe, and East Africa, reviving the spirit of the ancient Silk Road. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a comprehensive development strategy launched in 2013 with the goal of enhancing global connectivity and cooperation. Initially named ‘One Belt, One Road,’ it was later rebranded as the BRI to emphasize inclusivity and openness rather than Chinese dominance. Components of BRI: The BRI consists of two primary components: Silk Road Economic Belt: This focuses on improving overland transportation routes, infrastructure, and trade links across Eurasia. Maritime Silk Road: Emphasizes maritime connections, including ports, shipping routes, and maritime infrastructure projects, extending from the South China Sea through Indo-China, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and reaching Africa and Europe. Objective: The primary objective of the BRI is to enhance international connectivity by improving infrastructure, trade, and economic cooperation. It encompasses a wide range of projects, including the development of railways, ports, highways, and energy infrastructure. Geographic Corridors: The land-based Silk Road Economic Belt includes six key development corridors: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor China-Myanmar Economic Corridor Economic Impact: Participation in the BRI has led to increased trade and investments with China for the involved countries. Trade with BRI partners experienced an annual growth rate of 6.4%, reaching USD 19.1 trillion between 2013 and 2022. -Source: The Hindu India’s Rise as a Strategic Intellectual Hub Context: In recent years, India’s transformation from a back-office service provider to a strategic intellectual hub for Multinational Corporations (MNCs) has been driven by the rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs). GCCs are offshore units established by MNCs to perform strategic functions using specialized talent, cost advantages, and operational efficiencies in different locations worldwide. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Key Economic Shifts in India Attributed to the Growth of GCCs Understanding Global Capability Centers (GCCs) Current Status and Benefits of GCCs Impact on Local Economies Key Economic Shifts in India Attributed to the Growth of GCCs Initial Focus: During the 1990s and 2000s, India’s global economic role was largely centered around back-office operations such as telemarketing and data entry. Expansion: India’s economic activities have now expanded to include complex functions like research and development (R&D), analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), robotic process automation, and product development, establishing India as a critical player in global innovation. Education and Skills Development: The increasing demand for skilled professionals from Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is transforming India’s education and training systems. STEM Emphasis: Educational institutions are increasingly focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to meet the requirements of GCCs. Innovation Hubs: GCCs are evolving from mere task replicators to innovation centers for their parent companies, fostering a culture of research and development in India and leading to new technologies and solutions. Knowledge Transfer: Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are transferring valuable knowledge to the Indian workforce, further bolstering India’s position in the knowledge economy. Job Creation: GCCs are generating high-paying jobs across various sectors beyond traditional IT services, attracting a wide range of talent including engineers, data scientists, and financial analysts. Living Standards: This growth is improving career prospects and living standards for skilled professionals in India. Technological Investment: The presence of GCCs is driving investment in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics, positioning India as a leader in the global IT services market. Global Recognition: The rise of GCCs is showcasing India’s capabilities on the international stage, attracting more foreign investment due to India’s recognized talent and cost-efficiency advantages. Understanding Global Capability Centers (GCCs) Definition: GCCs, also known as Global In-House Centers (GICs), are strategic outposts established by multinational corporations around the world. Function: These centers provide specialized capabilities including IT services, R&D, customer support, and various business functions within the global corporate framework. Examples: General Electric (GE): Has a large GCC in Bangalore focused on R&D and engineering for aviation and healthcare. Nestle: Established a GCC in Lausanne, Switzerland, dedicated to product development and innovation for food and beverage brands. Current Status and Benefits of GCCs Market and Employment: In 2022-23, there were approximately 1,600 GCCs contributing to a USD 46 billion market and employing 1.7 million people. Growth Rate: Professional and consulting services within GCCs are growing rapidly, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% over the past four years, outpacing computer services (16% CAGR) and R&D services (13% CAGR). Operational Cost Savings: Establishing GCCs in countries with lower operational costs provides significant savings for MNCs. Strategic Functions: GCCs can manage specific functions, freeing up headquarters to focus on core strategies. Local Insights: GCCs provide insights into local markets, customer preferences, and regulatory environments, helping MNCs adapt their strategies for regional success. Impact on Local Economies High-Skilled Jobs: GCCs create high-skilled jobs, boosting the local economy and knowledge base. Technology Adoption: They facilitate knowledge transfer and technology adoption within the host country. Foreign Investment: GCCs can act as catalysts for further foreign investment by showcasing the skilled workforce and favorable business environment in the host country. -Source: The Hindu Path to Peace Summit in Switzerland Context: The two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland concluded recently with hopes for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Out of the 100 attending delegations, 80 countries and four organizations supported the final joint communiqué from the Path To Peace Summit, which focused on finding ways to end the Russia-Ukraine war that has been ongoing since February 2022. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: What is the Swiss Peace Summit? Key Outcomes of the Swiss Peace Summit India’s Stand at the Summit Reasons for India’s Non-Signatory Position What is the Swiss Peace Summit? Definition: The Swiss Peace Summit, also referred to as the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, is an international conference focused on addressing and resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Location: Held at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland, it brings together representatives from various nations and organizations to promote peace initiatives. Goal: The primary aim is to facilitate dialogue and negotiations to end the war that has been ongoing since February 2022. Participants: The summit includes a diverse range of participants, including representatives from many countries, international organizations, and peace advocacy groups. In the recent summit, 80 countries and four organizations endorsed the final joint communiqué. Key Outcomes of the Swiss Peace Summit: Joint Communiqué: A final joint communiqué was issued, supported by 80 countries and four organizations out of the 100 delegations present. This document outlines the consensus and recommendations for achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine. Territorial Integrity: The communiqué emphasized that the territorial integrity of Ukraine should be the foundation for any peace agreement. Key Themes: Nuclear Safety: Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the conflict is deemed unacceptable. Food Security: Food security should not be weaponized, and Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely available to interested third countries. Prisoner Exchanges: All prisoners of war must be exchanged, and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and civilians must be returned to Ukraine. Commitment to Peace: Participants committed to ending the war through continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts. Humanitarian Aid: The importance of providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict was highlighted. International Cooperation: The summit fostered international cooperation and solidarity, with countries pledging to work together to promote peace and stability. India’s Stand at the Summit: Participation: India joined the summit to explore ways towards a negotiated settlement. Representation: India was represented by the Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, rather than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was invited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India’s strategic ties with Moscow and dependence on Russian defense supplies influenced this decision. Oil Purchases: Since the war began, India has been buying Russian oil at discounted prices