Archives: News

Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

Himachal Bill raises women’s marriage age

Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

Why in the News?

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a Bill on tuesday to increase the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years.

Why did the Himachal Pradesh Assembly pass the Bill?

For Empowerment: The bill aims to provide them with more opportunities for education, career development, and overall personal growth.
For Health and Well-being: The Bill addresses the adverse health impacts associated with early marriage and motherhood, emphasizing the importance of allowing women to mature physically before starting a family.
For Social Justice: The bill aims for equal opportunities and ensures that women are not deprived of opportunities due to early marriage.

What is the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCM) Act?

The PCM Act, 2006 is a significant piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing child marriages and protecting the rights of children.
Under the Act, a “child” is defined as a male who has not completed 21 years of age and a female who has not completed 18 years of age.

What are the new proposed Amendments to the PCM Act?

Uniform Marriage Age: The Bill amends Section 2(a) of the PCM Act, redefining a “child” as any male or female who has not completed 21 years of age, eliminating the previous gender-based distinction.
Overriding Clause: The Bill amends Section 2(b) to include a clause that gives the new marriage age an overriding effect over any other law, custom, or usage, making it universally applicable in Himachal Pradesh.
Extension of Annulment Period: The Bill increases the period for filing a petition to annul a child marriage from two years after attaining majority to five years, allowing both men and women to annul their marriage until they turn 23.

How will the Bill’s amendments to the PCM Act come into force?

Concurrent List Consideration: Marriage is a subject under the Concurrent List, allowing both the central and state governments to legislate on it. However, the Bill introduces amendments to a central law, making it potentially “repugnant” to the PCM Act.

Note:

In the legal context, “repugnant” refers to a situation where a law enacted by a state legislature conflicts with or is contradictory to an existing central law on the same subject.
Article 254(1): If there is a conflict between a central law and a state law on a subject listed in the Concurrent List, the central law will prevail, and the repugnant portion of the state law will be considered void.

Governor’s Assent: As the Bill amends a central law, it must be reserved for the President’s consideration under Article 254(2) of the Constitution after being passed by the state Assembly and receiving the Governor’s assent.
President’s Approval: The Bill will become law only if the President of India gives her assent. This process ensures that the state’s amendments are consistent with the Constitution and central laws.

Way Forward:

Align with National Law: Coordinate with the central government to harmonize the amended marriage age with national legislation, ensuring legal consistency.
Community Awareness: Implement targeted awareness campaigns to educate the public on the benefits of delaying marriage, emphasizing women’s education and health.

Mains PYQ:

Q Empowering women is the key to control the population growth.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)

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Tuberculosis Elimination Strategy

Sharpening India’s anti-tuberculosis fight

Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

In the present context, in India, there are groundbreaking new treatments available, but we need to rethink and update the program to eliminate TB.

Current status of TB in India:

Incidence Rate: As of 2022, the incidence rate of TB in India was reported at 199 cases per 100,000 population, a decline from 237 per lakh population in 2015. This reflects a 16% decrease in new TB cases since 2015.
Prevalence: The estimated prevalence of tuberculosis infection (TBI) among individuals over 15 years of age was around 31% according to a national survey conducted from 2019 to 2021.
Global Contribution: India accounted for approximately 26% of the global incidence of TB cases in 2020. In that year, India also represented 38% of global TB deaths among HIV-negative individuals.
Mortality Rate: The mortality rate due to TB decreased from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022, indicating progress in managing the disease.
Total Cases: Estimates suggest that the total number of TB cases in India has increased from 2.2 million to 2.6 million in recent years, reflecting ongoing challenges in detection and treatment.

What were the problems with previous Extended Treatment Regimen?

Lengthy and Complex: Traditional TB treatment regimens are long and require patients to take 13 to 14 tablets daily for 9 to 11 months, or 4 to 5 tablets daily for 18 to 24 months.
Severe Side Effects: These regimens are physically and psychologically draining, causing side effects like loss of hearing and psychosis.
Economic Impact: Prolonged treatment leads to loss of employment and drives many families into poverty due to the need for frequent clinic visits.

WHO-Recommended Effective Regimen:

BPaL/M Regimen: WHO has recommended a shorter, safer, and more effective regimen called BPaL/M for drug-resistant TB patients.
Advantages: This regimen requires only 3 to 4 tablets daily for six months, with fewer side effects and higher success rates (89% compared to 68% for traditional treatments).
- Close to 80 countries have procured the BPaL/M regimen, and 20 high-burden countries are already rolling it out.

