From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Tobacco consumption and issues
Central Idea
The WHO has released a report on the progress made in global tobacco control in the last 15 years.
The report highlights the impact of the MPOWER measures, introduced by WHO, to combat tobacco use and protect public health.
What are MPOWER measures by WHO?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a set of global health targets known as “MPOWER measures” to address the global tobacco epidemic.
These measures are evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing tobacco use and its associated health risks.
The MPOWER measures were developed to assist countries in implementing effective tobacco control policies and interventions.
The term “MPOWER” is an acronym, with each letter representing a specific area of focus:
M – Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
P – Protect people from tobacco smoke
O– Offer help to quit tobacco use
W – Warn about the dangers of tobacco
E – Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship
R – Raise taxes on tobacco products
Key Findings of the Report
Reduction in Smoking: Globally, there are 300 million fewer smokers today, with smoking prevalence declining from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021. In a city-specific example, hundreds of enforcement drives and awareness campaigns resulted in a 27% reduction in smoking in public places.
Impact of MPOWER Measures: The MPOWER measures have positively impacted tobacco control efforts worldwide. 71% of the global population, or 5.6 billion people, are protected by at least one MPOWER measure, up from 5% in 2008. The number of countries implementing at least one measure has increased from 44 to 151.
Global Challenges: Despite progress, 44 countries still do not implement any MPOWER measure, and there are shortcomings in enforcing smoke-free policies in healthcare facilities and restaurants.
Focus on Second-Hand Smoke: The report emphasizes the importance of curbing second-hand smoke, which causes significant health risks, including 1.3 million tobacco-related deaths among non-smokers annually. India is among the countries making efforts to control this aspect.
India’s Achievements and Areas for Improvement
Health Warning Labels: India ranks among the top 10 countries for having health warning labels on cigarette packs, with 85% of packs carrying warnings on both sides.
Ban on E-cigarettes: India has implemented a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, which WHO recognizes as an essential step in curbing the tobacco epidemic.
Smoking Bans: India has banned smoking in healthcare facilities and educational institutions, although there is scope for improvement in terms of enforcement.
Warnings on OTT Platforms: India is taking significant steps to implement warnings on over-the-top (OTT) platform content showing tobacco use, making it the first country to do so. This move is crucial, given the increased subscriptions to OTT platforms during the pandemic.
Expert Perspectives
Experts suggest the need for further amendments to India’s comprehensive tobacco control laws, with specific attention to banning the loose sale of cigarettes.
Implementing warnings on OTT platforms is seen as a necessary measure to reach a broader audience, especially young viewers.
Conclusion
The WHO report highlights the global progress in reducing smoking prevalence and implementing tobacco control measures.
While India has made significant strides in certain aspects of tobacco control, there are areas that require continued attention and action.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tag
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai recently granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag to many distinctive products from across India.
GI Tags for Rajasthani Crafts
Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: This traditional craft involves ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire embedding, and polishing. The process results in exquisite and finely crafted metalware.
Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: Traditional craftspeople from the Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts create this craft on cotton, silk, or velvet. The intricate fine stitches and mirror-work are mainly used for marriage-related objects and are believed to ward off the ‘evil eye.’
Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: Known for its vibrant and colorful appeal, Bandhej is an ancient Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles. The fabrics, including muslin, silk, and voile, are tied with cotton thread before dyeing.
Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, this craft is characterized by the use of untreated raw camel hide. The skilled Dapgar community of leather craftspeople meticulously processes and molds the leather to create durable and golden-hued products.
Other GI Tagged Products
Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Uttar Pradesh): This craft from Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district involves making decorative metal craft and brassware, including ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells). The Thatheras community, residing in the Hathuras locality, is responsible for creating these beautiful metal products.
Goa Mankurad Mango (Goa): Also known as malcorada, cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur, this variety of mango was granted a GI tag. The All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the application for this mango, which holds historical significance with its Portuguese-inspired name.
Goan Bebinca (Goa): Known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts,’ Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding. The All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association filed the application for the GI tag.
Kanniyakumari Matti banana (TN): It is a banana variety grown in the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its unique sweet taste and small size. It is cultivated in the southernmost part of India, and its retail market value has increased. The variety is in high demand, especially in the Thiruvananthapuram region of Kerala, where it is exported to Gulf countries. The banana is used in the making of “panchamirtham.”
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DPDP bill and provisions
Mains level: Vulnerability of children online and Data Protection
What’s the news?
