💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3

  • India Employment Landscape: Insights from the ILO-IHD Report 2024

    Why in the news?

    According to the India Employment Report 2024 released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD), India’s youth account for almost 83% of the unemployed workforce.

    About the International Labour Organization (ILO)

     

    • The ILO is a UN agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
    • Founded in 1919 under the League of Nations (under Treaty of Versailles) it is the first and oldest specialised agency of the UN.
    • India was one of the founding members of the ILO, joining the organization in 1919.
    • The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
    • Its international labour standards are broadly aimed at ensuring accessible, productive, and sustainable work worldwide in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity.
    • The Governing body is the apex executive body of the ILO which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget and elects the Director-General.
    • It meets 3 times a year, in March, June and November.
    • ILO has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.

     

    Major Conventions of the ILO:

    • Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
    • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
    • Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
    • Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
    • Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
    • Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
    • Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
    • Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)

     

    Highlights of the India Employment Report 2024:

    1. Labour Market Dynamics
    • Long-Term Deterioration: The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and the Unemployment Rate (UR) showed a long-term deterioration between 2000 and 2018, but witnessed an improvement after 2019.
    • Education Impact: The share of youngsters with secondary or higher education in the total unemployed youth has almost doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022, indicating a significant shift in educational qualifications among job seekers.
    1. Challenges and Insecurities
    • Informal Workforce: Almost 90% of workers remain engaged in informal work, while the share of regular work declined after 2018, leading to widespread livelihood insecurities.
    • Contractualisation: There has been a rise in contractualisation, with only a small percentage of regular workers covered by long-term contracts, exacerbating job insecurities.
    1. Skills Gap and Gender Disparities
    • Skills Deficiency: Despite being a demographic dividend, the report notes a skills gap among India’s young workforce, with a significant percentage unable to perform basic digital tasks or mathematical operations.
    • Gender Gap: India faces substantial gender disparities in the labour market, with low rates of female labour force participation and high levels of unemployment among highly educated young women.

     

    PYQ:

    2018: International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to:

    1. Child labour
    2. Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
    3. Regulation of food prices and food security
    4. Gender parity in the workplace

  • Can AI help in Navigating Mental Health?

    Context

    • We live in a world where therapy is a text away. Natural language processing (NLP), a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI), enables computers to understand and interpret human language that mirrors human comprehension.
    • In mental healthcare, we are already seeing a rapid evolution of use cases for AI with affordable access to therapy and better support for clinicians.

    Natural Language Processing (NLP)

    • Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a field of artificial intelligence (AI) and computational linguistics that focuses on the interaction between computers and humans through natural language.
    • The goal of NLP is to enable computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language in a way that is both meaningful and useful.

    How does it help patients?

    • Privacy and Anonymity: These platforms offer privacy and anonymity, which can encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or stigma.
    • Support and Validation: Chatbots can support users by helping them reframe negative thoughts, validate their emotions, and provide personalized care tailored to their needs.
    • Accessibility: Especially when human support is unavailable or inaccessible, these virtual assistants offer immediate support, potentially bridging the gap between patients and mental health services.
    • Improved Health Outcomes: Studies suggest that digital therapy tools can be as effective as in-person care in improving patient health outcomes, indicating that chatbots can contribute positively to mental health treatment.
    • Continuity of Care: By offering continuous support and resources, these tools help patients maintain a holistic approach to their mental health treatment, potentially reducing instances of relapse.
    • Resource Pointers: Chatbots can direct users to resources for coping with various mental health challenges, such as distress, grief, and anxiety, thereby empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward their well-being.
    • Scalability and Cost-effectiveness: Being scalable and cost-effective, chatbots can reach a wide audience at any time, making mental health support more accessible to those who may not have access to traditional in-person services.
    • Integration into Health Programs: By integrating chatbots into existing health programs, organizations can extend mental health support beyond traditional avenues, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care.

    How does it help clinicians?

