Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Sustainable production;
Why in the News?
India’s Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the BioE3 policy promote academia-industry collaboration, driving the bioeconomy for economic growth, sustainability, and climate action commitment.
What is BioE3 policy?
The BioE3 policy aims to transform chemical industries into sustainable bio-based models, promoting biotechnology to drive economic growth, protect the environment, and create jobs, supporting India’s sustainable development and climate goals. |
Primary Environmental impacts associated with FMCG production and consumption:
- Resource Depletion: The production of FMCGs often requires significant natural resources, such as water, energy, and raw materials. For example, palm oil, widely used in food and personal care products, leads to deforestation when forests are cleared for plantations.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The manufacturing and distribution of FMCGs contribute to greenhouse gas emissions at multiple stages, from sourcing raw materials to production processes and transportation.
- Waste Generation: FMCGs, especially those with single-use packaging (e.g., plastics), generate a considerable amount of waste, which ends up in landfills or the ocean, causing environmental pollution.
- Water Pollution: The production and use of FMCGs, such as soaps, detergents, and other chemicals, can lead to water pollution through the discharge of untreated wastewater containing harmful substances.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The agricultural practices used to source raw materials like palm oil can lead to habitat destruction, thereby threatening biodiversity. Monoculture farming and deforestation disrupt ecosystems and endanger wildlife.
How can FMCG companies implement sustainable practices across their supply chains?
- Companies should adopt responsible sourcing policies, such as using certified sustainable palm oil and other raw materials that adhere to ‘No Deforestation, No Peat’ policies.
- Implementing energy-efficient processes, switching to renewable energy sources, and optimizing logistics to reduce emissions can minimize the carbon footprint across the supply chain.
- Emphasizing recycling, reusing materials, and developing biodegradable or compostable packaging can help reduce waste and resource depletion.
- The integration of bio-based or synthetic alternatives to traditional materials can also be beneficial.
- Companies should implement measures to reduce water usage in manufacturing and treat wastewater to prevent water pollution.
- Working with smallholder farmers to implement regenerative agricultural practices can help restore soil health, improve biodiversity, and support sustainable livelihoods.
What metrics should be used to measure the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives in FMCGs?
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Tracking greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain and setting targets for reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
- Sustainable Sourcing Percentage: Measuring the proportion of raw materials sourced sustainably, such as certified palm oil or recycled materials.
- Waste Reduction and Recycling Rates: Monitoring the volume of waste generated, the amount sent to landfills, and the recycling rate of packaging materials.
- Water Usage and Pollution Levels: Tracking water consumption in production and measuring the quality of wastewater discharged to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
- Biodiversity Impact: Assessing the effect of sourcing practices on ecosystems and tracking initiatives to protect or restore biodiversity.
- Product Sustainability Index: Developing a sustainability index for products that takes into account their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Collaboration and Innovation: Foster partnerships between academia, industry, and government to drive research and development of sustainable alternatives to traditional materials, such as palm oil, and implement innovative practices throughout the FMCG supply chain.
- Implement Comprehensive Sustainability Frameworks: Establish regulatory frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices, including mandatory reporting on sustainability metrics, eco-labelling for products, and support for circular economy initiatives to minimize waste and resource depletion.
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 :
Mains level: Supreme court role;
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar cards cannot be accepted as proof of age, as other official documents like the School Leaving Certificate are more appropriate for this purpose.
What are the legal implications of the SC’s ruling on Aadhaar as proof of date of birth?
- The ruling reinforces the legal stance that Aadhaar is primarily intended for identity verification rather than as a document for verifying age or date of birth. This aligns with the previous Supreme Court judgment in 2018, which defined Aadhaar as “proof of identity” rather than proof of age or residence.
- By citing the Juvenile Justice Act and previous HC judgments, the SC emphasized that statutory provisions and established legal precedents should guide the determination of age.
- This consistency ensures that legal processes are not diluted by using documents like Aadhaar, which lack stringent verification for date of birth.
- The ruling adheres to UIDAI’s own circular, which states that Aadhaar is not intended to serve as proof of date of birth. This reduces potential misuse or misinterpretation of the Aadhaar card’s scope and usage.
How will this decision impact individuals and agencies that utilize Aadhaar for identity verification?
- Impact on Identity Verification Practices: While Aadhaar remains a valid document for identity verification, organizations and institutions will need to reassess the supporting documents they accept for age-related verification.
- For instance, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies may need to request additional documents when the date of birth is a critical factor.