to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices. Non-Signatory Decision: India chose not to sign the joint communiqué, stating that only mutually acceptable options can lead to lasting peace. India emphasized that enduring peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. Reasons for India’s Non-Signatory Position: Russia’s Absence: Russia, one of the key parties in the conflict, declined to attend the summit, making a lasting peace agreement difficult. Other Non-Signatories: Besides India, countries like Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and UAE also did not sign the final communiqué. Brazil, listed as an observer, did not feature as a signatory either. -Source: Indian Express Truenat Diagnostic Test Recognized at World Health Assembly Context: Recently, the Truenat, a rapid molecular diagnostic test for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB and rifampicin-resistant TB, was hailed at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Dimensions of the Article: Truenat About Tuberculosis India’s TB Elimination Target: Goals and Challenges Efforts to Achieve TB Elimination Target of 2025 in India Truenat: Description: Truenat is a portable, battery-powered device capable of delivering test results in less than an hour. It can test for over 40 diseases. Usage in India: It is widely used in over 7,000 primary and community health centers and around 1,500 private laboratories under the National TB Elimination Programme. Global Recognition: The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the WHO, has recognized India’s efforts in TB elimination, highlighting the use of Truenat machines and handheld X-ray devices as innovative models for global use. Handheld X-ray Devices: These are utilized in India’s TB program to diagnose TB in difficult operational settings. TB Statistics: According to the WHO, there are over 10 million new TB cases annually. India accounts for 27% of the global TB burden, with over 1,400 deaths daily. National Initiative: Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, India aims to eradicate TB by 2025. About Tuberculosis TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer. Each day, over 4000 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. Transmission: TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. Symptoms: Cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. Treatment: TB is a treatable and curable disease. It is treated with a standard 6 month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer. Anti-TB medicines have been used for decades and strains that are resistant to 1 or more of the medicines have been documented in every country surveyed. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs. Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a more serious form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, often leaving patients without any further treatment options India’s TB Elimination Target: Goals and Challenges India has set an ambitious target of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global sustainable development target of 2030. Here are the goals and challenges in achieving this target: Target Goals: India’s national strategic plan 2017-2025 aims to report no more than 44 new TB cases or 65 total cases per lakh population by 2025. The plan also aims to reduce TB mortality to 3 deaths per lakh population by 2025 and eliminate catastrophic costs for affected families. Current Incidence: The estimated TB incidence for 2021 stood at 210 per lakh population. However, achieving the target is a big task as the plan had envisaged an incidence of only 77 cases per lakh population by 2023. Mortality: The estimated TB mortality for the year 2020 stood at 37 per lakh population, which is higher than the 2025 target of 3 deaths per lakh population. Catastrophic Costs: The plan aims to reduce catastrophic costs for the affected family to zero. However, the report states that 7 to 32 per cent of those with drug-sensitive TB, and 68 per cent with drug-resistant TB experienced catastrophic costs. Challenges: India faces several challenges in achieving the TB elimination target, including inadequate funding, weak health infrastructure, low awareness, and poor treatment adherence. End TB Strategy: The goals are in line with the World Health Organisation’s End TB strategy that calls for an 80% reduction in the number of new cases, a 90% reduction in mortality, and zero catastrophic cost by 2030. Efforts to Achieve TB Elimination Target of 2025 in India Active Case Finding: The government is actively looking for TB cases among vulnerable and co-morbid populations and screening for it at health and wellness centers. Notification System: A Ni-kshay portal has been established to track notified TB cases, and the private sector has been called upon to notify all TB cases. Improved Diagnostic Tests: The pandemic has led to improved access to more accurate molecular diagnostic tests like CB-NAAT and TureNat, with 4,760 molecular diagnostic machines covering all districts of the country. Additionally, 79 line probe assay laboratories and 96 liquid culture testing laboratories have been set up for the diagnosis of multi and extremely drug-resistant TB. Universal Drug Susceptibility Test: The government has implemented a universal drug susceptibility test, which determines antibiotic susceptibility for all newly diagnosed cases, ensuring patients are given effective treatment from the outset. Community Engagement Program: The government launched a community engagement program in which Ni-kshay mitras adopt TB patients and provide them with monthly nutritional support. So far, 71,460 Ni-kshay Mitras have adopted about 10 lakh TB patients under the program. -Source: The Hindu SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024 Context: SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024, released recently, finds that the world remains off course to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024 Highlights of the 2024 Report Disparities and Challenges India’s Progress About SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024 Introduction: Since its establishment in 2018, the Energy Progress Report has become the primary source of information for tracking progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Objective of SDG 7: The goal is to “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.” Production: The report is produced annually by five custodian agencies: International Energy Agency (IEA) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) World Bank World Health Organization (WHO) Content: The report summarizes global progress on energy access, efficiency, renewable energy, clean cooking, and international cooperation to advance SDG 7. Highlights of the 2024 Report: Electricity Access: The number of people without electricity increased for the first time in over a decade, with 685 million people lacking access in 2022, up by 10 million from 2021, primarily due to rapid population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clean Cooking: The world is off track to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030. Approximately 2.1 billion people still lack access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Renewable Electricity: Renewable electricity consumption grew by more than 6% year-on-year in 2021, raising the share of renewables in global electricity consumption to 28.2%. Installed Capacity: The installed renewable energy-generating capacity per capita reached a new record in 2022 at 424 watts per capita globally. Disparities and Challenges: Capacity Disparities: Developed countries have 3.7 times more installed capacity (1,073 watts per capita) compared to developing countries (293 watts per capita). Insufficient Efforts: Current efforts are insufficient to achieve SDG 7 on time. India’s Progress: Advancements: Between 2010 and 2021, India, along with China and Indonesia, made significant advancements in modern renewable energy use. Renewable Energy Growth: India recorded one of the highest increases in the use of modern renewable energy, with the share of renewables in total final energy consumption (TFEC) rising by nearly 7 percentage points. International Support: India’s transition to renewable energy has been significantly supported by international financial assistance. Funding: In 2022, India received USD 627 million for 47 renewable energy projects, many of which were valued at less than USD 1 million. A substantial portion of this funding came from Germany and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Transportation Sector: India’s role in renewable energy extends to the transportation sector, where it, along with the United States, Brazil, Europe, and China, accounts for 85% of renewable energy use. -Source: The Hindu The Impact of Electromagnets in Modern Life Context: Invented in 1824 by William Sturgeon, electromagnets are a fixture of modern life, appearing in loudspeakers, motors, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, maglev trains, and particle accelerators. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Electromagnets: Definition: Electromagnets are devices that generate a magnetic field when an electric current flows through a coil of wire. Magnetic Field: The magnetic field is concentrated within the coil. The strength of this field can be adjusted by modifying the electric current. When the current stops, the magnetic field vanishes. Construction and Materials: Typically, electromagnets consist of a wire coil wrapped around a core made of ferromagnetic materials like iron. The core enhances the magnetic field’s strength by aligning its magnetic domains. Control: Electromagnets can be activated or deactivated by controlling the electric current. Power: They are more powerful than permanent magnets because the magnetic field can be intensified by the magnetic core. Applications: They are commonly used in various devices such as motors, generators, MRI machines, and magnetic separation equipment. Industrial Uses: Electromagnets are utilized in industries for lifting and moving heavy metal objects, sorting materials, and generating motion. Medical and Consumer Uses: They are also used in medical imaging and consumer devices like electric doorbells and card readers. Energy Requirement: Electromagnets need a continuous supply of electrical power to maintain their magnetic field. As a result, they are less energy-efficient compared to permanent magnets. -Source: The Hindu

