Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rooppur Nuclear Plant
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in its energy journey with the arrival of the first uranium delivery for its Russia-backed nuclear power plant.
- This $12.65-billion project aims to strengthen the nation’s energy grid, plagued by chronic blackouts.
- Moscow is funding 90% of the project’s cost through a loan, a testament to the close relationship between Russia and Bangladesh.
Rooppur Nuclear Plant
- Construction of the Rooppur nuclear plant in Rooppur village, west of Dhaka, began in 2017.
- It consists of twin 1,200-megawatt units, with the first unit set to begin operations in the coming year, and both expected to be fully operational by 2025.
- It will become Bangladesh’s largest power station in terms of generating capacity once fully operational.
Bangladesh’s Pursuit of Moscow’s Friendship
- Loan Repayment Challenges: US sanctions on Russian entities, including state nuclear agency Rosatom, had previously delayed construction due to Bangladesh’s inability to make loan repayments in US currency.
- Chinese Yuan Payment: In April, Bangladesh agreed to make payments exceeding $300 million in Chinese Yuan to bypass the sanctions, although these payments are yet to be made.
Bangladesh’s Energy Imperatives
- Overcoming Energy Challenges: Bangladesh faces severe energy shortages, with daily power blackouts lasting up to 13 hours, affecting the lives of millions.
- Reducing Fossil Fuel Reliance: The country aims to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels by embracing nuclear energy and other cleaner sources.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Bangladesh presents its nuclear energy ambitions as part of its strategy to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2030.
Challenges and Concerns
- Safety and Waste Disposal: There remain concerns about the safety risks and disposal of nuclear waste associated with nuclear energy projects.
- Time-Consuming Construction: Nuclear plants take many years to build, compared to more swiftly deployable renewable energy sources.
- Energy Mix: The nation’s energy journey is a complex blend of diplomacy, economics, and environmental considerations, aimed at securing a sustainable energy future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to set up a central Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University in Telangana.
- The establishment of this University was a commitment made by the Central government under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, of 2014.
- Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were promised support to establish a tribal university each.
Legend of Sammakka and Sarakka
- Sammakka-Sarakka: The university is named after Sammakka-Sarakka, a revered mother-daughter duo among the local tribal community.
- Historical Significance: Sammakka was married to Pagididda Raju, a feudal chief of the Kakatiyas dynasty, and had two daughters, Sarakka and Nagulamma, along with a son named Jampanna. The legend revolves around their battle against local rulers in protest against taxing the Koya people.
- Sammakka Saralamma Jatara: This biennial festival, held in Mulugu, commemorates the 13th-century battle of the mother-daughter duo. It is considered one of the world’s largest tribal gatherings.
- Evolution of the Festival: Initially, only around 2,000 people, primarily from the Koya tribe, attended the festival. However, over time, it transformed into a large Hindu religious event, with millions of devotees attending.
- Political and Social Impact: The festival gained immense political and social significance, leading to its declaration as a state festival in 1996. Infrastructure development, including a motorable road, further boosted its popularity.
Significance of Sammakka and Sarakka
- Massive Footfall: The festival attracts around 1.5 crore devotees from various tribal and non-tribal communities, including those from multiple states such as Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs Participation: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Telangana state government actively participate in the festival, with significant financial support.
- Infrastructure Development: Funds have been allocated for community shelters and infrastructure in and around Medaram, the festival’s location.
- Tribal Circuit Development: The Ministry of Tourism sanctioned funds for the integrated development of the tribal circuit, including the temple of Sammakka-Sarakka.
Significance of Mulugu
- Population and Demographics: Mulugu, a reserved Scheduled Tribes (ST) assembly seat, has a population of approximately 2.6 lakhs, with a 75% ST population as per the 2011 Census.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple, located about 15 km from Mulugu, adds to the area’s cultural richness.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 'Freedom on the Net 2023' Report
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Freedom House’s latest report highlights the 13th consecutive year of declining global Internet freedom.
- This decline has seen deteriorations in the human rights online situation in 29 countries, with only 20 countries registering improvements.
Report: ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence’
- Key Concerns: The report underscores the escalating use of artificial intelligence (AI) by governments worldwide, emphasizing its role in censorship and the dissemination of disinformation.