    • Comprehensive Patient History: AI tools can analyze vast datasets, including clinical notes, patient conversations, neuroimages, and genetic information, to provide clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s history. This saves time during sessions and ensures that clinicians have access to all relevant information.
    • Predictive Capabilities: Recent advancements in NLP programs enable the forecasting of responses to antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs by analyzing various data sources such as brain electrical activity, neuroimages, and clinical surveys. This predictive capability helps clinicians make more informed treatment decisions, reducing the risk of ineffective interventions.
    • Streamlined Treatment Decisions: By providing insights into potential treatment outcomes, AI tools streamline treatment decisions, allowing clinicians to tailor interventions more effectively to each patient’s needs.
    • E-triaging Systems: Some chatbots are creating e-triaging systems that can significantly reduce wait times for patients and free up valuable clinical person-hours. These systems prioritize patients based on urgency, ensuring that those in need of immediate care receive prompt attention.
    • Specialized Care for Severe Mental Illnesses: With improving bandwidth and the assistance of AI tools, mental health providers can devote a higher proportion of time to severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, where specialized care is crucial. This ensures that patients with complex needs receive the attention and support they require.

    What’s next?

    • Diverse Population-wide Datasets: Companies need to refine their applications by utilizing more diverse population-wide datasets to minimize biases. This ensures that the technology is effective and equitable for all users, regardless of demographic background or characteristics.
    • Incorporating Comprehensive Health Indicators: AI programs can incorporate a wider set of health indicators to provide a more comprehensive patient care experience. This includes integrating data from various sources such as wearable devices, lifestyle factors, and social determinants of health.
    • Guided by Conceptual Frameworks: It’s essential for the development and refinement of these applications to be guided by conceptual frameworks aimed at improving health outcomes. These frameworks can help ensure that the technology is aligned with the goals of promoting mental well-being and providing effective care.
    • Rigorous Testing and Evaluation: Continuous testing and evaluation are crucial to the success of these programs. Companies must rigorously test their applications to ensure effectiveness, safety, and adherence to global compliance standards.
    • Prioritizing User Safety and Well-being: Governments and institutions need to prioritize user safety and well-being by enforcing adherence to global compliance standards. This includes regulations related to data privacy, security, and ethical use of AI in healthcare.
    • Updating Laws and Regulations: As AI applications in mental health continue to evolve, it’s essential to update governing laws and regulations to keep pace with technological advancements and protect the interests of users.
    • Demanding Better Standards of Care: Stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups, should advocate for better standards of care in mental health. This includes advocating for the integration of AI-powered tools into healthcare systems in ways that prioritize patient well-being and improve health outcomes.

    Conclusion

    AI, particularly NLP, aids mental health by providing privacy, personalized support, and streamlined care for patients. Enhanced by diverse datasets and adherence to safety standards, it empowers clinicians to deliver effective, data-driven treatment.

     

    PYQ Mains

    Q- Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

    Q-Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • The need to curb Black Carbon Emissions | Explained

    Why in the News? 

    According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India had installed a renewable energy capacity of over 180 GW by 2023 and is expected to meet its target of 500 GW by 2030.

    Context

    At the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow in November 2021, India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the race to carbon neutrality.

    Why is black carbon relevant?

    • Cause of global warming : lack carbon is the dark, sooty material emitted alongside other pollutants when biomass and fossil fuels are not fully combusted. It contributes to global warming
    • Poses severe risks: Studies have found a direct link between exposure to black carbon and a higher risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death. Most black carbon emissions in India arise from burning biomass, such as cow dung or straw, in traditional cookstoves.

    Status of Black Carbon

    • According to a 2016 study, the residential sector contributes 47% of India’s total black carbon emissions. Industries contribute a further 22%, diesel vehicles 17%, open burning 12%, and other sources 2%.
    • Decarbonisation efforts in the industry and transport sectors in the past decade have yielded reductions in black carbon emissions, but the residential sector remains a challenge.

    Has PMUY helped?

    • Objective of PMUY: The primary objective of PMUY, launched by the Government of India in May 2016, is to provide free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections to households below the poverty line. This aims to offer a cleaner cooking fuel alternative to traditional biomass fuels, particularly in rural and poor households, thereby reducing their dependence on such polluting fuels.
    • Infrastructure Establishment: PMUY has established necessary infrastructure to support LPG connections, including provision of free gas stoves, deposits for LPG cylinders, and a distribution network. This infrastructure is crucial for enabling the adoption of clean cooking practices.
    • Role in Reducing Black Carbon Emissions: By providing cleaner LPG alternatives to traditional biomass fuels, PMUY has played a vital role in reducing black carbon emissions. This initiative contributes to mitigating environmental pollution and improving air quality, particularly in households previously reliant on polluting cooking fuels.