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 17 June 2024

CONTENT PM KISAN PM KISAN Context: PM to release 17th installment amount of about Rs 20,000 crore under PM-KISAN. Relevance: GS II- Welfare Schemes Dimensions of the Article: About PM KISAN Some of the categories of beneficiaries who are NOT eligible for benefit under this scheme are: About PM KISAN Nodal: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme is a Central Sector Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme. Under the scheme an income support of 6,000/- per year in three equal installments will be provided to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of upto 2 hectares. The Scheme initially provided income support to all Small and Marginal Farmers’ families across the country, holding cultivable land upto 2 hectares. Its ambit was later expanded to cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of their land holdings.  Definition of family for the scheme is husband, wife and minor children. State Government and UT administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines. The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. There are various Exclusion Categories for the scheme. Some of the categories of beneficiaries who are NOT eligible for benefit under this scheme are: Any institutional land-holders. The farmer as well as any member of the family belonging to the following categories: Former and present holders of constitutional posts Former and present Ministers/ State Ministers Former or present members of LokSabha/ RajyaSabha/ State Legislative Assemblies/ State Legislative Councils Former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations Former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats. Any serving or retired officers as well as employees under the Central/ State Government Ministries /Offices/Departments. All retired pensioners who get a monthly pension of Rs.10,000/-or more and belonging to the above category. Any individual who paid their income tax in the last assessment year is not eligible under this scheme. Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with Professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practices.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 17 June 2024

CONTENTS Closing the Gender Gap in Education and Politics The Kafala System and Worker’s Rights Closing the Gender Gap in Education and Politics Context: Gender parity may be on the rise globally, with the gender gap closing to 68.5% in 2024, according to the Global Gender Gap report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). However, the slow pace of progress—up just 0.1% from 68.4% in 2023—is disheartening. At this rate, achieving full parity will take 134 years, which is about five generations beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target. Iceland remains the top country, having closed 93.5% of its gender gap and being the only nation to surpass 90%. Relevance: GS2- Issues Related to Women Mains Question: Analyse the performance of India in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2024. Also suggest ways to minimise the rising gender gap in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words). About the Global Gender Gap Index: The index benchmarks countries on their progress toward gender parity across four key dimensions with sub-matrices. Each of the four sub-indices, as well as the overall index, is scored between 0 and 1, where 1 indicates full gender parity and 0 signifies complete imparity. It is the longest-standing index, tracking progress in closing these gaps since its inception in 2006. Objectives: To act as a compass for tracking progress on the relative gaps between women and men in health, education, economy, and politics. To provide an annual benchmark that allows stakeholders in each country to set priorities relevant to their specific economic, political, and cultural contexts. Gender Gap in India: India has dropped to 129th place out of 146 countries, after ranking 127th last year and 135th in 2022. Within South Asia, India ranks fifth, behind Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, with Pakistan ranking last in the region. India is among the countries with the lowest levels of economic parity, comparable to Bangladesh, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, and Morocco, with less than 30% gender parity in estimated earned income. India shows the highest gender parity in secondary education enrollment. In education, the literacy rate gap between men and women is 17.2 percentage points, placing India 124th in this area. India ranks 65th globally in the political empowerment of women and 10th in the parity of years with female/male heads of state over the past 50 years. However, women’s representation at the federal level remains low, with 6.9% in ministerial positions and 17.2% in Parliament. As of 2024, India has closed 64.1% of its gender gap. The drop in ranking from 127th to 129th is primarily due to small declines in the ‘Educational Attainment’ and ‘Political Empowerment’ parameters, despite slight improvements in ‘Economic Participation’ and ‘Opportunity’ scores. The report attributes India’s slight decline to small decreases in education and political empowerment. Given India’s vast population of over 1.4 billion, even minor setbacks result in significant impacts. Politically, while India has improved on the empowerment index, women’s representation in Parliament remains low. The newly elected Lok Sabha has seen a decline in women Members of Parliament, from 78 in 2019 to 74 out of 543 members, or 13.6%. This is concerning given the pending Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023, which aims to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies for women. Way Forward: Achieving gender parity can be advanced by addressing gaps such as the labor force participation rate, currently at 45.9%. This requires comprehensive measures: preventing girls from dropping out of higher education, providing job skills, ensuring workplace safety, and supporting women in maintaining employment post-marriage by promoting shared household responsibilities. Despite some progress in economic participation and opportunity, India needs to improve by 6.2 percentage points to reach its 2012 score of 46%. Conclusion: Underperforming countries, including India, should heed the advice of WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi, who urges governments to strengthen the necessary framework conditions for business and civil society to collaborate on making gender parity an economic priority. The Kafala System and Worker’s Rights Context: Within hours of the fatal fire that killed 49 migrant workers, most of whom were Indian, in the Mangaf area of Al Ahmadi municipality, Kuwait, several immediate actions were taken. Kuwait’s Interior Minister attributed the fatalities to the greed of the employer and building owner—NBTC, in this case—and announced that company officials would be held criminally liable. Municipal officials were also suspended for failing to maintain building codes. Relevance: GS2- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Mains Question: Discuss the Kafala System prevalent in gulf countries and its working. What vulnerabilities are faced by the Indian diaspora due to this system? Highlight in the context of the recent fire in Kuwait. (15 Marks, 250 Words). The Kafala System in Kuwait: In the following days, more announcements are expected, and some officials will likely face consequences. Although Kuwait is unlikely to officially release the names of the 49 deceased, their names will appear in Indian and Philippine media. It is easy to replace these workers by recruiting new ones, thus filling the gaps left by those who perished. However, humanizing these workers requires acknowledging their presence beyond mere labor and safeguarding their rights. This would only be possible by dismantling the pervasive Kafala system—a complex of laws and practices that grant all power to the state and citizens, treating individual migrants as temporary even though