Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Colouring agent, harmful chemical
Mains level: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Why in the news?
- Karnataka has become the third state in South India to prohibit the use of specific coloring agents in cotton candy and gobi manchurian due to their identified harmful effects.
Context-
- While the Government plans to create awareness among manufacturers, it has also urged consumers to be aware of what they are consuming.
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 stipulates a fine of not less than ₹10 lakh and a jail term of a minimum of seven years, extending to life imprisonment, against those using banned chemical substances in food products.
What did the survey results show?/Key findings from the sample testing
- Presence of Harmful Chemicals: Laboratory tests revealed the presence of harmful chemicals in many samples collected from the state.
- Cotton Candy Samples: Out of 25 cotton candy samples collected, 15 were found to be unsafe as they contained added colors, while the remaining 10 were deemed safe as they were made without added colors.
- Gobi Manchurian Samples: Among the 171 samples of gobi manchurian collected, 107 were declared unsafe due to the presence of added colors, while 64 were considered safe as they did not contain added colors.
What were the harmful chemicals?
- Harmful Chemicals: The unsafe samples of cotton candy contained traces of sunset yellow, tartrazine, and rhodamine-b, while unsafe gobi Manchurian samples had tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carmoisine. Rhodamine-b, a suspected carcinogen, is already banned.
- Restrictions on Tartrazine: Although tartrazine is an approved artificial food color, there are restrictions on its usage. It can only be used in specific packed food items, with prescribed amounts. It cannot be used in freshly prepared food items.
- Health Concerns: The Food Safety Commissioner emphasized that prolonged consumption of snacks containing artificial colors can lead to severe diseases like cancer, highlighting the importance of the ban in safeguarding public health.
What are the Penalties?
- Prohibition on Artificial Colors: Rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards Act prohibits the use of artificial colors in the preparation of gobi manchurian.
- Approved Limits for Food Colors: While certain food colors are allowed within approved limits, non-permitted colors like rhodamine-b should not be used in the preparation of cotton candy.
- Penalties for Offenders: Violators face severe penalties, including cancellation of licenses for commercial activities, hefty fines, and imprisonment. The Food Safety and Standards Act specifies a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh and a jail term of at least seven years, which can extend to life imprisonment, for those found using banned chemical substances in food products.
Way Forward:
- Enforcement and Monitoring: Health safety officials will likely conduct random checks to ensure compliance with the ban on harmful chemicals and artificial colors.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The government will continue its efforts to raise awareness among manufacturers and consumers regarding the risks associated with harmful chemicals and artificial colors in food products.
- Regulatory Review: There might be a review of existing regulations and standards related to food safety to further strengthen controls and ensure comprehensive coverage of potentially risky food items beyond gobi manchurian, such as kebabs, that may use coloring agents.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaboration between government authorities, food manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the food industry will be crucial to implement and enforce the ban effectively. This may include consultations, partnerships, and dialogues to address challenges and ensure compliance with regulations.
Conclusion: Karnataka banned certain coloring agents in response to findings of harmful chemicals in food samples. Strict penalties and enforcement measures are in place, alongside awareness campaigns and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure compliance and safeguard public health.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Income and Wealth Inequality in India report
Mains level: Income inequality in India and comparison with developed countries
Why in the news?
- In 2022, 22.6% of the national income went to the top 1% of Indians. Cut to 1951, their share in the income was only 11.5% and even lower in the 1980s just before India opened-up its economy at 6%.
Context: India’s top 1% income and wealth shares (22.6% and 40.1%) are at their highest historical levels in 2022-’23 and the country’s top 1% income share is among the very highest in the world as per World Inequality Lab.
Key findings from the ‘Income and Wealth Inequality in India’ report by the World Inequality Lab
- Increase in Share of Top 10%: The share of the top 10% of Indians in national income rose from 36.7% in 1951 to 57.7% in 2022.
- Decline in Share of Bottom 50%: The bottom 50% of Indians earned only 15% of the national income in 2022, compared to 20.6% in 1951, indicating a decrease in their share.
- Decrease in Share of Middle 40%: The middle 40% of Indians experienced a significant decline in their share of income from 42.8% to 27.3% over the period.
- Rapid Widening of Income Gap: The gap between the rich and the poor has widened rapidly in the last two decades.
- Historic Peak for Wealthiest 1%: In 2022, the share of national income that went to the wealthiest 1% of Indians reached a historic peak, surpassing levels observed in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
|
Income group-wise share in national income, and the adult population in each bracket as of 2022-23
- Distribution Across Income Percentiles: Approximately one crore adults were in the top 1%, ten crore in the top 10%, 36 crore in the middle 40%, and 46 crore were in the bottom 50% of the income pyramid.
- Concentration of Wealth at the Top: The top 0.001% of the income pyramid, comprising about 10,000 richest Indians, earned 2.1% of the national income, highlighting extreme wealth concentration.
- High Shares of National Income: The top 0.01% and top 0.1% of income earners earned disproportionately high shares of the national income, accounting for 4.3% and 9.6%, respectively. This reflects significant income inequality, with a small segment capturing a large portion of the country’s wealth.
