Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Food safety governance in India
Central idea: Misleading claims
- FSSAI flagged 32 cases of food business operators (FBOs) making misleading claims and advertisements in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018.
- The cumulative count of such offences has shot up to 170 in the last six months.
- FBOs urged to avoid making unscientific and exaggerated claims for larger consumer interest.
Regulations for tackling misleading ads and claims
- FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018
- CCPA’s regulations, and Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
- FSSAI seeks truthful, unambiguous, meaningful, and scientifically substantiated claims.
- Claims suggesting suitability for prevention, alleviation, treatment, or cure of a disease, disorder, or particular psychological condition prohibited unless permitted under the regulations of the FSS Act, 2006.
Response of FSSAI
- Scrutinized products in categories such as health supplements, organic products, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products, and staples endorsing certain health and product claims.
- Alleged violators include manufacturers and/or marketers of nutraceutical products, refined oils, pulses, flours, millet products, and ghee.
- Cases referred to concerned licensing authorities to issue notices and withdraw the misleading claims or scientifically substantiate them.
- Failure to comply would invite penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh, suspension, or cancellation of licenses for repeated offenses.
Recent observations in the food advertising ecosystem
- Non-disclosure: Close to 788 ads processed against food advertising, about 299 related to non-disclosure by food influencers, and 490+ ads found to be misleading.
- Fairly violative sector: Violations across different food categories and food.
Definitions of various terms
- Natural food product: A single food derived from a recognized natural source with no additives or chemicals.
- Fresh: This reference is allowed only for products not processed except washing, peeling, chilling, trimming, cutting, or low-dose irradiation.
- Pure: It is used for single-ingredient foods with nothing added and devoid of all avoidable contamination.
Expectations from a consumer’s point of view
- Clinical data: Companies need to provide clinical data about the outcomes pertaining to the control group, the administered group, and the observed period of the claimed outcomes.
- Interpretable ads: Advertisements need to be modified in a way a consumer can interpret.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cyclone Mocha
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a developing cyclonic or low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. It would be named Cyclone Mocha (pronounced ‘Mokha’).
What is a cyclone and how are they formed?
- A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters.
- Warm seas present ripe conditions for the development and strengthening of cyclones.
- The air rises and blows in an anticlockwise direction around the low in the northern hemisphere and in a clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.
- As warm air rises and cools, water vapour condenses to form clouds and this can lead to rains.
- Cyclones can cause significant impacts on life and property, including storm surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and lightning.
Requirements for a Cyclone to form
There are six main requirements for tropical cyclogenesis:
- Sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures
- Atmospheric instability
- High humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere
- Enough Coriolis force to develop a low-pressure centre
- A pre-existing low-level focus or disturbance
- Low vertical wind shear
How are cyclones named?
- Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialized meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
- The IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean after following a standard procedure.
- In 2000, a group of nations called WMO/ESCAP decided to start naming cyclones in the region.
- After each country sent in suggestions, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalized the list.
- This cyclone will be named Mocha (Mokha), a name suggested by Yemen after the Red Sea port city, which is known to have introduced coffee to the world over 500 years ago.
Why is it important to name cyclones?
- Adopting names for cyclones makes it easier for people to remember, as opposed to numbers and technical terms.
- It’s easier and less confusing to say “Cyclone Titli” than remember the storm’s number or its longitude and latitude.
- Apart from the general public, it also helps the scientific community, the media, disaster managers etc.
- With a name, it is also easy to identify individual cyclones, create awareness of its development, rapidly disseminate warnings to increase community preparedness etc.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sovereignty
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The article revolves around the issue of a political party filing a complaint against a politician of foreign origin with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- She had allegedly been advocating the secession of Karnataka from India in her election speeches.
Definition of sovereignty
- Sovereignty is the idea of having supreme authority over a defined territory.
- In Western philosophy, the concept is used to describe the supremacy of the state over the people being governed.
- The state has a legitimate claim to sovereignty in exchange for providing protection to its citizens, keeping society cohesive and at peace, and controlling law and order.
Sovereignty in India’s Constitution
- The word sovereignty appears in the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of India as the first attribute of the independent republic of India.
- Its placement as the first among the core principles of the republic underlines its importance in the Constitution.
- Sovereignty is invoked in the Indian Constitution to “declare the ultimate sovereignty of the people of India and that the Constitution rests on their authority.”
- It is mentioned in the Constitution under Fundamental Duties, and citizens have a duty to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Relationship of Indian states with the sovereign Union
- The Indian political system is described as “quasi-federal.”
- India is a Union of States, and the component units have no freedom to secede or break away from it.
- The Indian setup is more unitary in nature than the federal one, and the central government has more powers than the states.
- The choice of a unitary bias that the Constitution makers made was possibly rooted in the difficulty of getting around 600 princely states to accede to India.
Provisions attesting to the superior position of the Centre
- The States in India need not be consulted in the matter of amendment to the bulk of the Constitution.
- Governors in states are appointed “during the pleasure” of the President and are seen as representatives of the Union in the States.
- The Sixteenth Amendment of 1963 laid down that even the advocacy of succession under Article 19 (1) will not be protected under law in the name of Freedom of Speech as directed under Article 19 (2).
- The right to alter the boundaries of states and to create new states lies with Parliament alone.
- The Constitution offers no guarantee to the States against their territorial integrity without their consent since it was not a result of an ‘agreement’ between the States.
These provisions demonstrate the superior position of the Centre in the Indian political system.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Lessons learned form COVID-19 pandemic and the future of Health governance
Central Idea
- COVID-19 has transitioned from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, and it is time for India to shift gears and apply the lessons learned from the pandemic.
WHO Announcements on COVID-19
- On January 30, 2020, COVID-19 was announced as a public health emergency of international concern.
- On May 5, 2023, WHO declared that COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern.
Issues of misinformation during the second wave of COVID-19 in India
- False claims about a third wave affecting children: In April-May 2021, there was a COVID-19 misinformation blitzkrieg that a third wave in India would affect children, leading to children being repeatedly asked to wear masks and deprived of schooling and learning.
- Lack of scientific evidence: School closure and making masks mandatory for schoolchildren had their origin in nearly identical challenges of actions not being supported by scientific evidence.
- Influencers’ impact on public discourse: Social media influencers, not necessarily subject experts, were shaping the public discourse, which was not effectively addressed by governments.
- Disparate viewpoints: Disparate viewpoints existed among experts and influencers living in India and abroad, with the latter making more definitive and stronger arguments for school closure and mask wearing for children in India.
- Failure to consider local context: The sub-groups of super-specialists and those staying abroad failed to factor in the local context while coming up with their opinions.
- Dogmatic stands of self-proclaimed experts: Self-proclaimed experts and influencers have adopted a dogmatic stand and have been selectively and conveniently using emerging evidence and published literature to support their stand, often misguiding gullible followers.
- COVID-foreverers: A group of disparate individuals and social media groups keep insisting on the enforcement of restrictions such as universal masking at ‘the drop of the hat’, often on frivolous grounds.
What lessons were learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
- The importance of preparedness: The pandemic highlighted the importance of being prepared for future outbreaks and the need for robust public health infrastructure.
- The role of misinformation: The pandemic showed how misinformation can spread rapidly and have serious consequences, highlighting the need for better education and awareness to combat misinformation.
- The importance of local context: The pandemic demonstrated the importance of factoring in local context when making policy decisions, as different regions and countries may face different challenges and require different interventions.
- The danger of dogmatic thinking: The pandemic showed how dogmatic thinking can be dangerous, and the need for an open-minded and evidence-based approach to decision-making.
- The importance of nuance and context in epidemiology: The pandemic highlighted the need for nuanced understanding of epidemiology, and the importance of taking into account the broader context when interpreting scientific studies.