their labor is nearly permanently needed. Therefore, any promises of action by Kuwait must be scrutinized carefully. In Kuwait, where foreigners make up 70% of its 4.3 million population, and across the rest of the GCC states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman), similar practices are followed with varying degrees of control over migration and migrants. These six states host approximately 35 million migrant workers, representing 10% of all international migrants, with Indians being the largest group among them. Concerns Raised: The immediate concern is the overcrowded, unsafe, and unhygienic labor accommodations, making residents highly vulnerable to any emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GCC states struggled to contain the virus spread in these labor accommodations. Kuwait, in particular, had some of the most discriminatory lockdown practices, especially in areas densely populated by migrant workers. An amnesty was announced, leading to the deportation of tens of thousands of workers in April 2020, at the pandemic’s peak. No lessons were learned, and tragedies continue in various forms. Kuwait has some standards for workers’ accommodations, but the focus has been more on evicting ‘bachelors’ from family zones and relocating them to subpar living spaces rather than ensuring employers provide suitable housing. According to Kuwait’s labor law, employers engaged in government contracts (such as NBTC) must provide suitable housing or an allowance—25% of wages if they earn the minimum wage (KD 75) or 15% if paid above the minimum wage. The cost of decent living is roughly KD 200 per person, excluding rent. The extremely low value placed on their labor determines their position in the economic hierarchy. Gap Between the Cost of Living and the Minimum Wage: The significant gap between the cost of living and the minimum wage is a fundamental aspect of the Kafala system. In this system, work and residence visas are tied to the employer, granting them considerable control over their employees’ lives. For the nearly three million migrants in Kuwait’s low-income sector, this translates to complete reliance on their employer for accommodation, food, and transportation. With a minimum salary requirement of KD800 to sponsor a family, most migrants cannot bring their families with them. By maintaining low wages, Kuwait and other Gulf states ensure that workers remain vulnerable, forced to live in substandard housing, struggle with poor food quality, and have minimal socio-cultural presence in the countries they contribute to building. Way Forward: The Mangaf tragedy has been technically attributed to an electrical short circuit. However, the underlying cause is the systemic neglect of the state towards the rights and well-being of low-income workers and the gross negligence of the employers. There are many ways this tragedy could have been prevented. If the employer had conducted better safety checks, if the state had valued these workers enough to ensure they earned better wages and lived better lives, and most importantly, if the workers had been able to organize and collectively voice their grievances, they could have demanded better treatment. However, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states strongly oppose any form of labor organization or unionization. Allowing workers to voice their concerns would threaten the existing order. The most effective strategy to prevent this is to maintain wages at a level that keeps workers in perpetual financial insecurity, making it easy to deport them swiftly at the first sign of protest or dissatisfaction. Conclusion: In the aftermath, Kuwaiti officials often promise improved safety standards and stricter penalties, but these reforms rely on monitoring by employers and workers, avoiding broader changes that would genuinely enforce the law. Such changes would empower workers, who stand to benefit most from these reforms, to speak out against injustices they experience.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 17 June 2024

CONTENTS E-flows Monitoring System Eco-Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats Expansion of BRICS Digital Health Incentives Scheme Potential of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) in Food and Feed Applications Search for the Ninth Planet Bumpy Road to COP29 E-Flows Monitoring System Context: The Union Jal Shakti Ministry launched an e-flow ecological monitoring system that allows real-time planning and monitoring of projects, river water quality, and other key parameters. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Background of the E-flows Monitoring System Launch E-flows Monitoring System About Namami Gange programme Background of the E-flows Monitoring System Launch: Mandate: In 2018, the Government of India mandated maintaining a minimum E-flow for various stretches of the Ganga River year-round. NMCG Role: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), part of the Jal Shakti Ministry, established flow specifications crucial for: Preserving the river’s ecological balance and protecting aquatic life. Ensuring sustainability amid diverse water usage demands. Implementation: From the upper Ganga Basin to its confluences and beyond, stringent measures are enforced to ensure compliance with E-flow norms, benefiting both current and future projects. Monitoring and regulatory mechanisms safeguard the Ganga’s ecological resilience for future generations. E-flows Monitoring System: Development: Developed by the NMCG, it provides real-time analysis of the water quality of the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries. Functionality: It monitors activities of the Namami Gange programme at the central level, including: Evaluating the performance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Ensuring STPs operate at their rated capacity. Namami Gange Programme: This flagship programme of the Ministry focuses on cleaning the Ganga and now includes its tributaries. Significance of the E-flows Monitoring System: Ensuring Flow: The E-flows Monitoring System is a significant step towards maintaining the continuous and sustainable flow of the Ganga River. Parameter Tracking: The system tracks key parameters such as in-flow, out-flow, and mandated E-flow across 11 projects along the Ganga Mainstream. About Namami Gange programme Nodal: Ministry of Jal Shakti. It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga. Implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterparts—State Programme Management Groups. Main Pillars of the Namami Gange Programme are: Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure River-Surface Cleaning Afforestation Industrial Effluent Monitoring River-Front Development Biodiversity Public Awareness Ganga Gram -Source: The Hindu Eco-Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats Context: Recently, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, three of the six states where the Centre has proposed eco-sensitive areas (ESAs) to protect the Western Ghats, have requested a reduction in the extent of these ESAs to permit development projects. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) Overview of ESZs in India Problem with ESZs in Scheduled Areas Major Concerns of Declaring Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs): Way Forward Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)  Eco Sensitive Zones are fragile areas around protected areas declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). They are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. • The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas. Among activities prohibited in the eco-sensitive zone are hydroelectric projects, brick kilns, commercial use of firewood and discharge of untreated effluents in natural water bodies or land areas. No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within 1 km of the boundary of the protected area or up to the extent of the eco-sensitive zone, whichever is nearer, except for small temporary structures for eco-tourism activities. Overview of ESZs in India Surrounding protected areas is a region of more than 1,11,000 sq. km — or 3.4% percent of the country’s land — which falls under the ESZ regime.  