    Challenges and Shortcomings:

    Despite its objectives and infrastructure, challenges persist in fully transitioning beneficiaries to LPG usage.

    • High gap between LPG connections and actual adoption:  In 2022-2023, a significant portion of PMUY beneficiaries, representing 25%, continued to rely entirely on traditional biomass fuels for cooking. This indicates a gap between the provision of LPG connections and actual adoption of clean cooking practices.
    • Low Refill Rates and Energy Consumption: RTI data revealed that a substantial number of PMUY beneficiaries availed either zero or only one LPG refill, indicating low usage of LPG cylinders. Additionally, the average PMUY beneficiary household consumes significantly fewer LPG cylinders per year compared to non-PMUY households. This suggests that traditional fuels still meet a significant portion of energy needs in PMUY beneficiary households.
    • Health Impacts: The continued reliance on traditional fuels has detrimental health effects, particularly on women and children who are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution. This leads to various health issues and premature deaths, highlighting the urgent need for increased adoption of clean cooking practices.
    • Affordability: Despite subsidies and recent increases(subsidy to ₹300 from ₹200. ), the cost of LPG cylinders remains high for many PMUY beneficiaries. This affordability challenge discourages households from consistently purchasing and using LPG cylinders, especially when traditional biomass alternatives are perceived as “free.”
    • Temporary Subsidies: While the government has announced temporary price reductions to address affordability concerns, the sustainability of such subsidies remains uncertain. Temporary measures may not provide long-term solutions to ensure consistent access to clean cooking fuel for beneficiaries.
    • Low Refill Rates: Low refill rates persist among PMUY beneficiaries, indicating a gap between initial LPG connections provided and sustained usage. This issue stems from both affordability concerns and challenges in availability and distribution of LPG cylinders.
    • Last-Mile Connectivity: Remote rural areas face challenges in accessing LPG due to inadequate last-mile connectivity in the distribution network. This results in continued reliance on traditional biomass fuels, perpetuating indoor air pollution and health risks.
    • Alternative Fuel Solutions: Local production of coal-bed methane (CBM) gas presents a potential solution to address the lack of last-mile connectivity and provide cleaner cooking fuel alternatives. Composting biomass to produce CBM gas could offer a sustainable and accessible solution at the village level, reducing dependence on traditional biomass fuels.
    • Investment and Infrastructure: Implementing alternative fuel solutions such as CBM gas production requires investment and infrastructure development. Panchayats and local authorities may need support and resources to establish and maintain CBM gas production facilities effectively.
    • Rural Empowerment: Empowering local communities, such as Panchayats, to take initiatives in clean cooking fuel production and distribution can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability while addressing rural energy needs.

    To resolve the challenges associated with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and ensure effective adoption of clean cooking practices, several measures can be implemented:

    • Awareness and Education Campaigns: Launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate PMUY beneficiaries about the health and environmental benefits of using LPG over traditional biomass fuels. Emphasize the importance of consistent LPG usage and the risks associated with indoor air pollution.
    • Subsidy Reforms: Implement sustainable subsidy structures that ensure long-term affordability of LPG cylinders for PMUY beneficiaries. Explore innovative subsidy mechanisms, such as targeted subsidies based on income levels or usage patterns, to address affordability concerns effectively.
    • Incentives for Refills: Introduce incentives or rewards for PMUY beneficiaries who consistently use and refill their LPG cylinders. This could include discounts on future refills or loyalty programs to encourage regular usage and reduce the gap between LPG connections and actual adoption.
    • Improved Distribution Networks: Invest in improving last-mile connectivity and distribution networks in remote rural areas to ensure seamless access to LPG cylinders for all PMUY beneficiaries. This could involve expanding the reach of LPG distribution centers and leveraging technology for efficient logistics management.
    • Promotion of Alternative Fuel Solutions: Encourage the adoption of alternative fuel solutions such as Bio gas production through community-based initiatives. Provide support and incentives for the establishment of Bio gas production facilities at the village level, empowering local communities to produce and access clean cooking fuel.
    • Partnerships and Collaboration: Foster partnerships between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and non-profit organizations to address the multifaceted challenges associated with clean cooking fuel adoption. Collaborative efforts can leverage expertise, resources, and networks to achieve sustainable solutions.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the progress of PMUY implementation and measure the impact of interventions. Regular assessment of refill rates, usage patterns, and health outcomes can inform evidence-based policy decisions and program adjustments.