- The need for a shift in focus: With COVID-19 transitioning from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, there is a need to shift the focus from COVID-19 fixation to tackling other pressing health challenges.
- The importance of integrating COVID-19 response with general health services: The pandemic showed the need for integration of COVID-19 response with general health services, and the importance of a balanced approach to public health.
Way forward
- Formal training courses on the principles and practice of epidemiology should be offered by the government to prepare India for more nuanced responses to outbreaks and epidemics and to curb misinformation.
- The government needs to integrate the COVID-19 response to general health services.
- India’s response to surges, outbreaks, and epidemics (of any infectious disease and not just COVID-19) should be guided by a nuanced understanding of epidemiology and not unduly derailed by social media influencers.
- Schools should not be closed for a COVID-19 uptick, and wearing masks in order to attend school should never again be made mandatory, as children were never at risk from moderate to severe COVID-19.
- It is time to drop the COVID-19 fixation and move on to tackle other more pressing health challenges in the country.
Conclusion
- The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges and lessons for India and the world. The issues of misinformation and lack of context-based policy interventions have been major obstacles in effectively tackling the pandemic. It is time to apply the lessons learned and shift focus to other pressing health challenges while being prepared to respond to future outbreaks and epidemics with a nuanced understanding of epidemiology.
Mains Question
Q. During the COVID-19 pandemic, how did misinformation pose a significant challenge? Discuss what lessons have we learned from it?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: common currency and reciprocal trading
Mains level: Speculations over the US Dollar as world reserve and viability of alternatives
Central Idea
- The status of the US dollar as the world reserve currency has been a topic of speculation, especially as China, India, and Russia explore alternative currencies for international trade. However, the demise of the dollar as the world reserve currency is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Rise of the dollar: Historical Context
- The rise of the dollar as the world’s preferred currency aligns with the rise of the US as one of the world’s strongest economies with a deep financial system and stable government.
- Though the position of the dollar has been challenged over time by the Great Britain Pound, the euro, and other currencies, the dollar has maintained its dominance.
What is the current status of Dollar as forex reserve?
- According to reports from the International Monetary Fund, the dollar’s share of foreign exchange reserves has fallen over time from 80% in the 1970s to about 60% in 2022.
- The euro has made up for about 20% of the remaining 40% room created by this fall.
- Smaller currencies such as the Australian and Canadian dollars, Swedish krona, and South Korean won have claimed their share in the portfolios of various countries’ foreign exchange reserves making up most of the remaining gap of 20%, with Chinese currency taking up the rest.
How Dollar maintained its dominance as a reserve currency?
- The strength of the U.S. economy: The U.S. has one of the world’s strongest economies, with a deep financial system and a stable government. This has contributed to the popularity of the dollar as a preferred currency for international trade and as a reserve currency.
- Demand for dollar-denominated assets: Many countries hold U.S. government debt as a hedge against currency fluctuations affecting the valuation of their reserves. Additionally, many currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar and some countries use the dollar as their own currency. This has meant that a huge proportion of U.S. dollars reside outside the U.S.
- The dollar premium: The U.S. government debt is in high demand worldwide, which allows it to issue debt at the lowest interest rate. This relaxes the fiscal constraint substantially, boosting the debt-issuing government’s capacity to borrow more without having to deal with the negative effects of such borrowing on the domestic economy. This phenomenon is often referred to as the dollar premium.
- No serious competition: Although the position of the dollar as the world currency has been challenged from time to time by other currencies, no currency has emerged as a serious contender. The only serious competitor at this point is the euro, which stands second but at quite a distance.
Facts for prelims
Common Currency or Reciprocal Trading Arrangement?
- A common currency or reciprocal trading arrangement refers to an agreement between two or more countries to use a common currency or to trade with each other using their own currencies without the involvement of a third-party currency, such as the US dollar.
- The purpose of such an arrangement is to increase trade among the participating countries and reduce the reliance on a single currency for international transactions.
- The idea of a common currency or reciprocal trading arrangement has been discussed among various countries, including China, India, and Russia, as an alternative to the US dollar-dominated international financial system.
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What are the Factors supporting the US Dollar?
- Status as Reserve Currency: The US Dollar is still the world’s most dominant reserve currency, which means that central banks and governments around the world hold significant quantities of it as part of their foreign exchange reserves.
- Large Financial Market: The US has one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world, which makes it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
- Safe Haven Status: The US Dollar is often seen as a safe haven during times of global economic uncertainty, due to the perceived stability of the US economy and political system.
- Demand for US Treasury Bonds: The US government issues Treasury bonds, which are widely held by foreign governments and investors as a low-risk investment.
- Petrodollars: The US Dollar is used as the currency of choice for global oil trading, which means that countries that buy oil from the OPEC countries must hold US Dollars to pay for it. This leads to a constant demand for US Dollars.
- Military and Political Influence: The US has a significant military and political influence on the world stage, which gives it leverage in global trade negotiations and financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
Challenges facing the US Dollar
- Increased global competition: As more countries try to shift away from the US dollar, there is increased competition from other currencies such as the euro, the Chinese renminbi, and even cryptocurrencies. This could potentially reduce the demand for the US dollar.
- Rising US debt levels: The US has been running persistent budget deficits and adding to its national debt for many years. This could lead to inflation and a loss of confidence in the US dollar, particularly if investors begin to worry about the US government’s ability to service its debt.
- Geopolitical risks: Political tensions and instability around the world could also undermine the US dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. For example, sanctions imposed by the US on other countries could prompt them to look for alternatives to the US dollar in international trade.
- Emerging technologies: The rise of digital currencies and blockchain technology could challenge the dominance of traditional currencies, including the US dollar. If cryptocurrencies become more widely accepted, they could potentially weaken demand for the US dollar as a global reserve currency.
Future of the US Dollar
- Despite the challenges, the US dollar is likely to remain the dominant reserve currency for the foreseeable future due to its widespread use in international trade, its deep and liquid financial markets, and its historical stability.
- The euro and other currencies may continue to gain ground, but are unlikely to displace the dollar anytime soon.
- The growing use of digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, may also pose a challenge to the traditional reserve currency system in the future, but it remains to be seen how this will play out.
Facts for prelims: Concept box from civilsdaily
What is mean by closed capital account?
- A closed capital account is a situation where a country has restrictions on the flow of capital in and out of its borders. This means that the government regulates and limits the movement of funds across its borders.
- Closed capital accounts are often implemented to protect the domestic economy from external shocks and to maintain the stability of the local currency.
- China, for example, has a relatively closed capital account as it imposes strict controls on capital inflows and outflows.
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Conclusion
- The run of the US dollar as an international reserve currency is far from over. The only serious contender at this point is the euro, which stands second but at quite a distance. The possibility of the Chinese currency or any other common currency becoming a serious contender is thin and distant at this point. The current system may not be optimal and should be improved, but expecting a common currency between China, India, and Russia or any such reciprocal trading arrangement to replace the US dollar would be an exaggeration.
Mains Question
Q. The status of the US dollar as the world reserve currency has been a topic of speculation, especially as China, India, and Russia explore alternative currencies for international trade. In this light discuss the challenges faced by US dollar and viability of reciprocal trading arrangements.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Security agencies and anti Naxal guards
Mains level: Insurgency, challenges and way ahead
Central Idea
- The recent ambush of the convoy in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district resulting in the deaths of 10 personnel of the District Reserve Guards (DRG) highlights that the Maoist insurgency remains a significant threat in India. The Home Minister has repeatedly given the impression that the end of the Maoist problem is near, but history has shown otherwise.
What is mean by Insurgency?