As a reworked version of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022 (DPDP Bill) reaches Parliament, it is prudent to talk about one demographic that often receives less attention in the conversation on data privacy — children
Central idea
With children constituting over 15 per cent of active internet users in the country and their online activities evolving rapidly, protecting their safety and privacy online has become a critical concern.
Vulnerability of children online
Limited Understanding: Children often have limited understanding of the potential risks and consequences associated with sharing personal information online. They may not fully grasp the permanence and public nature of their digital footprint.
Trust and Naivety: Due to their trusting nature, children can be easily deceived by online predators or malicious individuals who take advantage of their naivety.
Lack of Experience: Many children lack the experience to recognize scams, phishing attempts, or deceptive content, making them more susceptible to online fraud and misinformation.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: Children can become victims of cyberbullying, harassment, or online abuse, which can have severe psychological and emotional effects on their well-being.
Inappropriate Content Exposure: Without proper supervision, children may stumble upon inappropriate or harmful content online, impacting their mental health and development.
Social Media Pressure: Children may face pressure to conform to certain social media standards, leading to self-esteem issues and the desire to share personal information or engage in risky behaviors to fit in.
Data Privacy Concerns: Children may unknowingly share sensitive data, such as location information, contact details, or pictures, making them potential targets for privacy breaches or data misuse.
Lack of Parental Guidance: In some cases, parents may be less tech-savvy or unaware of their children’s online activities, leaving them exposed to online risks without proper guidance
How DPDP Bill ensures online safety for children?
Definition of Minors: The DPDP Bill defines individuals under the age of 18 as minors. This definition acknowledges that children are particularly vulnerable and deserve additional safeguards for their personal data.
Data Processing Obligations: The bill places three specific conditions on data processing entities when handling children’s data:
Obtaining verifiable parental consent: As mentioned above, entities must ensure they have proper consent from a parent or guardian before processing a child’s data.
Not causing harm to children: Data processing activities should not harm or exploit children in any way.
Not tracking or targeting ads at children: Entities are prohibited from tracking children’s online behavior for targeted advertising purposes.
Exemptions: The bill allows the government to exempt certain entities from the requirement of parental consent and tracking and targeting ads for specific purposes. However, such exemptions must be for the best interests of a child.
Why a graded approach is necessary?
Age Diversity and Developmental Stages: Children’s maturity levels vary across different age groups. A rigid age requirement may not consider the developmental stages of children, leading to over- or under-protection of their data.
Balancing Access and Protection: A graded approach allows for a balance between age-appropriate access to digital services and data protection. It enables children to access educational platforms while imposing stricter age-gating for services with higher privacy risks.
Promoting Digital Literacy: Gradually exposing children to digital platforms with age-appropriate content fosters digital literacy and responsible online behavior from an early age.
Preventing Misrepresentation: A strict age-gating requirement might encourage children to misrepresent their age to access certain services, defeating the purpose of data protection measures.
Adapting to Technological Advancements: The digital landscape is dynamic, with new services constantly emerging. A graded approach allows for flexibility in adjusting age requirements as technology evolves.
Way forward
Graded Approach Implementation: Adopt a graded and risk-based approach to age-gating for accessing different digital services. This approach allows the government to set varied age thresholds based on privacy risks, ensuring age-appropriate access while protecting children’s data.
Clear Guidelines for Age Verification and Consent: Provide clear and reliable mechanisms for age verification and obtaining parental consent. Ensure that these mechanisms adhere to data protection principles like data minimization and purpose limitation to prevent unintended data collection.
Defining Verifiably Safe Manner: Articulate core principles of what qualifies as a verifiably safe manner for processing children’s data to avoid ambiguity. This will guide data processing entities in ensuring children’s safety and privacy.
Promoting Digital Literacy: Develop and implement digital literacy programs that educate children about online risks and responsible behavior. These initiatives should be integrated into school curricula, and awareness campaigns for parents and guardians should be conducted.
Parental Guidance and Involvement: Encourage active parental involvement in their children’s online activities. Provide resources and workshops to help parents understand the digital world and support their children in using digital services safely.
Collaboration with Tech Companies: Engage with technology companies to develop age-appropriate interfaces, privacy settings, and content filters. Prioritize child safety in the design and features of digital platforms.
Robust Reporting Mechanisms: Establish accessible and user-friendly reporting mechanisms for inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or any other online harm targeting children. Promptly address reported issues and take appropriate actions.