    Conclusion

    To curb black carbon emissions, India must address gaps in LPG adoption by PMUY beneficiaries through subsidy reforms, awareness campaigns, improved distribution networks, and promotion of alternative fuel solutions, fostering partnerships for sustainable impact.

    Mains PYQ

    Q-Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (UPSC IAS/2022) 

    Q- Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.(UPSC IAS/2014)

     

  • Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024

    What is the news?

    • The Union Environment Ministry has notified a set of rules called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.
    • Elephants, classified as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972 enjoy special protection, but certain provisions allow for their translocation under specific circumstances.

    Existing Regulations on Elephant Transfer

    • Legal Framework: The Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972 prohibits the capture or trade of elephants, whether wild or captive, without appropriate authorization.
    • Special Provisions: While strict regulations govern elephant transfer, exceptions exist for educational, scientific, or religious purposes, subject to approval from wildlife authorities.
    • Amendment: The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 expanded the scope of elephant transfers, raising concerns among activists about potential exploitation and illegal trafficking.

    Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024: Key Highlights

    1. Circumstances for the Transfer of Captive Elephants:

    Transfer may be warranted under the following circumstances:

    • Incapability of the owner: When the owner is incapable of adequately ensuring the elephant’s welfare.
    • Superior Care: If it is determined that the elephant will receive superior care in the new environment compared to its current situation.
    • Improvised maintenance: The Chief Wildlife Warden may find it necessary to transfer the elephant for its improved maintenance based on the specific circumstances of the case.
    1. Transfer Within the State:
    • Veterinarian Check: Prior to any transfer within the state, a veterinarian must confirm the elephant’s health status.
    • New habitat verification: The suitability of both the current and prospective habitats must be assessed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
    • Chief Wildlife Warden’s Role: He/She holds the authority to approve or reject the transfer based on these evaluations.
    1. Transfer Outside the State:

    Similar conditions apply for transferring elephants beyond state boundaries in addition to-

    • Genetic Profile Registration: Additionally, the elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) before the transfer.
    1. Requirements for Elephant Transfer:
    • Accompanying the Master: The elephant must be accompanied by a mahout and an elephant assistant. Adequate provisions for feeding and watering must be arranged during transport.
    • Fitness Certificate: A health certificate issued by a veterinary practitioner confirming fitness for transport is obligatory.
    • Quarantine Mandate: Transport should commence after the completion of any required quarantine period for contagious diseases.
    • Refreshment: Tranquillisers or sedatives: This may be administered to manage nervous or temperamental elephants as prescribed by the veterinary practitioner.

     

    PYQ:

    2020: With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

    1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
    2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
    3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
    4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4 only

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the Captive Elephant Transfer Rules, 2024 recently notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC), consider the following statements:

    1. For transferring outside of a state, an elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Environment Ministry before the transfer.
    2. The authority to approve or reject the transfer vests with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

  • RBI Clampdown on Lenders could moderate Credit Growth in 2024-25

    What is the news?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has undertaken rigorous regulatory actions to address lenders’ over-exuberance, enhance compliance culture, and protect customers.

    RBI’s Regulatory Actions: An Overview

     

    • Recent Examples: Recent regulatory moves by the RBI, such as restraining lending by IIFL Finance and JM Financial Products, and implementing restrictions on customer onboarding at Paytm Payments Bank, mark a departure from historically nominal financial penalties.
    • Implications: S&P Global Ratings predicts that these actions will escalate the cost of capital and moderate loan growth in the fiscal year 2024-25, projecting a decrease from 16% to 14%.

     

    How RBI regulates Lenders in India?