- Insurgency refers to a violent uprising against the established government or authority of a country, typically carried out by a group of individuals or an organization that seeks to challenge the existing political, economic, or social order.
- It often involves armed conflict, sabotage, and other forms of violence aimed at destabilizing the government or seizing power.
- The ultimate goal of an insurgency is to overthrow the existing government and establish a new political system that is more in line with the insurgents’ ideology or goals
Rise of Insurgency India
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) split in 1967, with a section of the party rejecting the electoral path and advocating for armed struggle to overthrow the Indian state.
- The Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967, where a group of peasants led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal revolted against the local landlords and police. The uprising was brutally crushed by the state, but it gave birth to the Naxalite movement.
- The formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) in 1969, which became the political front of the Naxalite movement.
- The formation of the People’s War Group in Andhra Pradesh in 1980, which became one of the most active Naxalite groups in the country.
- The merger of the People’s War Group with the Maoist Communist Centre in 2004, to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist), which is the largest Naxalite group in India today.
- The expansion of the Naxalite movement from West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh to other states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra, among others.
- The violent attacks by Naxalites on the state and central police forces, government officials, politicians, and civilians, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives over the years.
Facts for prelims
District Reserve Guards (DRG)
- District Reserve Guards (DRG) is a special unit of the police force in some Indian states, primarily in Chhattisgarh, that is trained and equipped to combat Naxalite and Maoist insurgency.
- DRG personnel are typically drawn from local tribal communities and are familiar with the local terrain, which makes them effective in fighting the insurgency.
- They are provided with specialized training in guerrilla warfare, jungle warfare, and use of modern weaponry.
- The DRG is often at the forefront of anti-Naxalite operations and is considered a vital component of the Indian government’s efforts to counter the Maoist insurgency in the country.
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What are the flaws in the anti-Naxal strategy?
- Outsourcing operations to central armed police forces:
- In most states, there is a tendency to outsource the operations against Naxals to the central armed police forces.
- This strategy is flawed because unless the local police, who know the language and terrain, take the lead in anti-Naxal operations, the problem would linger.
- Imposed development paradigm:
- The development paradigm pursued since independence has always been imposed on the tribal communities and has been insensitive to their needs and concerns. As a result, government plans have ended up in destroying their social organization, cultural identity, and resource base and generated multiple conflicts.
- The tribals want schools and hospitals, but they neither need nor want capital-intensive plants or factories, which are inevitably accompanied by deforestation and displacement.
- Insensitivity towards tribal communities:
- The development paradigm pursued since independence has always been imposed on the tribal communities and has been insensitive to their needs and concerns. As a result, government plans have ended up destroying their social organization, cultural identity, and resource base and generated multiple conflicts.
- Lack of an overall strategic plan:
- There is no overall strategic plan against the Naxals. States have been carrying out anti-Naxal drives according to their individual understanding.
- Territorial domination is essential, and security forces are able to achieve that, but that should be followed by the administrative apparatus establishing its network in the affected areas.
- Absence of peace talks:
- The government should seriously think of applying the healing touch. If it can have peace talks with the Nagas and several other insurgent outfits in the Northeast, there is no reason why it should not take the initiative to have a dialogue with the Maoist leadership. This would not be seen as a sign of weakness on the contrary, it would be taken as a magnanimous gesture.
The way ahead to address the Naxal insurgency in India
- Multi-pronged approach: The government should adopt a multi-pronged approach to address the Naxal problem that includes development initiatives, security measures, and dialogue with the Naxal leadership.
- Focus on development: The government should focus on development initiatives in Naxal-affected areas that are tailored to meet the needs of the local population. This includes building infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads, creating employment opportunities, and addressing land rights issues.
- Empowering local police: The state police should be empowered to take the lead in anti-Naxal operations as they have a better understanding of the local language and terrain.
- Humanitarian approach: The government should adopt a humanitarian approach in dealing with the problem. The use of excessive force should be avoided, and care should be taken to ensure that the local population is not adversely affected.
- Dialogue with Naxal leadership: The government should initiate a dialogue with the Naxal leadership to address their grievances and concerns. This would help in building trust and confidence between the two sides and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the problem.
- Coordination among states: The states should coordinate their efforts to address the Naxal problem. The sharing of intelligence, resources, and best practices would go a long way in addressing the issue.
- Strengthening of institutions: The government should strengthen institutions like the police, judiciary, and administrative machinery to ensure that they are better equipped to deal with the problem.
- Long-term vision: A long-term vision should be adopted to address the Naxal problem. This requires sustained efforts over a period of time to ensure that the problem is effectively tackled.
Conclusion
- India’s Maoist insurgency problem is not one that can be solved by just law and order enforcement. It is crucial to address the underlying social and economic aspects of the problem. The government should acknowledge the flaws in its anti-Naxal strategy and undertake a comprehensive approach to solve the problem. It must ensure that the local police take the lead in anti-Naxal operations, and the development policies must be sensitive to the needs and concerns of the tribal communities. Initiating peace talks with the Maoist leadership could also go a long way in resolving the issue.
Mains Question
Q. The recent events of violent attacks on security forces highlights that the Maoist insurgency remains a significant threat in India. In light of this discuss what are the flaws in anti-Naxal strategy and what is needed to address the Naxal insurgency in India?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UTF Project
Mains level: India- Maldives Relations
Central Idea: The article discusses the recent commissioning of the Indian grant-in-aid UTF (Uthuru Thila Falhu- Island) Harbour Project, the coastal surveillance radar system, in the Maldives. The project is a significant milestone in the growing defence ties between the two countries.
What is the UTF Project?
- The UTF project was announced during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit in February 2021.
- It is among the biggest Indian grant-in-aid projects in the Maldives.
- It is aimed at developing a maintenance and repair hub for naval vessels and will help the Maldives become self-sufficient.
Importance of the Project
- The project marked a major step in growing defence cooperation between India and Maldives.
- The facility will strengthen the capability of the Maldivian Coast Guard and facilitate regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
Controversy Surrounding the Project
- There were allegations that the project was a cover for Indian military presence in the Maldives.
- An “India Out” campaign was launched in the island nation backed by its opposition leader Abdulla Yameen.
- Maldives President Ibrahim Solih banned anti-India protests as a threat to national security.
Defence Cooperation and Other Projects
- India has gifted a Dornier aircraft and a patrol vessel to the Maldives in the past.
- India has provided 24 vehicles and a naval boat and will build police facilities on 61 islands in the country.
- The joint statement released by India and Maldives after Defence Minister’s visit highlighted ongoing defence cooperation between the two neighbours.
- The countries have agreed to explore additional avenues for cooperation, including in areas of defence trade, capacity building, and joint exercises.
- Both the countries are working closely to address challenges, including those on maritime security, terrorism, radicalisation, piracy, trafficking, organised crime, and natural disasters.
- India has financed the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), a $500 million project, to build a 6.74 km bridge and causeway linking the capital of Maldives, Male, with neighboring islands.
India-Maldives Relations: A backgrounder
- India and Maldives are neighbors sharing a maritime border.
- Both nations established diplomatic relations after the independence of Maldives from British rule in 1966.
- India was one of the first nations to recognize Maldives’ independence.
- Since then, India and Maldives have developed close strategic, military, economic and cultural relations.
- Maldivians generally regard Indians and India as a friend and trusted neighbor in the field economic, social and political.
Causes for the anti-India sentiments
- Political instability: The anti-India sentiment is nearly a decade old and can be traced back to when Abdulla Gayoom became president in 2013. He used anti-India sentiments for his political mobilization and started tilting China.
- Controversy over helicopter gift: Two Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALF) that were given by India to the Maldives for ocean search-and-rescue operations. Opposition tried to portray this as military presence in the country.
