Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rasht-Astara Railway Link
Mains level: INSTC
Russia and his Iran has signed a deal to finance and build the 162 km Rasht-Astara Iranian railway, the main connection in the emerging North-South Transport Corridor.
Rasht-Astara Railway Link
- The Rash Astra Railway is a 162-kilometer railway connecting Rasht (Iran) and Astara (Azerbaijan) on the border.
- It is part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and will significantly diversify global traffic flows.
- The railway will facilitate connections between Russian ports on the Baltic Sea and Iranian ports in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf.
About INSTC
- The INSTC is a 7,200-kilometer Multi-Mode Transit System connecting India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
- It promotes transportation cooperation among member states and includes ship, rail, and road routes.
- Membership has expanded to include additional countries, and observer states and Baltic countries have expressed interest in joining.
Significance of INSTC for India
- Central Asia trade: India has invested in the Chabahar Port in Iran, which serves as a doorway for trade with Central Asian countries.
- Extended connection: INSTC offers potential connections to the Baltic, Nordic, and Arctic regions.
- Bypassing Pakistan: INSTC provides an alternate route for India to connect with Central Asia, bypassing obstacles in Pakistan.
- Fastest freight: It reduces transit time by 40% and freight costs by 30% compared to the Suez Canal route.
- Alternative to Suez: Russia claims the project could ultimately rival the Suez Canal in terms of trade flows.
Challenges of INSTC
- Challenges include limited financial support from major international institutions due to US sanctions on Iran.
- Harmonization of tariffs and customs, increased private sector involvement, and improved informational connectivity are necessary for success.
Conclusion
- More financing, cooperation, political will, and strategic planning are required to realize the full benefits of INSTC.
- Addressing demand deficits and enhancing informational connectivity are crucial.
- Collaboration and the establishment of industrial parks and special economic zones can contribute to the corridor’s development and commercial value.
Key terminologies
Multi-Mode Transit System: A system that integrates multiple modes of transportation, such as ship, rail, and road, for efficient movement of goods.
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): An agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and world powers regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Suez Canal: A major global trade route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
Chabahar Port: A port in Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan province, providing India with access to Central Asian countries.
Baltic Countries: Countries located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, including Latvia and Estonia. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Non-Sugar Sweeteners
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) as a healthy alternative to sugar.
What are Non-Sugar Sweeteners?
- NSS are low or no-calorie alternatives to sugar, including aspartame, saccharin, stevia, and others.
- They are marketed for weight loss and controlling blood glucose in individuals with diabetes.
WHO’s Finding
- The WHO analyzed 283 studies on NSS intake in adults and children.
- Higher intake of NSS was associated with a 76% increase in obesity risk and a 0.14 kg/m2 increase in BMI.
- No evidence of long-term benefits on reducing body fat was found, and long-term use of NSS may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cancer.
- WHO suggests that NSS should not be used for weight control or reducing the risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases.
Concerns and Recommendations
- India has a high obesity rate and a significant number of people with pre-diabetes.
- Lifestyle-related Type 2 diabetes is increasing among young individuals.
- WHO recommends focusing on a balanced diet and minimally processed, unsweetened foods and beverages.
What lies ahead?
- WHO’s conditional guideline requires further discussions among policymakers before adoption as national policy.
- Efforts should be made to educate youngsters about taste preferences and healthy eating habits.
- Doctors can now provide more confident guidance to patients regarding NSS consumption.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: RBI regulation of Currency
Central Idea
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw ₹2000 denomination banknotes from circulation as part of its “Clean Note Policy.”
- The withdrawal is similar to a previous withdrawal of notes in 2013-2014 (and not the demonetization).
Legal Tender Status of ₹2,000 Banknotes
- ₹2000 banknotes will continue to maintain their legal tender status.
- People can use ₹2000 banknotes for transactions and accept them as payment.
- However, the RBI encourages depositing or exchanging the notes by September 30, 2023.
About the ₹2000 Notes
- The ₹2000 denomination banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of RBI Act, 1934.
- It primarily aimed to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after withdrawal of the legal tender status of all ₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes in circulation at that time.
Reasons for withdrawal
- Demonetization purpose served: Printing of ₹2000 notes was stopped in 2018-19 as other denominations became available in adequate quantities.
- Clean Note Policy: This aims to provide good-quality currency notes with enhanced security features and withdraw soiled notes from circulation.
- Ending timespan: Majority of the ₹2000 notes were issued prior to March 2017 and have reached their estimated lifespan of 4-5 years.
- Disappeared from circulation: This denomination is not commonly used for transactions, and there is sufficient stock of banknotes in other denominations to meet public requirements.
Withdrawal process
- People can deposit ₹2,000 notes into their bank accounts or exchange them for banknotes of other denominations at any bank branch.
- The usual deposit process without restrictions and subject to applicable statutory provisions applies.
- Banks have been directed to provide deposit and exchange facilities for ₹2,000 notes until September 30, 2023.
- The facility for exchange up to ₹20,000 at a time will be available at banks and RBI’s Regional Offices from May 23, 2023.
- Banks are instructed to stop issuing ₹2,000 notes immediately.
Impact and financial analysis
- Deposit accretion of banks may improve in the short term, similar to the demonetization period.
- Improved deposit rates may reduce pressure on interest rate hikes and lead to moderation in short-term interest rates.
Clean Note Policy
Previously, banknotes issued before 2005 were withdrawn due to fewer security features.
