From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Worldcoin
Mains level: Not Much
PC: The Hindu
Central Idea
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently reintroduced Worldcoin, a project that was previously overshadowed by the popularity of ChatGPT.
What isWorldCoin?
The Worldcoin venture involves a unique model where individuals have their eyes scanned to establish their human uniqueness.
In return for the eye scan, participants receive cryptocurrency and a World ID, forming the basis of the project.
Worldcoin’s aim is to create the “world’s largest identity and financial public network,” accessible to people globally.
How does it works?
Orb Operators: Worldcoin relies on volunteers called “Orb operators” who use a device called “Orb” to scan people’s iris patterns and collect their biometric data.
World ID: Participants receive a World ID through the World app after getting their irises scanned. This unique ID allows them to claim Worldcoin cryptocurrency and conduct transactions.
Proof of Personhood: Scanning irises ensures that people cannot sign up multiple times to receive more crypto rewards.
Cryptocurrency and Transactions: Users can collect WLD at regular intervals or use it for transactions, similar to a standard digital currency.
WLD Cryptocurrency and Compliance
WLD Token: WLD is a cryptocurrency based on the Ethereum blockchain and can be bought, sold, or traded on major exchanges.
Regulatory Compliance: Worldcoin ensures compliance with Europe’s GDPR and uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to maintain user privacy. User data is encrypted and not sold, though it may be shared with necessary third parties.
Various risks
Price Volatility: As with most cryptocurrencies, the price of WLD is subject to fluctuations. Its value can rise or fall, and users should be cautious about investing in lesser-known digital currencies.
Security Risks: Users must be wary of potential scams or hacks related to cryptocurrency investments.
Criticism and Controversies
Privacy Concerns: Worldcoin faced criticism over privacy concerns about the use of biometrics for verification.
Scanning in Emerging Economies: Reports indicated that Worldcoin scanned underprivileged people’s irises in emerging economies during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising ethical questions about informed consent and rewards for scans.
Worldcoin in India
Orb Operators in India: Worldcoin has deployed Orb operators in various locations, particularly in Delhi, Noida, and Bangalore, where people’s irises are scanned to join the network.
Conclusion
Worldcoin’s vision of a global digital network with biometric identity and cryptocurrency rewards is both promising and controversial.
While it aims to foster financial inclusion and provide digital opportunities, it must address privacy and ethical concerns to gain wider acceptance and trust among users worldwide.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cell Free DNA vs. Normal DNA
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Researchers worldwide are increasingly using Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a valuable tool to better comprehend human diseases, improve diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis.
What is Cell-free DNA?
CfDNA refers to small fragments of nucleic acids that are released from cells and found outside the cell in body fluids.
Its discovery dates back to the late 1940s when it was first observed in the blood of pregnant women.
cfDNA can be generated and released from cells in various situations, such as cell death and other physiological processes.
The release of cfDNA is associated with several disease processes, including autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
How is it different from normal DNA?
Cell-free DNA
Normal DNA
Found in the bloodstream and other bodily fluids
Found within the cell nucleus or mitochondria
Released from dying or dead cells into the circulation
Remains within the cell’s nucleus or mitochondria
Exists in a fragmented form
Exists as an intact double-stranded helix
Can be isolated and analyzed from blood samples
Requires cell extraction and purification for analysis
Provides valuable genetic information for personalized medicine
Forms the basis of genetic inheritance and traits
Valuable in infectious disease diagnosis and monitoring
Not used for infectious disease diagnosis
Used in forensics for DNA profiling and crime investigations
Not typically used in forensics
Applications of CfDNA
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Detect genetic abnormalities in foetuses
Screening for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome
Cancer Screening and Monitoring
Identify genetic mutations in tumour cells
Determine cancer type
Monitor treatment response and disease progression
Transplant Rejection Monitoring
Monitor immune response after organ transplantation
Early detection of organ rejection
Infectious Disease Diagnosis
Identify viruses and bacteria in the bloodstream
Aid in diagnosing infections and guiding treatment
Personalized Medicine
Provide genetic information for tailored treatment plans
Enable precision medicine based on individual genetic profile
Tracking Tumour Mutations
Monitor drug-resistant mutations in cancer patients for treatment adjustments
Recent Advances in Therapeutics
GEMINI Test: Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre developed a new test called ‘GEMINI’ that uses cfDNA for early cancer detection. By analyzing genetic mutations and using machine learning, they achieved over 90% accuracy in detecting lung cancer, even in early-stage cases.
Potential Impact: Early detection of cancers using cfDNA could significantly improve patient outcomes and survival rates.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Constitutional crisis in Israel
Central Idea
On July 24, the governing coalition in Israel’s Parliament (Knesset) passed a critical part of its judicial overhaul plan, aimed at curbing the Supreme Court’s oversight powers over government decisions.
This has sparked months of protests against the right-religious government’s plans to transform the judiciary.
Judiciary Overhaul: The Crisis Trigger
Abolishing the “Reasonability Doctrine”: The Knesset legislation abolishes the “reasonable doctrine” used by the Supreme Court to assess government decisions and ministerial appointments. This doctrine allowed the court to determine the sensibility and fairness of government decisions and nullify them if deemed necessary.
Reasonability Doctrine in Other Countries: The reasonability standard is a legal standard used in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and the U.K., by top courts to evaluate government decisions.
Criticism and Justification: Supporters of the government argue that the reasonability standard is too abstract and prone to judicial overreach, justifying its removal. They claim that this change will prevent courts from interfering in executive decisions.
Other Proposals in the Overhaul Plan
Curbing Judicial Review: The original overhaul plan included proposals to limit judicial review over legislation and empower Parliament to override court decisions with a majority vote of 61 out of 120.
Greater Control of Judicial Appointments: The government seeks to replace members of the Bar Association in the nine-member panel responsible for selecting judges with “public representatives” chosen by the government. This change would give the government a majority vote in the committee and more control over judicial appointments.
Ministers’ Autonomy from Legal Advisers: Another proposal seeks to remove the legal obligation for Ministers to follow the advice given by their legal advisers, including the Attorney-General’s guidance.
Motivation behind the Overhaul
Right-Wing Government’s Agenda: Israel’s current government, composed of right-wing, ultra-Orthodox, and extreme-right parties, aims to strengthen its control over the judiciary. The right-wing leaders have criticized the judiciary for impeding their legislative agenda and settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.
Shift in Israel’s Polity: Over the years, Israel’s polity has shifted rightward, while the judiciary remained relatively independent. The right-wing has long advocated for bringing the courts under the Parliament’s ambit.
Influence of Think Tank: The Kohelet Policy Forum, a think tank backed by American and Israeli billionaires, has played a significant role in formulating the judicial reforms. Kohelet seeks to advance right-wing policy reforms in Israel and has pushed for the overhaul of the judiciary.
Protests and Concerns
Undermining Democracy: Critics, including the Opposition and civil society, argue that the government’s actions are an attempt to undermine Israel’s democracy. They fear that concentrating power within the government, controlled by right-wing and religious parties, could lead to an authoritarian theocracy.
Tensions between Liberal and Orthodox Jews: Protests have spread to different groups, including military reservists, amid concerns that religious parties may undermine the courts and empower religious sections.
Supreme Court Review: Civil society groups have filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the legislation on the reasonability doctrine. The court, facing a constitutional showdown, will review the challenges, even though the law curtails its own powers.
Conclusion
The passage of the judicial overhaul plan in Israel’s Knesset has significant implications for the country’s governance and democratic fabric.
The concentration of power within the government and curtailing the Supreme Court’s oversight powers has raised concerns about checks and balances.
Civil society’s petitions and the Supreme Court’s subsequent decisions will be crucial in determining the future course of Israel’s judiciary and its democratic institutions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL) Treatment
Mains level: Elimination of TB from India
Central Idea
The interim results of a randomized phase-3/4 trial conducted in India to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of BPaL Regimen, an all-oral, short-course treatment are promising.