Present TB Elimination Policy in India:

The deficiency in the NTP was identified in 1963 and the Revised National TB Control Programme was developed.
Presently, India’s National TB Elimination Programme 2023 is leading the effort to meet the goal of eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the SDGs.
Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

How India can make the best use of new treatments?

Proactive Screening and Diagnosis: Focus on modernizing health datasets, GIS mapping, and conducting targeted multi-disease screening drives, especially in vulnerable populations (e.g., those with comorbidities, slum dwellers, and prisoners).
Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Expand the use of portable X-ray machines with AI-driven tools and rapid molecular tests for faster and more accurate detection and drug resistance profiling.
Early Detection and Treatment: Leveraging new technologies and proactive measures will help improve TB detection rates, reduce delays, and enhance treatment outcomes, ultimately aiding in the elimination of TB in India.

Conclusion: India need to invest in advanced diagnostic tools like AI-driven portable X-ray machines and rapid molecular tests to ensure early and accurate detection of TB, particularly in high-risk and underserved populations, to support timely treatment and reduce TB incidence.

Mains PYQ:

Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (UPSC IAS/2014)

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Canada

How Canada’s policy of ‘reducing low-wage, temporary workers’ may impact Indians?

Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Why in the News?

On Monday, August 26, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be “reducing the number of temporary foreign workers in low-wage jobs.”

Who are these “Temporary Workers” in Canada?

Temporary workers in Canada encompass various categories of individuals, including:

Temporary Work Visa Holders: These individuals come to Canada for a fixed duration, typically two years, to work in low-wage jobs that pay between CAD 13-19 per hour (approximately Rs 800-1,200 per hour).
International Students: After completing their studies, many international students remain in Canada on work visas for one to three years while applying for Permanent Residency (PR).
Spouse Open Work Permit Holders: Many international students bring their spouses to Canada, who can work in low-wage jobs under this permit.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Workers: These workers are hired under LMIA contracts, which allow employers to recruit foreign workers when they cannot find Canadians to fill job openings.
Humanitarian Arrivals and Youth Program Participants: This category includes individuals arriving through special humanitarian pathways, such as the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), asylum seekers, and participants in reciprocal youth programs that allow Canadians to work abroad.

How will Canada’s Policy of “Reducing” Such Workers Impact Indians?

Reduced Opportunities: The restrictions on temporary workers will limit job opportunities for many Indians, particularly students and their spouses, who make up a significant portion of the temporary workforce.
Impact on International Students: Indians constitute around 40% of Canada’s international student population, with a majority coming from Punjab. The new policy may restrict their ability to transition from temporary work to permanent residency.
Shift in Immigration Dynamics: The introduction of restrictions emphasizes a policy shift that could deter potential migrants from considering Canada as a destination.

Indians in Canada:

The Indian community in Canada has grown significantly in recent years. Between 2000 and 2020, the registered Indian population increased from 670,000 to over 1 million.
As of 2021, there were approximately 1.8 million people of Indian origin in Canada, representing over 5% of the total population.
Indian students are the largest international student group in Canada, accounting for 20% of all international students in 2021. There were over 319,000 Indian students enrolled in Canadian institutions, contributing approximately US$ 4.9 billion to the Canadian economy in 2021
Many highly skilled Indian professionals contribute to various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and engineering. In 2022, over 15,000 Indian tech workers moved to Canada, enhancing the labor market with their expertise.

Way forward:

Strengthen Domestic Opportunities: India should focus on creating more job opportunities and enhancing skill development programs within the country to reduce dependency on foreign employment, ensuring that young professionals and students have viable career options at home.
Bilateral Engagement and Negotiation: Engage in diplomatic discussions with Canada to advocate for the interests of Indian workers and students, seeking to ensure continued access to work and study opportunities under fair and equitable conditions.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pacific Island Nations

What is the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)?

IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Why in the News?

The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has begun in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga.

About Pacific Islands Forum (PIF):

	Details
Establishment	1971
Members	18 members: *Australia,* Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, *Fiji,* French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, *New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands*, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Vision	Promote *peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity* in the Pacific region.
Framework	Operates under the Framework for Pacific Regionalism which outlines strategic visions and objectives.
Dialogue Partners	18, including major nations like the USA, China, India, and members of the EU.
Key Focus Areas	Environmental sustainability, economic growth, cultural development, and regional security.
Leadership	Directed by a Secretary-General, with annual meetings among leaders of member countries.