- Confidential agreements: Most agreements being signed between the Ibrahim Solih government and India are backdoor and has not been publicly discussed in the Maldives Parliament.
- Alleged interference in domestic politics: India being a big neighbour, there are unsubstantiated perceptions & allegations on Indian Diplomats stationed in Maldives interfering in Domestic affairs.
Restoration of ties
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who became President in 2018 has restored Maldives close ties with India.
Major irritants in ties
- Political Instability: India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighborhood on its security and development.
- Increasing radicalization: In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivians drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based jihadist groups has been increasing.
- Inclination towards terror: Radicalism in the island nation has increased the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests.
- Chinese affinity: China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighborhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important ‘pearl’ in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia.
Recent gestures by India
[1] 2014 Male drinking-water crisis
- In the wake of a drinking water crisis in Malé in December 2014, following collapse of the island’s only water treatment plant, Maldives urged India for immediate help.
- India came to rescue by sending its heavy lift transporters like C-17 Globemaster III, Il-76 carrying bottled water.
[2] 2020 Covid-19 crisis
- During the COVID-19 crisis of 2020, India extended help to Maldives in the form of financial, material and logistical support.
- Also, the IAF airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives, as part of ‘Operation Sanjeevani’.
[3] Greater Male Connectivity Project
- India has recently announced the signing of a $500-million infrastructure project for the construction of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).
- This infrastructure project, the largest-ever by India in the Maldives, involves the construction of a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link.
Maldives’ significance for India
- Increasing maritime cooperation: As maritime economic activity in the Indian Ocean has risen dramatically in recent decades, the geopolitical competition too in the Indian Ocean has intensified.
- Toll Gate in Indian Ocean: It is situated at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean. More than 97% of India’s international trade by volume and 75% by value passes through the region.
- Naval cooperation: Maldives is an important partner in India’s role as the net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Important SAARC member: Besides, Maldives is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC).
- People To People Contact: There is a significant population of Maldivian students in India. They are aided by a liberal visa-free regime extended by India. There is also medical tourism.
- Major destination for Tourists: Tourism is the mainstay of the Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others.
Way forward
- India continues to be an important partner of the Maldives.
- India must not grow complacent over its position and must remain attentive to the developments in the Maldives.
- India must play a key role within Indo-Pacific security space to ensure regional security in South Asia and surrounding maritime boundaries.
- At present, the ‘India Out’ campaign has support from a limited population but this cannot be taken for granted by the Indian government.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kaladan Multimodel Project
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Sittwe Port in Myanmar has been made operational with the departure of the inaugural shipment, the MV-ITT LION (V-273), from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.
- This development is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project, which aims to provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.
About Sittwe Port, Myanmar
- The Sittwe Port in Myanmar has been built under a grant assistance from the Indian government.
- It has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan river.
Significance of Sittwe Port
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has stated that the port will open up new opportunities for trade and transit from and to Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine state.
- The port is expected to enhance trade and commerce between India and Myanmar, and the wider region.
Connectivity of KMTTP
- Once fully operationalized, the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project will provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.
- The port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway, and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
- The port is expected to boost trade and commerce between India and Myanmar, and the wider region.
Back2Basics: Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
- It connects the seaport of Kolkata in India to Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar, by sea.
- In Myanmar, the project links Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
- The project is being funded by the Indian government and is aimed at reducing the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km.
History of the Project
- It was initially scheduled to be completed by 2014.
- The project is affected by Chin conflict, Rohingya conflict, and militant groups such as Arakan Army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
Route of the Project
- There are different sections of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which combines multi-modes of transport, including sea, river, and road routes.
- It includes- Kolkata-Sittwe shipping route, Sittwe seaport to Paletwa inland jetty river boat route, Sittwe Special Economic Zone at Ponnagyun town, Paletwa inland jetty to Zorinpui road route in Myanmar, and the Zorinpui to Aizawl road route in India.
- This project will complement the river-road route of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar-Mizoram.
- It has the Sittwe-Kyaukhtu railway in Myanmar, Kyaukhtu-Zorinpui in Myanmar, and the Zochawchhuah (Zorinpui)-Sairang railway in India.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Dantak
Mains level: NA
The Prime Minister has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak to commemorate 64th Raising Day.
What is Project Dantak?
|
Description |
| Establishment |
Established on April 24, 1961, as per the agreement between the third king of Bhutan and then Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru. |
| Objective |
Identify the most important aspects of connectivity and spur the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan. |
| Responsibility |
Construct and maintain roads suitable for motorised transportation in Bhutan. |
| Legal Provision |
Established under the provision of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949. |
Works and Involvement
|
Description |
| Infrastructure Development |
Constructing infrastructure in adjoining Indian districts, including Sherbathang–Nathu La road, Gangtok–Sherbathang road, and Sevoke–Gangtok road. |
| Establishment of Facilities |
Establishing medical and education facilities in outlying areas, which were the first in those regions. |
| Takthi Canteen |
Takthi Canteen, commonly known as the DANTAK canteen, is a major stop for travelers midway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu. |
| Recruitment of Workers |
Recruiting local workers from Bhutan and Indian workers from adjoining districts like Jaigaon, Alipurduar, and other parts of Eastern and North-Eastern India under a basic monthly wage. |
| Supervision of Work |
Posting officials from India for the supervision of work. |
Controversies and Incidents
- The Bhutanese Government accused DANTAK of installing Indian tricolour-themed raised pavement markers or reflectors on the highway railings. DANTAK confirmed their presence, and those reflectors were immediately replaced.
- A 204 meters long bridge in Haa along the Damchu-Haa road collapsed in February 2021, leaving 3 workers dead and 6 missing. The bridge was handed over to Project DANTAK by the contractor.
- The project has faced criticisms for its approach to hiring practices and labor management.
Major projects undertaken
- Paro Airport: Built in 1968 as an airstrip for on-call helicopter services for the Indian Armed Forces. Now used as an international airport.
- Yonphula Airfield: Domestic Airport in Bhutan
- Thimphu – Trashigang Highway: Major Highway in Bhutan
- Damchu-Chukha Road: Major Road in Bhutan
- India House Estate: The Indian Embassy in Bhutan.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Respiratory Syncytial Virus, F Protein
Mains level: NA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first vaccine ‘Arexvy’ for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to lower respiratory tract disease in people older than 60 years.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause illness in people of all ages.
- It is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, and it can also affect older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
- RSV is highly contagious and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s face.
- Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or death.
Identification of Protein F
- In 2013, Barney Graham and other scientists identified the key protein, protein F, responsible for the RSV virus to infect human cells.
- The protein, introduced in humans, elicited neutralizing antibodies against the virus.
Approval and Efficacy of Arexvy
- The FDA has approved Arexvy, the first RSV vaccine to be approved anywhere in the world, manufactured by GSK.
- The approval was based on a phase-3 trial carried out on nearly 25,000 participants.
- It showed a single dose of the vaccine reduced the risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease caused by the RSV virus by 82.6% and severe disease by 94.1% in people older than 60 years.
- The vaccine will be available for older adults in the U.S. before the 2023-2024 RSV season.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Molecular Motor
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences have discovered a new kind of molecular motor that has potential applications in biology and medicine.
What is a molecular motor?
- Cells use molecular motors to move things like organelles and molecules, and disruption of these processes can lead to diseases.
- Molecular motors use biochemical energy to do mechanical work.
What did the new study find?
- The study found that EEA1, a long protein, can regain its rigid shape to create a new kind of two-part molecular motor.
- EEA1 regains its rigid shape through a reaction called GTP hydrolysis, mediated by enzymes called GTPases.
- The researchers believe this could mark a new class of molecular machines that operate as motors in a unique way with novel collective effects.