    1. Licensing and Regulation:
      • The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 empowers RBI to grant licenses to banks and regulate their operations.
      • Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are regulated under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and governed by guidelines issued by RBI under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act.
    2. Prudential Regulations:
      • RBI issues prudential regulations under various Acts, including the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the RBI Act, 1934.
      • These regulations include guidelines on capital adequacy (Basel III norms), asset classification, provisioning norms, liquidity management, exposure limits, and risk management practices.
      • Non-compliance with these regulations may attract penalties or other enforcement actions under the relevant Acts.
    3. Supervision and Monitoring:
      • RBI conducts supervision and monitoring of banks and NBFCs under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Section 45L of the RBI Act, 1934.
      • It has the authority to conduct on-site inspections, off-site surveillance, and review financial reports to assess compliance with regulatory requirements.
      • RBI may issue directives, guidelines, or corrective actions under Section 35A and Section 45L to address deficiencies identified during supervision.
    4. Policy Framework:
      • Monetary policy frameworks are governed by the RBI Act, 1934 and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, which empower RBI to formulate and implement monetary policies.
      • RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets key policy rates such as the repo rate, reverse repo rate, and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) to regulate credit flow, inflation, and overall economic conditions.
    5. Consumer Protection:
      • RBI issues guidelines under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the RBI Act, 1934 to ensure fair practices and consumer protection in banking and NBFC operations.
      • The Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006 provides a mechanism for redressal of customer grievances against banks.
      • Violations of consumer protection norms may result in penalties or enforcement actions under the relevant Acts.
    6. Financial Stability:
      • RBI’s mandate to maintain financial stability is enshrined in the RBI Act, 1934.
      • It monitors systemic risks, including interconnectedness among lenders, under Section 45J of the RBI Act, 1934, and takes measures to mitigate risks to financial stability.
      • RBI may intervene in the interest of financial stability under Section 45W of the RBI Act, 1934, to prevent disruptions to the functioning of the financial system.

     

    PYQ:

    2012: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) acts as a bankers’ bank. This would imply which of the following?

    1. Banks retain their deposits with the RBI.
    2. The RBI lends funds to the commercial banks in times of need.
    3. The RBI advises the commercial banks on monetary matters.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements regarding ‘Payment Banks’ in India:

    1. Payment Banks have the authority to accept demand deposits but are prohibited from issuing credit cards, disbursing loans, offering mutual funds units, and providing insurance products.
    2. Unlike scheduled commercial banks, Payment Banks are exempted from the obligation to maintain a cash reserve ratio with the Reserve Bank.
    3. Payment Banks are mandated to invest a minimum of 75% of their demand deposit balances in Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) eligible Government securities/treasury bills.

    How many of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Karnataka approaches Supreme Court over NDRF Funds for Drought Management

    What is the news?

    • The Karnataka government has approached the Supreme Court against the Union government, seeking the release of drought relief funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
    • This disagreement marks the second major dispute after alleged ‘injustice’ in tax devolution and other allocations.

    Extent of Drought and Water Scarcity in Karnataka

    • Rainfall Deficit: During the last monsoon season, Karnataka experienced significant rainfall deficits, exacerbating the drought situation and affecting agricultural productivity.
    • Drought conditions: Karnataka faces extensive drought conditions, with 223 out of 236 taluks (mandals) declared as drought-hit areas, resulting in substantial crop loss.
    • Compensation Sought: The state has sought substantial financial assistance from the Centre, amounting to Rs 18,171 crores, to address the damages caused by drought.

    Karnataka’s Writ Petition to the Supreme Court

     

    • Legal Action: Karnataka’s petition under Article 32 of the Constitution seeks relief against the Union government’s alleged inaction in providing financial assistance for drought management.
    • Basis of Petition: The petition argues that the delay in releasing funds violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, pertaining to equality before the law and protection of life and personal liberty.

     

    What is National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)?

    • The NDRF is a statutory body constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
    • It supplements State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) of a State, in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
    • The July 2015 guidelines states that natural calamities of cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and cold wave and frost will qualify for immediate relief assistance from NDRF.
    • NDRF is managed in the “Public Accounts” under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest”.
    • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits the accounts of NDRF.

    Disaster Relief for Indian states

    • Under the 2005 Disaster Management Act, there is no definition of disasters.
    • It can include any event arising from natural or man-made causes that can severely disrupt life for people, going beyond their coping capacity.
    • The 15th Finance Commission introduced a new methodology for state-wise allocations, considering factors like past expenditure, risk exposure, hazard, and vulnerability.

    Institutional Mechanism

    • States have the State Disaster Relief Funds (SDRF).
    • The Centre contributes 75% of the funds (and 90% for Himalayan and NE states) and states contribute the remainder.
    • The total amount is decided as part of the budgetary allocations and released periodically by the Centre.

    In case a state needs the Centre’s assistance, it must follow a procedure:

    1. It should detail the extent of the damage in a memorandum and submit it
    2. If this is acknowledged by Centre, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) conducts on-ground inspections to survey the damage
    3. A National Executive Team analyses the IMCT report
    4. Based on its recommendations, a High Level Committee shall approve the release of immediate relief from NDRF.