Conclusion
As India deliberates on various laws and policies to regulate the internet, it is crucial to prioritize the needs and interests of children. Protecting children’s data privacy will not only secure their online experiences but also foster responsible digital citizenship from an early age
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IIM Amendment Bill 2023
Mains level: IIM Amendment Bill 2023, significance , concerns and way forward
What’s the news?
A new amendment bill introduced by the Centre in the Lok Sabha has sparked a debate on the autonomy of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The bill proposes to make the President of India the Visitor to IIMs with powers to audit their functioning, order probes, and appoint as well as remove directors.
Central idea
In 2017, the Parliament passed the IIM Act, significantly expanding the autonomy of IIMs and giving them greater control over their affairs. One crucial provision mandated an independent review of the institutes every three years, with the report to be made public. However, after six years, only a few IIMs have complied with this requirement, leading the government to table the IIM (Amendment) Bill in 2023.
The proposed provisions in the Bill
Creation of the Post of Visitor: The Bill proposes the creation of the post of Visitor, who will be the President of India. The Visitor will play a crucial role in overseeing the functioning of the IIMs and ensuring proper governance.
Appointment Powers: The Visitor will have the authority to appoint the chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the IIMs. This move grants the President of India a significant say in the leadership of the institutes.
Involvement in Director Appointments: The Bill empowers the Visitor to have a say in the appointment process for directors of IIMs. The Visitor will have representation on the selection committee for the appointment of directors, allowing them to influence the choice of institute heads.
Review and Inquiry Initiation: The Visitor will have the power to initiate reviews or inquiries into the affairs of any IIM. This provision allows for greater oversight and scrutiny of the institutes’ functioning.
Director Removal: The Visitor will be granted the authority to remove a director of an IIM if deemed necessary. This move gives the President the power to take action against directors who may not be performing their duties effectively or who are involved in any misconduct.
Issues with the Current Governance
Lack of Accountability: The current governance structure in IIMs lacks adequate accountability due to the significant autonomy granted by the 2017 IIM Act. This has led to a governance vacuum with limited checks and balances on directors’ actions, potentially resulting in mismanagement.
Absence of Norms on Key Matters: The IIM Act’s failure to establish clear norms on crucial matters, such as the appointment of key positions, has led to a lack of transparency and objectivity in decision-making.
Turmoil and Protests: Some IIMs have experienced internal turmoil and protests against administrative decisions, indicating a disconnect between management and stakeholders.
For instance, at IIM Ahmedabad, faculty and alumni protested against changes to the institute’s logo and the decision to demolish architecturally significant structures on the campus.
Rising MBA Course Fees: An additional concern with the current governance is the relentless rise in the fee for MBA courses, which is not necessarily related to the actual costs of the course.
Unresponsive to Queries and Suggestions: There have been reports that some IIMs have been unresponsive to queries and suggestions from various stakeholders, including the government.
Uneven Governance Practices: The level of governance and accountability might vary across different IIMs. Some of the lower-ranked IIMs have been accused of operating as petty tyrannies, with directors holding unchecked power.
Importance of Government Control
Ensuring Accountability: Government control is crucial to ensuring accountability in the functioning of educational institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It helps prevent misuse of power, financial irregularities, and a lack of transparency.
Preserving the Public Interest: As public institutions, IIMs have a responsibility to serve the public interest. Government control ensures that the institutes remain focused on their core mission of providing quality education and contributing to socio-economic development.
Academic Integrity: Government oversight safeguards academic integrity by promoting fairness in faculty appointments, curriculum design, and research activities.
Addressing Societal Needs: Government involvement allows IIMs to align their objectives with societal demands, producing graduates with relevant skills to address the country’s evolving challenges.
Equitable Access and Affordability: Government control promotes inclusivity by implementing policies that ensure equal access to quality education, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.
Quality Assurance: Government oversight allows the establishment of quality assurance mechanisms, ensuring that the IIMs maintain their reputation as world-class institutions adhering to global standards.
Concerns Regarding the IIM Amendment Bill 2023
Potential Government Control: Critics and some directors of IIMs are concerned about increased government control over the institutions through the designation of the President of India as the Visitor with powers to appoint and remove directors.
Autonomy Erosion: The bill has raised fears that it may undermine the autonomy granted to IIMs in 2017, potentially leading to a dilution of their independence and decision-making authority.
Lack of Stakeholder Involvement: Stakeholders, including directors of IIMs, are apprehensive about insufficient consultation during the bill’s drafting, which they believe could impact the institutes’ governance.