Why is the finding significant?
- The motor is different from most motors because it doesn’t produce a lever-like back-and-forth action and it uses GTP instead of ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate) for energy.
- EEA1 exerts an entropic force on the membranes that it pulls, which is a unique feature.
- The finding could have potential applications for understanding membrane fusion and for many other mechanochemical proteins or assemblies.
What are the potential applications?
- The discovery of the molecular motor could have potential applications in biology and medicine.
- The study provides a general mechanism that is applicable to many mechanochemical proteins or assemblies that harness chemical energy for mechanical work in cells.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cannabis cultivation and its applications
Mains level: legalizing cannabis cultivation and issues of criminalizing drug users
Central Idea
- Himachal Pradesh is reportedly considering legalizing cannabis cultivation, joining Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The criminalisation of cannabis cultivation and drug use in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985 has resulted in long pre-trial incarceration, stigmatisation of users, and poor rehabilitation prospects. A public health approach could help address drug dependence and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.
What is Cannabis?
- Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used primarily for medical or recreational purposes.
- The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD).
- It is used by smoking, vaporizing, within the food, or as an extract.
Prospects of legalizing Marijuana
- Health benefits:
- The cannabinoids found in Cannabis is a great healer and has found mentioned in Ayurveda.
- It can be used to treat a number of medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, epilepsy, insomnia, HIV/AIDS treatment, and cancer.
- Ecological benefits:
- The cannabis plant and seeds apart from being labelled a super-food as per studies is also a super-industrial carbon-negative raw material.
- Each part of the plant can be used for some industry. Hemp currently is also being used to make bio-fuel, bio-plastics and even construction material in certain countries. The cosmetic industry has also embraced Hemp seeds.
- Marijuana is addiction-free:
- An epidemiological study showed that only 9% of those who use marijuana end up being clinically dependent on it.
- The ‘comparable rates’ for tobacco, alcohol and cocaine stood at 32%, 15% and 16% respectively.
- Good source of Revenue:
- By legalizing and taxing marijuana, the government will stand to earn huge amounts of revenue that will otherwise go to the Italian and Israeli drug cartels.
- In an open letter to US President George Bush, around 500 economists, led by Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman, called for marijuana to be “legal but taxed and regulated like other goods.
- A potential cash crop:
- The cannabis plant is something natural to India, especially the northern hilly regions. It has the potential of becoming a cash crop for poor marginal farmers.
- If proper research is done and the cultivation of marijuana encouraged at an official level, it can gradually become a source of income for poor people with small landholdings.
- Prohibition was ineffective:
- In India, the consumption of synthetic drugs like cocaine has increased since marijuana was banned, while it has decreased in the US since it was legalized in certain states.
- Moreover, these days, it is pretty easy to buy marijuana in India and its consumption is widespread among the youth. So it is fair to say that prohibition has failed to curb the problem
- Marijuana is less harmful:
- Marijuana consumption was never regarded as a socially deviant behaviour any more than drinking alcohol was. In fact, keeping it legal was considered as an enlightened view.
- It is now medically proven that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol.
All you need to know about Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985
- The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is an Indian law that prohibits the production, manufacture, possession, transportation, sale, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- The Act was enacted in response to the US-led global war on drugs in the 1970s.
- The NDPS Act has been amended several times since its enactment, with the most recent amendment being in 2014.
- The Act defines different categories of drugs and prescribes different punishment for different offenses.
- The Act has been criticized for its strict provisions, especially for small-scale drug users, who are often imprisoned and face difficulty accessing rehabilitation and de-addiction centers. In recent years, there have been calls for decriminalizing small-scale drug use and treating drug consumers as victims rather than offenders.
Why criminalizing drug users is not a good option?
- Pre-trial incarceration and stigmatization: Criminalization means long pre-trial incarceration and stigmatization of drug users, who are often from socially and economically vulnerable backgrounds.
- Lack of access to de-addiction centres: Many drug users lack access to de-addiction centres, which makes their rehabilitation difficult.
- Difficulty in rehabilitation: Putting drug users behind bars makes their rehabilitation difficult and exposes them to the risk of becoming peddlers.
- Overburdened criminal justice system: Over-criminalisation of drug users clogs already burdened courts and adds to the workload of overworked investigating agencies.
- Squandering public resources: Public resources that could have been deployed to set up a robust rehabilitation network are squandered away in the process.
- Ineffective in deterring drug use: Criminalisation was intended to deter the use of drugs. However, drug dependence has increased over the years across the world.
- Undermining social well-being: The over-criminalisation of drug users undermines their social well-being, which perpetuates the cycle of addiction and crime.
Steps to address the negative impact of criminalizing drug users
- Decriminalization: The government should consider decriminalizing the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal consumption, as recommended by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This will treat drug users as victims rather than culprits and facilitate their rehabilitation.
- Public health approach: The government should adopt a public health approach to address drug use as a public health issue. This involves providing healthcare services to drug users, focusing on their well-being and rehabilitation, rather than just punishing them.
- Differentiating between peddlers and consumers: The government should differentiate between drug peddlers and drug consumers and take different approaches to dealing with them. While drug peddlers should be punished, drug users should be treated as victims and provided with rehabilitation services.
- Setting up a robust rehabilitation network: The government should allocate resources to set up a robust rehabilitation network for drug users. This will help address the root cause of drug use and reduce its negative impact on society.
- Public awareness campaigns: The government should conduct public awareness campaigns to educate people about the negative impact of drug use on health and well-being. This will help reduce the demand for drugs and prevent drug use among the population.
Facts for prelims
What is CBD oil?
- CBD oil is a type of oil that contains cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.
- CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the plant and diluting it with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil.
- It is used for a variety of purposes, including reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving sleep.
|
Conclusion
- The criminalization of drug use in India has not deterred drug dependence and has resulted in a burden on the criminal justice system. A public health approach could help address drug dependence and reduce the stigma associated with drug use. India could learn from the examples of countries like Portugal and Canada and the state of Sikkim.
Mains Question
Q. Recently more and more states are considering legalizing cannabis cultivation. In light of this discuss the benefits of its cultivation and impact of criminalizing drug users in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's presidency of international groupings
Mains level: Current geopolitical climate, India's g20 presidency, challenges and way ahead
Central Idea
- India’s year-long presidency of the G-20 and leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should not create unrealistic expectations about the dividends India can reap from these summits. The current geopolitical climate is characterized by a high level of distrust and tensions running high and the threat of conflict looming large. The need for India is to proceed with caution during its presidency.
Overview of the current geopolitical climate
- Tensions and distrust between the US-led camp and China/Russia-led camp pose a threat of global conflict.
- China is on a major diplomatic-cum-strategic offensive across Asia, particularly in West Asia, and is flexing its naval and military muscle in the East and Southeast Asian seas.
- India is facing challenges due to China’s offensive and its efforts to widen the arc of conflict with India.
- The situation in Ukraine is fraught, with the US and its allies providing advanced weaponry and training to Ukrainian troops, while Russia is receiving support from its allies.
- India’s ties with Russia are not necessarily anchored in defense cooperation, and India is looking more to the West, especially the US, for state-of-the-art weaponry.
- India needs to proceed with caution while holding the presidency of the G-20 and the SCO and balance the contradictory demands of the two institutions and the Global South.
Reasons for the distrust between the two camps; United States and China/Russia
- Economic competition: The US and China are in a race for economic and technological supremacy, with both countries vying for dominance in fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and cybersecurity. This has led to tensions between the two countries.
- Military competition: The US and China are also in a race for military supremacy, with both countries investing heavily in their armed forces and developing advanced weapons systems. This has led to concerns about a potential arms race between the two countries.
- Territorial disputes: China has territorial disputes with several countries in the region, including India, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This has led to tensions and concerns about China’s expansionist policies.