The year wise share of national income for the top 10%, bottom 50% and that middle 40% of the population:
- 1950s-60s: Negligible income gap between the top 10% and the middle 40% of earners.
- 1980s: Bottom 50% saw a slight increase in their share of national income, contributing to narrowing the gap.
- 1990s Onwards (Post-liberalization): The income share of the top 10% surged dramatically, while shares of the other two groups steadily declined. This trend persisted into the 2000s and early 2010s, stabilizing thereafter.
- In 2022: the top 1% of earners had a higher share of national income than the richest 1% during colonial rule.
- Income Disparities: The average annual income of the top 1% was ₹53 lakh, 23 times more than the average Indian’s income of ₹2.3 lakh in 2022-23. The average income of the bottom 50% and middle 40% stood at ₹71,000 and ₹1.65 lakh, respectively, during the same period.
|
Richest 1% of Indians’ share in the national income
- Pre-Independence (1930s): The top 1% of earners had a significant share of national income, surpassing the 20% mark.
- Post-Independence: After independence and the merger of princely states with Independent India, the share of the top 1% steadily declined, reaching close to 6% in the 1980s.
- Post-liberalization: Following liberalization reforms, the income share of the top 1% surged again, presently hovering around the 22.5% mark.
- Comparison with British Rule: The current income share of the top 1% is much higher than their share under British rule, highlighting a return to historical levels of income concentration.
The income share of India’s top 10% and top 1%, compared with select countries in 2022-23
- India’s Income Growth: India’s income levels are not growing as rapidly as other comparable economies.
- High Share of Top 1%: Despite slower overall income growth, the top 1% of earners in India have a disproportionately high share of national income.
- Comparison with Advanced Countries: In 2022-23, the income shares of India’s top 1% were higher than those recorded in advanced countries like the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
China and Vietnam’s average incomes grew at a much faster pace than India’s
- Economic Policies: China and Vietnam implemented economic policies that focused on export-oriented growth, attracting foreign investment, and promoting industrialization. These policies contributed to rapid economic expansion and increased average incomes in both countries.
- Liberalization and Reforms: Both China and Vietnam underwent significant economic liberalization and reforms, allowing for greater market integration, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and relaxation of trade barriers. These reforms stimulated economic growth and led to higher average incomes.
- Investment in Infrastructure: China and Vietnam invested heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications. This infrastructure investment facilitated economic development and improved productivity, leading to higher average incomes
Income inequality in India can be attributed to various factors:
- Historical Factors: Historical disparities in wealth distribution, exacerbated by colonial rule and feudal systems, have contributed to persistent income inequality.
- Economic Growth Patterns: India’s economic growth needs to be more inclusive, with benefits disproportionately accruing to certain segments of society, particularly urban and educated populations. This uneven growth exacerbates income inequality.
- Structural Issues: Structural factors such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities perpetuate income disparities. Marginalized groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women often face barriers to accessing quality education and formal employment, limiting their income-earning potential.
- Land Ownership and Agriculture: Unequal distribution of land ownership and disparities in agricultural productivity contribute to income inequality, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood.
- Labor Market Dynamics: Informal employment, low wages, and lack of job security in the informal sector contribute to income inequality. Additionally, skill mismatches and technological advancements may widen the income gap by favoring skilled workers over unskilled laborers.
- Lack of Financial Inclusion: Limited access to formal financial services and lack of asset ownership, such as land or property, among marginalized communities further perpetuate income inequality.
- Corruption and Cronyism: Corruption, crony capitalism, and unequal access to resources and opportunities exacerbate income inequality by favoring vested interests and hindering equitable wealth distribution.
Conclusion: India witnesses unprecedented income inequality with the top 1% accruing a higher share of national income than under British rule. Structural factors, uneven economic growth, and limited access to resources perpetuate income disparities, requiring comprehensive policy interventions for equitable growth.
Mains PYQ
Q. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objective of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. ( UPSC IAS/2019)
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital Architecture, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Mains level: National Data Governance Framework Policy
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) released the National Data Governance Framework Policy (NPD Framework) which was touted as the first building block of the digital architecture being conceived to maximize data.
Context:
- The role of digitization in realizing India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy cannot be overstated.
- As per a NASSCOM report, data and artificial intelligence (AI) can add approximately $450-500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025.
Types of data:
- Personal Data – Data containing identifiers that can be used to identify specific individuals.
- Non-Personal Data (NPD)- data excluding personal data. It constitutes the primary type of citizen data obtained by the government and holds the potential to serve as a ‘public good’.
Significance of Non-personal data-
- NPD as a Public Good: NPD (Non-Personal Data) is considered the primary type of citizen data collected by the government. It holds the potential to serve as a ‘public good’, implying its utility and value to society as a whole.
- Integration of NPD in Public Services: Advocates for integrating NPD into the delivery of public services to create synergies and scalable solutions. Integration aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery.