BPaL is administered for individuals with pre-XDR TB or treatment-intolerant/non-responsive MDR pulmonary TB
What is BPaL?
The trial uses only three drugs—Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL).
The treatment duration is only 26 weeks, contrasting with the conventional 18-month treatment involving eight to nine tablets per day.
Trial Outcomes
It offered a significantly reduced number of tablets per day, resulting in better treatment adherence and improved outcomes.
Approximately 70% of the trial participants have completed the 26-week treatment, with a cure rate exceeding 85%.
In comparison, the cure rate for conventional treatment for DR-TB is 60-65% even with strict adherence.
Treatment Superiority
Advanced TB Cases: The trial participants had advanced TB affecting both lungs, yet the cure rate was above 85%, demonstrating the superiority of the BPaL short-course therapy.
Importance of Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with the three-drug regimen can lead to even better outcomes for patients with pre-XDR TB.
Issues with the treatment
Three to four trial participants experienced serious adverse effects, but these were either managed or occurred too late in the disease’s progression to be helped.
Some cases of mild adverse effects caused by linezolid included a drop in haemoglobin and platelet counts, as well as neuropathy (tingling sensation and numbness in the legs).
TB Menace in India
Total TB Cases: In 2021, there were approximately 21.3 lakh (2.13 million) reported TB cases in India.
Incidence Rate: The incidence rate of TB in India in 2021 was 210 cases per lakh population.
Drug-Resistant TB: The number of drug-resistant TB cases in India declined from around 1.49 lakh in 2015 to 1.19 lakh in 2021.
Government Initiatives: To combat TB, India has set the target of eliminating the disease by 2025, and various initiatives have been implemented, including active case finding, screening, and improved access to diagnostic tests and treatment.
| Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DLI Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
The Indian government is considering a proposal to pick an equity stake in domestic chip design-making companies as part of the second phase of the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for the semiconductor industry.
The aim behind the scheme is to establish a stable ecosystem and promote the growth of “fabless companies” in India—entities that design chips but outsource manufacturing.
However, this policy requires a long-term strategy due to the capital-intensive nature of the semiconductor sector and the lengthy gestation periods for setting up design and fabrication units.
What is DLI Scheme?
DLI scheme is a program aimed at providing financial and infrastructural support to companies establishing semiconductor manufacturing plants in India.
Eligible participants who set up fabrication units in the country can receive fiscal support of up to 50% of the total cost.
Additionally, participants building compound semiconductors, silicon photonics, and sensors fabrication plants can avail fiscal support of 30% of the capital expenditure under this scheme.
Companies engaged in semiconductor design for integrated circuits, chipsets, system-on-chips, systems, and IP cores will receive incentives of 4% to 6% on net sales for a duration of five years.
The scheme is expected to promote the growth of at least 20 such companies, achieving a turnover of more than ₹1500 crore in the next five years.
Present Chip Dynamics
Long Gestation Period: Setting up design and fabrication units in the semiconductor industry involves long gestation periods before the first product is launched. Returns on investment are not immediate.
Capital Intensive: The semiconductor industry requires significant investment for setting up fabrication units, up-scaling manufacturing capabilities, and research.
Cyclic Nature: The industry’s cyclic nature and changing functional requirements of chipsets make research and development challenging.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Supply chain disruptions, such as those experienced during COVID-related lockdowns, can dampen investor confidence in the sector.
Domestic Chip Industry Scenario
Talent Pool: India has a highly-skilled talent pool of semiconductor design engineers, making up around 20% of the world’s workforce, working for global companies like Intel, Micron, and Qualcomm, among others.
IP Ownership: Despite a thriving talent pool, India owns a smaller portion of the intellectual property (IP) related to chip designs, which is mostly retained by global companies.
DLI Scheme for Chip Designing: The DLI scheme introduced in December 2021 aimed to indigenize innovations and support the growth of chip design companies with financial incentives.
Changing Landscape: The scheme has led to the establishment of over 30 semiconductor design startups in India, with some already receiving government support.
Growing market in India
The semiconductor industry is growing fast and can reach $1 trillion dollars in this decade. India can grow fast and reach $64 billion by 2026 from $27 billion today.
Mobiles, wearables, IT, and industrial components are the leading segments in the Indian semiconductor industry contributing around 80% of the revenues in 2021.
The mobile and wearables segment is valued at $13.8 billion and is expected to reach $31.5 billion in 2026.
Challenges and Considerations
Effectiveness and Efficiency: Some experts view the government’s plan to become a venture capital firm for chip design companies as ineffective and inefficient. Companies may prefer foreign buyers for higher valuations and global ecosystem connections.
Venture Capital Support: The lack of venture capitalists in the private sector focused on semiconductors is a challenge for the growth of design firms.
Equity Stake’s Impact: Offering an equity stake can align the interests of design companies with the project’s success, ensuring shared risk and reward. It may also help in selling chip-designing services more effectively and attracting a broader client base in the market.
IP and Value-Added Activities: The government must consider who can keep the IP and how investments can drive more innovation and employment generation. Moving up in the value chain and enabling the ecosystem is crucial.
Conclusion
The proposal to take an equity stake in domestic chip design-making companies in India’s semiconductor industry aims to promote the growth of fabless companies and ensure a stable ecosystem.
However, it requires a long-term strategy and careful consideration of IP ownership, venture capital support, and value-added activities in chip design.
The success of the scheme will depend on effective implementation and alignment of interests between the government and promising design companies.
| Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UDAN Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
Union Civil Aviation Ministry inaugurated a new phase of the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, or UDAN 5.2, to improve last-mile connectivity in remote regions of the country through small aircraft.
There have been aspersions regarding the success of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme (RCS) since ONLY 11 of the 74 Greenfield airports are decently operational.
Progress till now
Route Closures: Out of the 479 routes launched under RCS, 225 have ceased operations, leading to significant route closures.
Commercial Viability: Around 70 of the routes were found to be commercially unviable even with subsidies, leading airlines to discontinue their operations.
Three-Year Sustainability: The objective of RCS was for airlines to become self-sustaining after three years, but only 58 out of 155 routes completed this period successfully.
Incomplete Infrastructure: Some airports, such as Thanjavur, Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Ayodhya, were not ready for operations, leading to the discontinuation of 12 routes.
What is UDAN Scheme?
UDAN Scheme, initiated in 2016, aims to enhance aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in Tier II and Tier III cities.
It was formulated based on the review of The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)-2016, with the goal of fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizen.
The scheme, designed to last for 10 years, operates with a self-financing mechanism through the establishment of the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF).
The RCF funds the viability gap funding (VGF) requirements of the scheme by levying certain domestic flights, thereby stimulating growth and development in the aviation sector.
As part of the scheme, the Airports Authority of India has waived the airport fee.
Issues with the scheme
Route Discontinuance: Some routes launched under UDAN have been discontinued, raising concerns about their sustainability.
Challenges in Expansion: Efforts to improve connectivity to hilly regions and islands through helicopters and seaplanes have faced hurdles due to land unavailability and operational difficulties.
Unrecovered since the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the aviation industry, further impacting the sustainability of airlines.
Various Challenges
Financial Constraints: Many smaller airlines struggle with insufficient funds, making it difficult to maintain aircraft, pay rentals, and provide staff salaries.
Maintenance Issues: Smaller players often have limited aircraft that are poorly maintained, and acquiring new planes is expensive.
Pilot Availability: The availability of pilots can be a challenge for smaller airlines, leading to higher costs when hiring foreign pilots.
Competition: Routes dominated by bigger domestic players like IndiGo and SpiceJet tend to see better success rates.
Way Forward
Extended Subsidy Period: Airlines need an extension of the subsidy period to develop routes sustainably and achieve self-sufficiency.