    Additionally, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the utilisation of NDRF releases.

     

    PYQ:

    2014: Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements about National Disaster response fund (NDRF):

    1. NDRF is a part of consolidated fund of India.
    2. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits the accounts of NDRF.

    Which among the above statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

  • Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)

    Why in the news?

    Agriculture Minister has recently inaugurated the Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi.

    What is Krishi ICCC?

    • The ICCC incorporates multiple IT applications and platforms to provide actionable insights and aid informed decision-making.
    • 8 large LED screens display crucial information such as crop yields, production, drought situation, cropping patterns, and relevant trends in graphical format.
    • The dashboard offers insights, alerts, and feedback on agriculture schemes, programs, projects, and initiatives, empowering stakeholders with comprehensive information.

    Data used by Krishi ICCC

    The ICCC will enable comprehensive monitoring of the farm sector by making available at one place geospatial information received from multiple sources such as:

    1. Plot-level data received through Soil Survey;
    2. Weather data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD);
    3. Sowing data from Digital Crop Survey;
    4. Farmer- and farm-related data from Krishi MApper, an application for geo-fencing and geo-tagging of land;
    5. Market intelligence information from the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg); and
    6. Yield estimation data from the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES).

    Objectives and Functionality

    • Comprehensive Monitoring: The ICCC aims to enable comprehensive monitoring of the farm sector by consolidating geospatial information from various sources, including remote sensing, weather data, soil surveys, and market intelligence.
    • Decision Support: Integrated visualization facilitates quick and efficient decision-making by policymakers and stakeholders, supported by real-time data and analysis.

    Farmer-Specific Advisories and Practical Applications

    • Individual Farmer Advisories: The ICCC has the potential to generate individual farmer-specific advisories through apps like Kisan e-Mitra (a chatbot developed for PM-Kisan beneficiaries), leveraging AI and machine learning to customize recommendations based on farmer data.

    Practical Applications:

      1. Farmer’s Advisory: Visualizations of GIS-based soil mapping, soil health card data, and weather-related information enable customized advisories on crop selection and agricultural practices.
      2. Drought Actions: Correlation of yield data with weather patterns allows proactive measures to mitigate the impact of droughts.
      3. Crop Diversification: Analysis of crop diversification maps helps identify regions suitable for diversified cropping, optimizing agricultural productivity.
      4. Farm Data Repository: The Krishi Decision Support System (K-DSS) acts as an agriculture data repository, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and the preparation of customized advisories for farmers.
      5. Validation of Yield: The ICCC enables the validation of yield data captured through different applications, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

     

    PYQ:

    2018: With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CACSA)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015.
    2. Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations.
    3. India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    What is the primary objective of the Krishi ICCC (Integrated Command and Control Centre)?

    1. To provide real-time market prices of agricultural products.
    2. To consolidate geospatial information from various sources for comprehensive monitoring of the farm sector.
    3. To offer financial support to farmers through direct benefit transfer schemes.
    4. To facilitate the construction of irrigation projects in rural areas.

  • How are Semiconductors fabricated? | Explained

    Why in the news? 

    The binary revolution (0s and 1s) constantly shape the way we interact with technology and with each other daily and the beating heart of this binary revolution is the semiconductor device.

    What are semiconductors?

    Semiconductors are materials that possess properties intermediate between those of conductors and insulators. They can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not as effectively as conductors, nor do they block it entirely like insulators.

    How are semiconductors made?

    • Silicon Wafer Selection: Engineers begin by selecting a silicon wafer as the foundation for the semiconductor.
    • Purification of Silicon: Silicon, sourced from sand, undergoes meticulous purification to achieve ultra-pure levels with impurity levels as low as a few parts per billion.
    • Photolithography Process: A crucial step where the circuit pattern is carved on the wafer using photolithography. The wafer is coated with a light-sensitive material (photoresist), and a mask with small gaps in the circuit pattern shape is used to shine light onto the wafer, eroding parts of the photoresist to acquire the pattern.
    • Chemical and Physical Techniques: After photolithography, engineers use chemical and/or physical techniques to remove uncarved parts of the photoresist, leaving behind the circuit’s structure on the silicon substrate.
    • Doping of Semiconductor: Impurities are deliberately added to specific parts of the semiconductor to alter its electrical properties.
    • Deposition of Thin Layers: Thin layers of materials such as metals or insulators are deposited onto the wafer’s surface to form electrical connections or insulate components.
    • Packaging and Testing: The resulting product undergoes packaging, where individual chips are separated, encapsulated, and tested to ensure functionality and reliability.Finally, the semiconductor chips are integrated into electronic devices.