- Application of Advanced Analytics and AI: Utilizing high-value advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) on NPD can lead to predicting socially and economically beneficial outcomes. Such applications can span across various sectors of the economy.
- Key Sectors for Data-Driven Insights: Meteorological and disaster forecasts: Utilizing NPD to enhance predictions and preparedness for weather-related events and disasters. Infrastructure capacity and citizen use patterns: Understanding how citizens interact with infrastructure to optimize usage and planning.
- Mobility and housing patterns: Analyzing data to inform transportation and housing policies.
- Employment trends: Using NPD to predict and address changes in employment patterns and workforce needs.
- Informing Governance and Public Functions: NPD-driven insights can better inform decision-making in governance and public functions. Data analytics can provide valuable information for policy formulation and resource allocation.
Challenges related to NDP:
- Privacy and Security Concerns: The unprotected inter-flow of NPD across government departments, third parties, and citizens can lead to privacy breaches and make sensitive data vulnerable. This vulnerability can disproportionately benefit capacity-carrying actors such as Big Tech.
- Risk of Faulty Decision-making: Imperfect analysis of crucial public trends resulting from the exchange of NPD can lead to faulty decision-making. The inefficient exchange of data fails to unlock the power of interdisciplinary legislative and policy-making.
- Gaps in the NPD Framework: The NPD Framework lacks actionable guidance and practical operationalization, focusing on abstract high-level principles and objectives. It overlooks mechanisms for pricing data, appropriate legal structures for data exchange, and standardized governance tools.
- Lack of Legislation and Operationalization: While legislation is expected, the practical implementation and operationalization of the NPD Framework are overlooked. Questions remain unanswered regarding stakeholder rights and obligations across sectors.
Steps by Government:
- Agriculture Data Exchange in Telangana: Telangana State has developed an agriculture data exchange platform. The platform aims to facilitate the exchange of agricultural data among various stakeholders. It is likely designed to enhance decision-making, productivity, and innovation in the agriculture sector.
- India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX): The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, has established the India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX).
- IUDX enables better urban planning, infrastructure development, and governance through data-driven insights.
- Data Exchanges for Geospatial Policy: The Department of Science & Technology has announced plans to establish data exchanges to implement aspects of the National Geospatial Policy.
Measures to address these challenges:
- Need for Critical Evaluation and Enhancement: A critical evaluation of the NPD Framework is necessary to address existing gaps. Enhancements to the framework can supplement MeiTY’s efforts to regulate NPD and facilitate interoperability across sectors.
- Learn from International practice: countries like Australia, the UK, and Estonia highlight the adoption of data exchange frameworks and protocols. These frameworks have been applied across various sectors such as housing, employment, aged care, and agriculture to address specific issues like unemployment.
- Regulatory Design for Data Exchanges: Creating a regulatory design for data exchanges in India can digitize and automate public welfare functions. It can reduce administrative burden, facilitate inter-sectoral integration, and build safeguards for using and sharing NPD, making civic functions more participatory.
- Stakeholder Consultation: Engage stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society in the evaluation process. Gather feedback on practical challenges faced in implementing the framework and areas needing clarification or enhancement.
Conclusion: A comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of the NPD Framework are imperative. Learning from international practices, establishing regulatory designs for data exchanges, and fostering stakeholder consultations will pave the way for effective governance of non-personal data.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Legal liability protection, Fact check unit
Mains level: IT Rules, 2021
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has designated the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit to point out misinformation about Central government departments on social media platforms ahead of the election.
Context-
- According to the IT Rules of 2021, social media platforms might lose their legal protection from being held responsible for content posted by users if they decide to keep the misinformation flagged by the Fact Check Unit.
Background of this news-
- Due to the controversy surrounding the concept, the Union government had delayed officially notifying the Fact Check Unit as there was ongoing litigation at the Bombay High Court challenging the provision.
- However, this month, the court decided not to prolong a temporary halt that prevented the government from implementing the rules.
Key points as per IT Rules, 2021-
- Mandates: In essence, the IT Rules (2021) demand that social media platforms exercise heightened diligence concerning the content present on their platforms. Legal obligation on intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent users from uploading such content.
- Appoint a Grievance Officer: Social media platforms are mandated to set up a grievance redressal mechanism and promptly remove unlawful and inappropriate content within specified timeframes.
- Ensuring Online Safety and Dignity of Users: Intermediaries are obligated to remove or disable access within 24 hours upon receiving complaints about content that exposes individuals’ private areas, depicts them in full or partial nudity, shows them engaged in sexual acts, or involves impersonation, including morphed images
- Informing users about privacy policies is crucial: Social media platforms’ privacy policies should include measures to educate users about refraining from sharing copyrighted material and any content that could be considered defamatory, racially or ethnically offensive, promoting pedophilia, or threatening the unity, integrity, defense, security, or sovereignty of India or its friendly relations with foreign states, or violating any existing laws.
Fake news on social media can have several negative impacts on governments-
- Undermining Trust- Fake news can erode public trust in government institutions and officials. When false information spreads widely, it can lead to scepticism and doubt about the government’s credibility.