- Human rights issues: The US and other Western countries have criticized China and Russia for their human rights records, including issues such as the treatment of Uighur Muslims in China and the treatment of political dissidents in Russia. This has led to tensions between these countries and the West.
- Political influence: The US has accused China and Russia of attempting to interfere in its political processes, including the 2016 US presidential election. This has led to concerns about the countries’ intentions and their influence in other countries.
- Strategic competition: The US and China/Russia have differing visions for the international order, which has led to strategic competition and tensions between them. The US seeks to uphold the current order, while China and Russia seek to challenge it and establish a new order that reflects their interests and values.
- COVID-19 pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated tensions between the US and China, with both countries blaming each other for the outbreak and its spread.
Issues for India specifically with China
- Border disputes: India and China have long-standing border disputes, which have led to multiple conflicts over the years. The recent clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 resulted in the deaths of Indian and Chinese soldiers and have further escalated tensions between the two countries.
- China’s aggressive behavior: China’s assertive stance and expansionist policies in the South and East China Seas, as well as its attempts to limit India’s influence in the Indian Ocean Region, have led to tensions between the two countries.
- China’s regional initiatives: China’s regional initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum are of concern to India as they may limit India’s strategic and economic interests in the region.
- The Quad: China sees India’s partnership in the Quad (an informal strategic grouping of India, Australia, Japan, and the US) as a threat to its regional ambitions, and has openly criticized the grouping.
- Cyber warfare and hybrid tactics: India is also concerned about China’s ability to engage in cyber warfare and hybrid tactics, including the adoption of cyber tactics and the ‘politics of water’ by re-directing the Himalayan rivers.
Other turmoil’s in India’s immediate neighborhood
- Afghanistan: The situation in Afghanistan appears to be steadily worsening and is now beginning to affect nations on its periphery. India has lost all traction with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
- Pakistan: The relations between India and Pakistan are strained due to various reasons, including cross-border terrorism.
- Sri Lanka: The political situation in Sri Lanka has been unstable in recent years, and it has caused concerns for India.
- Nepal: The political situation in Nepal has been unstable in recent years, with frequent changes in government and disagreements over the new constitution. India has also had strained relations with Nepal over various issues, including border disputes.
- Myanmar: The military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 has led to widespread protests and violence, causing concerns for India’s security in its Northeast region as well as affecting India’s strategic interests in the region.
Way ahead
- Identifying commonalities: India should focus on identifying areas of commonality between the G-20, the SCO, and the Global South, such as sustainable development, climate change, and economic cooperation, and work towards promoting these goals in each forum.
- Prioritizing issues: India should prioritize the issues that are most important to its national interests, such as regional security and economic development, and work towards finding solutions that are mutually acceptable to all parties.
- Engaging with all parties: India should engage with all parties in each forum, including the major powers, to ensure that its voice is heard and its interests are taken into account.
- Building coalitions: India should work towards building coalitions with like-minded countries within each forum, such as other developing countries, to promote its interests and priorities.
- Developing strategic partnerships: India should develop strategic partnerships with key players in each forum, such as China and Russia in the SCO, to promote regional stability and cooperation.
Conclusion
- India needs to be aware of the persisting challenges it faces, tone down the high expectations being generated of reaping a rich dividend from helming the G-20 and the SCO, and proceed with caution. It must chart a course that balances the contradictory demands of the G-20 and the SCO and even more so that of the Global South. India should not claim to have attained its goal of being a global power, as there are many obstacles that have to be overcome before India can achieve its predetermined goal.
Mains Question
Q. The current geopolitical climate is characterized by a high level of distrust and tensions running high and the threat of conflict looming large. In light of this discuss the issues for India specifically with China and how other turmoil’s in immediate neighborhood compounding the problems for India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digitalization of power sector
Mains level: Power sector reforms, challenges and measures
Central Idea
- India is replacing conventional electric meters with prepaid smart meters to bring a revolution in the power sector. The majority of smart meter users have begun to experience some of the technology benefits. However, the low uptake of smart meter apps and access to detailed electricity bills are some of the road bumps that need to be solved.
What are Smart Meters?
- Smart meters are next-generation digital electricity meters that measure energy consumption and communicate this information back to the utility company in near real-time.
- Unlike traditional electric meters that require manual reading, smart meters automatically send readings to the utility company, enabling a two-way communication between the meter and the utility.
A study on Smart Meters
- A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) found that the majority of smart meter users have already begun to experience some of the technology benefits.
- The study covered about 2,700 urban households that use prepaid or postpaid smart meters across six States.
- Half the users reported improvements in billing regularity, and two-thirds said paying bills had become easier.
- Around 40% of users alluded to multiple co-benefits such as a greater sense of control over their electricity expenses, a drop in instances of electricity theft, and improved power supply to the locality.
- In fact, 70% of prepaid smart meter users said they would recommend the technology to their friends and relatives.
- These findings give confidence that India’s smart metering transition is heading in the right direction.
Advantages of Smart Meters over traditional electric meters
- Accurate billing: Smart meters enable accurate billing as they eliminate the need for estimated bills, providing customers with accurate and transparent information about their energy usage.
- Near real-time data: Smart meters provide near real-time data on energy consumption, enabling customers to monitor their usage and make informed decisions about their energy consumption.
- Dynamic pricing: Smart meters have the potential to enable dynamic pricing, where electricity tariffs vary depending on the time of day, season or other factors, incentivizing customers to use energy when it’s cheaper and reducing demand during peak hours.
- Improved energy management: Smart meters allow utilities to better manage energy supply and demand, reduce power outages, and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.
- Energy theft detection: Smart meters can help detect and respond to energy theft, reducing losses for utilities and ensuring a fair distribution of energy costs.
- Customer control: Smart meters provide customers with more control over their energy consumption, allowing them to better manage their energy usage and reduce their bills.
Challenges in the Smart Meter Deployment
- High installation costs: The upfront cost of installing smart meters can be significant, and may be a barrier to adoption for utilities or customers.
- Technical challenges: Installing and integrating smart meters into existing grid infrastructure can be technically complex, requiring significant upgrades to communication networks and other equipment.
- Data privacy and security: Smart meters collect and transmit sensitive customer data, raising concerns about data privacy and security.
- User adoption: Encouraging customers to adopt smart meters can be a challenge, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the technology or if there is a lack of education around the benefits of smart meters.
- Interoperability: Ensuring that smart meters are interoperable with different communication protocols and standards can be a challenge, particularly in areas with multiple utility providers.
- Regulatory challenges: The regulatory environment can also be a challenge, particularly if regulations around smart meters are unclear or if there is resistance from stakeholders such as utility providers or consumer groups.
Ways to improve smart meter deployment
- Education and awareness: Utilities and governments can run awareness campaigns to educate customers about the benefits of smart meters, and how they can help reduce energy consumption and save money. These campaigns should target different socio-economic groups, and provide actionable tips and information on how to use smart meters to their advantage.
- Co-ownership and collaboration: Utilities and government bodies should collaborate to ensure a smooth installation and recharge experience for users, and leverage smart meter data for revenue protection and consumer engagement. Discoms (distribution companies) should take the driving seat and co-own the program with Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs) who are responsible for installing and operating the AMI system.
- Innovative and scalable data solutions: Discoms, system integrators, and technology providers should collaborate to devise innovative and scalable data solutions to effectively use smart meter data to unlock their true value proposition. This would require an ecosystem that fosters innovation in analytics, data hosting and sharing platforms, and enables key actors to collaboratively test and scale new solutions.