Governments have notified 341 ESZs in 29 States and five Union territories, while another 85 ESZs are awaiting notification. Together, protected areas and ESZs cover 8.66% of India’s land area. The ESZs span notified forests outside protected areas, most of which could also come under gram sabhas’ jurisdiction under the FRA. The extent of ESZs from the boundary of a protected area ranges from 0 to as much as 45.82 km (in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh). Fifteen States have ESZs exceeding 10 km. Problem with ESZs in Scheduled Areas Significantly, parts of the ESZs in ten States — Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana — fall within the Scheduled Areas notified under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. Such Scheduled Areas cover over 11% of the country’s land area and are thickly forested and mountainous. They are preponderantly populated by Scheduled Tribe groups and are notified by the President under Article 244 where the Provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996 apply. The PESA recognises habitation-level gram sabhas to be competent to safeguard and preserve community resources on forest and revenue lands in Scheduled Areas. However, the MoEFCC has shown no inclination to amend the Indian Forest Act 1927, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (under which ESZs are notified) to comply with the PESA and FRA. Major Concerns of Declaring Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs): Economic Growth Conflict: ESAs are often located in areas with significant potential for economic growth. This can lead to conflicts between conservation goals and development projects, potentially resulting in local communities missing out on economic opportunities. Restriction on Traditional Practices: Regulations in ESAs can limit traditional practices and livelihoods of resident communities, causing resentment and hindering cooperation with conservation efforts. Policy and Implementation Variability: Policies and implementation of ESAs can vary across regions and states, causing confusion and challenges in enforcement. Inconsistencies can create loopholes for activities harmful to the environment. Lack of Awareness and Participation: Local communities and stakeholders may not fully understand the importance of ESAs or be involved in the decision-making process, leading to resistance and reduced effectiveness of the program. Way Forward: Balanced Approach: Safeguard the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats while allowing sustainable development. This can be achieved by zoning ESAs with stricter regulations in core areas and designated zones for specific, low-impact development projects. Independent Scientific Assessments: Conduct thorough, independent scientific assessments to determine the minimum area required for ESA designation. This ensures evidence-based decision-making and minimizes unnecessary development restrictions. Open Communication and Collaboration: Facilitate open communication and collaboration between central government bodies, state governments, local communities, and environmental groups. This inclusive decision-making process considers the needs of all stakeholders. Alternative Livelihood Options: Develop alternative livelihood options for those residing within ESAs who might be impacted by stricter regulations. This could include promoting eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture practices, and skill development programs. Transparent Monitoring Mechanisms: Establish clear and transparent monitoring mechanisms to track the effectiveness of ESAs and development projects. This allows for course correction if unintended consequences arise and ensures responsible development practices. -Source: The Hindu Expansion of BRICS Context: Recently, BRICS foreign ministers held their first meeting since the BRICS was expanded to add Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia in 2023. They have joined the BRICS with effect from 1st January 2024. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: What is BRICS? Significance of the Enlarged BRICS Group Geopolitical Importance of Recently Included BRICS Members What is BRICS? BRICS is the international grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This was set up as a move towards greater multi­polarity; hence the spread across three continents and both hemispheres. In terms of GDP, China occupies the second position; India the fifth; Brazil the ninth; Russia the 11th; and South Africa the 35th. In terms of growth rates, China grew at 6%; India at 4.5%, Russia 1.7%, Brazil 1.2% and South Africa 0.1%. BRICS does not exist in form of organization, but it is an annual summit between the supreme leaders of five nations. The Chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S. The BRICS seeks to deepen, broaden and intensify cooperation within the grouping and among the individual countries for more sustainable, equitable and mutually beneficial development. BRICS takes into consideration each member’s growth, development and poverty objectives to ensure relations are built on the respective country’s economic strengths and to avoid competition where possible. BRICS is emerging as a new and promising political-diplomatic entity with diverse objectives, far beyond the original objective of reforming global financial institutions. Significance of the Enlarged BRICS Group: Population: The enlarged BRICS group now consists of approximately 3.5 billion people, which represents about 45% of the world’s population. Economic Impact: The combined economies of the BRICS members exceed USD 28.5 trillion, making up around 28% of the global economy. Oil Production: Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, as part of the BRICS group, collectively contribute to roughly 44% of the world’s crude oil production. Geopolitical Importance of Recently Included BRICS Members: Energy Access: The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and Iran significantly enhances BRICS’ access to vast energy reserves. Saudi oil is increasingly directed towards China and India, while Iran continues to expand its oil exports to China despite international sanctions. This underscores the importance of energy cooperation within BRICS. Energy Supply Diversification: Russia’s exploration of new markets within BRICS for its energy exports helps diversify the group’s energy supply. This reduces Russia’s reliance on traditional markets and strengthens the coalition’s energy security. Strategic Maritime Influence: The strategic inclusion of Egypt and Ethiopia boosts BRICS’ geopolitical significance. It provides greater influence and access to crucial maritime trade routes in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. -Source: The Hindu Digital Health Incentives Scheme Context: The central government has given a year-long extension to the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) meant for digitising patients’ health records and linking them with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID). Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) The Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) is a pioneering initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in the healthcare sector. This scheme operates with the objective of creating a digitally inclusive healthcare ecosystem that aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. By incentivizing hospitals, diagnostic labs, and digital health solution providers, the DHIS seeks to catalyze transformative digitization practices for enhanced healthcare delivery. Here are the key aspects of the scheme: Scheme Focus and Purpose: Transformation through Digitization: The DHIS is designed to encourage and reward hospitals, diagnostic labs, and registered Digital Solution Companies (DSCs) that embrace advanced digitization practices in their operations. Digital Healthcare Ecosystem: The scheme contributes to the larger mission of creating a digitally enabled healthcare ecosystem, in line with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s overarching vision. Eligibility Criteria: Health Facilities and DSCs: Hospitals, diagnostic labs, and digital health solution providers that are registered under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s Health Facility Registry (HFR) are eligible to participate in the DHIS. Incentive Structure: Incentive Calculation: Financial incentives are determined based on the number of digital health records generated and successfully linked to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers of patients. Achievements and Participation: Incentive Recipients: As of June 2023, a notable total of 1205 health facilities have successfully enrolled in the DHIS. This inclusive participation encompasses both public and private entities, with 567 representing public hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs, and 638 from the private sector. Digital Solution Companies: The DHIS has garnered substantial interest from digital solution companies, with 22 out of the 25 registered entities operating in the private sector. This diverse participation underscores the robust engagement of the private industry in driving digital transformation. About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will help connect digital health solutions across the country. All Indians will get a digital health ID under this scheme. Every citizen’s health record will now be digitally secure. The health ID will be used as health account. Personal health records can be linked to this account and viewed with the help of a mobile application. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will provide reliable data, leading to better treatment and savings for patients too. The National Health Authority (NHA) will be the implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). -Source: Indian Express Potential of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) in Food and Feed Applications Context: Recently, scientists at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have spotlighted the potential of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a protein-rich extract derived from the microalgae ‘Chlorella sorokiniana’, as an ideal ingredient for a wide range of food and feed applications. Relevance: Facts for Prelims What are Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) and Chlorella Sorokiniana? Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF): Rich in Nutrients: CGF is abundant in high-quality amino acids and proteins, making it a promising alternative for both human and animal nutrition. Essential Components: Contains vital amino acids and nutrients such as peptides, nucleotides, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, surpassing commercial soy meal. Extraction Process: Obtained through a non-chemical autolysis method, preserving the integrity of amino acids and other valuable elements. Benefits to Animal Feed: Enhances egg quality when added to chicken feed, indicating its potential as a superior protein supplement for animals. Sustainable Crop: Microalgae like Chlorella sorokiniana are viewed as “under-exploited crops,” not competing with traditional food crops for resources, thus offering a sustainable solution for meeting the growing global demand for high-quality protein. Chlorella Sorokiniana: Unique Characteristics: This oval-shaped, single-celled algae stands out in the microscopic world due to its active growth capability. Self-Contained Organism: Each cell is a complete organism, containing all the essential nutrients required for life, making it self-sustaining. Rapid Reproduction: Can multiply rapidly, expanding from one cell to 24 cells within 24 hours when exposed to sufficient sunlight and nutrients. -Source: Down To Earth Search for the Ninth Planet Context: Astronomers have been scouring the outer solar system for signs of a hypothetical ninth planet for almost a decade, without success. However, experts say we may finally be on the cusp of finding it. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About: Planet Nine is a theorized planet located in the outer reaches of our solar system. This concept was introduced to account for peculiarities in the orbits of distant trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), particularly those with highly elliptical and clustered trajectories. Characteristics: Mass: Estimated to be between 5 and 10 times that of Earth. Orbit: Believed to have a highly elliptical path with a semi-major axis ranging from 400 to 800 AU (astronomical units). One AU equals the average distance from Earth to the Sun, approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers. Orbital Period: Could span between 10,000 and 20,000 years. Distance: At its nearest, it may be around 200 AU from the Sun, and at its farthest, about 1,200 AU. Current Status: The search for this possible ninth planet in our solar system may soon reach a conclusion. With the Vera C. Rubin Observatory expected to open in 2025, we might finally discover Planet Nine in the coming years—or definitively dismiss the hypothesis. -Source: The Hindu Bumpy Road to COP29 Context: The road to COP29 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku appears bumpy after the mid-year climate talks in Bonn, Germany concluded on June 13, with little progress, according to researchers from the Centre for Science and Environment. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology About Mitigation Work Programme: The Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) is an initiative developed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to support countries in enhancing their mitigation ambitions and implementation efforts, aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Objectives: Generate Discussions: Encourage innovative dialogues among policymakers and stakeholders to address obstacles in scaling up mitigation efforts. Inclusive Participation: Promote broad participation to bolster national processes and practical domestic policymaking pathways. Explore Opportunities: Identify cost-effective and scalable mitigation strategies to aid countries in achieving and enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Operationalization: Organize annual global dialogues and investment-focused events from 2023 to 2026. Address Equity and Sustainable Development: Emphasize equity, sustainable development, and synergies with adaptation, considering regional contexts. UNFCCC: The UNFCCC, established in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent dangerous climate change, ensuring natural adaptation of ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. -Source: The Hindu

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 15 June 2024

CONTENTS Electronic Transfer of Duty Drawback Funds Electronic Transfer of Duty Drawback Funds Context: Recently, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has decided to electronically transfer duty drawback funds via the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) directly to exporters’ bank accounts to ensure transparency and efficiency. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Duty Drawback Public Financial Management System (PFMS) Duty Drawback: Definition: Under Section 75 of the Customs Act, 1962, duty drawback provides a rebate on customs duty charged on imported materials or excisable materials used in manufacturing export goods. This system assists exporters in reducing some of the costs associated with the export process, particularly within the supply or value chain. Significance of Electronic Disbursal of Duty Drawbacks: Efficiency and Transparency: Electronic transfer of duty drawback funds has been introduced to streamline processes, reduce processing time, eliminate manual intervention, and enhance transparency in customs operations. This system removes the need for physical documentation and manual processing, thus reducing the time and effort required to claim refunds. The electronic system improves transparency by providing exporters with real-time visibility into their claims’ status and enabling seamless refund process tracking. Commitment to Paperless Operations: This initiative supports the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)’s commitment to paperless customs and trade facilitation, leveraging the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Public Financial Management System (PFMS): Overview: PFMS is a web-based software application developed and implemented by the Office of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance. Initially launched in 2009 as a Central Sector Scheme by the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog). Objectives: The primary objective of PFMS is to establish a robust Public Financial Management System by creating an efficient fund flow system and a payment-cum-accounting network. Coverage: Currently, PFMS includes Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, as well as other expenditures, including Finance Commission grants. Benefits: PFMS offers stakeholders a real-time, reliable, and meaningful management information system and an effective decision support system, aligning with the Digital India initiative. The system is integrated with the core banking system in the country, enabling seamless financial transactions and promoting transparency and accountability in managing public funds.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 15 June 2024

CONTENTS Growth in Coal-Fired Thermal Capacity and Alleged Misrepresentation of Coal Quality Global Economic Prospects Report Atomic Clock Crete Island Ultrasound Imaging Ozone-Depleting Substances Jyotirmath and Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham. Growth in Coal-Fired Thermal Capacity and Alleged Misrepresentation of Coal Quality Context: According to the data on NITI Aayog’s energy dashboard, India’s coal-fired thermal capacity grew to 218 GW in FY24 from 205 GW in FY20, marking a 6% growth. Additionally, a recent report alleges that in 2014, a company misrepresented low-grade Indonesian coal as high-quality and sold it to a public power generation company in Tamil Nadu. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Current Status of India’s Power Sector Grade of Coal Produced in India Challenges in the Thermal Power Sector Strategies for Improvement Current Status of India’s Power Sector Demand-Supply Mismatch: The power market is facing a growing demand-supply imbalance due to a slowdown in new coal-fired power plant capacity and insufficient storage options for renewable energy. Grid Pressure: This imbalance has strained the country’s grid managers, particularly during periods of soaring temperatures with high power demand. Increased Coal-Fired Power: The share of coal-fired power generation increased from 71% in FY2019-20 to 75% in FY2023-24. Thermal Plant Generation: Coal-fired thermal plants increased generation by 34%, from 960 billion units (BU) to 1,290 BU, with the average plant load factor (PLF) rising from 53% to 68%. Thermal Capacity Addition: Over the past five years, thermal capacity addition fell short of government targets by an average of 54% annually, with the private sector contributing only 7% of new capacity. Private Sector Contribution: The private sector added only 1.7 GW, or 7%, of the total thermal capacity in the last five years. Investment in Thermal Power: There has been a push for new thermal power projects, including private sector investments, with a goal of adding 80 GW of new thermal power capacity by 2032. Renewable Energy Growth: India’s solar capacity doubled to 81 GW, and wind power capacity grew by 22% to reach 46 GW. Cost of New Plants: Setting up a new coal plant (Rs 8.34 crore per MW) is significantly more expensive compared to a solar power plant (per MW cost is much lower). Grade of Coal Produced in India Gross Calorific Value (GCV): Determines the grade of coal based on the heat or energy produced from burning it. Higher carbon content means better quality or ‘grade.’ Composition of Coal: A mixture of carbon, ash, moisture, and other impurities. Indian coal generally has high ash content and low calorific value compared to imported coal. Uses of Coal: Primarily used in thermal power plants and blast furnaces for steel production, requiring different types of coal. Coking Coal: Needed for producing coke, essential in steelmaking, with minimal ash content. Non-Coking Coal: Used to generate heat for boilers and turbines, despite higher ash content. Characteristics of Indian Coal: Domestic thermal coal has an average GCV of 3,500-4,000 kcal/kg, while imported coal has over 6,000 kcal/kg. Indian coal has over 40% ash content, compared to less than 10% in imported coal. Environmental Impact: Burning high-ash coal results in higher emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide. Blending with Imported Coal: The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) recommended in 2012 that blending 10-15% imported coal can be safely used in Indian power boilers. Clean Coal Technologies: Achieved by increasing carbon content and reducing ash content through washing plants or coal gasification. The resulting syngas can be used more efficiently to generate electricity. Coal Production in 2023-24: India produced 997 million tonnes of coal, an 11% increase from the previous year, primarily from state-owned Coal India Ltd and its subsidiaries. Continued Reliance on Coal: Despite commitments to shift from fossil fuels, coal remains the main energy source in India. Challenges in the Thermal Power Sector Key Issues: Rising Demand vs. Capacity: The growing electricity demand is outpacing the development of new thermal power plant capacity, particularly from renewable sources due to their intermittent nature. Dependence on Coal: Coal continues to be the dominant source of power generation, despite its environmental drawbacks and escalating costs. Private Sector Reluctance: Financial and environmental concerns are making the private sector hesitant to invest in new coal plants. Quality of Domestic Coal: Domestic coal has a lower calorific value and higher ash content compared to imported coal, leading to increased emissions. Insufficient Battery Storage: Large-scale battery storage solutions, essential for integrating renewable energy into the grid, are still underdeveloped. Strategies for Improvement Boost Renewable Energy: Accelerate the expansion of solar and wind energy, focusing on grid integration solutions such as large-scale battery storage. Adopt Emission Reduction Technologies: Implement technologies like Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to lower emissions from existing coal plants. Provide Incentives for Clean Energy: Offer financial and regulatory incentives to encourage private sector investment in cleaner and more efficient power generation technologies. Promote Energy Efficiency: Encourage energy efficiency measures to reduce overall demand and lessen the load on the grid. Modernize Grid Infrastructure: Upgrade grid infrastructure to better handle the integration of variable renewable energy sources and enhance overall efficiency. Explore Alternative Energy Sources: Investigate alternative energy sources such as clean coal gasification, gravity batteries, ocean energy, and nuclear power (with stringent safety protocols) to meet energy demands. -Source: Indian Express Global Economic Prospects Report Context: According to the recently released Global Economic Prospects Report by the World Bank, India is predicted to remain the fastest-growing major economy globally, with a projected GDP growth rate of 6.6% for FY25. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Global Findings South Asian Region (SAR) Findings India-Specific Findings Risks to the Global Economy Identified in the Report Policy Challenges in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDE) Global Findings: Economic Stabilisation: For the first time in three years, the global economy is expected to stabilise in 2024. GDP Growth: Global GDP is projected to grow by 2.6% for 2024-25 and is anticipated to increase to 2.7% in FY26 and FY27, driven by modest growth in trade and investment. Inflation Moderation: The World Bank forecasts a slower reduction in global inflation, with an average of 3.5% this year. Monetary Policy: Central banks in advanced and emerging markets are likely to be cautious about easing monetary policies due to ongoing inflationary pressures. Subdued Outlook: Despite some near-term improvements, the global outlook remains subdued due to geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, higher interest rates, and climate-related disasters. Global Cooperation: Emphasis is placed on the need for international cooperation to safeguard trade, support green and digital transitions, provide debt relief, and enhance food security. South Asian Region (SAR) Findings: GDP Growth: In South Asia, GDP growth is projected to decrease from 6.6% in 2023 to 6.2% in 2024, primarily due to a slowdown in India’s high growth rates in recent years. Regional Economies: Bangladesh is expected to maintain robust growth at a slower pace, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka are anticipated to see strengthened economic activities. Per Capita Income: Per capita income growth in South Asia is expected to decline from 5.6% in 2023 to 5.1% in 2024-25, before slightly rising to 5.2% in 2026. This slower pace is attributed to weaker-than-expected growth in private consumption and fiscal adjustments that may reduce household income. India-Specific Findings: Regional Growth Contribution: India, as the largest economy in South Asia, has significantly contributed to the region’s growth. Growth Rate: India’s growth rate for FY24 is estimated at 8.2%, driven by its industrial and services sectors, which have offset a slowdown in agricultural production caused by monsoon disruptions. Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit relative to GDP in India is projected to decrease due to increased revenues from a broadened tax base. Trade Deficits: Narrowing trade deficits, particularly in India, contribute to overall economic stability in the South Asian region. Risks to the Global Economy Identified in the Report: Armed Conflicts and Tensions: An increase in armed conflicts and heightened international tensions can lead to loss of life, infrastructure destruction, and economic instability. Conflicts in the Middle East may also disrupt oil supplies, driving up prices. Economic Isolation: Countries becoming economically isolated by imposing trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas can further strain global trade. US-China Trade War: The trade war between the US and China has disrupted supply chains, leading to higher consumer prices in both countries. High Inflation: Persistent high inflation reduces consumer purchasing power and discourages spending. Although higher interest rates are necessary to control inflation, they can slow economic growth and lead to job losses. Investment Uncertainty: When investors are uncertain about the future economic outlook, they are less willing to take risks, which can result in a decline in investments and increased stock market volatility. China’s Economic Slowdown: As the world’s second-largest economy, a slowdown in China can have significant global repercussions. This could stem from a real estate market crisis or internal political instability. A sharp slowdown in China reduces demand for raw materials and other goods exported by other countries, leading to job losses and economic hardships in those countries. Climate Change: The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes disrupt agricultural production, cause widespread damage to infrastructure and homes, and lead to food shortages and price hikes. Rebuilding after such disasters strains government finances. Policy Challenges in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDE): High Debt Burdens: Many EMDEs struggle with high debt burdens, weak growth prospects, and downside risks. Need for International Cooperation: Addressing debt crises and preventing economic instability require international cooperation. The G20 Common Framework for debt restructuring is viewed as inadequate and needs improvement. Climate Commitments: Current global climate commitments fall short of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. EMDEs need to invest 1-10% of GDP annually to meet low-carbon development goals. Mobilising Resources for Climate Action: Public resources mobilisation, carbon pricing, and attracting private investment are crucial for effective climate action. Internet Access: About one-third of the global population lacks internet access, particularly in EMDEs. Catalysing Private Investment: Governments can facilitate private investment in digital infrastructure. Trade Fragmentation: Rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist measures