Apprehensions About the Independent Board Model: Critics argue that the existing independent board model governing B-schools has been successful globally and could continue to be effective in India without introducing a Visitor.
Potential for Ideological Influence: The critiques allege that the bill may be used to enforce ideological conformity, raising concerns about the Visitor’s influence over the institutes’ academic pursuits.
Impact on Institutional Reputation: Uncertainty surrounding the bill could affect IIMs’ reputation, leading stakeholders to question their stability and governance.
Way Forward
Inclusive Consultation: The government should engage in inclusive consultations with IIMs, education experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure broad consensus on the bill’s provisions.
Amendment Refinements: Based on feedback received during consultations, the government should consider refining the bill’s provisions to strike an appropriate balance between accountability and autonomy.
Codifying Norms: Clear norms and guidelines should be incorporated into the bill to provide a framework for responsible governance while allowing flexibility in decision-making.
Promote Transparency: The bill should emphasize transparency in decision-making processes and overall governance to build trust among stakeholders.
Continuous Evaluation: Implementing a system of continuous evaluation and feedback will help gauge the effectiveness of the bill’s provisions.
Focus on Quality Education: The primary focus should remain on maintaining and improving the quality of education in IIMs while fostering greater accountability.
Conclusion
The Bill reflects the government’s efforts to restore accountability and democratic oversight in the IIM system. Striking the right balance between autonomy and accountability is vital to maintaining the IIMs’ esteemed position in the Indian education landscape.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate financing mechanism
Mains level: Climate change and current disparity in climate financing
What’s the news?
In recent years, climate justice activists have been advocating for economically developed countries to increase their investments in climate adaptation and mitigation, including supporting other nations in dealing with the impacts of climate change.
Central idea
Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, despite contributing the least to global warming, are disproportionately affected by climate disasters and burdened with debt distress. In contrast, North American and European countries, which have historically been the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, also hold significant roles as creditors in the ongoing debt crisis.
Carbon Emissions per Capita in Various Regions
Global Average Emissions: The global average emissions per capita have consistently remained above 4.7 tonnes per capita since 2010. This value is twice the baseline target needed to limit global warming to 1.5 °C.
Africa and India: Countries in Africa and India have consistently emitted carbon dioxide per capita below the global average. Despite being major contributors to the global population, their carbon emissions per capita have been comparatively lower.
China: China crossed the global average carbon emissions per capita in 2004 and has steadily increased since then. By 2021, China’s per capita emissions would reach 8 tonnes, placing it on par with Europe and Oceania.
UAE and the U.S.: Despite observing an overall decline in emissions, the UAE and the U.S. still had the highest carbon emissions per capita as of 2021. The UAE’s per capita emissions were recorded at 21.8 tonnes, while the U.S. stood at 14.9 tonnes
Investment in Climate-related Activities by World Bank Regions
Sub-Saharan Africa: This region had the highest investment fraction in climate finance, allocating 1.3% of its GDP towards climate-related activities in both 2019 and 2020. This indicates a significant commitment to addressing climate challenges.
East Asia and the Pacific: Following closely behind, this region allocated 1% of its GDP to climate-related initiatives, showcasing a considerable effort in climate finance.
South Asia: The region dedicated 0.9% of its GDP to climate-related activities in both years, reflecting a notable commitment to addressing climate change impacts.
U.S. and Canada: In contrast, the United States and Canada contributed the least among the World Bank regions, allocating only 0.3% of their GDP to climate-related projects in 2019 and 2020.
International Multilateral Climate Funds Disbursement
Disbursement Disparity: Since 2003, a total of $3.3 billion has been approved to be disbursed to South Asia through these multilateral climate funds. However, only $1.3 billion was actually disbursed. This indicates a significant disparity between approved funds and actual disbursements.
Global South Funding: A large fraction of the funds for climate mitigation and adaptation in the Global South come from international multilateral climate funds. These funds are primarily sourced from economically developed countries.
Suboptimal Disbursement: On average, most regions received only 40% of the approved funding intended for their climate projects. This points to challenges with efficient fund allocation and disbursement.
Climate Vulnerability Index
The Climate Vulnerability Index is calculated annually by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative and combines a country’s exposure, sensitivity, and capacity to adapt to climate change. The Risk of Debt Distress is based on the International Monetary Fund’s Debt Sustainability Framework reports.
Climate Vulnerability Index by country and the Risk of Debt Distress by region
Climate Vulnerability Index: Most notably, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa emerge as the most vulnerable to climate change, facing higher risks due to their exposure, sensitivity, and limited capacity to adapt to climate impacts.