    Need Expertise

      • Need high precision and diverse scientific principle-Each step in semiconductor fabrication demands ultra-high precision and harnesses a blend of diverse scientific principles. For example, to make the most advanced transistors, the photolithography process requires a light source emitting electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of 13.5 nm.
      • Specializing in specific domains-The semiconductor manufacturing process is characterised by specialisation, leading to an oligopoly controlled by companies specializing in specific domains. For example ASML, a spin-off of Philips, is in fact the sole provider of photolithography machines for cutting-edge semiconductor technology worldwide

    Status of India in fabrication – 

      • Bengaluru serves as a hub for chip design, showcasing India’s leading role in this field.Despite its prowess in chip design, India lacks ownership of the intellectual property rights (IPR) necessary to execute these designs.
      • Most IPR for chip designs is retained by parent companies or Arm, limiting India’s autonomy to being a mere user of their products.The situation resembles the McDonald’s business model, where India hosts outlets but lacks ownership of the recipe and supply chain, controlled by a parent company elsewhere.

    Significance of semiconductors:

    • Ubiquitous Influence: Semiconductors power various technologies beyond smartphones and computers, including smart air-conditioners, space telescopes, and more.
    • Critical Solutions for Crises: Semiconductors are crucial for addressing 21st-century challenges like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space exploration, and personalized healthcare, highlighting their significance for human survival and progress.
    • Innovation and Job Creation: Semiconductor technology facilities foster innovation, create high-paying jobs, and nurture deep-tech start-ups, contributing to advancements in various fields like materials science, computer engineering, and chip design.
    • Geopolitical Significance: Semiconductors have become a focal point of geopolitical interest, with nations competing to establish fabrication facilities and imposing sanctions on others to control access to advanced technology, driving efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor production capabilities.

    Challenges related to semiconductor manufacturing in India:

    • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): India faces limitations due to a lack of ownership of IPR necessary for chip fabrication.
    • Technology Transfer: Despite advancements in chip design, India struggles with technology transfer issues.
    • Infrastructure: Developing semiconductor manufacturing facilities requires significant investment in infrastructure
    • Skilled Workforce: The semiconductor industry demands highly skilled professionals proficient in various aspects of chip design, fabrication, and testing.
    • Regulatory Environment: India’s regulatory environment, including policies related to intellectual property, taxation, and investment, may not be conducive to attracting semiconductor manufacturing investments.

    Measures to address challenges related to semiconductor manufacturing in India:

    • Education and training programs:  Offer specialized courses and certifications to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the industry.
    • Policy reforms: Implement policy reforms to create a conducive regulatory environment for semiconductor manufacturing sector.
    • Diversification of suppliers: Encourage diversification of semiconductor supply chains by supporting domestic suppliers and fostering partnerships with global manufacturers
    • Government grants and incentives: Provide financial support and incentives for semiconductor R&D projects
    • Strategic partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with leading semiconductor-producing countries and organizations to leverage their expertise, share best practices, and facilitate technology transfer and knowledge exchange.

    Conclusion: Addressing challenges in semiconductor manufacturing in India requires collaborative efforts, investment in infrastructure and education, regulatory reforms, and strategic partnerships. These measures are vital for India to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry.

    Mains PYQ-

    Q- Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. ( 2020 ) 

  • Robusta Coffee price touches All-time High

    What is the news?

    • Robusta Coffee farmers in South India are celebrating as their produce fetches an all-time high price.
    • The farmgate price of raw Robusta coffee berries reached ₹172 per kilogram (kg) in the Wayanad market, a significant increase from ₹115 per kg last year.

    Coffee Cultivation in India

    • The coffee cultivation in India began with the planting of 7 seeds of coffee during 1600 AD by saint Baba Budan, in the courtyard of his hermitage in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
    • Commercial plantations of coffee started in the 18th century under British entrepreneurship.
    • Today, India is among the top 10 coffee-producing countries, with about 3% of the global output.