Addressing Pandemic Impact: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel restrictions and passenger safety should be considered when evaluating the losses incurred by airlines.
Collaboration and Support: The government and stakeholders need to collaborate to address financial constraints and maintenance issues faced by smaller airlines.
Continuous Evaluation: Regular evaluation and necessary adjustments in the UDAN scheme are essential to overcome challenges and ensure successful implementation.
Conclusion
While India has made significant strides in airport development, challenges related to commercial viability and infrastructure readiness must be addressed to ensure sustainable air connectivity across the nation.
Renewed focus on the UDAN scheme and optimizing airport infrastructure can pave the way for a robust aviation sector that benefits smaller cities and contributes to the overall growth of the nation’s economy.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Tiger Day
Mains level: Tiger Conservation Efforts
CentralIdea
July 29th was celebrated the world over as International Tiger Day in a bid to raise awareness on various issues surrounding tiger conservation.
India’s tiger population has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, owing to successful conservation efforts under the Project Tiger initiative.
About International Tiger Day
It was first instituted in 2010 at the Tiger Summit in St Petersburg, Russia when the 13 tiger range countries came together to create Tx2, the global goal to double the number of wild tigers by the year 2022.
Celebrating 50 Years of Project Tiger
Historical Context: Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to promote the conservation of tigers when their population was alarmingly low, hovering around 2,000 due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Landmark Achievement: Over the past 50 years, India’s tiger population has made a remarkable recovery, standing at 3,167 in 2022 as compared to just 268 in 1973.
Population Growth and Distribution
Decade-wise Growth: The tiger population has shown a remarkable growth trajectory in recent years. In 2010, there were 1,706 tigers, which increased to 2,226 in 2014 and further rose to 3,582 in 2022.
Regional Distribution: In 2022, the states with the highest tiger populations were Madhya Pradesh (785), Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). Nearly 25% of the tigers were reported outside protected areas.
Conservation Efforts and Successes
Tiger Reserves: India’s tigers are mainly concentrated in 53 dedicated tiger reserves covering about 75,796 square km, which accounts for approximately 2.3% of the country’s total land area.
Successful Reserves: Reserves like Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand (260 tigers), Bandipur (150), and Nagarhole (141) in Karnataka have shown commendable success in tiger conservation.
Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, Project Tiger played a crucial role in conserving the species, ensuring not just the protection of tigers but also preserving their natural habitats.
Challenges and Concerns
Habitat Fragmentation: The growing human population and developmental activities have led to the fragmentation of tiger habitats, affecting their dispersal and increasing human-tiger conflicts.
Quality of Forest Cover: The degradation of forest cover can impact prey availability and contribute to human-wildlife conflict, especially in regions like Central India and the Eastern Ghats.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: As tiger habitats shrink and corridors get disrupted, encounters between tigers and humans have increased, leading to conflicts and potential danger to both tigers and people.
Legal Framework Dilution: Some proposed amendments to environmental acts and the approval of projects in protected areas have raised concerns about the dilution of the legal framework supporting tiger conservation.
Way forward
Development with Ecological Sensibility: Upcoming infrastructure projects, like highways, are being planned with safe passageways for tigers and other animals to ensure minimal disruption to their movement.
Relocation and Rehabilitation: Relocation of human settlements from core areas of tiger reserves is incentivized to increase protected land and improve tribal livelihoods.
Conclusion
Conservation Commitment: The success of tiger conservation in India has come through the commitment of people, political will, and strong legal and policy frameworks.
Sustained Efforts: Despite the successes, continued efforts and vigilance are essential to ensure the continued growth of the tiger population and its harmonious coexistence with human communities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monsoon and cropping pattern
Mains level: Monsoon's erratic behavior and its impact on Indian agriculture and food security
What’s the news?
As of July 30, the current month has witnessed a significant 15.7% above-normal rainfall, transforming the cumulative deficit into an overall 6% surplus for the period from June 1 to July 30.
Central idea
The southwest monsoon made a tardy start, arriving seven days late this year, resulting in 52.6% below-normal rainfall during the first two weeks. By the end of June, there was a cumulative deficiency of 10.1%. However, the scenario changed dramatically from the last week of June, as the monsoon recovered remarkably, covering the entire country by July 2—six days ahead of schedule.
The monsoon’s erratic behavior and its impact on agriculture
Delayed Crop Planting: The late arrival of the southwest monsoon raised concerns among farmers about their ability to sow crops on time, potentially affecting overall agricultural productivity.
Uneven Rainfall Distribution:
During the first two weeks of the monsoon, the country experienced a substantial rainfall deficit, with the overall rainfall being 52.6% below the normal long-period average.
Eastern and southern India, except Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, were among the regions that received insufficient rainfall, which can lead to water stress and impact crop growth and yields.
Cumulative Deficiency: By the end of June, the cumulative rainfall deficiency stood at 10.1%. This cumulative deficit further intensified worries about agricultural output and food security, as it could affect the availability of water for crops during crucial growth stages.
Crop Recovery: Despite the abysmal start, the monsoon showed signs of recovery. This turnaround led to increased kharif crop plantings, including rice, which had been lagging behind last year’s levels until mid-July.
Positive Impact on Sowing: The monsoon’s recovery improved sowing conditions for most major agricultural regions, except for certain areas in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, where rainfall remained deficient.
Subsequent Impact on Yields: While the monsoon’s recovery positively impacted crop sowing, the ultimate impact on yields would largely depend on the rainfall during August and September.
El Niño Concerns
The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) in June exceeded the El Niño threshold of 0.5 degrees, reaching 0.8 degrees Celsius.
Many global weather agencies predicted that El Niño would persist and strengthen through the 2023-24 winter.
El Niño’s potential strengthening raised concerns about its impact on India’s monsoon in the coming months, particularly during August.
El Niño is known to suppress rainfall in India, which could lead to a weakening of the monsoon during this crucial period.
A weakened monsoon can adversely affect crop growth, yields, and overall agricultural productivity.
If rainfall activity becomes progressively weaker due to El Niño’s influence, the implications can extend beyond the kharif season and impact the rabi winter-spring crops as well.
Rabi crops, dependent on stored rainwater, might be more vulnerable to a weakened monsoon, leading to potential losses and food production challenges.
Prospects of food security: Food inflation and stock situation
Rice and Wheat Stocks: As of July 1, rice and wheat stocks in government godowns were reported to be at 71.1 million tonnes (mt). This stock level is the lowest in five years for this date.
Impact of the Delayed Monsoon on Rice Planting:
Due to the delayed monsoon, rice acreage initially picked up only after mid-July. It is unclear how much of this acreage is under short-duration varieties (around 125 days from seed to grain maturity).
If the rice belt had received rain on time, farmers might have planted more long-duration varieties (around 150–155 days), which yield higher at about 1–2 tonnes per hectare.
Re-transplanting in Punjab and Haryana: There are reports of farmers in Punjab and Haryana having to undertake paddy re-transplanting in large areas along the Beas, Sutlej, Ghaggar, and Yamuna rivers. This re-transplanting is likely for shorter duration varieties that usually yield less.
Sugar Stocks and Exports: The estimated sugar stocks with mills at the end of September 2023 are projected to be 6.3 mt, a six-year low. The Indian government has already banned exports of sugar to manage domestic supply.
Pulses and Edible Oil:
Among pulses, arhar (pigeon-pea) and urad (black gram) have registered a dip in acreage due to rain deficiency in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. However, Rajasthan is expected to deliver a bumper crop of moong (green gram).
Chana (chickpea) has ample stocks due to government procurement, and masoor (red lentil) is being imported at rates below the government’s minimum support price.
Edible Oil Inflation: Edible oil inflation is likely to remain low, supported by imports projected to exceed 15 mt, a new all-time high, by the end of the current oil year in October 2023.
Milk Production and Prices: The supply of milk is expected to ease with buffalo calvings beginning from August. This will reflect in increased milk production, peaking during the winter and remaining high until next March-April.