fragment trade, harming EMDEs. Restoring Multilateral Trade: Restoring the rules-based multilateral trade system and expanding trade agreements are essential for economic stability. -Source: The Hindu Atomic Clock Context: Researchers have built a portable optical atomic clock that can be used onboard ships. Relevance: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Overview of Atomic Clocks Mechanism of Atomic Clocks Types of Atomic Clocks Overview of Atomic Clocks: Definition and Function: An atomic clock is a device that measures time based on the vibrations of atoms. Specifically, it uses the oscillations of electrons in atoms for timekeeping. It is the most precise time-keeping device available, with an accuracy margin of only a few billionths of a second per day. Atomic clocks are significantly more precise than conventional clocks due to the high frequency and stability of atomic oscillations. Applications: These clocks are crucial in applications requiring high precision timing, such as GPS systems, telecommunications networks, and scientific research. Mechanism of Atomic Clocks: Operational Principles: Atomic clocks utilize a type of atom known as a “cesium atom.” Cesium atoms are highly stable and have a specific frequency at which their electrons oscillate. This frequency is fundamental to the atomic clock’s timekeeping. To measure time using cesium atoms, the clock employs a “microwave cavity.” The microwave cavity, filled with cesium vapor, receives a microwave signal that causes the cesium atoms to vibrate. As cesium atoms vibrate, they emit radiation at a specific frequency. This frequency is detected and compared to a standard frequency by a detector. The difference between these frequencies is used to adjust the clock’s timekeeping. Types of Atomic Clocks: Cesium Atomic Clocks: The most common type, used to define the international standard for time, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Hydrogen Maser Atomic Clocks: These are even more accurate than cesium atomic clocks and are primarily used in scientific research. -Source: The Hindu Crete Island Context: During excavations for an airport on Greece’s largest island of Crete, a large circular monument dating back 4000 years was unearthed. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Crete Island: Geographical Details: Crete is the largest island in Greece and ranks as the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, an extension of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is bordered by the Sea of Crete to the north, the Libyan Sea to the south, the Myrtoan Sea to the west, and the Carpathian Sea to the east. Crete spans an area of 8,336 square kilometers. The island is elongated, stretching approximately 260 km from east to west and about 60 km at its widest point. It features rugged mountain ranges running from west to east, with Mt. Ida (Psiloritis), standing at 2,456 meters, being the highest peak. Historical Overview: Crete has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age by early hominids. It is known for the Minoan Civilization, the earliest advanced European civilization, which flourished on the island between 2700-1420 BCE. The Minoan Civilization ended following a major earthquake, and the Mycenaean civilization subsequently took control of the island. Over the centuries, Crete was ruled by various powers including the Romans, Byzantines, Andalusians, Venetians, and Ottomans. After gaining independence from Ottoman rule, Crete became part of Greece. During World War II, Crete was occupied by Nazi German forces and was the site of the notable “Battle of Crete.” -Source: The Hindu Ultrasound Imaging Context: Experts highlighted the importance of ultrasound for the early detection of fatty liver disease, noting that blood tests alone might not offer a prompt diagnosis. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology About Ultrasound Imaging: Overview: Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive test that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate real-time images or videos of internal organs and soft tissues, including blood vessels. This technique is also known as ultrasonography or sonography, and the resulting images are called sonograms. Unlike other imaging methods, ultrasound does not use radiation, making it a safer option for various applications. Applications: Ultrasound is widely used by healthcare providers for various purposes, including monitoring pregnancy, diagnosing medical conditions, and guiding certain medical procedures without the need for incisions. How It Works: During an ultrasound, a healthcare provider uses a device called a transducer or probe, which is moved over the patient’s skin or inserted into a body opening. A thin layer of gel is applied to the skin to help transmit the ultrasound waves from the transducer through the gel and into the body. The transducer converts electrical current into high-frequency sound waves that enter the body’s tissues. These sound waves bounce off internal structures and return to the transducer, which converts them back into electrical signals. The density of the object affects the amount of ultrasound that bounces back, with denser objects reflecting more waves. A computer processes these electrical signals to create real-time images or videos displayed on a screen. Limitations: Ultrasound waves do not travel well through air or bone, which limits its effectiveness in imaging body parts containing gas or hidden behind bone, such as the lungs or the head. Additionally, ultrasound may have difficulty visualizing objects located very deep within the body. -Source: The Hindu Ozone-Depleting Substances Context: A new study released June 11, 2024, has reported the first significant decrease in atmospheric concentrations of potent ozone-depleting substances (ODS) known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology About Ozone-depleting substances (ODS): These are chemicals responsible for the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. The ozone layer is vital for absorbing the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thus protecting life on Earth. Common ODS include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. ODS are widely used in appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and aerosol products. The Montreal Protocol: Overview: Signed in 1987, the Montreal Protocol is a global agreement aimed at protecting the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ODS like CFCs. Since 2010, the global production of CFCs has been prohibited under this protocol. Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol: Details: In 2016, the Kigali Amendment was adopted by the parties to the Montreal Protocol to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) globally. HFCs, commonly used as alternatives to ODS like HCFCs and CFCs, are also regulated under this amendment. -Source: The Hindu Jyotirmath and Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham Context: Recently, the Uttarakhand government has renamed Joshimath tehsil as Jyotirmath and Kosiyakutoli tehsil as Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Joshimath: It is believed to be the place where Adi Guru Shankaracharya attained enlightenment in the 8th century. It serves as the gateway to Badrinath Dham, one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Hinduism. Kosiyakutoli: It has been renamed Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham in honor of Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj’s ashram located there. Badrinath Dham: It is situated in the Chamoli district and is home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. -Source: Indian Express

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 14 June 2024

CONTENTS G7 (Group of Seven)Consumer Food Price Index G7 (Group of Seven) Context: G7 leaders start their annual summit on June 13 looking to double down on support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and offer a united face in confronting China’s political and economic ambitions. 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. Consumer Food Price Index Context: Consumer Price Index numbers on base 2012=100 for rural, urban and combined for May 2024. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI): Definition: The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) measures the change in retail prices of food items consumed by the population.Purpose: It is a specific measure of inflation focusing solely on the price changes of food items in a consumer’s basket of goods and services.Usage: The CFPI is a sub-component of the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI) and is utilized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to monitor inflation.Release: The Central Statistics Office (CSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), began releasing CFPI data for three categories—rural, urban, and combined—separately on an all-India basis from May 2014.Methodology: Similar to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the CFPI is calculated monthly using the same methodology.The current base year used is 2012.The CSO revised the base year for CPI and CFPI from 2010 to 2012 in January 2015.

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