- Scope: Covering events from June 2022 to May 2023, the 13th edition evaluates Internet freedom in 70 countries, collectively accounting for 88% of global Internet users.
Regional Findings
- Iran’s Sharp Rise in Digital Repression: Iran witnessed the sharpest escalation in digital repression. Authorities resorted to Internet shutdowns, blocked WhatsApp and Instagram, and intensified surveillance to quell anti-government protests.
- China’s Perennial Status: For the ninth consecutive year, China retained its position as the world’s worst environment for Internet freedom, followed by Myanmar, the second most repressive nation concerning online freedoms.
Legal Repercussions and Arrests
- Global Crackdown on Expression: The report highlights that individuals faced legal consequences for online expression in a record 55 countries this year.
- Widespread Arrests: The number of countries conducting widespread arrests and imposing multi-year prison terms for online activities has surged, growing from 18 in 2014 to 31 in 2023.
- Elections as Triggers: Elections emerged as triggers for digital repression. Ahead of elections, incumbent leaders in various countries criminalized speech, restricted access to independent news sites, and imposed information controls to influence the electoral outcome in their favor.
AI-Enabled Repression in India
- Censorship in Legal Framework: The report spotlights India’s inclusion of censorship, including AI-based systems, within its legal framework. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules mandate large social media platforms to employ AI-based moderation tools for diverse types of content.
- Example – BBC Documentary: The report cites the Indian government’s directive to YouTube and Twitter to restrict access to a BBC documentary on communal violence. The IT Rules compel these platforms to use automated scanning tools to remove related content.
Censorship Methods in India
- 5 Censorship Methods: The report evaluates countries on five censorship methods:
- Internet connectivity restrictions,
- Blocks on social media platforms,
- Blocks on websites,
- Blocks on VPNs, and
- Forced content removal.
- Further Censorship Actions: India has also been involved in blocking websites featuring political, social, or religious content, disrupting ICT networks, deploying pro-government commentators to manipulate online discussions, and conducting technical attacks against government critics and human rights organizations.
- Digital Freedom Index: On a scale of 1 to 100, where ‘100’ represents the highest digital freedom and ‘1’ signifies the worst repression, India received a score of 50. In contrast, Iceland emerged as the leader with a score of 94, boasting the best climate for Internet freedom.
Implications for India
- Uneven Playing Field: As India prepares for general elections in 2024, the government’s expanding censorship regime is highlighted as a threat to Indian democracy.
- Curb on free speech: It suppresses criticism and independent reporting on the ruling party.
Conclusion
- The report’s findings underscore the global decline in Internet freedom, driven partly by the increasing use of AI for censorship and disinformation campaigns.
- The implications of this trend on freedom of expression, privacy, and democracy necessitate vigilant monitoring and international action to protect digital rights in an increasingly interconnected world.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cape Town Convention
Mains level: Aviation Sector Crisis
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) issued a notification exempting aircraft-related transactions from certain sections of the IBC, aligning Indian regulations with the Cape Town Convention (CTC).
- The notification eliminates the automatic moratorium on aircraft, engines, airframes, and helicopters, allowing lessors to repossess planes during airline insolvency.
Understanding the Go First Crisis
- Bankruptcy: Go First, a prominent budget airline in India, filed for bankruptcy, becoming the second Indian airline to do so in recent years, following Jet Airways’ bankruptcy in 2019.
- Debt and Lessors: Go First faced substantial debt, including over ₹2,600 crore owed to various aircraft lessors.
- Engine Supplier Blame: The airline attributed its crisis to engine supplier Pratt & Whitney, claiming that faulty engines led to flight disruptions and significant financial losses.
Dispute between Indian Airlines and Aircraft Lessors
- Dependency on Foreign Lessors: Indian airlines heavily rely on foreign lessors to finance aircraft acquisitions, with approximately 80% of India’s 800 commercial aircraft under lease.
- Legal Barriers: Legal proceedings in Indian courts have prevented lessors from repossessing Go First’s aircraft, potentially intensifying disputes between lessors and Indian airlines.
- Higher Risk Premiums: Experts anticipate that lessors may charge higher risk premiums to mitigate future turbulence with Indian airlines, leading to increased business costs and potentially higher airfares for passengers.