Notes issued before 2005 are still legal tender but no longer in circulation to maintain consistency with international practices. |
Key issues
- Individuals can seek multiple exchanges in packets of ₹20,000, but this may attract attention from enforcement agencies and the Income-tax Department.
- Large sums of money in ₹2,000 notes may be difficult to exchange.
- It is likely to witness chaos and long queues in bank branches.
FAQs: Exchanging and depositing ₹2,000 Banknotes
- Individuals should approach bank branches for depositing or exchanging ₹2,000 banknotes.
- Deposit and exchange facilities will be available at banks until September 30, 2023.
- Exchange facilities will also be available at 19 RBI Regional Offices.
- There is a limit of ₹20,000 for each exchange transaction.
- Account holders can exchange up to ₹4,000 per day through business correspondents.
- Deposits into bank accounts have no restrictions, but compliance with KYC norms and other regulatory requirements is necessary.
- From May 23, 2023, people can approach bank branches or RBI Regional Offices to exchange their ₹2,000 notes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
Why such move?
- The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner and export market.
- India has expressed confidence that the intention behind CBAM was not to create a trade barrier but to promote sustainability.
- CBAM has potential impact on India’s Steel and Aluminum sectors.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
| Proposed by |
European Union (EU) |
| Purpose |
To reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and prevent competitive disadvantage against countries with weaker environmental regulations |
| Objectives |
Reduce carbon emissions from imported goods
Promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners
Protect EU companies that have invested in green technologies |
How does CBAM work?
| Coverage |
Applies to imported goods that are carbon-intensive |
| Integration |
Covered by the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which currently covers industries like power generation, steel, and cement |
| Implementation |
CBAM taxes would be imposed on the carbon content of imported goods at the border, and the tax rates would be based on the carbon price in the EU ETS |
| Exemptions |
Possible exemptions for countries that have implemented comparable carbon pricing systems |
| Revenue Use |
Revenue generated from CBAM taxes could be used to fund the EU’s climate objectives, such as financing climate-friendly investments and supporting developing countries’ climate efforts |
Who will be affected by CBAM?
|
Details |
| Countries |
Non-EU countries, including India, that export carbon-intensive goods to the EU |
| Items |
Initially covers iron and steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, and electric energy production |
| Expansion |
The scope of the CBAM may expand to other sectors in the future |
Advantages offered
- Encourages non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations, reducing global carbon emissions.
- Prevents carbon leakage by discouraging companies from relocating to countries with weaker environmental regulations.
- Generates revenue that could be used to support EU climate policies.
Challenges with CBAM
- Difficulty in accurately measuring the carbon emissions of imported goods, especially for countries without comprehensive carbon accounting systems.
- Potential for trade tensions with the EU’s trading partners, especially if other countries implement retaliatory measures.
Ways to ease impact of CBAM
To minimize the impact of CBAM, India can consider several actions:
- Set up a carbon trading mechanism: To reflect the level of development and adjust the carbon tax paid domestically when paying CBT to the EU.
- Re-designate taxes on essential products: Make these as carbon taxes, which could help lower the net impact of CBT.
- Create a cadre of energy auditors: To ensure fair assessment of carbon emissions for products and help the industry calculate carbon intensity and adopt cleaner technologies.
- Start an industry awareness program: To educate sectors affected by CBT and create a dedicated group involving government, industry associations, and researchers.
- Devise a WTO-compatible retaliation mechanism: To counter CBT, considering that developing countries exporting to developed nations will also suffer from it.
- Sign new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): After resolving the CBT issue, as high CBT would undermine the benefits of zero import duties.
- Expose the perceived hypocrisy: Utilize global platforms to expose offshoring pollution of developed countries and proposing to tax imports, while not addressing their own consumption patterns.
Conclusion
- The CBAM is a proposed policy by the EU to reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and to promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners.
- Although the CBAM has its challenges, it has the potential to incentivize non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations and reduce global carbon emissions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Greenwashing, Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: The RBI has announced its participation in the Global Financial Innovation Network’s (GFIN) Greenwashing TechSprint.
What is Greenwashing?
- Greenwashing is a term used to describe the practice of making exaggerated, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials of a product, service, or company.
- It is a deceptive marketing strategy that aims to portray an organization as environmentally friendly or socially responsible, even when its actions or practices do not align with these claims.
- It creates the perception that a company is taking steps towards sustainability or social responsibility, but in reality, it may be engaging in practices that are harmful to the environment or society.
There are various forms of greenwashing that companies may employ to deceive consumers or investors. These include:
- Vague or ambiguous claims: Companies may use general statements or buzzwords without providing specific details or evidence to support their environmental or social claims. For example, stating that a product is “eco-friendly” without explaining the specific environmental benefits or certifications.
- Irrelevant or misleading labels: Companies may use misleading labels or certifications that give the impression of sustainability or social responsibility but lack meaningful standards or independent verification. This can confuse consumers who rely on such labels to make informed choices.
- Hidden trade-offs: Greenwashing can involve emphasizing one positive aspect of a product or company’s operations while ignoring or downplaying other negative impacts. For instance, a company may highlight its use of renewable energy while disregarding other harmful environmental practices.
- Lack of transparency: Companies may fail to provide transparent information about their sustainability practices or refuse to disclose relevant data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to verify the accuracy of the company’s claims.