Significance of PIF

The PIF advocates for global climate action and funds resilience efforts through the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) to support vulnerable Pacific nations.
It enhances cooperation among its 18 small island states, fostering joint decision-making on key regional issues.
The forum strengthens the Pacific’s ability to navigate geopolitical tensions between major powers like the US and China.
PIF promotes sustainable economic development through regional trade and investment initiatives.
It focuses on protecting the Pacific’s ecosystems by addressing challenges like ocean pollution and overfishing.

PYQ:

[2016] With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:

1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.

2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

Rajya Sabha Elections

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Why in the News?

Results of the latest round of Rajya Sabha elections are out.

Elections to the Rajya Sabha:

	Details
Election Method	Members are elected indirectly by the *elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the electoral college for UTs* (Delhi and Pondicherry). Using the *proportional representation system via the Single Transferable Vote (STV)* method and Open Ballot.
Composition	• Total Members: Up to 250 members, with 238 elected and 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services. • Current Strength: 245 members (233 elected, 12 nominated).
Voting Requirements for Candidates	Candidates must be proposed by at least 10 members of the State Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the Assembly.
Voting Process	• Single Transferable Vote: Voters rank candidates based on preference. Votes are transferable if a preferred candidate is eliminated or achieves the quota. • Open Ballot System: Employed to facilitate transparency in the voting process.
Election Procedure	• Quota System: To win, a candidate must obtain a quota of votes calculated as [Total Votes / (Number of Vacancies + 1)] + 1.
Powers and Functions	• Legislative Powers: Can introduce and pass bills except Money Bills. • Special Powers: Can pass resolutions to create all-India services, make laws on state list subjects under certain conditions, and approve proclamations of emergency.
Sessions	3 regular sessions each year: the Budget session, Monsoon session, and Winter session. Special sessions can be convened as required.
Tenure	A permanent body that is not subject to dissolution; *One-third of its members retire every two years*.
Chairmanship	Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members.
Eligibility for Membership	Candidates must be *Indian citizens, at least 30 years old*, and comply with other conditions set by the Constitution.
Disqualification Criteria	Members can be *disqualified for defection, certain criminal convictions, or if declared bankrupt,* among other reasons.
Special Features	• Nominated Members: Up to *12 members can be nominated by the President.* • No dissolution: Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved but operates as a continuous body.
Key Sessions and Administrative Details	• First Sitting: Conducted on May 13, 1952. • Secretary General: Acts as the chief executive officer and the administrative head of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following statements:

The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

India, Russia sign working plan to handle emergencies

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

Why in the News?

India and Russia signed the working plan of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026.

Background of the Cooperation:

The meeting held in Moscow aimed to strategize the execution of previous agreements between India and Russia, including:
- The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for cooperation in the field of Emergency Management was signed in December 2010.
- The regulation was established in 2013 to create the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
The first meeting of this commission was held in New Delhi in 2016.

About the Joint Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026

It is an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between India and Russia in the area of disaster management and emergency response.
The plan covers a two-year period from 2025 to 2026 and focuses on several key areas:
- Use of Space Monitoring Technologies: To improve risk forecasting and emergency response capabilities.
- Exchange of Experiences: On responding to large-scale disasters to enhance preparedness and response strategies.
- Training of Specialists: In fire and rescue operations to build a robust capacity for emergency management.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in India in 2026 to facilitate cooperation and strategic planning in emergency management.

About the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation

Established in 2013, it seeks to formalize and enhance cooperation between India and Russia in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
It was formed under the framework of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management, signed in December 2010.
The commission serves as a platform for India and Russia to collaborate on various aspects of disaster management, including:
- Prevention and Preparedness: Developing strategies and sharing expertise to prevent and prepare for potential disasters.
- Response and Recovery: Coordinating efforts to respond to emergencies and support recovery efforts following disasters.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and knowledge of personnel involved in emergency management through joint training programs and knowledge exchange.
It facilitates a structured approach to managing disasters by leveraging the strengths and resources of both countries.

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Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

Expansion of Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme.
- It will now include financial support for Farmers’ Producers Organizations (FPOs) to enhance their financial security and creditworthiness.

About Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme:

	Details
Launch	July 2020, *Central Sector Scheme*
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Fund Allocation	Rs. 1 lakh crore, with disbursements planned until 2025-26; interest subvention and credit guarantee assistance extended till 2032-33.
Aim	To mobilize medium to long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects relating to post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets, to enhance agricultural infrastructure in India.
Key Features	– Interest Subvention: 3% on loans up to Rs. 2 crore, with additional rate reductions for NABARD loans for PACS. – Credit Guarantees: Under the CGTMSE scheme for loans up to Rs. 2 crore. – Fund Usage: Supports up to 25 projects per beneficiary across different locations.
Target Beneficiaries	Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), entrepreneurs, startups, Self Help Groups, Agricultural Produce Market Committees, and federations.
Management	Managed through an online MIS platform with national, state, and district level monitoring committees for real-time monitoring and feedback.
Lending Institutions	Includes 24 commercial banks, 40 cooperative banks, and NABARD among others.
Hassle-Free Process	Supported by a user-friendly online portal to facilitate speedy loan sanctions.

Key changes introduced:

	Description
Support for FPOs	Includes financial support for Farmers’ Producers Organizations (FPOs) to improve financial security and creditworthiness.
Broader Eligible Projects	Expand the scope to cover more types of agricultural infrastructure projects.
Community Farming Assets	Allows the creation of community farming assets to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Integrated Processing Projects	Adds integrated primary and secondary processing projects as eligible activities; standalone secondary projects remain under MoFPI schemes.
Alignment with PM-KUSUM	Converges AIF with PM-KUSUM Component-A for joint development of agricultural infrastructure and clean energy solutions.
Extended Credit Guarantee	Extends credit guarantee coverage to FPOs through NABSanrakshan, in addition to CGTMSE, to boost investment confidence.

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.

2. It has a corpus of 4,00,000 crore at present.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

An either-or approach won’t help quell food inflation

Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Why in the News?

The recently released Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) data reveals that food inflation, particularly from pulses, vegetables, and cereals, is rising faster than the overall CPI inflation.

The Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) is the index used to calculate headline inflation in India. It is calculated and published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Key Highlights of the CPI-C Data:

On Current Inflation Rates: The general CPI inflation stands at 3.54%, while food inflation is notably higher at 5.06%, driven by increases in prices of pulses, vegetables, and cereals.
On Inflation Dynamics in the Past: Over the past decade, food inflation has contributed to the overall volatility of prices. In 52 of the 124 months analyzed, food inflation exceeded the general CPI rate, indicating a significant and fluctuating impact on overall inflation.
Expectations by the report: The RBI has highlighted that food inflation significantly influences inflationary expectations, which remain unanchored, often exceeding actual inflation rates.

(*Note: These data don’t include income taxes or investment items like stocks, bonds, and life insurance.)

Recently impact of good Monsoon on Food Production and Inflation:

Increased Sowing Due to Robust Monsoon: India has reported a significant increase in the sowing of paddy and pulses, with paddy sowing up by 16% to 39 million hectares and pulses by 7% to 12 million hectares as of August 23, 2024, driven by a strong monsoon.
Potential Impact on Food Inflation: Despite concerns over rising food inflation, the expanded cultivation area for staple crops like rice and pulses could positively impact the agriculture sector and support government efforts to enhance farm productivity.

Present Situation of Inflation in the Agri-Food Sector

Volatility in Food Prices: Food inflation has been volatile, with instances of both high and low inflation. For example, food inflation was above 6% in 52 out of 124 months, while it was below 2% in 20 months, including periods of negative inflation.
Supply-Side Factors: The disparities between food and retail inflation can be attributed to supply-side issues such as monsoon variability, crop failures, and government policies like minimum support prices (MSPs). Excess demand for specific food categories, such as oils and fats, has also contributed to higher inflation.
Regional Disparities: Rural CPI inflation is higher (5.43%) compared to urban CPI (4.11%), reflecting the impact of agricultural conditions and market dynamics on rural households.

How Can the Gap Between Farmer and Consumer Be Reduced?

Market-Driven Pricing: The government should reconsider its intervention in agricultural markets through MSPs, allowing market forces to determine food prices. This could help reduce production distortions and improve price signals for farmers.
Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Government expenditure should focus on increasing agricultural productivity through better technology and irrigation practices, which can lead to more stable food supplies and prices.
Reducing Middlemen: Implementing measures to eliminate middlemen in the supply chain can help narrow the gap between what farmers receive and what consumers pay.
Infrastructure Development: Improving infrastructure for storage and transportation can help reduce food wastage and ensure that food products reach consumers efficiently, further stabilizing prices.

Conclusion: Need to encourage the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices to boost productivity and reduce the impact of supply-side disruptions, ensuring more consistent food supplies and stable prices.