- Destabilizing Democracy- Misinformation can distort public perceptions of government policies and actions, potentially leading to unrest, protests, or even violence. This can destabilize democratic processes and undermine the functioning of government.
- Manipulating Public Opinion- Fake news can be strategically used to manipulate public opinion in favour of or against a particular government or political party. By spreading false narratives, individuals or groups can influence elections and policymaking processes.
- Impeding Policy Implementation- False information circulating on social media can create confusion and resistance to government policies and initiatives. This can impede the effective implementation of programs and reforms.
- Wasting Resources- Governments may be forced to allocate resources to address the fallout from fake news, such as conducting investigations, issuing clarifications, or combating disinformation campaigns. This diverts resources away from other important priorities.
- Fueling Division- Fake news can exacerbate social and political divisions within a country by spreading divisive narratives or inciting hatred and hostility towards certain groups or communities. This can further polarize society and hinder efforts towards unity and cohesion
Measures to Tackle Fake News on Social Media:
- Mandatory Fact-Checking: Implement a requirement for social media platforms to fact-check content before dissemination.
- Enhanced User Education: Promote media literacy and critical thinking skills to help users discern reliable information from fake news.
- Strengthened Regulation: Enforce stricter regulations on social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and hold them accountable for content moderation.
- Collaborative Verification: Foster partnerships between governments, fact-checking organizations, and social media platforms to verify the accuracy of information.
- Transparent Algorithms: Ensure transparency in algorithms used by social media platforms to prioritize content, reducing the spread of false information.
- Swift Removal of Violative Content: Establish mechanisms for prompt removal of fake news and penalize users or entities responsible for spreading it.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of fake news and promote responsible sharing practices.
Conclusion: To address misinformation, governments should enforce IT Rules (2021), empower fact-checking units, and promote media literacy. Collaboration between authorities, platforms, and citizens is vital for combating fake news and upholding democratic values.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trademarks, Patents
Mains level: Patent Amendments Rules
In the news-
- The Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were recently published in the Gazette of India, making crucial changes in the Indian patent regime.
Context:
2023 emerged as a landmark year for intellectual property rights (IPR) in India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
- 1 Lakh Patents filed: The Indian Patent Office has achieved a significant milestone this year by granting over 1 lakh patents in a year for the first time.
- Sector-wise Breakdown: The highest number of patents, 47,993, were granted in the electrical and related field of invention, followed by mechanical (37,714), chemical sciences (12,028) and Biotech (3,576) categories.
|
Key Amendments Introduced:
- Revised Timeline for Request for Examination: The period for submitting a Request for Examination (RFE) in a patent application has been shortened from 48 months to 31 months from the earliest priority date.
- Streamlined Applications: Patent applicants now need to furnish details of corresponding applications solely twice using Form 3.
- Introduction of ‘Certificate of Inventorship’: This new provision acknowledges the contributions of inventors to patented innovations.
- Reduction in Advance Renewal Fees: A discount of 10% on renewal fees is offered if paid electronically in advance for a minimum of four years.
- Decreased Frequency of Patent Working Statements: The requirement to file statements of working patents has been reduced from annually to once every three financial years.
- Enhanced Authority of Controller: The Controller is now empowered to extend specified periods and excuse delays for up to six months.
- Amendments to Opposition Procedures: Adjustments have been made to the time frames for submitting recommendations by an Opposition Board and the response period for applicants in both pre-grant and post-grant opposition procedures.
What are Patents?
- A patent is a legal right granted by a government to an inventor or assignee, giving them exclusive rights to an invention for a limited period.
- It provides the inventor with the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without their permission.
- In essence, a patent acts as a form of intellectual property protection for inventions, allowing inventors to control and commercialize their creations.
- Patents are territorial rights. In general, the exclusive rights are only applicable in the country or region in which a patent has been filed and granted.
Indian Patent Regime: A Backgrounder
- Indian patents are governed by the Indian Patent Act of 1970.
- India has gradually aligned itself with international regimes pertaining to intellectual property rights.
- In 1995, India became a party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement following its membership to the World Trade Organisation on January 1, 1995.
- An interesting point is that the original Indian Patents Act did NOT grant patent protection to pharmaceutical products to ensure that medicines were available at a low price.
- Patent protection of pharmaceuticals were re-introduced after the 2005 amendment to comply with TRIPS.
Filing a Patent: Key Terms
- Patentable Subject Matter: Under the Indian Patents Act, inventions related to products, processes, methods, and applications in all fields of technology are patentable, provided they are novel, involve an inventive step, and are capable of industrial application.
- Patent Office: The Indian Patent Office, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), administers the patent system in India. It operates through four branches located in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, with the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks overseeing patent-related matters.
- 20-Year Validity: Patent protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years from the filing date of the application.
Various Agreements
India is also a signatory to several IPR-related conventions, including-
- Berne Convention (1886) The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, established in 1886, is an international treaty governing copyright.