- Inconsistent messaging: Some companies may adopt green initiatives or promote sustainable products as a public relations exercise, without making substantial changes to their overall operations. This inconsistency between their messaging and actual practices is a form of greenwashing.
Implications of greenwashing
- It undermines consumer trust, as people may make purchasing decisions based on misleading information.
- It also hampers the credibility of genuinely sustainable businesses by creating scepticism in the market.
- Moreover, it can divert attention and resources away from genuinely sustainable companies and initiatives.
Back2Basics: Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN)
- GFIN was officially launched in January 2019.
- It was inspired by the successful collaboration between 11 financial regulators during a cross-border pilot project known as the “Global Sandbox” in 2018.
- The pilot project demonstrated the benefits of regulatory cooperation and information sharing in fostering responsible innovation in the financial sector.
- GFIN consists of financial regulators and related organizations from around the world.
- The network includes regulatory authorities, central banks, and supervisory bodies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The sixth edition of the International Indian Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, starting from May 12. (Note: This should not be confused with Indian Ocean Commission.)
Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), 2023
- The IOC has been held annually since 2016 and has become a key platform for regional countries to discuss regional affairs.
- It focuses on fostering regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), bringing together critical states and maritime partners in the region.
Theme:
- The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” focusing on the post-Covid situation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Participants:
- The conference primarily targets coastal countries of the Indian Ocean but has expanded its scope to discuss important and relevant issues in the changing global context.
- Dignitaries attending the conference include the President of Mauritius, Vice President of Maldives, and the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
- Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, Bahrain, and Singapore, along with ministerial representatives from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, will also participate.
- Around 150 foreign guests, including representatives from D8, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, are expected to attend.
Organizers:
- The conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
- The conference aims to strengthen partnerships with Indian Ocean countries, enhance regional political engagement, and facilitate decision-making in crisis situations.
- It provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ongoing global events and make informed decisions for future actions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Health Emergency
Mains level: Pandemic recovery
Central Idea: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for COVID-19. It had in 2020 declared the disease as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Practical effects of WHO declaration
- The classification of COVID-19 as a global emergency is meant to warn political authorities of an extraordinary event that could constitute a health threat to other countries and requires a coordinated response to contain it.
- For the average person, the decision to end the global emergency classification will have no practical effect.
- WHO’s emergency declarations are typically used as an international SOS for countries who need help or to spur countries to introduce special measures to combat disease or release extra funds.
What is PHEIC?
Definition: Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), a public health emergency is defined as “an extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Regulations: to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease; and to potentially require a coordinated international response”.
Emergencies declared so far
- WHO has previously declared global emergencies for outbreaks of swine flu, Zika, Ebola, polio, and monkeypox.
- Polio was declared nearly nine years ago, and its emergency status has persisted even as officials work to wipe out the disease from a shrinking number of countries.
- MPOX was declared a global emergency last July but technically remains a global emergency.
What criteria does the WHO follow to declare PHEIC?
- PHEIC is declared in the event of some “serious public health events” that may endanger international public health.
- The responsibility of declaring an event as an emergency lies with the Director-General of the WHO and requires the convening of a committee of members.
Implications of a PHEIC being declared
- There are some implications of declaring a PHEIC for the host country, which in the case of the coronavirus is China.
- Declaring a PHEIC may lead to restrictions on travel and trade.
- However, several countries have already issued advisories to their citizens to avoid travelling to China, while others are airlifting their citizens from it.
Is COVID-19 still a pandemic?
- Yes, COVID-19 is still a pandemic, as the virus is here to stay and thousands of people continue to die every week.
- WHO chief Tedros warned that the risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.
- Countries need to transition from emergency mode to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases.
When will the COVID-19 pandemic end?
- It is unclear when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, as the virus is still a public health threat and its continued evolution could cause future problems.
- Pandemics only truly end when the next pandemic begins.
- COVID-19 will continue to spread among people for a very long time but at a much lower level of threat that does not require extraordinary measures taken to try to curb the virus’ spread.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Washington Declaration, NPT
Mains level: US nuclear establishments near China
Central Idea: The context is the recent visit of the South Korean President to the US to commemorate the 70th anniversary of US-South Korea bilateral relations. During the visit, the two countries signed the “Washington Declaration” as a nuclear deterrence strategy against North Korea’s regional aggression.
Washington Declaration: Key Terms
- Nuke deployment by US: According to the declaration, an American nuclear ballistic submarine would be deployed in the Korean peninsula.
- Intel mechanism: A nuclear consultative group would be formed to formulate principles of joint response tactics, and South Korea would receive Intel from the US regarding nuclear advancements.
- Joint training: The US will strengthen South Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities through joint military training programs and an annual intergovernmental simulation.
- Deterrence creation: The declaration reaffirmed the Non-Proliferation Treaty implying that South Korea would not venture into the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities and would instead focus on deterrence measures through an alliance-based approach.
Implications of the treaty
- Big power politics: While the existence of the agreement is based on the security needs of South Korea, the policy reflects big power politics where the interests of the larger power (US) takes precedence.
- US proprietorship over the nukes: The US is the only ‘sole authority’ to use the nuclear arsenal of the US in the event of a nuclear confrontation.
- Maintaining stability: The assurance that the US and its nuclear weapons would protect its allies by being responsible for maintaining stability in the region aligns with the larger goal of non-proliferation.
US Stance on South Korea’s Nuclear Capabilities
- Fouled the SK nuclear program: South Korea’s nuclear development programme supported by former president Park Chung Hee was hindered due to US pressure.