About Cape Town Convention (CTC)
| Establishment |
2001, Entered into force on March 1, 2006. |
| Purpose |
Facilitates aircraft financing and leasing, establishing global standards and legal framework. |
| Global Registry |
International registry for aircraft and equipment ownership interests, enhancing transparency. |
| Leasing |
CTC simplifies aircraft leasing operations by allowing quick deregistration and repossession. |
| Priority Rules |
Determines the priority of interests in aircraft, crucial in cases of default or insolvency. |
| Default Remedies |
Outlines procedures and remedies in case of default, including repossession rights. |
| Coverage |
Encompasses aircraft and aircraft equipment (engines, avionics), offering comprehensive legal guidelines. |
CTC and India
- India is a signatory to the CTC since 2018.
- Despite being a party to the CTC, Indian laws have often prevailed over CTC provisions in cases of conflict, impacting lessors’ rights.
Government’s Vision for Aircraft Leasing in India
- Hub for Aircraft Leasing: The Indian government aims to establish the country as a hub for aircraft leasing, attracting global lessors.
- Alignment with International Norms: To achieve this vision, alignment with international aviation conventions like the CTC is crucial.
Lessors’ Current Challenges
- Prospective Impact: The MCA notification is effective prospectively and may not immediately assist Go First’s lessors in repossessing aircraft.
- Sub-Judice Matters: The matter of repossession is currently under judicial consideration.
- Previous Attempts: Lessors had applied to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to repossess planes from Go First before the NCLT’s admission of insolvency.
- Pending Legislation: The government had planned legislation to prioritize CTC provisions over conflicting Indian laws, but it has not been tabled in Parliament.
Need for CTC Legislation in India
- Current Status: India is a CTC signatory but lacks the necessary legal protection, resulting in conflicts between existing laws and CTC norms.
- Fueling Aviation Growth: Legalizing CTC provisions is essential to support the aviation market’s growth and facilitate smoother aircraft leasing operations.
- Impact on Passengers: Without proper legislation, higher premiums by lessors could lead to increased airline costs, ultimately affecting passengers through higher ticket prices.
Conclusion
- The urgent enactment of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Bill in India is crucial to harmonize legal provisions, protect lessors’ rights, and ensure the sustainable growth of the aviation industry without burdening passengers with escalated airfares.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: key findings of the Reports
Mains level: Women's labour force participation In India, existing challenges, Government Initiatives and way forward
What’s the news?
- In a concerning revelation, India grapples with one of the world’s lowest female labor force participation rates, while rural women face widening gender wage gaps and continue to make substantial, often unpaid, contributions to the economy.
Central idea
- As the International Day of Rural Women approaches, it is essential to shed light on the grim reality that India is grappling with. India not only records one of the lowest female labor force participation rates (LFPR) globally, but also ranks lower than most South Asian nations, trailing only Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Rural Women’s Employment Landscape
- India has one of the lowest female LFPRs globally. The LFPR for women in the working-age group (15–59 years) is just 35.6 percent, and this figure varies significantly between rural and urban areas.
- In rural regions, the LFPR is comparatively higher at 39.3 percent, while in urban areas, it is much lower at 26.5 percent, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data for 2021–22.
- Self-Employment and Agriculture:
- A significant portion of rural women in India are engaged in self-employment, particularly in agriculture and allied activities.
- Nearly three-fourths of rural working women are involved in these sectors, which include crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and related tasks.
- Agriculture remains a crucial source of livelihood for many rural women.
Gender Wage Gap in Rural India
- Higher Gender Wage Gap in Rural Areas: Rural women working as regular and casual wage laborers face a more pronounced gender wage gap compared to their urban counterparts. This wage disparity is particularly significant in the rural employment sector.
- Self-Employed Women’s Earnings: Self-employed rural women, particularly those engaged in agriculture and related activities, earn significantly less than self-employed men in similar roles. The self-employed rural women earn less than half of what self-employed men earn, indicating a substantial gender earning gap.
- Worsening of the Gender Wage Gap: The gender wage gap for self-employed women has deteriorated from 2017 to 2021. This means that the income divide between rural men and women is widening over time.
Unpaid and underpaid labor
- Unpaid Domestic Chores: A significant portion of rural women’s work involves unpaid domestic chores. While there has been a decline in the proportion of women engaged in these chores from 60 percent in 2017–18 to 46 percent in 2021–22, one-third of rural women will still remain involved in unpaid domestic chores in 2021–22.