Mains PYQ:

Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC IAS/2017)

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Zoonotic Diseases: Medical Sciences Involved & Preventive Measures

Advancing equity, from COVID-19 to Mpox

Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

The recent declaration of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO highlights several critical lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major Learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vaccine Manufacturing Capabilities: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in vaccine manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the Global South. This inadequacy was exacerbated by limited technology transfers and a lack of know-how to produce vaccines developed in high-income countries.
- The current response to the Mpox outbreak reflects similar challenges, emphasizing the need for robust local manufacturing capabilities to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
Global Cooperation: The pandemic underscored the necessity of international collaboration in health emergencies. The WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a PHEIC aims to foster this cooperation, encouraging countries and organizations to share information and resources to combat the outbreak.
Equity in Health Responses: The recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) include equity as a core principle, which is crucial for ensuring that all countries, particularly those in lower-middle-income regions, have access to essential medical products during emergencies.

Recent Initiatives by India’s Drug Regulatory Agency:

On August 7, 2024, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) decided that drugs already approved in developed countries like the U.S. and those in the EU can be used during pandemics in India without needing to go through clinical trials here.
This regulatory change is expected to expedite the availability of critical vaccines like MVA-BN (Jynneos) in India, facilitating faster access to vaccines necessary to combat the Mpox outbreak.

What could be the more improved solution for it?

Scaling Up Production: The demand for pox vaccines is anticipated to surge, with estimates by AfricaCDC, suggesting that 10 million doses are needed to control the outbreak. However, only 0.21 million doses are currently available.
- Indian manufacturers, such as the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, have the potential to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine using established processes and supply chains.
Comprehensive Technology Transfer: Effective technology transfer involves sharing not only the vaccine but also the necessary biological resources, manufacturing know-how, and patents. This is essential to enable lower-middle-income countries to produce vaccines independently, reducing reliance on high-income countries.
Collaborative Negotiations: The Indian government, in collaboration with international organizations like WHO and Gavi, should negotiate with Bavarian Nordic for technology transfer to technology transfer for developing the vaccine.

Way forward:

Strengthen Local Manufacturing: Encourage Indian manufacturers like the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine, ensuring timely and sufficient supply to meet both domestic and global demand during the mpox outbreak.
Facilitate Technology Transfer: The Indian government should lead collaborative efforts with international organizations to secure comprehensive technology transfers, enabling domestic production of vaccines and reducing dependency on high-income countries.

Mains PYQ:

Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2016)

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Chile’s Atacama Salt Flat sinking due to Lithium Mining

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

A recent study published in journal IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing has found that Chile’s Atacama salt flat (Salar de Atacama) is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to lithium brine extraction.
- Lithium brine extraction involves pumping salt-rich water to the surface and letting it evaporate in ponds to collect lithium.

About Salar de Atacama

The Salar de Atacama in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources worldwide.
Argentina boasts more than half of the world’s total lithium resources.
It holds the distinction of having the 2nd-largest lithium resources, the 3rd-largest lithium reserves, and the 4th-largest lithium production in the world.
It is a part of the Lithium Triangle comprising of Uyuni (Bolivia) and Hombre Muerto (Argentina).

Key Findings of the Study:

Researchers analyzed satellite data from 2020 to 2023 to observe deformations in the Earth’s crust in the salt flat.
The area experiencing subsidence measures approximately 8 km north to south and 5 km east to west.
The study indicates that subsidence occurs because the rate of lithium brine pumping is faster than the recharge rate of aquifers, leading to the ground sinking.

What is Lithium?

Lithium is an alkali metal, often referred to as ‘white gold’ due to its value and color.
It is a soft, silvery-white metal, and notably, it is the lightest metal on the periodic table.
It is typically found in various minerals like spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, from which it is extracted and refined.
The leading producers of lithium are Australia, Chile, China, and Argentina.

Effects of Lithium Mining on Environment:

Water Use: Lithium mining, especially from salt flats and brine pools, requires substantial water usage, which can deplete local water resources in arid areas.
Ecological Disruption: The extraction process can alter the chemical balance of the natural environment, affecting local flora and fauna.
Pollution: Mining and processing lithium can release harmful chemicals into the environment, impacting air and water quality.

PYQ:

[2008] Which one of the following pairs of metals constitutes the lightest metal and the heaviest metal, respectively?

(a) Lithium and mercury

(b) Lithium and osmium

(d) Aluminium and mercury

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