- Strategic arms reduction: The US withdrew one hundred nuclear weapons from South Korea in the 1990s as part of their “Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty” to make North Korea unarm itself.
- Renewed interest after North Korea’s Rise: The Nuclear Posture Review 2022 reflects a shift in the US narrative where it is now concerned about the progressing nuclear capacities of North Korea.
Regional and domestic responses
- China: It said it undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the strategic interests of other countries.
- North Korea: Kim Jong-Un’s sister warned that the declaration would only result in making peace and security of North-East Asia and the world be exposed to more serious danger.
Conclusion
- Overall, the Declaration is an important step in the direction of creating a more overt and close coordination among the US allies in the Indo-Pacific.
- It seeks to deal with not only North Korea but also moves of China and Russia.
Back2Basics: Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
The NPT is an international treaty signed in 1968 that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Key facts about the NPT include:
- Members: There are currently 191 parties to the treaty, including the five recognized nuclear-weapon states (the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK).
- Three main pillars: Non-proliferation, Disarmament and Peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- Non-nuclear-weapon states: They are parties to the treaty agree not to acquire nuclear weapons and to accept International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on their nuclear activities.
- Nuclear-weapon states: They are the parties to the treaty agree not to transfer nuclear weapons or technology to non-nuclear-weapon states.
- 5 year review: The treaty is reviewed every five years at a conference of parties, with the most recent review conference taking place in 2015.
- Criticisms: NPT has been criticized for not doing enough to promote disarmament, and for perpetuating a system of haves and have-nots in which certain states have nuclear weapons while others do not. However, proponents argue that the treaty has helped to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote peaceful use of nuclear energy.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AI
Mains level: Regulation of AI
Central idea: The European Parliament has recently reached a preliminary deal on a new draft of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, after two years of drafting and negotiations.
Regulating AI
- The need for regulation of AI technologies has been highlighted worldwide.
- EU lawmakers have urged world leaders to hold a summit to brainstorm ways to control the development of advanced AI systems.
EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act
- The aim of the AI Act is to bring transparency, trust, and accountability to AI technologies and to mitigate risks to the safety, health, fundamental rights, and democratic values of the EU.
- The legislation seeks to address ethical questions and implementation challenges in various sectors, from healthcare and education to finance and energy.
- It seeks to strike a balance between promoting the uptake of AI while mitigating or preventing harms associated with certain uses of the technology.
- It aims to strengthen Europe’s position as a global hub of excellence in AI from the lab to the market and ensure that AI in Europe respects the 27-country bloc’s values and rules.
- The Act delegates the process of standardization or creation of precise technical requirements for AI technologies to the EU’s expert standard-setting bodies in specific sectors.
Details of the Act
- Defining AI: AI is broadly defined as “software that is developed with one or more of the techniques that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, generate outputs such as content, predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing the environments they interact with.”
- Four risk-category: The Act outlines four risk categories:
- Unacceptable: The use of technologies in the unacceptable risk category is prohibited with little exception, including real-time facial and biometric identification systems in public spaces, China-like systems of social scoring, subliminal techniques to distort behavior, and technologies that exploit vulnerabilities of certain populations.
- High: The focus is on AI in the high-risk category, prescribing pre-and post-market requirements for developers and users of such systems and establishing an EU-wide database of high-risk AI systems. The requirements for conformity assessments for high-risk AI systems must be met before they can make it to the market.
- Limited and minimal: AI systems in the limited and minimal risk category can be used with a few requirements like transparency obligations.
Recent proposal on General Purpose AI
- Recent updates to EU rules to regulate generative AI, including language model-based chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are discussed.
- Lawmakers are debating whether all forms of general-purpose AI will be designated high-risk.
- Companies deploying generative AI tools are required to disclose any copyrighted material used to develop their systems.
Reaction from the AI Industry
- Some industry players have welcomed the legislation, while others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on innovation and competitiveness.
- Companies are worried about transparency requirements, fearing that they may have to divulge trade secrets.
- Lawmakers and consumer groups have criticized the legislation for not fully addressing the risks associated with AI systems.
Global governance of AI
- The US currently lacks comprehensive AI regulation and has taken a hands-off approach.
- The Biden administration released a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights (AIBoR) that outlines the harms of AI and five principles for mitigating them.
- China has come out with some of the world’s first nationally binding regulations targeting specific types of algorithms and AI.
- China enacted a law to regulate recommendation algorithms, with a focus on how they disseminate information.
- While India is still stuck with the Personal Data Protection Bill.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Press Freedom Index
Mains level: Freedom of press in India and global propaganda
Central Idea: India’s ranking in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index has slipped to 161 out of 180 countries, according to the latest report released by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
What is Press Freedom Index?
- The PFI is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters without Borders since 2002.
- It is based upon the organisation’s own assessment of the countries’ press freedom records in the previous year.
- It defines press freedom as “the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal, and social interference and in the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety.”
- It intends to reflect the degree of freedom that journalists, news organisations, and netizens have in each country, and the efforts made by authorities to respect this freedom.
- It does not measure the quality of journalism in the countries it assesses, nor does it look at human rights violations in general.
Irony of the rankings
- In 2022, India was ranked at 150.
- Pakistan has fared better when it comes to media freedom as it was placed at 150, an improvement from last year’s 157th rank.
- Afghanistan was ranked 152nd. This raises some questions about the methodology of the index.