Risk of Debt Distress: Sub-Saharan Africa stands out as the region with several countries at high risk of or facing debt distress, further exacerbating their vulnerability to climate change.
Correlation: Most of the countries experiencing high climate vulnerability are also at risk of debt distress, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate change impacts and financial challenges.
High-Income Country Exclusion: Several high-income countries were excluded from the analysis due to limited data. Therefore, the focus of the chart is primarily on countries in the Global South.
Expressed concern from the above observations
Disproportionate Vulnerability: The observations highlight the inequity in climate impacts, where regions that have historically contributed less to greenhouse gas emissions are disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate disasters.
Financial Vulnerability: Climate-related impacts can exacerbate existing economic vulnerabilities, leading to a higher risk of debt distress, which, in turn, hampers their capacity to address climate change and sustainable development needs effectively.
Climate Finance Disparity: The disparity between approved funds and actual disbursements through international multilateral climate funds is worrying. This raises questions about the efficiency of fund allocation and disbursement.
Limited High-Income Country Data: The exclusion of several high-income countries from the analysis due to limited data poses concerns about the comprehensive understanding of global climate vulnerabilities.
Interconnected Challenges: The interconnection between climate vulnerability, debt distress, and development challenges implies that addressing one issue without considering the others may not yield sustainable solutions.
Way forward
Increased Climate Finance:
Economically developed countries must urgently increase their financial contributions to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions.
Meeting the target of $100 billion annually for climate finance is crucial to aid vulnerable countries in building resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Debt Relief for Vulnerable Countries:
High-risk and debt-distressed countries should be offered debt relief measures specifically tied to climate action.
Debt-for-climate swaps and innovative financial instruments can help these nations allocate more resources to climate resilience and sustainable development.
Technology Transfer and Capacity Building:
Accelerate the transfer of clean and sustainable technologies to vulnerable countries, providing them with the tools and knowledge to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions effectively.
Capacity building efforts should be prioritized to enhance local communities’ abilities to implement climate-friendly solutions.
Adaptation and Resilience Investment:
Urgently invest in climate adaptation projects that enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Prioritize infrastructure improvements, nature-based solutions, and disaster risk reduction measures to protect lives and livelihoods from climate-related impacts.
Ambitious Emission Reduction Targets:
Pursue ambitious emission reduction targets at the national and global levels.
All countries, especially economically developed ones, should take the lead in transitioning to clean energy sources and decarbonizing their economies to limit global warming
Conclusion
The current disparity in climate financing between economically developed countries and those in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia raises concerns about climate justice and the urgent need to bridge the gap. Only through collective and equitable action can we build a sustainable and resilient future for all.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Akira Ransomware
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) issued a warning about the Akira ransomware, a highly dangerous cyber threat that has been wreaking havoc on corporate networks worldwide.
What is the Akira Ransomware?
Encryption and Data Theft: Akira ransomware encrypts sensitive data on targeted devices and appends the “akira” extension to filenames, making the files inaccessible to users.
Shadow Volume Deletion: The ransomware deletes Windows Shadow Volume copies, hindering data recovery options for affected organizations.
Ransom Demands: The ransomware operators extort victims by demanding a double ransom for decryption and recovery, threatening to leak sensitive data on their dark web blog if payment is not made.
Infection and Working Mechanism
Spread Methods: Akira ransomware is primarily distributed through spear-phishing emails with malicious attachments, drive-by downloads, and specially crafted web links. It also exploits insecure Remote Desktop connections to infiltrate systems.
Selective Encryption: The ransomware avoids encrypting specific system folders to maintain system stability.
Negotiation Process: Each victim is given a unique negotiation password to communicate with the ransomware gang via the threat actor’s Tor site.
Major targets
Corporate Networks: Akira ransomware targets corporate networks across various sectors, including education, finance, real estate, manufacturing, and consulting.
Data Exfiltration: In addition to encryption, the threat actors steal sensitive corporate data, using it as leverage in their extortion attempts.
Protective Measures against Akira Ransomware
Regular Backups: Maintain up-to-date offline backups to ensure data recovery in case of an attack.
System Updates: Regularly update operating systems and networks, and implement virtual patching for legacy systems.
Email Authentication: Establish Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to prevent email spoofing and spam.
Strong Authentication: Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure user accounts.
Data Encryption: Implement data-at-rest and data-in-transit encryption to protect sensitive information.