Vegetables: Vegetable inflation has been on the rise, contributing to an unacceptably high consumer price index inflation number for July. However, with faster supply responses, vegetable inflation is expected to fall as easily as it rose.
Way forward
Monitor Monsoon Developments: Continuously monitor the progress of the monsoon and its distribution across regions. Timely and accurate weather forecasting can help farmers make informed decisions about crop planting and irrigation.
Crop Diversification: Encourage farmers to diversify their crop choices to reduce dependence on water-intensive crops. Promote the cultivation of climate-resilient crops that require less water and are suitable for specific agro-climatic zones.
Strategic Buffer Stock: Maintain a strategic buffer stock of essential food commodities like rice and wheat to address any temporary supply shortages and stabilize food prices during periods of volatility.
Supply Chain Management: Improve supply chain logistics to ensure smooth transportation and distribution of agricultural produce. This will help prevent post-harvest losses and ensure the timely availability of food in the market.
Price Stabilization Measures: Implement effective price stabilization measures to control food inflation and prevent price volatility. These measures may include regulating exports, imports, and MSP (Minimum Support Price) mechanisms.
Encourage Pulses and Oil seed Production: Provide incentives and support to farmers for increasing pulses and oilseed production. This can reduce the country’s dependence on imports and stabilize prices.
Support the Dairy Sector: Extend support to the dairy sector to enhance milk production and improve the availability of dairy products. This can help stabilize milk prices and ensure food security.
Conclusion
The monsoon’s erratic behavior has impacted crop sowing and food inflation in India. While the recovery has been promising, concerns over El Niño persist, making it vital for the government to monitor the agricultural sector closely and implement appropriate measures to ensure food security.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Seasonal Migrant Workers, challenges and policies
What’s the news?
The High Court of Bombay has recently taken suo motu cognisance of the exploitation of the intra-State workforce that migrates seasonally from the drought-affected and water-scarce regions of Marathwada to the sugar-belt region of western Maharashtra.
Central Idea
According to the Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner, in 2022-23, the net area under sugar cane was 1.487 million hectares, and there were 203 crushing factories in the State that were expected to produce 138 lakh metric tons of sugar. Though intra-State migrant workers form the backbone of the sugar cane industry and economic growth, they have remained critically marginalised and oppressed for several decades.
Seasonal Migrant Workers
Seasonal migrant workers are individuals who temporarily migrate from one region or area to another for work during specific seasons or periods of the year.
These workers move to places where demand for labor is higher during certain agricultural or industrial activities, often due to seasonal variations in work opportunities.
For example, Workers from the drought-affected and water-scarce regions of Marathwada in Maharashtra migrate to the sugar-belt districts of western Maharashtra. They do so to work in the sugar cane industry, particularly during the harvesting season.
Challenges faced by the these workers
Exploitative Labor Practices: Seasonal migrant workers in the sugar cane industry are often recruited through labor contractors known as Mukadams. This exploitative system allows sugar factories to obtain a large volume of temporary, cheap, and efficient workforce.
Low Wages and Job Insecurity: Migrant workers often receive low wages for their labor, and their work is typically temporary and seasonal. As a result, they face uncertainty about future employment opportunities.
Inadequate Working Conditions: The nature of sugar cane harvesting and processing tasks can be physically demanding and hazardous. Workers, including women, may engage in strenuous work, such as head loading, leading to accidents.
Lack of Social Protection: Seasonal migrant workers may lack access to social protection schemes, such as health insurance and other benefits, leaving them financially vulnerable in case of illness or injury.
Invisibility and Marginalization: Migrant workers are often marginalised and overlooked in the regions where they migrate for work. This invisibility can limit their access to essential services, education, and healthcare.
Education Challenges for Children: Children accompanying their parents may face disruptions in their education due to migration, and there may be insufficient alternative schooling models, impacting their learning and development.
Primary drivers of this migration
Lack of Employment Opportunities:
Marathwada, being a region with drought-prone areas and water scarcity, faces challenges in providing sufficient employment opportunities to its rural population.
The agricultural sector, which is the primary source of employment, often experiences prolonged unemployment after the sowing of rabi crops, leaving many small and marginal peasant households without work.
Crop Failures and Debt: The region of Marathwada is susceptible to crop failures due to erratic monsoons and water shortages. Repeated crop failures result in the accumulation of debt for many farmers and agricultural laborers, making their economic situation precarious.
Acute Unemployment: Apart from crop-related employment, there may be limited industries or economic activities in the region that can absorb the surplus labor during non-agricultural seasons, leading to acute unemployment.
Attractive Job Opportunities in the Sugar Cane Industry:
The sugar-belt districts of western Maharashtra, such as Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Satara, Solapur, and Ahmednagar, are known for their sugar cane industry.
During the sugar cane harvesting and processing seasons, there is a high demand for labor in the sugar factories and fields, making it an attractive destination for seasonal migrant workers seeking employment.
Mukadam System and Labor Contractors:
The Mukadam system/ contractors act as intermediaries and provide labor couples to the factories.
Workers, often in need of employment, rely on the Mukadams, creating a system of dependence that perpetuates the migration.
Lack of Diversified Livelihood Options: Limited livelihood diversification in the home region may prompt individuals to seek employment opportunities in other regions with more robust economic activities.
Concerns and challenges in framing meaningful policies
Inadequate Data and Migration Tracking:
Lack of comprehensive data is hindering the formulation of meaningful policies for seasonal migrants, making it difficult to address their specific needs effectively.
The Migration Tracking System (MTS) application, launched by the Women and Child Development Department in 2022, aimed to track and enumerate seasonal migrants, particularly focusing on children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers to ensure their well-being and access to services.
However, the MTS falls short in providing a complete picture of seasonally migrating families, including their employment status, wage structure, and entitlement coverage.
Plight of Women:
Women working in the sugar cane industry face strenuous and hazardous tasks, such as headloading cane bundles and carrying heavy weights on trucks or trolleys (Oxfam India 2020).
Their work adversely impacts their bodies, causing musculoskeletal disorders and several gynecological issues (Oxfam India 2020).
Early and forced marriages among migrant women lead to problems for adolescent girls, resulting in early pregnancies (15-17 years), deliveries without trained birth attendants, and frequent childbirth (UNESCO).
Studies have also reported recurring cases of violence and sexual harassment linked to labor contractors (Mukadams) and male workers, further exacerbating the vulnerabilities faced by migrant women.
Plight of Children:
Children accompanying their parents to sugar cane fields face blatant violations of the Right to Education (National Education Policy, NEP, 2020).
The lack of sufficient alternative schooling models affects their education, potentially forcing them into child labor.
School records often fail to acknowledge the physical absence of these children from school, perpetuating the lack of proper education for them (International Institute for Population Sciences, IIPS, and UNICEF, 2022)
Way forward: Need for government interventions
Data Collection and Migration Tracking System (MTS): The government should conduct a periodic and time-bound enumerating exercise to create a credible databank of seasonal migrants. Expand the scope of the Migration Tracking System (MTS.
Empowering Labor Administration: Strengthening labor administration and enforcing labor laws is essential to protect the rights of migrant workers. Regular inspections should be conducted.
Holistic Policy Development: Formulate comprehensive policies specifically addressing the needs of seasonal migrants. Collaborate with different Ministries and Departments to address the multi-dimensional challenges faced by migrant workers and their families.
Addressing Women’s Plight: Implement long-term intervention strategies to address the challenges faced by women migrant workers. Provide training and opportunities for skill development to enhance their economic independence and ensure their health and safety in the workplace.
Ensuring Children’s Education: Implement alternative schooling models for children accompanying their parents to sugar cane fields. Protect their Right to Education and prevent them from being forced into child labor.