- Budapest Treaty (1977): It aims to facilitate the international recognition of patents relating to microorganisms by providing a centralized deposit system for the storage and distribution of biological materials.
- Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883): It aims to harmonize and standardize the protection of industrial property, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets, among its member countries.
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (1970): It is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to simplify the process of filing patent applications in multiple countries by providing a unified procedure for filing an international patent application.
Back2Basics:
|
Patents |
Copyright |
Trade Secrets |
| Legal Basis |
Patents Act, 1970 |
Copyright Act, 1957 |
Common law, contracts |
| Duration of Protection |
20 years |
Author’s lifetime + 60 years |
Indefinite |
| Nature of Protection |
Inventions, processes, methods |
Literary, artistic, musical works |
Confidential information |
| Criteria for Protection |
Novelty, Inventiveness |
Originality, Fixation |
Confidentiality |
| Registration Requirement |
Required |
Optional (automatic) |
None (advisable) |
| Scope of Protection |
Technical aspects |
Expression of ideas |
Unauthorized use or disclosure |
| Enforcement Mechanism |
Civil litigation |
Civil and criminal actions |
Civil litigation |
| International Protection |
Patent protection can be sought internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and other international agreements |
Copyright protection is recognized internationally through the Berne Convention and other treaties |
Protection of trade secrets can vary internationally and may depend on the laws and regulations of individual countries |
| Examples |
Inventions, software |
Books, music, software |
Formulas, processes |
PYQ:
2013: Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced an amendment to section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (200 words)
2014: In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cost of Remittances, Remittances Inflows, WTO
Mains level: NA
What is the news-
- India is strongly pursuing its proposal for lowering the cost of cross-border remittances, which it presented at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi last month.
- It has now requested the WTO’s general council (GC) to initiate a work program to make recommendations for reducing remittance costs.
Why discuss this?
- In 2023, India witnessed the highest remittance inflows globally, amounting to USD 125 billion.
- Lowering the costs of remittances would primarily benefit low and middle-income countries, which accounted for 78% of remittances flow in 2023, according to estimates.
- India’s draft proposal at MC13 highlighted that the global average cost for sending remittances remained high at 6.18%, more than twice the SDG target.
|
What is Cost of Remittances?
- Remittances are financial transfers sent by migrant workers to their families or relatives in their home countries.
- The cost of remittances refers to the expenses incurred by individuals or businesses when sending money from one location to another, typically across international borders.
- The cost components of cross-border payments can include:
- Bank fees,
- Intermediary fees,
- Compliance fees,
- Operational costs, and
- FX (foreign exchange) rate margin
- Innovative technologies like DeFi payment rails are emerging to reduce the total cost of payments for cross-border transactions.
About World Trade Organization (WTO)
|
Details |
| Establishment |
1995, replacing GATT |
| Objective |
To regulate international trade |
| Headquarters |
Geneva, Switzerland |
| Members |
- 164
- India is a Founding Member.
|
| Objectives |
- Formulate rules for trade
- Negotiate further liberalization
- Settle disputes
- Assist developing countries
- Cooperate with major economic institutions
|
| Principles |
- Non-Discrimination
- Most Favored Nation
- National Treatment
- Reciprocity
- Predictability through Binding Commitments
- Transparency
- Encourage Development and Reforms
|
| Important Trade Agreements |
- Agreement on Agriculture (AoA),
- Agreement on TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights),
- Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS),
- Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),
- Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS),
- General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) etc.
|
| WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) |
- Negotiated during Uruguay Round (1995)
- Aims to reform trade in agriculture
- Allows support for rural economies with fewer trade “distortions”
- Focuses on improving market access, reducing subsidies, and eliminating export subsidies
Subsidies Types:
- Green Box – No distortion in trade
- Amber Box – Can distort production and trade (subject to limits)
- Blue Box – Subsidies linked to production-limiting programs
|
| Most Favoured Nation Clause |
- Ensures non-discriminatory trade
- Prevents discrimination among trade partners
- First clause in GATT
- Special trade statuses extended to all WTO members
|
PYQ:
Q.The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the: (2015)
- Food and Agriculture Organization
- United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
- World Trade Organization
- United Nations Environment Programme
Q.Which of the following constitute Capital Account? (2013)
- Foreign Loans
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Private Remittances
- Portfolio Investment
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1, 2 and 4
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements:
- India is the highest recipient of remittances globally.
- UAE is the largest source of remittances to India.
- The current cost of remittances meets the SDG target.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agri-Startups, NABARD
Mains level: NA
What is the news –
- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is set to launch a ₹1,000-crore fund to bolster technology-driven agri-startups and rural enterprises.
- NABARD has already established a ₹750-crore fund, which will be followed by another ₹1,000 crore, to support startups in this regard.
What are Agri-Startups?
- Agri-startups are entrepreneurial ventures focused on innovating and revolutionizing various aspects of agriculture and allied sectors.
- These startups leverage technology, data, and modern farming practices to address challenges in the agricultural value chain and promote sustainable farming practices.
- They offer a wide range of products and services aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability for farmers, as well as enhancing food quality and safety for consumers.