- Empower consumers: Policymakers and regulators must strengthen regulations to empower consumers to unlock new retail markets. They must also enable simplification and innovation in tariff design and open the retail market to new business models and prosumagers (producers, consumers, and storage users). Regulations should be put in place concerning phase-out of paper bills, arrear adjustment, frequency of recharge alerts, buffer time, rebates, and data privacy.
- Interoperability: It is crucial to ensure that smart meters are interoperable with different communication protocols and standards. This can be achieved through standardization, certification, and testing programs.
- Pilot programs and learning opportunities: Utilities and governments can run pilot programs to test new smart meter technologies and business models, and learn from the results to scale up successful models.
Conclusion
- India is on a unique journey of meeting its growing electricity demand while decarbonizing its generation sources. Smart meters comprise a critical part of the transition toolbox, by way of enabling responsible consumption, efficient energy management, and cost-effective integration of distributed energy resources. A user-centric design and deployment philosophy will be crucial for the success of India’s smart metering initiative. With the effective implementation, India can improve smart meter deployment and user satisfaction, making the smart-meter revolution a reality.
Facts for prelims:
Electricity Regulatory Commissions (ERCs):
- ERCs are independent statutory bodies established by the government to regulate the generation, transmission, distribution, and trading of electricity in a particular state or region.
- The primary role of ERCs is to protect the interests of electricity consumers by ensuring that electricity is supplied to them at reasonable and affordable rates while ensuring the financial viability of the electricity sector.
- ERCs also have the power to issue licenses to power generation and distribution companies, set tariffs, and adjudicate disputes between stakeholders in the electricity sector.
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Mains Question
Q. India is replacing conventional electric meters with prepaid smart meters to bring a revolution in the power sector. In this light discuss advantages and challenges of deploying smart meters. How India can improve smart meter deployment and user satisfaction, making the smart-meter revolution a reality?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Mains level: Govt policies and actions against NCDs
Central Idea: The article discusses the decision by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to rename and expand its program for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
What are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?
- NCDs are also known as chronic diseases, which are not caused by infectious agents and are not transmissible from person to person.
- NCDs are long-lasting and progress slowly, typically taking years to manifest symptoms.
- Examples of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
- These diseases are often caused by modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and environmental factors.
- NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for around 70% of all deaths globally.
Why in news?
- The addition of many new diseases and health initiatives have prompted the Indian government to expand and rename its NCD program.
Renaming of the NCD Program and Portal
- The Ministry has renamed the NPCDCS as the “National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases [NP-NCD].”
- The application or software named Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Non-Communicable Disease (CPHC NCD IT) will now be renamed “National NCD Portal.”
- The Ministry communicated this decision to the States on May 3, 2023, through a one-page letter and asked them to adhere to the changes.
Implementation and future action
- The NPCDCS is implemented under the National Health Mission across India.
- The letter addressed to Principal Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all States and Union Territories advised the government to use the new names for the scheme and portal in all their future references and correspondences with the Indian government.
- Under NPCDCS, 677 NCD district-level clinics, 187 District Cardiac Care Units, 266 District Day Care Centres and 5,392 NCD Community Health Centre-level clinics have been set up.
Burden of NCDs in India
- The study ‘India: Health of the Nation’s States – The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative in 2017’ by the ICMR estimated that the proportion of deaths due to NCDs in India has increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.
- The four major NCDs are:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
- Cancers
- Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and
- Diabetes
- The study shared four behavioural risk factors – unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol.
Solutions to mitigate NCD burden
- Promote healthy lifestyle: Encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, balanced and nutritious diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and getting enough sleep.
- Increase awareness and education: Increase awareness among the public about the risk factors of NCDs and educate them about ways to prevent these diseases.
- Improve healthcare infrastructure: Increase access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural and remote areas, to ensure early detection, treatment, and management of NCDs.
- Implement policies and regulations: Implement policies and regulations that promote healthy living, such as increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy food products.
- Foster public-private partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to work collaboratively towards preventing and managing NCDs.
- Increase research and innovation: Increase research and innovation in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of NCDs to develop new and effective interventions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Health Emergency
Mains level: Pandemic recovery
Central Idea: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for COVID-19. It had in 2020 declared the disease as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Practical effects of WHO declaration
- The classification of COVID-19 as a global emergency is meant to warn political authorities of an extraordinary event that could constitute a health threat to other countries and requires a coordinated response to contain it.
- For the average person, the decision to end the global emergency classification will have no practical effect.
- WHO’s emergency declarations are typically used as an international SOS for countries who need help or to spur countries to introduce special measures to combat disease or release extra funds.
What is PHEIC?
Definition: Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), a public health emergency is defined as “an extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Regulations: to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease; and to potentially require a coordinated international response”.
Emergencies declared so far
- WHO has previously declared global emergencies for outbreaks of swine flu, Zika, Ebola, polio, and monkeypox.
- Polio was declared nearly nine years ago, and its emergency status has persisted even as officials work to wipe out the disease from a shrinking number of countries.
- MPOX was declared a global emergency last July but technically remains a global emergency.
What criteria does the WHO follow to declare PHEIC?
- PHEIC is declared in the event of some “serious public health events” that may endanger international public health.
- The responsibility of declaring an event as an emergency lies with the Director-General of the WHO and requires the convening of a committee of members.
Implications of a PHEIC being declared
- There are some implications of declaring a PHEIC for the host country, which in the case of the coronavirus is China.
- Declaring a PHEIC may lead to restrictions on travel and trade.
- However, several countries have already issued advisories to their citizens to avoid travelling to China, while others are airlifting their citizens from it.
Is COVID-19 still a pandemic?
- Yes, COVID-19 is still a pandemic, as the virus is here to stay and thousands of people continue to die every week.
- WHO chief Tedros warned that the risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.
- Countries need to transition from emergency mode to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases.
When will the COVID-19 pandemic end?
- It is unclear when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, as the virus is still a public health threat and its continued evolution could cause future problems.
- Pandemics only truly end when the next pandemic begins.
- COVID-19 will continue to spread among people for a very long time but at a much lower level of threat that does not require extraordinary measures taken to try to curb the virus’ spread.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) , Navratna status
Mains level: Public Sector Enterprises
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) was recently granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Railways.
About RVNL
- RVNL was incorporated in 2003 with the aim of implementing rail infrastructure projects quickly and raising extra budgetary resources for SPV projects.
- The company started operating in 2005 after the appointment of its board of directors.
- RVNL was granted Mini-Ratna status in 2013.
RVNL’s functions
- RVNL has been assigned to undertake project development and execution of works covering the full project lifecycle.
- The company will create project-specific SPVs for individual works if required.
- RVNL will hand over completed railway projects to the concerned zonal railway for operation and maintenance.
Major projects undertaken
RVNL has implemented various projects in the rail sector, including:
- Doubling and electrification of existing lines
- Construction of new lines
- Gauge conversion projects.
Navratna status and its benefits
- Navratna’s status will give RVNL more operational freedom and financial autonomy.
- Enhanced delegation of powers will also be granted to the company.
- Navratna’s status will be a huge boost to RVNL’s progress.
- This status will be especially beneficial for the company as it expands its operations beyond the railway’s sector and into international projects.
Back2Basics: Central Public Sector Enterprises
- The Government runs the CPSEs under the Department of Public Enterprises of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
- The government grants them the status of Navratna, Miniratna and Maharatna based upon the profit made by these CPSEs.