Access to Justice and Safe Working Conditions: Ensure that seasonal migrants have access to justice and are guaranteed safe and healthy working and living conditions. Address the exploitative Mukadam system prevalent in the sugar cane industry to protect the workers’ rights.
Conclusion
Empowering seasonal migrant workers in Maharashtra’s sugar cane industry is crucial to fostering inclusive economic growth and protecting human rights. The State government must act with strong political will to formulate comprehensive policies and interventions that address the vulnerabilities faced by these workers at both the source and destination regions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital payment ecosystem
Mains level: Digital payments landscape in India, financial inclusion and challenges
Central Idea
The digital payments landscape in India has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, with the United Payments Interface (UPI) playing a pivotal role in this revolution. With every neighborhood kirana store now equipped with a QR code scanner, the popularity of digital transactions has soared.
Modes of payment and their growth trends
UPI (United Payments Interface):
Introduction: UPI was introduced in 2016.
Growth: Transactions in UPI have grown in value and volume since its introduction.
Push factors: Demonetisation in November 2016 and the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 played a significant role in the widespread adoption of digital payments, contributing to UPI’s popularity.
Growth rate: From June 2021 to April 2023, UPI payments grew at an average monthly rate of 6%.
Share of total digital retail payments: The share of UPI payments increased from less than 20% in mid-2021 to about 27% in March 2023.
Comparison with other modes: UPI’s growth rate outpaced all other modes of payment, including NEFT, IMPS, debit card payments, and prepaid payments.
Impact on NEFT: The increasing share of UPI payments came mainly at the cost of NEFT transactions, which experienced a decline of about 10 points (from 64% to less than 54%) over the same period.
Real-time payment settlement: UPI’s popularity might be due to its real-time payment settlement system, similar to IMPS, unlike NEFT.
NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer):
Growth rate: NEFT transactions grew at an average monthly rate of 3% from June 2021 to April 2023.
Declining share: The share of NEFT transactions in the total value of digital retail payments declined from 64% to less than 54% over the same period, with UPI gaining popularity.
IMPS (Immediate Payment Service):
Growth rate: IMPS transactions grew at an average monthly rate of 3% from June 2021 to April 2023.
Stable share: The share of IMPS transactions remained relatively stable at about 9% in the total value of digital retail payments.
Debit card payments and Prepaid payments:
Growth rate: Debit card payments and prepaid payments experienced slower growth, with an average monthly rate of 1.5% from June 2021 to April 2023.
Combined share: The combined share of these modes of payment did not exceed 2.5% of the overall digital retail transactions.
Analysis: Financial Inclusion
Bank Account Penetration:
India has made remarkable progress in bank account penetration, with 80% of the population having bank accounts in 2017 and 2021, up from 53% in 2014.
However, a concerning issue is the high percentage of inactive accounts, which stands at 38%. This indicates that a significant portion of the population remains excluded from actively utilizing banking services.
Gender Gap:
There is a substantial gender gap in digital transactions, with only 28% of women conducting any digital transaction in 2021, compared to 41% of men.
The difference of 13 points between men and women in digital transactions is higher than many other comparable countries like Vietnam, Brazil, China, and Kenya, signaling a need for targeted measures to empower women in accessing and using digital payment methods.
Rural-Urban Divide:
The rural-urban gap in digital payments is evident, with only 30% of Indians in rural areas making or receiving any digital payment in 2021, compared to 40% in urban areas.
In contrast, countries like Bangladesh and Kenya display less discrepancy between rural and urban digital payment rates, with over 70% of their populations engaged in digital transactions.
Overall Digital Transaction Figures:
Despite the increasing popularity of UPI, only 35% of the population reported carrying out any digital transaction in 2021, indicating that a considerable proportion of the population is not actively participating in digital payments.
India’s figures for digital transactions are lower compared to the average of 57% for all developing countries and the world average of 64%
Way forward
Promote Digital Literacy: Provide training programs and workshops to enhance digital literacy, focusing on women and vulnerable populations.
Reduce Gender Disparities: Implement targeted measures to bridge the gender gap in digital transactions, encouraging more women to participate in digital payment ecosystems.
Enhance Digital Infrastructure: Expand internet connectivity and improve digital infrastructure in remote and rural areas to ensure equitable access to digital payment facilities.
Encourage Active Usage of Bank Accounts: Develop financial literacy programs to educate people about the benefits of using their bank accounts actively, thereby reducing the prevalence of inactive accounts.
Enable Business Participation: Encourage businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to adopt digital payment methods by providing incentives and simplifying the onboarding process.
Strengthen Security Measures: Enhance cybersecurity protocols and fraud prevention mechanisms to build trust and confidence among users in using digital payment platforms.
Conclusion
The UPI has undeniably revolutionised India’s digital payments landscape. However, the journey towards achieving Digital India is far from complete. To address the persisting issues, policymakers must devise targeted interventions to ensure that the benefits of digital payments reach all sections of society. Only then can India truly harness the potential of digital payments and attain the goal of a cashless economy.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stapled Visa
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The issuance of stapled visas by China to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue between the two countries.
What is Stapled Visa?
A Stapled Visa is an unstamped piece of paper attached to the passport, different from a regular visa that is affixed and stamped.
China has been issuing stapled visas to Indian nationals from certain regions, notably Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, which are territories that China disputes with India.
By using stapled visas for residents of these regions, China is making a unilateral claim over the disputed territories, suggesting that it considers them as part of its own territory.
China’s Dispute over Indian Territory:
Sovereignty Dispute: China disputes India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and questions the legal status of the McMahon Line, the boundary agreed upon between Tibet and British India in 1914. This dispute underlies Chinese claims over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its repeated border transgressions into Indian Territory.
Unilateral Claim: China claims approximately 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, referring to it as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet.” Chinese maps often depict Arunachal Pradesh as part of China.
Use of Stapled Visas:
Signaling Intentions: Chinese state media began referring to Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” in 2005. In 2006, China refused to grant a visa to an Indian government official serving in Arunachal Pradesh. Subsequently, China started issuing stapled visas to all Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Timeline of Events: Stapled visas for Jammu and Kashmir residents appeared around 2008-09. Over the years, China repeatedly issued stapled visas to Indian nationals, including sports athletes, weightlifters, and archers, leading to tensions between the two countries.
India’s Response and Stance
Protest and Diplomatic Efforts: The Indian government has consistently protested against the issuance of stapled visas and conveyed its stance to China, asserting that there should be no discrimination based on domicile or ethnicity in the visa regime for Indian citizens.
Refusal to Accept Stapled Visas: India has refused to accept stapled visas as valid travel documents and cautioned Indian citizens that such visas are not considered valid for travel out of the country.
Sovereignty Assertion: India firmly asserts its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and maintains that stapled visas undermine its territorial integrity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Muharram
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
For the first time in over three decades, the Jammu and Kashmir government permitted a Muharram procession in Srinagar, drawing thousands of Shia mourners on the 8th of Muharram.
The decision has been widely hailed.
What is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds significant religious and historical importance for Muslims worldwide.
The word “Muharram” itself means “forbidden” in Arabic, signifying the sacred nature of this month.
It is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare and conflicts are traditionally prohibited.
It is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims (and even Hindus), though it holds different historical and religious significance for each group.
Celebration of Ashura
Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram and is the most significant day within the month.
Shia Muslims: They commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Imam Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The prophet’s son-in-law, Ali, and Ali’s elder son, Hassan, are also remembered during this period as having suffered and died. On Ashura, Shia Muslims observe unique mourning rituals, including self-flagellation, chest-beating, and in some cases, forehead cutting using sharpened knives and chains with attached blades. ‘Taziya’, a tableaux procession is also held by the Shia Community.
Sunni Muslims: Ashura marks the day when Prophet Moses and the Children of Israel were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny by crossing the Red Sea.
Hindu community: Some Hindus also observe Muharram by getting themselves painted in tiger stripes, visiting households and performing “huli kunita” as part of their “harake” (vow).