Key areas of innovation in agri-startups include:
- Precision Agriculture: Utilizing data-driven technologies such as IoT, drones, and satellite imagery for precision farming, soil health monitoring, crop monitoring, and yield optimization.
- Agritech Solutions: Developing innovative technologies and tools for pest and disease management, water management, greenhouse farming, and hydroponics.
- Farm Management Software: Providing digital platforms and mobile applications for farm management, crop planning, inventory management, and market intelligence.
- Agri-Marketing Platforms: Connecting farmers directly with buyers, retailers, and consumers through online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and farm-to-fork initiatives.
- Supply Chain Management: Streamlining logistics, transportation, and warehousing operations to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and ensure traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
- Food Processing: Developing value-added products, food processing technologies, and packaging solutions to enhance the shelf life, nutritional value, and marketability of agricultural produce.
About NABARD
- NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, by an Act of Parliament to promote sustainable rural development and agricultural growth in India.
- It operates as a statutory body under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, with its headquarters located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- It was established on the recommendation of the Sivaraman Committee and has its headquarters in Mumbai.
- Its primary mission is to facilitate credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and other rural crafts.
- It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the GoI, with (1) representatives from the RBI, (2) central and state governments, and (3) experts in various fields related to rural development and finance.
Functions of NABARD:
- Refinance Support: NABARD provides refinance facilities to banks and financial institutions for agricultural and rural development activities, including crop loans and rural infrastructure projects.
- Direct Lending: It extends direct loans to institutions for specific rural development projects, such as agricultural production, rural infrastructure development, and agri-processing units.
- Research and Training: NABARD promotes research and development in agriculture, supports capacity building and training programs for rural stakeholders, and facilitates technology transfer initiatives.
- Scheme Implementation: The organization administers government schemes and funds like Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to finance rural infrastructure projects and watershed development activities.
- Credit Planning: NABARD collaborates with central and state governments, RBI, and other stakeholders to formulate credit policies and plans for agriculture and rural sectors.
- Financial Inclusion: It promotes financial inclusion by expanding banking services in rural areas, supporting SHGs, FPOs, and MFIs, and facilitating access to credit for rural communities.
- Priority Sector Lending: NABARD plays a crucial role in channelling credit to priority sectors such as agriculture, small-scale industries, and rural infrastructure, in alignment with the Reserve Bank of India’s priority sector lending guidelines.
|
About the Blended Fund for Agri-Startups
- In the budget for FY23, plans for a blended capital fund were announced for ‘Sunrise Sectors’ to finance startups for agriculture and rural enterprises.
- The fund aims to support startups facing challenges in scaling up their operations due to limited access to equity and debt instruments.
- It also seeks to foster new linkages in the rural ecosystem, both forward and backwards.
Other Schemes for Agri-Startups in India
- Agriculture Accelerator Fund (2023): It was announced by Finance Minister in the union budget for 2023-24, as a significant initiative designed to support agritech startups and young entrepreneurs hailing from rural areas.
- Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Program (2018-19): To increase farmers’ income, GOI started this Program under the umbrella of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (2007). Startups receive financial assistance at different stages, with Rs. 5.00 lakh at the idea/pre-seed stage and Rs. 25 lakh at the seed stage.
|
PYQ:
Q.Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to: (2012)
- Agriculture
- Micro and small enterprises
- Weaker sections
- All of the above
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BhashaNet Portal, Universal Acceptance Principle
Mains level: NA
What is the news-
- The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is proud to announce the launch of the BhashaNet portal for the upcoming Universal Acceptance (UA) Day.
| Universal Acceptance is the principle that all domain names and email addresses should be treated equally, regardless of the characters used in them. |
What is BhashaNet Portal?
- The Bhasha-Net Portal is a digital platform launched by NIXI, aimed at promoting Universal Acceptance (UA).
- The portal specifically focuses on ensuring that individuals, regardless of the language or script they use, can fully participate in the digital world.
- The portal is designed to provide resources, tools, and information to support the integration of diverse languages and scripts into online platforms, websites, and applications.
Objectives:
- To provide a truly multilingual internet, where local language website name and local language email id, work everywhere seamlessly.
- To foster digital inclusivity by addressing linguistic barriers and promoting the use of local languages and scripts in digital communication.
About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
- Established on June 19, 2003, the NIXI is a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of MeitY.
- NIXI is dedicated to enhancing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating essential infrastructure and services.
- It plays a crucial role in enabling the internet ecosystem to be accessible and utilized by the masses, thereby promoting digital empowerment and inclusion nationwide.