Attachment Blocking: Block suspicious attachment file types like .exe, .pif, or .url to prevent malicious downloads.
Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits, especially for critical networks and database servers, to identify vulnerabilities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kuril Islands
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, leading to challenges in resource allocation along its western border.
Japan sees a chance to reclaim the Kuril Islands, also known as the Northern Territories in Japan, which were seized by Soviet forces during WWII.
About Kuril Islands
The Kuril Islands, also known as the Kurile Islands, are a volcanic archipelago situated in the northern Pacific Ocean.
They stretch from the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, to the southernmost tip of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
It consist of 56 islands, with Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai being the most significant.
The Kuril Islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with intense volcanic and seismic activity, due to the movement of tectonic plates.
The islands are home to several active volcanoes, with some of the notable ones being Alaid, Ebeko, and Chikurachki.
What is the dispute?
The islands have been a subject of territorial dispute between Russia and Japan since the end of World War II.
After the war, the Soviet Union took control of the Kuril Islands, leading to the displacement of around 17,000 Japanese residents who were living there.
Japan claims the southernmost islands (Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai) and refers to them as the “Northern Territories.”
Russia maintains sovereignty over the islands and considers them an integral part of its territory.
The territorial dispute has hindered the signing of a formal peace treaty between Russia and Japan to officially end World War II hostilities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zero FIR
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Recent incidents of violence and crime in Manipur have brought the concept of the ‘Zero First Information Report (FIR)’ into the spotlight.
The Supreme Court has sought for all data regarding such FIRs in Manipur Gangrape Incidence.
What is Zero FIR?
Provision and Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence without assigning a regular FIR number initially.
No diary: Whereas FIRs have serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’. Hence the name.
Swift Action: The relevant police station subsequently registers a fresh FIR and commences the investigation.
Focus on Victims: It is designed to expedite complaint lodging, particularly for serious crimes involving women and children, without the need to approach multiple police stations.
Preserving Evidence: Early registration helps prevent the loss or tampering of crucial evidence and witnesses.
Transferred Jurisdiction: The Zero FIR is later transferred to the relevant police station where the offence occurred or where the investigation should be conducted.
How does it work?
After a police station registers a zero FIR, it has to transfer the complaint to a police station that has the jurisdiction to investigate the alleged offence.
Once a zero FIR is transferred, the police station with the appropriate jurisdiction assigns it a serial number, thereby converting it into a regular FIR.
Legal Provisions for Zero FIR
The provision of Zero FIR finds support in various judgments and recommendations.
Satvinder Kaur vs. State (1999): The Delhi High Court held that a woman has the right to lodge her complaint from any place other than where the incident occurred.
Justice Verma Committee (2012): The introduction of Zero FIR was based on the recommendation of the Justice Verma Committee, which was formed in response to the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case.
Lalita Kumari vs. Govt. of UP (2014): The Supreme Court ruled that registration of an FIR is mandatory when information discloses the commission of a cognizable offence.
Back2Basics: First Information Report (FIR)
Essential Document: An FIR is a written document prepared by the police upon receiving information about a cognisable offence.
What is a cognisable offences? It is when an officer can arrest a suspect without a court’s warrant if/she has “reason to believe” that the person committed the offence and arrest is necessary based on certain factors.
Triggering Investigation: It serves as the first step towards initiating the investigation process and subsequent police actions.
Registration for Cognizable Offences: Section 154(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) empowers the police to register an FIR for cognizable offences.
Punishment for Non-Registration: Section 166A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provides punishment for public servants failing to record information related to a cognizable offence, with imprisonment of up to two years and a fine.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hybrid Cars, Net-Zero
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
The global transition towards net-zero emissions is a critical aspect of combating climate change, and electric vehicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in this endeavour.
In economically developing countries, hybrid EVs offer a significant opportunity to kickstart the transition, considering challenges related to power generation, grid capacity, and fast-charging infrastructure.
Understanding Net-Zero for Vehicles
“Net-zero for vehicles” refers to the concept of achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
This goal involves reducing the overall carbon footprint of vehicles to balance the emissions they produce with equivalent carbon removal or offsetting measures.
Achieving Net-Zero for Vehicles:
Decarbonization of Vehicles: This includes transitioning from conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) that rely on fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs) that run on electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
Electrification: This involves increasing the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that produce zero tailpipe emissions when operating on electricity.