Ashura Celebration in Kashmir
Ban under Dogra Rulers: During the reign of Dogra rulers, Muharram processions were either prohibited or allowed only at night, citing tensions between Shia and Sunni communities.
1920s: In the 1920s, despite the Dogra order for morning processions, mourners marched during the day, with both Shias and Sunnis joining the procession. This became associated with the Muslim freedom struggle in Kashmir.
Selective Permits: Later, certain individuals and families were issued permits to take out processions, but the main Muharram procession was banned when militancy began.
Significance of allowing processions
The permission for the Muharram procession in Srinagar after a long ban is a significant milestone, signifying progress towards religious freedom in the region.
It emphasizes the need to respect the religious sentiments of the people and uphold the values of inclusivity and unity among different communities in the valley.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Offer for Sale (OFS)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The government’s stake sale in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) through an offer-for-sale (OFS) received an enthusiastic response from institutional investors.
About Offer for Sale (OFS)
OFS is a method of share sale introduced by India’s securities market regulator SEBI in 2012.
The primary aim was to facilitate promoters of listed companies to reduce their holdings and comply with the minimum public shareholding norms within the stipulated time frame.
This mechanism gained popularity among both state-run and private listed companies as a means to adhere to SEBI’s order.
Subsequently, the government also embraced OFS to divest its shareholding in public sector enterprises.
Key Features of Offer for Sale:
Stake Dilution: In an OFS, the promoters of a company reduce their stake by selling existing shares to retail investors, companies, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) through an exchange platform.
Restriction on Fresh Issuance: Unlike a follow-on public offering (FPO), where companies can raise funds through issuing fresh shares or promoters can sell their existing stakes (or both), OFS is used exclusively for the sale of existing shares.
Eligibility Criteria: Only promoters or shareholders holding more than 10% of the share capital in a company can conduct an OFS.
Limited to Top 200 Companies: The OFS mechanism is available to the top 200 companies based on market capitalization.
Reserved Quota for Institutions: A minimum of 25% of the shares offered in an OFS is reserved for mutual funds (MFs) and insurance companies. Additionally, no single bidder, other than MFs and insurance companies, can be allocated more than 25% of the offering size.
Retail Investor Participation: A minimum of 10% of the offer size is reserved for retail investors, encouraging their participation in the share sale.
Discount Provision: Sellers have the option to offer a discount to retail investors either on the bid price or on the final allotment price.
Timely Notification: The company must inform the stock exchanges about its intention to conduct an OFS at least two banking days prior to the event.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Free Movement Regime
Mains level: Refugess influx in NE
Central Idea
The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur is further complicated by the issue of illegal migration of tribal Kuki-Chin people into India from Myanmar.
Amid this charged and sensitive debate, questions have been raised on the Free Movement Regime (FMR) that allows tribes along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) to travel inside each other’s territory without a visa.
Understanding Free Movement Regime
Conceptualization: The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of the Act East policy to improve Indo-Myanmar ties.
Travel permit: It allows tribes living along the IMB to travel up to 16 km into the other country without a visa.
Ethnic and Cultural Ties: The border between India and Myanmar was demarcated without considering the opinions of the people living in the region, splitting people of the same ethnicity and culture into two nations.
Significance: The FMR aimed to facilitate people-to-people contact, local trade, and business, essential for livelihoods and sustenance.
Discontinuation: As the crisis in Myanmar unfolded, India suspended the FMR in September 2022.
Challenges created by FMR
Unintentional Aiding of Illegal Immigration: The porous and unfenced Indo-Myanmar border has led to concerns about illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gun running.
Refugee influx: The military coup in Myanmar triggered persecution against the Kuki-Chin peoples, leading to a significant influx of Myanmarese tribals into Manipur and Mizoram, seeking shelter. Mizoram set up camps for over 40,000 refugees, despite protests from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Deforestation and Tensions: The Manipur government accused village chiefs of illegally settling migrants from Myanmar in new villages, leading to deforestation.
Resistance to eviction: An eviction drive triggered violence between Kukis and the government.
Possible Solutions
Better Regulation of FMR: Experts agree that the FMR needs better regulation to address the challenges arising from illegal activities and cross-border movements.
Middle Path: A middle path could be sought, addressing changing socio-politico-economic conditions in Myanmar and the dynamic demographic profile of the region.
Tackling the Issue: India needs to find an approach that balances addressing illicit activities and border crimes while considering the concerns and needs of the local population.
Conclusion
The FMR along the Indo-Myanmar Border, although intended to foster people-to-people contact and local trade, has posed challenges related to illegal migration and illegal activities.
While there are calls to remove the regime entirely, finding a middle path that considers the region’s socio-politico-economic dynamics and the well-being of the local population seems essential.
Addressing these challenges will require a careful and balanced approach, reflecting the complexities of the situation on the ground.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Mob violence and communal hatred
Central Idea
The Supreme Court asked the Centre and six States to respond to a plea concerning the alarming incidents of lynchings and mob violence.
It highlighted the need for the government machinery to be held accountable for protecting the lives of victims, including members of the minority community.
Presently the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does NOT maintain separate data on atrocities against religious minorities and on mob lynching.
Mob Lynching through Judiciary’s Lens
Apex Court’s 2018 Judgment: In the Tehseen Poonawala Case (2018), the Supreme Court warned against the rising wave of frenzied mobs fueled by fake news, self-professed morality, and false stories. The court foresaw these incidents as “creeping threats” and emphasized the necessity to curb them promptly.
Call for Special Law and Punishment: The 2018 judgment condemned mobocracy as an anathema and called for special laws and stringent punishments to address the issue effectively.
What is Mob Lynching?
Mob lynching is a heinous act of premeditated extrajudicial killing carried out by a group to punish an alleged transgressor or intimidate a community.
The absence of a separate definition for lynching in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and inadequate provisions to deal with such crimes have raised concerns about the growing incidents of mob violence in the country.
Need for an Anti-Lynching Law
Filling the Legal Void: An anti-lynching law would address the shortcomings in the current criminal jurisprudence, providing a specific legal framework to deal with such brutal acts. Presently, the IPC offers provisions for unlawful assembly, rioting, and murder, but there is no explicit law against mob lynching.
Curbing Lawlessness: An anti-lynching law would hold accountable those involved in lynching incidents, establishing a clear deterrent against such acts of violence.
Addressing the Rise in Lynching Incidents: Over the years, mob lynching cases have increased, necessitating a focused and comprehensive legal approach to combat this menace.
Factors behind the Surge in Lynchings
Impunity: Lynch mobs often act with confidence, believing they will escape punishment. The lack of decisive action by the state has contributed to their audacity.
Communalism: In cow-linked lynchings, political considerations influence the response from the incumbent government, affecting the crackdown on such attacks.
Fake News: The rapid spread of misinformation through social media platforms fuels sudden waves of antagonism and contributes to mob violence.
Alienation and Unemployment: Modernity has eroded associational life and a sense of fraternity, leading to feelings of alienation. High unemployment rates also leave millions of youth disengaged, making them vulnerable to manipulation.
Impact of Lynching
State: Lynching undermines fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, leading to a crisis in law and order.
Economy: International agencies have issued warnings against mob lynching, negatively impacting foreign and domestic investments and sovereign ratings. It also hampers internal migration and places an additional burden on the state exchequer to tackle such incidents.
Society: Lynchings foster fear of radicalization, disrupt communal harmony, and promote intolerance, aggravating caste, class, and communal tensions.
Way Forward
Proactive Measures: States must proactively monitor and flag rumours on social media and other platforms, adopting measures taken by some states as examples to deter such incidents.
Special Courts: Establishing special courts to try mob violence cases would ensure prompt and efficient justice delivery.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Climate change and the Concept of the Anthropocene
What’s the news?