- Time Allocation: The Time Use Survey conducted in 2019 reveals that, on average, rural women spend over five hours daily in unpaid domestic services and more than two hours in unpaid caregiving services. This is substantially more than the time men spend on these activities, highlighting the unequal distribution of domestic and caregiving responsibilities.
- Contribution to Agriculture: Rural women also make substantial unpaid contributions to agriculture. They spend over seven hours daily growing crops for both household use and the market in 2019, which is a critical but unpaid aspect of their work.
Land Ownership Disparity
- Women face a substantial gender disparity in land ownership in rural areas.
- The agriculture census of 2015–16 revealed that only 14.7 percent of operational landholdings were owned by women.
- Moreover, women’s landownership is concentrated in the marginal and small holding categories.
Government Initiatives in the Context of Rural Women’s Employment
- MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): MGNREGA is a significant government initiative aimed at providing rural women with income-generating opportunities. It guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, helping increase the labor force participation of rural women.
- PM-SYM (Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan): This scheme is designed to offer financial security to unorganized sector workers, including rural women. It encourages them to save for retirement by providing a pension after the age of 60, thereby ensuring economic well-being in their later years.
- PMJDY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana): PMJDY promotes financial inclusion among rural women by encouraging them to open bank accounts. This initiative allows women to save money, receive government benefits directly, and access credit facilities for income-generating activities.
- PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana): PMKVY focuses on skill development for rural youth, including women, to enhance employability. It offers training programs in various sectors to equip them with the necessary skills for job opportunities.
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: This campaign encourages the education and welfare of girls in rural areas, indirectly empowering rural women by reducing gender disparities and promoting education among girls.
- National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): NRLM aims to reduce poverty among rural women by promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship. It provides training, financial support, and market access, empowering women to start and run their own businesses.
- Support for Training and Employment Programs for Women (STEP): STEP is another initiative focused on skill development and employment for disadvantaged women in rural areas. It offers training in various trades to enhance their employability.
Addressing the issue of unpaid labor in rural India requires a multi-faceted approach
- Recognition: There is a need to recognize and value the significant contributions of rural women to unpaid domestic chores and agriculture. Acknowledging this work is crucial for appreciating its economic and societal importance.
- Gender Equity: Promoting gender equity in domestic and caregiving responsibilities is essential to reducing the burden on rural women. Encouraging men to share these responsibilities can free up women’s time for productive activities.
- Economic Empowerment: Empowering rural women through education, skill development, and access to income-generating opportunities can help them transition from unpaid to paid work, improving their economic status.
- Policy Support: Government policies should be designed to address the gender disparities in unpaid labor and provide support mechanisms, such as access to affordable childcare and elderly care facilities, to reduce the time spent on unpaid caregiving.
Conclusion
- The contributions of rural women in India, whether unpaid, unaccounted, or underpaid, are the backbone of the country’s rural economy. Only by acknowledging the hidden work of rural women and bridging the gender gap in land ownership and access to support schemes can we truly empower the rural women of India and pave the way for a more equitable future.
Also read:
Women and India’s Labour force: Bridging the Gap
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Diabetes and related facts
Mains level: India's Diabetes stress, Factors behind, exploitative marketing, measures
What’s the news?
- In June 2023, a study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the ICMR and the Union Health Ministry revealed alarming statistics about India’s diabetes crisis.
Central idea
- According to the study, 11.4% of India’s population, approximately 10.13 crore people, are living with diabetes. According to the WHO, a major reason for this is the consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods and beverages. These statistics demand immediate attention and concrete actions to address the root causes of this public health crisis.
Key findings of the study
- Living with diabetes: 4% of India’s population, or 10.13 crore people, are living with diabetes.
- Pre-diabetic: 3% of the population, or an additional 13.6 crore people, are pre-diabetic.
- Obese Population: 6% of the population would be considered obese as per the BMI measure.
The consumption of ultra-processed foods: a significant contributor
- Contents of Ultra-Processed Foods:
- Ultra-processed foods encompass a wide range of products, including carbonated drinks, instant cereals, chips, fruit-flavored drinks, instant noodles, cookies, ice cream, bakery items, energy bars, sweetened yogurts, pizzas, processed meat products, and powdered infant formulas.