Renewable Energy Integration: To ensure that EVs are truly net-zero, the electricity used to charge them must come from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
Sustainable Fuels: For certain types of vehicles that may not be easily electrifiable, such as heavy-duty trucks and aviation, the use of sustainable fuels can play a role in achieving net-zero emissions.
Infrastructure Development: Building and expanding charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is essential to support the widespread adoption of EVs.
Carbon Offsetting: Carbon offsetting involves supporting projects that remove or reduce an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as afforestation, reforestation, or renewable energy projects.
Policy Support: Incentives, subsidies, emissions standards, and carbon pricing mechanisms can encourage consumers and industries to adopt cleaner transportation options.
Types of Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicle (EV): Any vehicle using an electric drivetrain powered by a portable electrical energy source.
Hybrid EV: Combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electrical generator to produce electricity. It utilizes a small battery (1-5kWh) as an energy buffer but cannot be charged from the grid.
Full EV: Also known as a battery EV or plug-in EV, it lacks an ICE, resulting in no tailpipe emissions. It has a larger battery (20-120 kWh) charged solely from the grid.
Plug-in Hybrid EV: A hybrid EV with a larger battery (5-15 kWh) that can be charged from the grid, operating in full electric mode as long as there is energy in the battery.
Fuel-Cell EV: Utilizes a fuel cell and a small battery buffer to produce electricity for the drivetrain.
Fuel Economy and Emissions of Hybrid and Fully Electric EVs
Hybrid EVs: With the combination of an ICE, generator, and battery, hybrid EVs exhibit 1.5-2x higher fuel economy than conventional ICE vehicles in city driving and 1-1.5x higher in highway driving.
Plug-in Hybrid EVs: Combine the advantages of hybrid and full EVs, covering 80-90% of short commutes in fully electric mode with 3-4x higher fuel economy than conventional vehicles.
Life-Cycle Emissions: A comprehensive index considering well-to-wheel emissions, vehicle, and battery production, maintenance, and end-of-life recycling. Full EVs result in 19-34% lower emissions for sedans and 38-49% for SUVs compared to conventional vehicles, even with fossil-fuel-dominated energy mix in India.
Challenges in Transitioning to Electric Mobility
Fast-Charging Infrastructure: Successful transition requires fast-charging infrastructure along highways to alleviate range anxiety and encourage full EV adoption.
Grid Access and Reliability: Many regions lack access to a reliable grid, posing challenges for slow and fast-charging capabilities.
Vehicle Costs: Mass-market EV prices are much lower in economically developing countries, hindering widespread adoption due to high battery costs.
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid EVs: Decarbonizing the Interim
Hybrid EVs present an opportunity to lower emissions until full EVs become viable options in the long term.
Plug-in hybrids, with their all-electric range, offer many benefits, reducing fuel costs, emissions, and oil imports.
Regenerative braking and engine start-stop mechanisms improve fuel economy in hybrid EVs.
Hybrid cars’ purchase price is only slightly higher than conventional vehicles, irrespective of the vehicle range.
Conclusion
Hybrid Electric Vehicles serve as a bridge to the net-zero future, offering a practical and efficient solution for economically developing countries.
While full EVs are the ultimate goal, the adoption of hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs can significantly reduce emissions and fuel costs in the interim.
A coordinated effort to address infrastructure challenges and enhance grid reliability will pave the way for a sustainable transition towards a net-zero mobility landscape powered by renewable energy sources.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Information Technology Agreement-I
Mains level: Deep Tech
Central Idea
The office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government released a draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) for public feedback.
What is Deep Technology?
Deep Tech refers to advanced and sophisticated technologies that have a significant impact on various industries.
These technologies are complex, innovation-driven, and often require interdisciplinary collaboration.
Examples include AI, robotics, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, and renewable energy solutions.
Deep Tech has the potential to revolutionize existing processes and address global challenges.
About National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP)
The policy aims to secure India’s position in the global deep tech value chain, with a focus on areas such as semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and space tech.
It aims to bolster research and development in deep tech startups, streamline intellectual property regimes, provide financing support, and promote the growth of these startups through various measures.
Key objectives:
Focus on Fundamental and Technical Problems: The NDTSP emphasizes support for deep tech startups focusing on fundamental and technical challenges rather than just commercializing existing technologies.
Financing Support: The policy addresses the critical financing needs of deep tech startups, especially during the pre-market phase when they introduce their products or ideas.
Streamlined Intellectual Property Regime: The policy aims to simplify the intellectual property landscape for deep tech startups to encourage innovation without undue complexities.