Four key services include-
1. Setting up Internet Exchange Points,
2. Managing the .IN Registry,
3. Promoting IPv4 and IPv6 address adoption through IRINN, and
4. Offering data center services under NIXI-CSC. |
Back2Basics:
|
IPv4 |
IPv6 |
| Address Format |
32-bit address format (e.g., 192.0.2.1) |
128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) |
| Address Representation |
Decimal dotted notation (e.g., 192.0.2.1) |
Hexadecimal colon-hex notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) |
| Address Space |
Limited address space (~4.3 billion addresses) |
Vast address space (approximately 3.4×10^38 addresses) |
| Header Length |
Fixed-length header (20 bytes) |
Variable-length header (40 bytes or more) |
| Header Options |
Limited options |
Expanded options for quality of service, security, and mobility |
| Broadcast |
Uses broadcast addresses for network discovery and ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) |
Uses multicast addressing for efficient communication |
| Security |
Limited built-in security features |
Built-in IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) support for end-to-end encryption and authentication |
| Adoption Status |
Widely deployed and used |
Increasing adoption but not yet fully ubiquitous |
PYQ:
2011: What is “Virtual Private Network”?
- It is a private computer network of an organization where the remote users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the organization
- It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organization’s network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted
- It is a computer network in which users can access a shared pool of computing resources through a service provider
- None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is a correct description of Virtual Private Network
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and their Categorization
Mains level: NA
What is the news-
- Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) reached a significant milestone as it was honored with the prestigious status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) by the Ministry of Power.
About Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA)
- Founding: Established in 2009, GRID-INDIA plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Indian Power System.
- Mandate: GRID-INDIA is tasked with overseeing the seamless transfer of electric power within and across regions, facilitating transnational power exchanges, and ensuring reliability, economy, and sustainability in the power sector.
- Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and NLDC: GRID-INDIA comprises five RLDCs and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), collectively managing the All India synchronous grid.
- Functions: Managing one of the world’s largest and most intricate power systems, GRID-INDIA handles diverse challenges arising from the integration of power systems, rising energy demands, and the proliferation of Renewable Energy (RE) sources.
What are Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?
- CPSEs are companies in which the central government holds a majority stake (usually more than 51%).
- These enterprises operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and financial services.
- CPSEs are governed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
Within the CPSEs, there are further classifications based on their financial performance, operational autonomy, and strategic importance:
|
Maharatna Companies |
Navratna Companies |
Miniratna Companies |
| Categories |
Single category |
Single category |
Two categories (Category-I and Category-II) based on the Autonomy |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore, net worth of ₹15,000 crore, and net profit of ₹5,000 crore over the last three years |
A composite score of at least 60% based on various parameters such as net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, cost of production, PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes) to turnover ratio, and other operational and financial parameters. |
Satisfactory operational and financial performance, as per government guidelines |
| Operational Autonomy |
High degree of operational autonomy and financial powers |
Moderate degree of operational autonomy and financial powers |
Limited operational autonomy and financial powers |
| Investment Authority |
Authority to make strategic investments, undertake mergers and acquisitions, and form joint ventures or collaborations without seeking government approval |
Authority to undertake investment decisions, execute projects, and form joint ventures or subsidiaries within prescribed limits without seeking government approval |
Authority to make certain investment decisions, incur capital expenditure and undertake expansion projects within prescribed limits without seeking government approval |
| Number of Companies |
Limited number of companies (currently 10 Maharatna companies) |
Limited number of companies (currently 14 Navratna companies) |
Larger number of companies (over 70 Miniratna companies) |
| Examples |
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), NTPC Limited |
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) |
Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) |
PYQ:
2011: Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?
- The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.
- The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tobacco Board, Tobacco Crop, Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Tobacco Board has authorised a crop size of 100 million kg for Karnataka during the year 2024-25.
Tobacco in Indian Economy
- It is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop which can be grown on soils where other crops cannot be cultivated profitably.
- In India, Tobacco crop is grown in an area of 0.45 M ha (0.27% of the net cultivated area) producing ~ 750 M kg of tobacco leaf.
- India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively.
- The production of flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is about 300 million kg from an area of 0.20 M ha while 450 M kg non-FCV tobacco is produced from an area of 0.25 M ha.
- In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.
|
About Tobacco Board
- The Tobacco Board was constituted as a Statutory Body on 1st January, 1976 under Section (4) of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975.
- It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
The primary objective of the Tobacco Board is-
- To promote the orderly development of the tobacco industry in India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, which are the major tobacco-growing regions in the country.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
- Regulation and Control: The Tobacco Board regulates the production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia tobacco, which includes Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) and Burley tobacco varieties.
- Licensing and Registration: It monitors and issues licenses and registrations to tobacco growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers involved in various stages of the tobacco supply chain.
- Research and Development: It collaborates with agricultural research institutes, universities, and industry stakeholders to introduce new technologies, best practices, and crop varieties to enhance the productivity and profitability of tobacco farming.
- Market Promotion: It promotes Indian tobacco products in domestic and international markets through trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and promotional campaigns.
- Price Stabilization: It intervenes in the market to stabilize prices, mitigate price fluctuations, and protect the interests of farmers against adverse market conditions.
- Quality Control and Grading: It operates grading centers and quality testing laboratories to assess the quality characteristics of tobacco and facilitate fair trade practices in the industry.
PYQ:
Q.With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
- The Tea Board is a statutory body.