Recent proposals to set the starting year of the Anthropocene at 1950 have been met with criticism due to their purportedly flawed representation of the true culprits behind ecosystem damage and climate change.
Central idea
The term Anthropocene was first proposed by the Nobel laureates, chemist Paul Crutzen and biologist Eugene Stoermer, at a meeting of the little-known International Biosphere-Geosphere Program in 2000 in Mexico. While the term persists, it has garnered limited acceptance within the environmental and geological communities.
The concept of the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that denotes the period during which human activities have had a significant and lasting impact on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems.
The concept emerged from the realization that human activities, such as deforestation, industrialization, urbanization, and the burning of fossil fuels, have caused profound and widespread changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land, leading to phenomena such as climate change.
The term anthropocene was first proposed by Nobel laureates Paul Crutzen, a chemist, and Eugene Stoermer, a biologist, in the year 2000.
They suggested that the current epoch, the Holocene, which began around 11,700 years ago after the last glacial period, had ended and was replaced by the Anthropocene due to the extensive and unprecedented human impact on the planet.
Some argue that it began with the advent of agriculture around 10,000 years ago, while others propose more recent dates, such as the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century or the mid-20th century, marked by a significant increase in human-induced environmental changes.
How it falls short in accurately acknowledging the real culprits of ecosystem damage?
Broad Attribution to All Humanity: The Anthropocene concept attributes the impact on Earth’s biosphere and climate system to all of humanity collectively. By treating all humans as culpable, the concept overlooks the disproportionate role played by certain actors, mainly corporate forces in the West.
Ignoring Historical Context: The Anthropocene concept does not adequately consider the historical context of environmental exploitation and resource extraction by colonial and imperialist powers, primarily from Western countries. Corporate forces in the West were major drivers of colonial practices that led to ecological harm and climate change in various regions, including Africa, India, and the Americas.
Downplaying Corporate Influence: While human activities have undoubtedly impacted the environment, the immense economic power and lobbying capabilities of corporations, mainly based in the West, have enabled them to shape environmental policies to their advantage, perpetuating unsustainable practices and hindering more significant efforts to combat climate change.
Blurring Responsibility: By attributing environmental impacts to humanity as a whole, the Anthropocene concept blurs the lines of responsibility and accountability. This lack of clear attribution allows corporate forces in the West to escape scrutiny and avoid taking necessary actions to mitigate their environmental footprint, putting the onus on all of humanity instead.
Neglecting Environmental Injustice: The Anthropocene concept does not adequately address the environmental injustices perpetrated by corporate forces in the West against marginalized communities, particularly in the global South.
Insufficient Focus on Systemic Change: While the Anthropocene concept highlights the need for environmental awareness and action, it may divert attention from the urgent need for systemic changes in corporate practices and global economic structures. Transformative changes are required to address the root causes of ecosystem damage and climate change, which are largely driven by profit-seeking behaviors of corporate entities, especially in the West.
Suggested alternatives to the concept of the Anthropocene
Corporatocene Epoch: This alternative term proposes a shift in focus from attributing responsibility broadly to all of humanity to specifically holding corporate forces, especially in the West, accountable for their significant role in environmental degradation and climate change.
Capitalocene: The Capitalocene concept emphasizes the role of capitalism in driving ecological degradation and climate change. It focuses on the exploitative nature of capitalist systems, where profit maximization often takes precedence over environmental sustainability.
Plantationocene: The Plantationocene perspective recognizes the historical legacy of plantation economies, particularly during the era of European colonialism. It sheds light on the exploitative practices associated with plantations, such as forced labor and ecological disruptions, which have had lasting effects on ecosystems and societies.
Chthulucene: The Chthulucene concept, proposed by Donna Haraway, challenges the human-centered focus of the Anthropocene and instead emphasizes interconnectedness and multispecies entanglements. By moving away from human-centric narratives, the Chthulucene perspective encourages a more inclusive and collaborative approach to addressing environmental issues.
Naturesocene: The Naturesocene perspective advocates for acknowledging the agency and contributions of non-human entities in shaping Earth’s systems. This approach seeks to break away from human-centric narratives and recognize the complex interactions between various elements of the natural world.
Indigenous Perspectives: Indigenous communities often have a deep understanding of their environment and have historically practiced sustainable living. Incorporating their wisdom can lead to more holistic and effective environmental solutions.
Way ahead: The call for accurate attribution
Identify Corporate Forces: By recognizing the significant impact of corporate entities in shaping environmental policies and practices, we can hold them accountable for their role in ecological harm. Acknowledging the influence of corporate forces empowers us to demand greater transparency and sustainable practices from these entities.
Acknowledge Historical Injustices: Accurate attribution requires us to confront the historical legacies of imperialism, colonialism, and exploitative practices that have led to the environmental crisis. This entails recognizing how past actions continue to shape the present ecological challenges, particularly in marginalized communities.
Address Systemic Issues: Accurate attribution calls for a deeper examination of systemic issues, such as capitalist economic structures and unequal power dynamics, that perpetuate environmental degradation. It prompts us to question the prioritization of profit over sustainability and advocate for transformative changes in our economic systems.
Embrace Indigenous Wisdom: Indigenous communities, with their long-standing relationships with the land, hold valuable knowledge and practices for sustainable living.
Foster Global Cooperation: Accurate attribution encourages international cooperation to tackle issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, recognizing that the impact of environmental decisions extends beyond national borders.
Conclusion
The term corporatocene serves as a more fitting descriptor for the current epoch, highlighting the role of corporate forces in shaping the earth’s ecological and climate systems. The West’s historical imperial legacy, coupled with corporate greed, remains the greatest threat to humanity and the environment. By acknowledging the true culprits and holding them accountable, we can pave the way for informed and effective solutions to address the ongoing planetary crisis.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NRF
Mains level: Establishment of the NRF and its significance for India's research landscape
What’s the news?
The Union Cabinet recently cleared a bill enabling the setting up of the National Research Foundation (NRF), with a corpus of Rs 50,000 crore, to be placed in Parliament in the Monsoon Session.
“There is no single factor more important to the intellectual, social, and economic progress of a nation and to the enhanced well-being of its citizens than the continuous creation and acquisition of new knowledge.”
Central Idea
The NRF has sparked enthusiasm among researchers and academics, who are eagerly awaiting a boost in research and development (R&D) expenditures by the government. The NRF’s vision, as outlined in the Draft National Education Policy (DNEP) 2019 and the detailed project report (DPR) 2019, is founded on the principle that progress and well-being depend on generating new scientific and social knowledge.
What is the NRF?
The NRF is a proposed autonomous institution in India, aimed at promoting and funding research and development activities across various disciplines.
The NRF is founded on the belief that the advancement of human well-being and progress relies on the creation of new scientific and social knowledge.
It is inspired by the successful model of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States, which has been a major driver of research and innovation in the US.
Functioning and Governance
The NRF will be established as the highest governing body for scientific research, in accordance with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as the administrative department of the NRF, with a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines.
The PM will be the ex-officio President of the Board, while the Union Minister of Science and Technology and the Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
The Principal Scientific Adviser will chair the Executive Council responsible for the NRF’s functioning.
Mission and Objectives
Capacity Building: The NRF will focus on enhancing research capabilities at universities and colleges. It will establish doctoral and postdoctoral programs, set up “Centres of Excellence” at universities, and provide funding for shared infrastructure. Mentorship programs will be initiated to empower faculty members and students in higher education institutions.
Nurturing Excellence in Cutting-Edge Research: The NRF will support curiosity-driven research across disciplines, creating a repository of knowledge for potential future applications and independent work within the country. It will encourage international collaborations and participation in mega-science projects to strengthen research capacity.
Research for Societal Impact: The NRF will fund competitive peer-reviewed grant proposals across all disciplines, including interdisciplinary research, and across various institutions. It will play a vital role in supporting research with tangible societal impact, recognizing outstanding research through awards and national seminars.