- Review of Policies in Government Schemes: Agencies implementing government schemes may need to revise their processes to comply with this ruling, ensuring that alternative documents are requested for verifying age-related eligibility.
- Impact on Legal and Compensation Cases: In cases where age is a factor in calculating benefits, legal entities must rely on more reliable documents, such as birth certificates or school records, instead of Aadhaar.
What alternative documents can be used for verifying the DoB following this ruling?
- School Leaving Certificate/Matriculation Certificate: This is often considered the most reliable document for verifying the age of an individual, as it is issued based on records from the time of schooling.
- Birth Certificate: The birth certificate remains the primary document for establishing a person’s date of birth as it is issued by a government authority at the time of birth.
- Passport: As an official government document that undergoes strict verification, the passport can serve as valid proof of age.
- Government-issued Certificates (e.g., PAN Card): While not always requested for age verification, documents like the PAN card can also be used in some cases where other primary documents are unavailable.
- Driver’s License or Voter ID (if Date of Birth is Mentioned): These documents, where the date of birth is explicitly recorded, could be used as supporting evidence for age verification.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Guidelines for Acceptable Age Verification Documents: Government agencies, financial institutions, and service providers should clearly outline which documents are accepted for age verification, prioritizing reliable records like birth certificates and school certificates to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Enhance Public Awareness on Aadhaar’s Usage Limitations: The government should initiate campaigns to educate citizens about Aadhaar’s limitations as age proof and encourage the use of appropriate documents for age-related matters, reducing confusion and potential legal disputes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPM, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth (UPSC IAS/2014)
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 :
Mains level: India-USA relation;
Why in the News?
The recent news highlights how Donald Trump has been leveraging Kamala Harris’s multifaceted identity—being Black, Indian-American, and a woman—to create divisions within the Democratic Party’s diverse coalition.
How does Kamala Harris’s multifaceted identity impact her political positioning?
- Diverse Representation: Kamala Harris’s identity as a Black woman of Indian descent allows her to connect with multiple voter demographics, potentially uniting diverse groups under a common political agenda.
- Target for Opposition: Her identity also makes her a target for opponents, like Donald Trump, who may attempt to exploit racial and cultural tensions to drive wedges within the Democratic base.
- Advocacy for Intersectionality: Harris’s multifaceted identity supports her advocacy for policies that address various forms of discrimination, appealing to progressive voters who value diversity and inclusion.
Supreme Court Ruling on Minority on June 2023:
- Violation of Equal Protection: The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling declared Harvard and UNC’s (University of North Carolina) race-based admissions unconstitutional, citing violations of the Equal Protection Clause and racial stereotyping.
- Minority Representation: The decision is likely to decrease African-American enrollment at top universities while benefiting Asian-American admissions, raising concerns about equity.
- The ruling could extend beyond higher education, affecting K-12 schooling and race-related employment practices under Title VII.
| K-12 education refers to the comprehensive educational system that spans from kindergarten (K) through 12th grade. This structure is designed to provide a standardized framework for formal education, primarily in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. |
What are the implications of the SC’s ruling on affirmative action for Minority Groups?
- Shift in Demographics: The Supreme Court’s ruling, which prohibits race-based considerations in college admissions, has resulted in a significant decrease in African-American representation at prestigious universities while benefiting Asian-American admissions.
- Heightened Tensions: The ruling exacerbates existing tensions between different minority groups, particularly between African Americans and Asian-Americans, as the latter may perceive an advantage in admissions due to the ruling, creating conflict over perceived equity in opportunities.
- Reevaluation of Policies: Minority groups may need to reassess their strategies for achieving representation and equity in educational and professional fields in light of changing admission policies and their implications on access.
How do intersectional conflicts among minority groups manifest in contemporary politics?
- Competing Interests: Conflicts arise when minority groups, such as African-Americans and Asian-Americans, have differing views on policies like affirmative action, leading to a fragmented approach to addressing discrimination and inequality.
- Political Polarization: Issues like immigration and welfare policies create further divisions, as different groups may align with political parties based on how they perceive their interests are being served or threatened.
- Influence on Electoral Dynamics: The intersections of race, ethnicity, and social issues complicate the electoral landscape, as political candidates and parties navigate these dynamics to appeal to various voting blocs, often leading to strategic alignments or divisions within the broader minority coalition.
Conclusion: Kamala Harris’s identity influences U.S. politics, highlighting racial dynamics and intersectional conflicts. The Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling fuels tensions among minority groups, while the election’s outcome could reshape U.S.-India relations and diaspora engagement policies.
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: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Why in the News?
The ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be held on 31st October.