- The Maharatna category has been the most recent one since 2009, other two have been in function since 1997.
| |
Maharatna |
Navratna |
Miniratna Category-I |
Miniratna Category-II |
| Eligibility |
Net profit of ₹2,500 crore per annum OR
Net worth of ₹10,000 crore for 3 yrs. |
Score of 60 based on financial parameters AND be a Miniratna with 4 independent directors
Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum for last 3 years |
Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum OR |
Positive net worth and profit for last 3 years |
| Benefits for investment |
₹1,000-5,000 crore or 15% of net worth |
Up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth on a project OR 30% of net worth per annum |
Up to ₹500 crore or net worth, whichever is lower |
Up to ₹300 crore or 50% of net worth, whichever is lower |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: All India Radio
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The Centre has ordered that public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) be exclusively referred to as Akashvani in all broadcasts and programmes.
All India Radio: Through history
- The journey of radio broadcasting in India began with the first commercial transmission sent out by the Radio Club of Bombay in 1923.
- In 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established and in 1930, the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) was set up.
- In 1936, ISBS was renamed as All India Radio (AIR).
- At the time of Independence, AIR covered only two percent of India’s land area and reached just 11 percent of its population.
- Today, AIR has a network of over 262 radio stations, covering 92% of India’s area and nearly all of its population.
- It broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects and also has an External Services Division which broadcasts in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages, reaching out to more than 100 countries.
- AIR’s News Services Division broadcasts 647 bulletins daily for a total duration of nearly 56 hours.
- FM broadcasting began in 1977 in Chennai and today, AIR has 18 FM stereo channels.
Why the name change?
- The order to exclusively refer to AIR as Akashvani is in line with the provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, passed by Parliament.
- Listeners have more of a connect with Akashvani and that the name change is in tune with the law which came into being in 1997.
Importance of AIR
- AIR played a crucial role in communicating momentous events in India’s recent history, prior to the advent of television or digital media.
- AIR’s place in history is cemented due to its role in broadcasting Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech in 1947 and Kapil Dev’s mythical 175 run knock in 1983, among other events.
- For many Indians, the Akashvani jingle evokes nostalgia and memories of a bygone era when they woke up to the sounds of the jingle at the break of dawn and started their day with AIR programming.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clearing Corporations
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has de-recognised 6 clearing corporations in India as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) with effect from April 30.
- However, it allowed European banks to continue business with them till April 2023 without penal consequences.
What are Clearing Corporations?
- Clearing corporations, also known as central counterparties (CCPs), are financial institutions that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in financial markets.
- They help to manage the risk of default by ensuring that each party involved in a trade has the necessary funds or securities to fulfil their obligations.
- Clearing corporations also ensure that trades are settled in a timely and efficient manner.
- In the context of this article, clearing corporations refer to those involved in the clearing and settlement of trades in India’s cash and derivatives market.
Decisions by ESMA
- ESMA has withdrawn recognition of six Indian clearing corporations including- CCIL, Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd, NSE Clearing Ltd, Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing, India International Clearing Corporation, and NSE IFSC Clearing Corporation.
- ESMA asked Indian regulators to sign an agreement to give it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
- Indian regulators refused to give supervisory power to foreign entities in Indian clearing corporations.
- ESMA recognised these clearing corporations as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) in the EU region.
India’s rebuttal
- ESMA had asked the RBI and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to sign an agreement giving it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
- Indian regulators did not agree to give supervisory power to a foreign entity on Indian clearing corporations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India-UAE relations and latest developments
Mains level: One year of India-UAE CEPA, its significance and impact
Central Idea
- The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signifies a deep, fraternal, and strategically important relationship between the two countries that goes beyond just economic cooperation. The success of the agreement in stimulating economic growth and providing investment opportunities has unlocked new possibilities for multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships
Background: India-UAE relationship
- Historical ties: The India-UAE relationship has been shaped by centuries of cultural and economic engagement on the Indian Ocean’s network of exchange. The two countries share historical ties that go back to pre-modern times, with Arab traders having visited the west coast of India since the fourth century AD.
- India’s third-largest trading partner: The UAE emerged as India’s third-largest trading partner, highlighting the two countries’ positive outlook towards economic cooperation.
- Trade partnership strengthened with oil: The India-UAE partnership was forged first on the trade of traditional items, and then strengthened with oil. It found a formal dimension after the creation of the UAE Federation in 1971, and then accelerated in the 1990s when a liberalised India embraced the opportunity to export to the UAE and markets beyond.
- Relationship is today more than an economic partnership: It speaks to the Emirates’s deep, fraternal, and strategically important relationship with India, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a key partner in India’s foreign policy. The two countries share strong cultural and people-to-people ties, with a significant Indian diaspora in the UAE.
- key partner in India’s development agenda: The UAE has been a key partner in India’s development agenda, including investments in the oil and gas sector, renewable energy, and infrastructure. The UAE has also been supportive of India’s efforts in combating terrorism and enhancing security cooperation.
India- UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a bilateral trade agreement that aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
- The CEPA covers a wide range of subjects, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy.
- The CEPA has been in the making for several years, with negotiations starting in 2017 and the agreement finally coming into force on May 1, 2022. The agreement builds on the decades of mutual enterprise between the two countries, with the UAE emerging as India’s third-largest trading partner.
How India- UAE CEPA benefits both the countries?
- Increased trade: The CEPA is expected to significantly increase trade volumes between India and the UAE, with the potential to create new investment opportunities and increase business partnerships. This will help both countries to diversify their trade relationships beyond their traditional trading partners.
- Diversified trade: The CEPA covers a wide range of subjects, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy, allowing for a more diversified trade relationship between the two countries.
- Access to new markets: The CEPA is inspiring innovators and investors, catalysing SMEs, startups, and India Inc to make decisive inroads into new markets, particularly the Emirati market, and from there to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This will benefit both countries in terms of access to new markets and opportunities.
- Support for entrepreneurship: The CEPA provides support for startups in both India and the UAE, enabling them to explore growth and diversification into each other’s markets, as well as other markets in the region and beyond. The India-UAE Startup Bridge will also enable them to attract investment from venture capitalists and angel investors.
- Addressing developmental challenges: The CEPA provides a trade lens to tackle issues such as energy and food security, agriculture, and sustainability, making it a strategic catalyst in addressing vital developmental challenges.
Facts for prelims: UPI in UAE
- Indian travelers can now seamlessly make payments in the UAE using the UPI-based apps.
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with the Mashreq Bank’s NEOPAY to enable UPI-based payments in the Gulf Nation.
- UPI payments will only be possible in UAE shops that have NEOPAY terminals. The user should have a bank account with an Indian bank account along with a mobile app like BHIM that supports UPI payments.
- Currently, UPI payments are accepted in Bhutan and Nepal. It is likely to go live in Singapore by the end of this year.
- Back in 2021, the UPI services were launched in Bhutan in collaboration with its central bank, the Royal Monetary Authority.
|
Way ahead?
- Looking ahead, the India-UAE CEPA presents a unique opportunity to further deepen economic and strategic ties between the two countries. Some of the key steps that can be taken to build on the success of the CEPA include:
- Strengthening infrastructure: India and the UAE can collaborate to strengthen infrastructure, including ports, airports, and logistics networks, to facilitate the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
- Enhancing cooperation in emerging sectors: The two countries can explore cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and fintech, among others, to promote innovation and economic growth.
- Promoting investment: Both India and the UAE can take steps to promote investment in each other’s markets, including through the creation of investment promotion agencies, bilateral investment treaties, and other measures.
- Strengthening cultural ties: Cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts can be further enhanced to deepen the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
- Addressing developmental challenges: The CEPA provides a platform for addressing key developmental challenges faced by both countries, such as energy and food security, sustainability, and agriculture. Further efforts can be made to leverage this platform to achieve meaningful progress in these areas.
Conclusion
- The UAE-India CEPA has unlocked new possibilities for multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships, leading the nations to build competitive, resilient, sustainable, and vibrant economies.
Mains Question
Q. India-UAE completed its one year of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) implementation. In this background discuss impact on the Bilateral Trade.
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