Financial Autonomy and Flexibility of the NRF
Autonomy in Decision-Making: As an autonomous institution, the NRF will have the authority to make independent decisions related to financial matters, including budget allocation, funding priorities, and research project support. This autonomy enables the NRF to align its financial strategies with its research objectives effectively.
Block Grant Funding: The NRF will receive financial support from the government in the form of a block grant. The NRF’s governing board will have the discretion to allocate these funds based on the organization’s needs and priorities.
Flexibility in Allocation: To sustain and enhance the NRF’s activities in the long run, the DPR had proposed an annual grant that would eventually aim to reach at least 0.1% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), approximately Rs 20,000 crore in current terms
Remuneration Structure: The NRF will have the flexibility to determine the remuneration structure for fellowships, projects, and other financial support mechanisms. This ensures that researchers are adequately incentivized and compensated, attracting top talent and promoting quality research.
Transparent Financial Management: While enjoying financial autonomy and flexibility, the NRF will be accountable for its financial decisions. The NRF’s governing board will establish transparent financial rules and guidelines to ensure proper budget management, reporting, and accountability.
Corpus Creation: In the initial years, any unspent funds will be held to create a corpus. This corpus will be professionally managed to generate steady returns, which can be utilized to support future research funding and initiatives.
Conclusion
The establishment of the NRF marks a pivotal moment in India’s research landscape. With its ambitious missions, commitment to excellence, and focus on societal impact, the NRF is poised to transform India into a research and innovation powerhouse. By fostering a culture of inquiry, providing support to cutting-edge research, and promoting collaborations, the NRF has the potential to propel India to a position of global leadership.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bilateral and Multilateral infrastructure projects in news
Mains level: India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, significance, challenges and way forward
Central idea
On the sidelines of the recently concluded 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting in Bangkok on July 16, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with his Myanmar counterpart U Than Swe to discuss regional connectivity initiatives, with particular emphasis on expediting the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT-TH) project.
What is the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT-TH) project?
The IMT-TH is a significant regional connectivity project that aims to establish a road network connecting India’s Northeast region with Thailand through Myanmar.
The primary goal of the project is to enhance trade, commerce, tourism, and people-to-people interactions between the three nations, promoting regional integration and cooperation.
Within India, the highway is expected to pass through Moreh, Kohima, Guwahati, Srirampur, Siliguri, and Kolkata, spanning a total distance of over 2,800 kilometers.
The longest stretch of the highway will be in India, while the most minor road section will be in Thailand.
Significance of the IMT-TH
Enhanced Connectivity: The IMT-TH project aims to improve connectivity between India’s Northeast region, Myanmar, and Thailand. By establishing a direct land route, it reduces travel time and transportation costs, facilitating smoother movement of goods, services, and people across the borders.
Trade and Commerce: The highway presents a major boost to trade and commerce among the three nations. It opens up new markets and opportunities for businesses, enhances the flow of goods and services, and contributes to economic growth in the region.
Tourism Promotion: With improved road connectivity, the IMT-TH project is expected to promote tourism between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Easier travel and cultural exchange will attract more tourists, leading to economic benefits for the tourism industry in each country.
Regional Integration: The project fosters regional integration and cooperation between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. It strengthens bilateral and multilateral ties, encourages joint ventures, and promotes a sense of partnership for mutual socio-economic development.
Socio-economic Development: The IMT-TH project has the potential to bring socio-economic development to the regions it traverses. Improved connectivity can lead to better access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, uplifting the quality of life for local communities.
Strengthening India’s Act East Policy: The project aligns with India’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries and foster greater engagement in the region. The IMT-TH highway serves as a tangible demonstration of India’s commitment to regional cooperation and connectivity.
Regional Stability and Prosperity: By promoting economic cooperation and connectivity, the IMT-TH project contributes to regional stability and prosperity. Enhanced trade and economic ties are likely to reduce tensions and create a more conducive environment for peaceful relations among the nations involved.
Geopolitical Implications: The project has geopolitical implications as it connects the Indian subcontinent with mainland Southeast Asia. It can serve as an alternative trade route, reducing dependence on traditional maritime routes and providing strategic benefits to the participating countries.
Key Challenges and Bottlenecks
Road Network in Myanmar: While several sections of the highway have been completed or upgraded, several stretches still require progress. Urgent attention is needed to replace 69 bridges along the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa road, which has been delayed since 2015.
Construction Difficulties: The Yar Gyi road section, characterized by steep gradients and sharp curves, poses considerable construction challenges. Converting a 121.8-km portion of the road into a four-lane motorway between Kalewa and Yar Gyi will require more time than anticipated.
Security Concerns: The ongoing conflict between the Junta and ethnic armed groups in the Chin State and Sagaing Region of Myanmar poses a significant security risk for contractors, making the resumption of work uncertain.
Implementing the IMT Trilateral Motor Vehicle Agreement: Infrastructure limitations, bureaucratic hurdles, and security concerns hinder smooth cross-border transportation and the implementation of the agreement between the three nations. Obtaining permits and clearances remains challenging due to differences in vehicle movement rules and procedures in each country.
Way Forward: Key Factors for Successful Implementation
Infrastructure Development: Addressing Myanmar’s infrastructure limitations is crucial for the smooth movement of vehicles between India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Adequate financing and resource allocation are necessary to overcome these challenges.
Policy Coordination: Strengthening policy coordination with ASEAN regarding Myanmar is essential for a holistic approach to regional issues and ensuring a stable environment for connectivity projects.
Commitment to Democratic Transition: India’s commitment to supporting Myanmar’s democratic transition process and emphasis on peace and stability are vital for the region’s progress and prosperity.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway holds the potential to enhance economic growth, regional integration, cultural exchange, and cooperation among the participating nations in the Mekong-Ganga region. By addressing the challenges and focusing on key factors, the project can contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and connectivity among the nations involved.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Circular Economy Coalition
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched with 39 multinational corporations committing to resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
What is RECEIC?
Foundation: The RECEIC, conceived during India’s G20 Presidency, is an industry-led initiative with a global focus on promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices
Objectives: It aims to address environmental issues arising from waste, such as plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.
Participation: 39 multinational corporations from sectors such as steel, FMCG, and electronics joined RECEIC’s launch.
Leadership: The coalition will be industry-led, with the government playing a supporting role.
Focus: The coalition aims to address environmental challenges arising from different types of waste through resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
Presence: Ministers from Mauritius, Denmark, Italy, Canada, UAE, France, and the European Union attended the event.
India’s measures in this regard
In 2021-22, India generated around 41 lakh tonnes of plastic waste, with 30 lakh tonnes allocated to registered recyclers and plastic waste processing units.
The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, established Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines to manage plastic waste effectively.
Plastic waste processors generated 2.6 million tonnes of EPR certificates, and purchased approximately 1.51 million tonnes of those certificates for 2022-23 obligations.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Maitree Super Thermal Power Project
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), a state-owned engineering firm, achieved a major milestone in Bangladesh.
The 660-MW Unit-2 of the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) was successfully synchronized with the electricity grid in Bangladesh.
Maitree Super Thermal Power Project
Location: The Maitree STPP is a 1,320-MW power plant situated at Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh.
Joint Venture: BHEL is responsible for setting up the power plant, which is a 50:50 joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and NTPC Ltd.
Infrastructure Priority: The project serves as a symbol of successful cooperation between India and Bangladesh and is a priority infrastructure development initiative for Bangladesh.
Objective: The primary goal of the project is to establish a reliable and cost-effective base-load power production system in Bangladesh.
BHEL’s Technological Prowess and Global Leadership:
The successful synchronisation of the 660-MW Unit-2 underscores BHEL’s expertise and technological prowess in the power sector.
This accomplishment further solidifies BHEL’s position as a leading global player in providing dependable and sustainable energy solutions.