Global scenario
- Sri Lanka also made significant improvement on the index, ranking 135th this year as against 146th in 2022
- Norway, Ireland and Denmark occupied the top three positions in press freedom, while Vietnam, China and North Korea constituted the bottom three.
Back2Basics: Freedom of Press and Constitutional Provisions
- The Supreme Court in Romesh Thappar v. the State of Madras, 1950 observed that freedom of the press lay at the foundation of all democratic organisations.
- It is guaranteed under the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19, which deals with ‘Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.
- Freedom of the press is not expressly protected by the Indian legal system but it is impliedly protected under article 19(1) (a) of the constitution.
- The freedom of the press is also not absolute.
Reasonable restrictions
- A law could impose only those restrictions on the exercise of this right, it faces certain restrictions under Article 19(2), which are as follows:
- Sovereignty and integrity of India
- Security of the State,
- Friendly relations with foreign States
- Public order, decency or morality
- Contempt of court
- Defamation
- Incitement to an offence
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: USCIRF Report
Mains level: Threats to India's secular fabric
The Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged to impose targeted sanctions on Indian government agencies and officials responsible for “severe violations” of religious freedom by freezing their assets.
What is USCIRF Report?
- The USCIRF report assesses the status of religious freedom around the world.
- It provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of religious freedom in countries across the globe, highlighting issues of concern and making recommendations for action by the US government.
- The report is an important tool for raising awareness of violations of religious freedom and advocating for greater protection of this fundamental human right.
Allegations against India
(1) Policies
- It is alleged that the Indian government at the national, state, and local levels promoted and enforced religiously discriminatory policies, including:
- Laws targeting religious conversion
- Interfaith relationships
- Ban over wearing of hijabs and cow slaughter
- This has negatively impact Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Adivasis.
(2) Laws of Suppression
- The report also alleges that the national government continued to suppress critical voices, particularly of religious minorities and those advocating on their behalf through-
- Surveillance / Harassment / Cow Vigilantism
- Accusation of Sedition
- Demolition of Property
- Detention under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)
- Targeted banning of NGOs ex. Missionaries of Charity under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
- Constitution
India’s response
- India has slammed USCIRF for “misrepresenting” facts and described it as an “organisation of particular concern”.
- The Indian government rejected the biased and inaccurate comments.
- Foundation of Indian and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) slammed USCIRF for its biased report and failure to acknowledge the cultural and economic significance of cows to Indians.
Why such reports often falsely target India?
- Lack of objectivity: There have been instances in the past where these reports have been criticized for being one-sided and lacking objectivity.
- US lobby against everyone: It is important to note that reports like USCIRF’s are based on the organization’s own assessments.
- Inherent bias against India: Such allegations are prevalent ever since India attained its Freedom.
- Self-proclaimed father of democracy: US has infamous for selectively promoting democracy and human rights, and for supporting authoritarian regimes that align with its strategic interests.
- Anti-regime: Such reports often overlook the efforts made by the present regime in India towards promoting religious tolerance and communal harmony.
Way forward
- Urgent action: India needs to take prompt and necessary steps to address religious freedom issues and take everyone’s faith in the government and democratic process.
- Nuanced understanding: International organizations and foreign governments must make a conscious effort to understand the complexities of India’s social, political, and economic landscape before making any recommendations or issuing reports.
- Avoid sweeping generalizations: It is important to avoid sweeping generalizations and presenting a one-sided view of the situation, which can be detrimental to India’s reputation and lead to misunderstandings.
- Self-reflection by the US: The US must address its own issues related to religious freedom and human rights violations, and not just sermon other countries.
Conclusion
- India’s historical diversity and pluralism: India has a long history of diversity, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence among different communities.
- Constitutional guarantees: The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, regardless of their religion, caste, or creed.
- Media as a strong pillar: The country has a vibrant democracy and a free and independent media that regularly scrutinizes the government and its policies. This eliminates the scope for anyone’s oppression.
- Nation-building: All communities have contributed significantly to the country’s cultural and social fabric. Success of India is often unwelcomed by the US. People should not fall prey to foreign propaganda.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PRET Initiaitve
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a PRET initiative to be better prepared for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is PRET Initiative?
- The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is launched by the WHO to prepare for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It is aimed at providing guidance on integrated planning for responding to any respiratory pathogen such as influenza or coronaviruses.
- The current focus of PRET is on respiratory viruses, but work is already underway to assess what should be the next group of pathogens to be mitigated under this initiative.
- It can serve to operationalize the objectives and provisions of the Pandemic Accord, which is currently being negotiated by WHO Member States.
Three-pronged approach of PRET
- The three-pronged approach includes-
- Updating preparedness plans
- Increasing connectivity among stakeholders in pandemic preparedness planning, and
- Dedicating sustained investments, financing, and monitoring of pandemic preparedness.
- The approach has a special focus on bridging the gaps highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring community engagement and equity are at the centre of preparedness and response efforts.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freedom of speech and reasonable restrictions
Mains level: Global population trends
Central idea: India is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country by mid-2023, according to data released by the United Nations.
State of World Population Report
- The report is an annual report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides a global overview of population trends and issues.
- The report covers a wide range of topics related to the population, such as fertility, mortality, migration, family planning, and gender equality.
- It also includes analysis and recommendations for policymakers and governments to address population challenges and promote sustainable development.
- The report is widely regarded as a key reference for researchers, policymakers, and international organizations working on population and development issues.