    Major Varieties Cultivated

    Characteristics Altitude Range Flavor Profile Popular Varieties Regions
    Arabica Coffee Known for mild flavor, aromatic profile, and smooth taste. 800 – 1600 meters above sea level Mild, slightly sweeter, softer taste Kents, S.795, Cauvery, Chandragiri Coorg (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Chikmagalur (Karnataka)
    Robusta Coffee Characterized by strong and bold flavor, higher caffeine content, and somewhat bitter taste. Sea level to about 800 meters Strong, bold, somewhat bitter S.274, CxR hybrids Chikmagalur (Karnataka), Coorg (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh)
    Liberica and Excelsa Less common varieties, with limited plantings in specific regions. Variable Variable Variable Limited plantings; sporadic regions

    Agro-climatic conditions needed for Coffee:

    • Indian coffee has a unique position as it is shade-grown and grown at elevations, while other major producing countries grow coffee in flat lands.
    • It is a tropical plant which is also grown in semi-tropical climate.
    • 16° – 28°C temperature, 150-250cm rainfall and well-drained slopes are essential for its growth.
    • Low temperature, frost, dry weather for a long time and harsh sunshine are harmful for its plant.
    • Coffee plants grow better in the laterite soils of Karnataka in India.

    Market Dynamics

    • Karnataka is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
    • It is followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Orissa and the North-eastern areas have a smaller proportion of production.
    • Arabica has high market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor.
    • The country exports over 70% of its production. According to The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the eighth largest exporter of coffee by volume.
    • Indian coffee exports display a seasonality, with exports peaking from March to June.

    Coffee Board of India

     

    • The Coffee Board of India is an organization managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was established in 1942.
    • It is headquartered in Bangalore.
    • The activities of the Board are broadly aimed at:
    1. Enhancement of production, productivity & quality;
    2. Export promotion for achieving higher value returns for Indian Coffee and
    3. Supporting development of Domestic market.
    • Until 1995 the Coffee Board marketed the coffee of a pooled supply.
    • Later, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity due to the economic liberalisation in India.
    • The Board comprises 33 members including the Chairman, who is the Chief Executive and appointed by the Government of India.

     

    PYQ:

    2010: Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
    2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the Coffee Cultivation in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Kerala is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
    2. Robusta coffee has high market value than Arabica due to its mild aromatic flavor.
    3. Indian coffee exports display a perennial nature.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Live Coral cover in Gulf of Mannar down to 27%

    What is the news?

    • Rising sea temperatures have triggered severe bleaching events, leading to significant coral mortality in Gulf of Mannar.
    • Annual surveys show a decline in live coral cover from 37% in 2005 to 27.3% in 2021.

    Corals in Gulf of Mannar

     

    • The Gulf of Mannar is a large shallow bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean with an average depth of 5.8 m.
    • It lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka, in the Coromandel Coast region.
    • A significant portion of the Gulf of Mannar is designated as the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, established to protect its marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
    • The park covers approximately 560 square kilometers and encompasses 21 islands and coral reefs.
    • Around 117 hard coral species have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar.
    • Many islands, like Shingle, Krusadai, and Pullivasal, have witnessed substantial losses in coral cover.
    • For instance, Shingle Island suffered the most with the loss of 72% of its coral cover.

    About Corals

    • Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
    • These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
    • The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
    • In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
    • Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
    • They are the largest living structures on the planet.
    • Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
    • Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.

    Types of Coral

    Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:

    1. Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
    2. Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.

    Conditions needed for Corals to Flourish

    • Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
    • High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degree Celsius.
    • Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
    • Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
    • Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.

    How do corals bleach?

    • When exposed to conditions like heat stress, pollution, or high levels of ocean acidity, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species not beneficial to the corals.
    • So, the corals kick out the colour-giving algae from their polyps, exposing their pale white exoskeleton and leading to coral starvation as corals cannot produce their own food.
    • Severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.

    Reasons for the Decline

    • Climatic Vagaries: Predicted coral bleaching events pose a dire threat to the already fragile ecosystem of the Gulf of Mannar. The IPCC predicts a decline of 70-90% in global coral reefs with a warming of 1.5°C.
    • Ocean Acidification: Increased acidity levels in the ocean due to carbon dioxide absorption exacerbate coral stress and hinder their ability to calcify.

     

    PYQ:

    2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?

    1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    2. Gulf of Kachchh
    3. Gulf of Mannar
    4. Sunderbans

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    2018: Consider the following statements

    1. Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
    2. More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
    3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3