- It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
- The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)
- 1 and 3
- 2 and 4
- 3 and 4
- 1 and 4
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements regarding the cultivation of Tobacco in India:
- Tobacco is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop.
- India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively
- In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: State of the Climate Report, 2023, Key Highlights
Mains level: Surging impact of Climate Change
What is the news-
- The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recent State of the Climate report highlights unprecedented climatic shifts, with numerous indicators reaching record levels.
About World Meteorological Organization
- It is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
- It was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- It origin traces to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
- Currently it has a membership of 191 countries. India is also a member.
Key Highlights of the State of the Climate Report, 2023
[1] Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
- Record-High Concentrations: GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record levels in 2022, contributing to global warming. The concentration of GHGs observed in 2022 is the latest year for which consolidated global values are available (1984–2022).
- Long-term Trend: The rise in GHG concentrations underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate their impact.
[2] Surface Temperature
- Historic Spike: Global surface temperatures in 2023 surged to 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the highest recorded temperature. This temperature rise is attributed to the combined effects of rising GHG concentrations and the onset of El Nino in 2023.
- El Nino Influence: The onset of El Nino exacerbated temperature extremes globally, amplifying the impacts of climate change.
[3] Ocean Heat Content (OHC)
- Unprecedented Heat: Ocean heat content reached its highest level in the observational record of 2023. The ocean heat content (OHC) refers to the total amount of heat the oceans store.
- Long-term Trend: The continual increase in OHC underscores the ongoing challenge of ocean warming and its implications for marine ecosystems.
[4] Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)
- Widespread Occurrence: The global ocean experienced a significant increase in marine heatwave (MHW) coverage in 2023. The average daily marine heatwave coverage reached 32%, surpassing previous records set in 2016.
- Duration and Intensity: Prolonged MHWs pose threats to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and fisheries, highlighting the urgency of climate action.
[5] Antarctic Sea-Ice Extent
- Record Low: Antarctic sea-ice extent plummeted to 1.79 million km2 in February 2023, the lowest since satellite observations began in 1979. The extent remained below average throughout the year, signalling ongoing trends of sea-ice loss in the Antarctic region.
- Persistent Decline: The continued decline in Antarctic sea-ice extent underscores the vulnerability of Polar Regions to climate change.
[6] Glacier Mass Balance
- Unprecedented Loss: Glaciers worldwide experienced the largest annual loss of ice on record in 2022-2023. The annual mass balance, which measures the amount of mass gained or lost by glaciers, dropped to a new low of ‘–1.2 metre water equivalent’.
- Regional Disparities: Glacial mass balance varied across regions, with North American and European glaciers particularly affected by ice loss.
Significance of the report
- The figures presented in the WMO report underscore the magnitude of climate change impacts on various Earth systems.
- Urgent action is needed to address rising GHG emissions, mitigate temperature extremes, protect marine environments, and preserve critical cryospheric regions.
PYQ:
2018: “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- The UNEP Secretariat
- The UNFCCC Secretariat
- The World Meteorological Organisation
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fact Check Unit (FCU) and its Functions
Mains level: Not Much
Why in the news-
- Weeks ahead of the election, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Wednesday notified the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the designated body to flag misinformation about Central government departments to social media platforms.
Why PIB?
- Under the GoI (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating information about government policies, schemes, and programs through various mediums of communication.
- In fulfilling its role, the Ministry publicizes the policies, initiatives, schemes, and programs of the Government of India through press releases, press conferences, webinars, publication of books, etc.
- To carry out this crucial function, the Ministry has several attached and subordinate offices, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
|
What is Fact Check Unit (FCU)?
- The Fact Check Unit’s mandate arises from the IT Rules, 2021, which stipulate that social media platforms risk losing legal liability protections if they fail to address notified misinformation promptly.
- The unit verifies claims about government policies, regulations, announcements and measures.
- Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB Fact Check Unit helps in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.
Operational Framework
- The FCU, led by senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), operates under the supervision of the Principal Director General of PIB.
- Its mandate includes verifying claims related to government policies, regulations, and announcements through a rigorous fact-checking process.
- The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.
Fact-Check Mechanism
- Query Handling: Users submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web portal, which are processed as ‘Queries’ by the Unit.
- Verification Process: Actionable Queries relevant to the Government of India undergo thorough verification using official sources and technological tools.
- Publication of Fact Checks: Verified information is categorized as Fake, Misleading, or True, and published on the Unit’s social media platforms for public awareness.
Categories of Fact-Checked Content
- Fake: Factually incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally disseminated to deceive or manipulate the audience.
- Misleading: Information presented with partial truths, selective facts, or distortion to mislead recipients.
- True: Information verified to be factually accurate after rigorous investigation.
PYQ:
2017: Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity-
- The intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
- The methods for strengthening executive leadership.
- A superior individual with dynamism and vision.
- A band of dedicated party workers.
Practice MCQ:
The centre has recently established the Fact Check Unit (FCU) as a designated body to flag misinformation in India. In this regard, consider the following statements:
- Establishment of FCU is mandated under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
- The FCU is led by an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS).
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now