Highlights of the 2023 report
Facts
|
Data
|
| World Population (2022) |
8 billion |
| Most populous regions |
Eastern and Southeastern Asia, Central and Southern Asia |
| World Population Growth Rate (since 2020) |
Less than 1% |
| Fertility Rate (replacement level) |
2.1 children per woman |
| Population aged 65 years or above (2050) |
16% |
| Persons aged 65 years and above (2050) |
More than double that of 5-year-olds and same as 12-year-olds |
| Regions with fertility rate at or below 2.1 |
60% |
| Top countries accounting for global population increase by 2050 |
DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Tanzania |
Population anxieties in India
|
Facts |
| India’s population |
India is now the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China in population, with 1,428.6 million people. |
| Age distribution |
68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26% in the 10-24 years group, making India one of the youngest countries in the world. |
| Fertility rate |
National Family Health 5 Survey (2019-21) found that India attained a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0 for the first time, less than the replacement level of 2.1, falling from 2.2 in NFHS 4 (2015-16). |
| Life expectancy |
Life expectancy for men in India is 71 years, the same as the global life expectancy, while it is marginally lower for women at 74 years. |
| Population growth |
India’s population growth rate has decreased from 2.3% in 1972 to less than 1% now. |
| Demographic dividend |
With 68% of its population as youth, and working population, India could have one of the largest workforces in the world, giving it a global advantage. |
Way forward
The UNFPA report strongly recommended that governments introduce policies with gender equality and rights at their heart to address changing demographics. These recommendations include:
- Parental leave programs: Introducing parental leave programs that provide paid leave to both mothers and fathers after the birth or adoption of a child. This can help promote gender equality in the workplace and support families in raising children.
- Child tax credits: Providing tax credits or financial support to families with children to help them meet the costs of raising children. This can help address child poverty and support families in providing for their children’s basic needs.
- Policies to promote gender equality at workplace: Implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay for equal work, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination policies.
- Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights: Ensuring that all people have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health services, etc. This can help prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality, and promote the health and well-being of individuals and families.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Food Program
Mains level: India's assistance to Afghanistan
India signed an MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) to send 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan.
Reason: Utilizing WFP supply chain
- The MoU signed between India and the World Food Programme (WFP) paves the way for sending 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat for the people of Afghanistan.
- The WFP has a massive supply chain and logistics infrastructure in Afghanistan that could help in ensuring that the food supply reaches those who need it the most and no one is excluded.
- The MoU also ensures that the assistance is coordinated and delivered in an effective and efficient manner, and that it reaches the most vulnerable sections of the Afghan population.
What is World Food Programme (WFP)?
- The WFP is a humanitarian organization that is part of the United Nations system.
- It was established in 1961 and has its headquarters in Rome, Italy.
- The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency focused on combating hunger and promoting food security.
Scope of Operations
- The WFP operates in more than 80 countries, delivering food assistance to people in need.
- WFP programs reach over 97 million people each year, including children, pregnant and nursing women, and people affected by emergencies, such as conflict or natural disasters.
- It provides a range of food assistance, including in-kind food assistance, cash and voucher-based transfers, and specialized nutritious foods.
Funding and Support
- The WFP is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, companies, and individuals.
- The organization works closely with donors to ensure that funding is used effectively and efficiently, and to ensure that it is directed to the areas and programs where it is needed most.
Governance and Structure
- The WFP is governed by an Executive Board, which is composed of 36 member states that are elected to three-year terms.
- The Executive Board provides oversight and strategic direction to the organization, and approves the WFP’s programs and budgets.
- The WFP is headed by an Executive Director, who is appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
- The organization has more than 17,000 staff worldwide, including professionals in fields such as logistics, nutrition, and food security.
Impact and Achievements
- Over the years, the WFP has made significant contributions to addressing hunger and promoting food security worldwide.
- The organization has responded to numerous emergencies, providing food assistance to millions of people affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other crises.
- The WFP has also supported programs that help people access the food they need to lead healthy, active lives, and that promote sustainable agriculture and development.
- The WFP has been recognized for its efforts, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 in recognition of its contributions to combatting hunger and promoting peace.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IASA Program
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US has retained the “Category 1” status for India’s aviation safety oversight following a review.
- The FAA uses the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program to determine whether a country’s oversight of its airlines that operate or wish to operate to the US or enter into codeshare partnerships.
What is the IASA Program?
- The International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program is conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- The program evaluates the safety oversight of civil aviation authorities in countries worldwide.
- It determines whether a country’s oversight of its airlines that operate or wish to operate to the U.S. or enter into codeshare partnerships with U.S. carriers comply with safety standards established by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- The IASA program focuses on three broad areas, including personnel licensing, operation of aircraft, and airworthiness of aircraft.
- Countries are rated as Category 1 if they comply with international safety standards, or Category 2 if they do not comply with international safety standards.
- The IASA program is conducted over a one-year period, which includes physical audits and a further review.
India’s commitment to aviation safety
- The assessment by the ICAO as well as the FAA is a testimony to India’s commitment of having an effective safety oversight for its civil aviation system.
- In November 2021, the ICAO conducted an audit, and India scored an Effective Implementation (EI) of 85.65%, an improvement from the previous EI of 69.95%.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OPEC+
Mains level: Crude oil price dynamics
OPEC+ countries announced a voluntary oil production cut of 1.16 million barrels per day, which could impact the Indian economy, which depends on oil imports for 85% of its energy needs.