About National Unity Day
- National Unity Day is celebrated every year in India on 31 October since 2014.
- It marks the birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India.
- 31 October is also celebrated as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day as it marks the day of assassination of Indira Gandhi.
|
Contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
|
Details |
| Who Was He? |
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.
He served as India’s first Deputy PM and Home Minister. |
| Role in the Freedom Struggle |
• Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Led a non-violent campaign against unjust land revenue tax during a famine.
• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Organized protests against increased land revenue, earning the title “Sardar.” |
| Integration of Princely States |
Played a crucial role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence using diplomatic skills and firm leadership. |
| Establishment of All India Services |
Advocated for a unified administrative framework, establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), known as India’s “steel frame.” |
| Leadership in the Indian National Congress |
Served as President during the Karachi session in 1931, where significant resolutions on Fundamental Rights were passed. |
| Constitutional Contributions |
Headed committees of the Constituent Assembly on Fundamental Rights and minority rights, contributing to the framing of the Indian Constitution. |
| Promotion of National Unity |
Advocated “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India), emphasizing unity in diversity to build a cohesive nation. |
| Social Reforms |
Worked against caste discrimination, untouchability, and alcohol consumption, promoting social justice and women’s rights. |
PYQ:
[2011] What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?
1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.
2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 or 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: Digital Arrest Scams
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister in his recent broadcast of “Mann Ki Baat” warned about the ‘Digital Arrest’ scams in India.
What is Digital Arrest?
|
Details |
| What are they? |
A fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims under the false pretence of an arrest. |
| Modus Operandi |
• Scammers use audio or video calls to intimidate victims.
• Claim involvement in illegal activities (e.g., drugs, contraband).
• Victims are kept under constant visual surveillance until demands are met. |
| Common Tactics |
• Use of deepfake videos and fake arrest warrants.
• Threats regarding family members being involved in crimes.
• Fake claims about parcels containing illegal goods. |
| Victim Impact |
Victims may face significant financial losses, emotional distress, and a sense of vulnerability due to the intimidation tactics employed by scammers. |
| Recent Trends |
• Increase in reported cases; over 11 lakh complaints of financial cyber fraud in 2023.
• Rising incidents attributed to the expansion of internet users. |
| Prevention Measures |
• Awareness of scams and verification of callers’ identities.
• Immediate disconnection of suspicious calls.
• Reporting incidents to local police and cybercrime helplines. |
| Legal Framework |
• Governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Reports can be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in). |
PYQ:
[2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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: Hasdeo Arand Forest
Why in the News?
In Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals ambushed the police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining in the area.
What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?
- Hasdeo Arand Forest is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity.
- It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India with pristine Sal and teak forests.
- It spans 1,879.6 sq km across the Sarguja, Korba, and Surajpur districts in Chhattisgarh.
- The Hasdeo River runs through the forest.
- It is home to nine protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including:
- Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, and Indian pangolins.
- It supports 92 bird species, 25 mammals, 16 types of snakes, and serves as a corridor for elephants and tigers.
- It hosts 640 plant species, including 128 medicinal plants and 40 timber-yielding species.
Why are the People Protesting for its ‘Protection’?
- Environmental Impact: Mining threatens to destroy the forest cover, impacting biodiversity and wildlife corridors.
- Livelihood Concerns: Local communities depend on the forest for farming and forest produce.
- Displacement Issues: Villagers report inadequate compensation and resettlement offers, which do not match the size of their current homes.
- Alleged Forgery: Villagers allege that fake gram sabha resolutions were used to secure clearances for mining projects.
- Demand for Cancellations: Activists want the Parsa coal block cancelled and assurances that the 1,995 sq km Lemru Reserve Forest will be protected from future mining.
PYQ:
[2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 70% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Assam
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand |
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: Tardigrades
Why in the News?
- A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation.
About Tardigrades
- Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.
- They can withstand environments that would be lethal for most life forms, including:
- Extremely high and low temperatures (from near absolute zero to over 150°C),
- High levels of radiation and vacuum conditions found in space,
- Extreme dehydration (losing nearly all water in their bodies),
- High pressures (up to six times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches).
- This adaptability makes them a subject of interest for scientists, especially in understanding survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.
How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?
The researchers identified 2,801 genes involved in DNA repair. Three key factors contributing to radiation tolerance include:
- DNA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enabled the species to repair double-strand DNA breaks due to radiation.
- Gene Activation for Mitochondrial Proteins: Radiation exposure activated a gene that produced two proteins vital for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
- Antioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation within cells.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now