- These items are often characterized by their convenience and long shelf life.
- Increased Risk of Diabetes with Scientific Evidence:
- A concerning statistic reveals that a mere 10% increase in daily consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with a 15% higher risk of type-2 diabetes among adults.
- These foods are often high in sugar, fat, and salt, all of which contribute to insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels.
- Ultra-processed foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable. They often contain combinations of sugars, fats, and artificial additives that stimulate the appetite and lead to overconsumption.
- This excessive calorie intake can result in weight gain, a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- When food undergoes extensive processing, its original structure is often destroyed. Cosmetic additives, colors, and flavors are added to enhance taste and appeal.
- This altered structure and excessive processing can disrupt the body’s natural regulation of hunger and satiety, leading individuals to eat more and gain weight.
- Association with Cardiovascular Risks:
- The negative effects of ultra-processed foods extend beyond diabetes. Obesity and diabetes are key risk factors for heart disease and premature mortality.
- Research indicates that those who consume more than four servings of ultra-processed foods per day face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those who consume fewer than two servings per day.
- A similar trend is observed for all-cause mortality.
Exploitative marketing practices
- Shifting Focus to Low- and Middle-Income Countries:
- In many high-income countries, the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages has declined over the past two decades due to growing awareness of their health impacts.
- To compensate for this loss of sales, food companies have shifted their attention to low- and middle-income countries, where there may be less stringent regulations and a growing consumer base.
- Aggressive Marketing and Advertising:
- These companies invest substantial amounts of money in marketing and advertising ultra-processed food and beverages in countries like India.
- These aggressive marketing campaigns often target vulnerable populations, including children and the emerging middle class.
- Techniques like the use of cartoon characters, incentives, gifts, and celebrity endorsements are employed to make these products more appealing.
- Blaming Individuals vs. Addressing Systemic Issues:
- The food industry tends to place blame on individuals, suggesting that personal choices are responsible for unhealthy dietary habits.
- However, the environment created by aggressive marketing and the easy accessibility of ultra-processed foods play a significant role in shaping these choices.
- The consequences of these marketing strategies are severe. They contribute to a deepening public health crisis, with diabetes being a ticking time bomb.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages, in particular, are highlighted as a major source of added sugar in diets, putting people at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and other health issues.
The need for regulatory intervention
- Industry Opposition: The food industry resists marketing restrictions, citing economic concerns and portraying themselves as stakeholders.
- False Promises: Some industry initiatives, like ‘Eat Right,’ may appear health-focused but could divert attention from unhealthy product impacts.
- Impact on Regulation: Industry partnerships can hinder strong regulatory policies aimed at reducing ultra-processed food consumption.
- Role of Regulatory Authorities: Lackluster responses and industry dominance in regulatory bodies may impede effective public health regulations.
- Complementary Efforts: While exercise is essential, it should complement regulatory policies addressing marketing and warning labels on unhealthy foods.
- Balancing Interests: Governments must prioritize citizens’ health, striking a balance between industry interests and public well-being when implementing evidence-based, transparent regulations.
Strategy to safeguard: Mandatory Provisions
- To protect the public from the manipulative strategies of the food industry, the government must establish a legal framework or even an ordinance under Article 123 of the Constitution.
- This framework should focus on reducing or halting the consumption of ultra-processed foods and could include:
- Defining ‘healthy food’
- Implementing warning labels on unhealthy food
- Imposing restrictions on the promotion and marketing tactics of unhealthy food and beverages
- Raising public awareness about the risks associated with consuming such foods
Global Examples
- Several countries, including South Africa, Norway, and Mexico, have recently taken similar actions to regulate food labeling and marketing.
- The Indian government has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to public health by enacting similar laws.
- Much like the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods Act, which successfully regulated commercial baby food, this proposed legislation could make significant strides in curbing the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages.
Conclusion
- India stands at a critical juncture in its battle against diabetes and a food industry that prioritizes profits over public health. The time has come for the government to implement robust regulations. By taking decisive action, India can protect the well-being of its citizens and set a precedent for responsible food regulation in the global context.
Also read:
Is India a Diabetes capital of the world?
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