Recent trend in crude oil prices
- Crude oil prices crashed in April 2020 due to the pandemic and recovered when economies opened up.
- Subsequently, prices rocketed in early 2022, but then the global economy slowed and a recession in advanced markets looms large.
- This has resulted in declining demand for crude oil from major economies, causing oil prices to start falling again.
What is OPEC+?
- OPEC+ is a group of oil-producing countries that cooperate to manage the global supply and prices of crude oil.
- It is made up of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a group of non-OPEC countries, including Russia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and others.
- OPEC was founded in 1960 by five countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
- The organization’s primary objective was to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers and a regular supply for consumers.
Key functions of OPEC+
- Oil Production Regulation: OPEC+ regulates oil production of its member countries to ensure that oil prices remain stable and there is no oversupply or undersupply of oil in the market.
- Price Control: It aims to control the price of crude oil by regulating the supply of oil to the market.
- Market Monitoring: OPEC+ closely monitors the global oil market to understand the demand and supply dynamics of oil.
- Coordination: OPEC+ member countries work together to make decisions on oil production levels, pricing policies, and other matters that impact the global oil market.
- Research and Development: OPEC+ invests in research and development to explore new technologies and methods that can help member countries to produce oil more efficiently and sustainably.
Reason behind recent production cuts
- OPEC+ countries aim to support market stability by reducing oil supplies.
- The recent production cuts, totalling 3.7% of global demand, will raise crude oil prices per barrel and help cover up the losses producer countries faced after prices crashed.
Impact on Indian economy
- India is the third-largest oil consumer and imports 85% of its total crude oil requirement.
- The cut could raise crude by $10/barrel, increasing import bill and worsening the current account deficit by around 0.4% of GDP.
- This will impact foreign exchange reserves and result in the depreciation of the rupee, which in turn can increase imported inflation.
Impact on common people
- If the rise in crude oil import bill is passed on to the public, it may lead to cost-push inflation as every economic activity gets affected by oil price movement.
- On the flip side, state-controlled oil marketing companies may be stopped from passing on the increased burden to consumers, further worsening the financial balance of the oil public sector units.
Alternatives for India
- India can turn to Russia for more supplies of cheap crude, but of late there has been a small decline in Russia’s share in India’s oil imports.
- As a long-term strategy, the government should focus on alternative energy sources and building better roads.
- The government should work on bringing petroleum products within the goods and services tax, and promote energy-efficient use of vehicles or an eco-driving culture.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNDEF
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The article provides an explanation of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), its history and objectives, as well as the involvement of India and the United States in its establishment.
Why in news?
- There is a controversy surrounding the fund’s support for NGOs funded by George Soros, who is on a watchlist in India.
- He had alleged the Adani turmoil will weaken Indian politics and lead to a “democratic revival” in the country.
What is UN Democracy Fund?
- The UNDEF was established in 2005 with an initial contribution of $10 million each from the United States and India.
- Its aim is to support projects that strengthen the voice and participation of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the development of democratic institutions and processes.
- It is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from member states and is governed by an advisory board composed of 16 members representing different regions of the world.
Role in promoting democracy and civil society
- UNDEF’s mission is to support projects that strengthen the voice and participation of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the development of democratic institutions and processes.
- The fund solicits and receives up to 3,000 proposals from NGOs around the world each year.
- An advisory board considers these proposals and recommends proposals for approval by the Secretary-General.
- Between 30 to 50 projects are chosen every year, and in 15 rounds of funding so far, UNDEF has supported over 880 two-year projects in more than 130 countries.
India’s involvement in the governance of UNDEF
- India has been a member of the UNDEF advisory board since the fund’s inception.
- The board is composed of 16 members representing different regions of the world, and it includes the eight largest member state contributors and six other states to reflect diverse geographical representation, including one “small island” and developing states.
- It also has two individual members and two CSOs.
- The CSOs currently serving on the board include CIVICUS and Transparency, Accountability and Participation Network.
India’s involvement in the establishment of UNDEF
- India played a key role in the establishment of UNDEF as it was one of the founding members of the fund.
- In 2005, India’s then PM, Manmohan Singh, and US President George W. Bush announced the US-India Global Democracy Initiative, which included support for the UNDEF.
- India has contributed to the fund on several occasions since its inception, although its contributions have decreased in recent years.
Contradictions with UNDEF
- India’s relationship with UNDEF has been marked by contradictions.
- While India has supported the fund and contributed to it, it has also put George Soros on a watchlist in India while UNDEF has no objections to the fund giving grants to NGOs funded by Soros.
- This underscores a contradiction between the imperatives of the Modi government’s high table diplomacy and its domestic political ideology.
- It requires only Delhi to deploy a soft touch in the former while playing hardball at home for domestic audiences.
India’s contribution so far
- India has contributed to UNDEF on several occasions since its inception, although its contributions have decreased in recent years.
- India gave $5 million to the fund in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011, but no contribution was made in 2007 and 2010.
- The contributions began dipping from 2012, with the amount being $4.71 million that year.
- In 2014, India slashed its funding, contributing only $200,000 that year and in 2015.
- In 2016, it was a mere $50,000, and no contribution was made in 2017.
- In 2018 and 2019, India was back with $100,000, and in 2020, 2021 and 2022, it gave $150,000.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UN Statistical Commission
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: India has been elected to the UN Statistical Commission for a four-year term.
About United Nations Statistical Commission
- The UN Statistical Commission is the topmost body of the global statistical system, bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member states worldwide.
- Responsibilities of the Commission include setting statistical standards and developing concepts and methods, implemented at national and international levels.
- The Commission was established in 1947 and is headquartered in New York.
- The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is overseen by the Commission.
- The Commission is a Functional Commission of the UN Economic and Social Council.
Membership details
- There are 24 member states of the Commission.
- Members are elected by the Economic and Social Council based on equitable geographical distribution, including:
- African States (5)
- Asian States (4)
- Eastern European States (4)
- Latin American and Caribbean States (4)
- Western European and other States (7)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UN Water Conference
Mains level: Water conservation efforts
Central idea
- The UN 2023 Water Conference was held in New York from March 22-24.
- It was the first such meeting on water in 46 years.
- The conference aimed to identify game-changing ideas and make recommendations to policymakers on how to speed up and scale up change in the water sector.
What is the UN Water Conference?
- The UN Water Conference is an international conference that aims to better align activities by governments, companies, NGOs, and funders around a few grand challenges in the water sector.
- It serves as a platform for countries to learn from the experiences of others, transfer technology, and invest.
- The last UN Water Conference was held in 1977.
- It resulted in the first global ‘Action Plan’ recognizing that all people have the right to access safe drinking water and sanitation.
- This led to several decades of global funding and concerted effort to provide drinking water and sanitation for all.
Themes of the conference
The Conference has five themes that support the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework:
- Water for Health: Access to ‘WASH’ (Global Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene) including the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation
- Water for Sustainable Development: Valuing water, the water-energy-food nexus and sustainable economic and urban development.
- Water for Climate, Resilience and Environment: Source to sea, biodiversity, climate, resilience and disaster risk reduction.
- Water for Cooperation: Transboundary and international water cooperation, cross sectoral cooperation and water across the 2030 Agenda.
- Water Action Decade: Accelerating the implementation of the objectives of the Decade for Action, including through the UN Secretary-General’s Action Plan.
Purpose of the conference
- International conferences on water aim to better align activities by governments, companies, NGOs, and funders around a few grand challenges.
- They help countries learn from the experiences of others, transfer technology, and invest.
- Water problems tend to be local and need local solutions, so there is a challenge of mobilizing globally to solve local water problems.
Water challenges discussed
- While access to safe drinking water and sanitation is challenging, extending services to underserved populations is relatively uncontroversial.
- However, improving access to water and sanitation no longer translates directly to sustained access.
- The water problem is no longer about access to water and sanitation; the remaining SDG 6 targets address the need to sustain agriculture, industry, and natural ecosystems.
Outcomes of the 2023 Conference
- The conference’s proceedings resulted in a lot of talk, fragmented discussions, and no binding commitments.
- There were 713 diverse voluntary commitments by philanthropic donors, governments, corporations, and NGOs, with 120 relevant to India.
- Commitments included a $50-billion commitment from the Indian government to improve rural drinking water services under its Jal Jeevan Mission.
Examples of Commitments
- Technology: Specific innovations in wastewater treatment or solar treatment of water in remote areas, and a number of proposals for incubation platforms.
- Data and Models: Cost-effective approaches to data-generation included sensors and satellite data. Other efforts offered data analysis tools.
- Knowledge Sharing: One useful tool was the W12+ Blueprint, a UNESCO platform that hosts city profiles and case studies of programs, technologies, policies that addresses common water security challenges.
- Capacity Building: Efforts offered to help marginalized communities and women understand how to exercise their rights.
- Civil Society: Platforms for collective action by civil society groups lobbying for changes in regulations.
- Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance: The conference concluded that effective water governance hinges on these broad areas, and weaving them into the Water Action Agenda is a step.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deep Sea Mining
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The International Seabed Authority has announced that it will start accepting applications from companies for deep sea mining from July.
Why in news?
- This decision was made in the absence of a mining code that has not been put in place yet.
What is Deep Sea Mining?
- Deep-sea mining is the process of extracting minerals from the deep ocean floor.
- The minerals that are extracted can include valuable metals such as copper, gold, nickel, and manganese, as well as rare earth metals that are used in high-tech devices such as smartphones, computers, and electric vehicles.
- The minerals are found in the form of polymetallic nodules that are located on the ocean floor at depths of around 4 to 6 kilometers.
- Deep-sea mining involves the use of specially designed equipment that can withstand the extreme pressure and temperature conditions found at these depths.
About International Seabed Authority
- The International Seabed Authority is a Jamaica-based organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- The authority holds jurisdiction over the ocean floors outside of the Exclusive Economic Zones of its 167 member states.
|
Reasons behind undersea mining
- The mining is aimed at extracting cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese from the ocean’s floor.
- The undersea mining will extract key battery materials from polymetallic nodules found at depths of 4 kilometers to 6 kilometers.
- These nodules are potato-sized rocks containing cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese.
Key concern: Mining code missing
- Despite 10 years of discussion, there is no mining code in place.
- The governing council of ISA is uncertain about the process it should adopt for reviewing applications for mining contracts.
Issues with deep-sea mining
- Deep-sea mining is a controversial issue that has raised concerns among non-governmental organizations, experts, and some countries.
- One major concern is the potential damage to the seabed and the essential function of deep-sea ecosystems in regulating the climate.
- Mining activities can also have wider impacts on fish populations, marine mammals, and other ocean life.
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India’s Deep Ocean Mission
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