Ease of Regulatory Compliance: The NDTSP proposes measures to ease regulatory requirements for deep tech startups, creating a conducive environment for their growth.
Commercialization Support: The policy suggests providing assistance and resources to effectively manage and commercialize technologies developed by deep tech startups.
Measures to Promote Deep Tech Startups
Export Promotion Board: The NDTSP recommends creating an Export Promotion Board to facilitate Indian deep tech startups’ entry into foreign markets.
Coordinated Oversight: To streamline the deep tech ecosystem, the policy recommends establishing an “Inter-Ministerial Deep Tech Committee” to review and coordinate requirements effectively.
International Collaboration and Market Access: The policy promotes strategic international collaborations and partnerships to enhance market access for Indian deep tech startups globally.
Defense and Space Sector Focus: The NDTSP specifically targets deep tech startups in defense and space sectors, aiming to enhance their contributions to national security and space exploration.
Attracting Global Talent and Expertise
Networking Opportunities: The policy advocates providing networking opportunities to international deep-tech startups and experts interested in contributing to India’s local ecosystem.
Resource-Intensive Approaches: The NDTSP emphasizes resource-intensive measures to attract global talent, strengthening India’s deep tech capabilities.
Visa and Immigration Facilitation: The policy proposes simplifying visa and immigration processes to attract foreign experts and investors to support the growth of deep tech startups.
Need for such policy
1997 Information Technology Agreement-I: The policy restates the government’s disappointment with international agreements, particularly the Information Technology Agreement-I. As an ITA participant, India made commitments to eliminate tariffs on a wide range of IT products.
Multi-pronged Approach: The NDTSP advocates a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to engage with international partners and multilateral institutions to foster a supportive global environment for India’s deep tech ecosystem.
Global Advocacy and Trade Policy Alignment: The policy emphasizes global advocacy to align trade policies with the interests of India’s deep tech startups, fostering a supportive international trade environment.
Conclusion
The NDTSP aims to position India as a leader in the global deep tech value chain.
Public feedback on the draft policy will further refine and strengthen India’s approach to deep tech entrepreneurship.
Back2Basics: Information Technology Agreement-I
ITA-I is a multilateral trade agreement that aims to eliminate tariffs and trade barriers on a wide range of information technology (IT) products.
It was negotiated under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and came into effect on July 1, 1997.
Key Points about ITA:
Objective: By removing tariffs and trade barriers, the agreement aims to encourage the development and adoption of IT products and services worldwide.
Product Coverage: The ITA covers a broad range of IT products, including computers, computer peripherals, telecommunications equipment, semiconductors, software, and other IT-related goods.
Participants: Over time, the number of participants has expanded, and as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it included more than 80 WTO member countries.
Binding Commitments: Once a country joins the ITA, its tariff removal commitments become legally binding under the WTO framework.
Non-Tariff Barriers: While the ITA focuses on eliminating tariffs, it does not directly address non-tariff barriers to trade, such as regulatory barriers or technical requirements.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MSP and related facts
Mains level: Demand for a legal guarantee of MSP, challenges in existing structure and way forward
What’s the news?
For years, farmers have been demanding a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP), calculated according to the Swaminathan Commission formula.
Central idea
The significance of MSP lies in its role in maintaining agricultural viability and preventing farmers from falling into debt and bankruptcy. However, the current MSP system falls short of its objectives, leaving most farmers without much-needed support. This op-ed emphasizes the need for a farmer-centric agricultural policy and a radical shift in approach to secure MSP with a legal guarantee.
Minimum support price (MSP)
MSP is the price at which the government procures crops directly from farmers. It is calculated to be at least one-and-a-half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers.
The MSP serves as a minimum guaranteed price for specific crops that the government considers remunerative and deserving of support for farmers.
Agriculture’s Role in the National Economy
Employment and Livelihood: Agriculture is the largest source of employment and livelihood for about 50 percent of the country’s population, especially in rural areas. It provides direct and indirect employment for millions of people.
Contribution to GDP: Agriculture contributes around 17–18 percent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Although the share of agriculture in the overall GDP has been declining over the years due to the growth of other sectors, it remains a crucial component of the economy.
Food Security: The agricultural sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security for the nation. By producing a variety of food crops like rice, wheat, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, it caters to the dietary needs of the population and helps manage food inflation.
Source of Raw Materials: Agriculture is the primary source of raw materials for various industries, including textiles, sugar, jute, and vegetable oil. It provides the necessary inputs for industrial production, contributing to the overall industrial growth of the country.
Export Earnings: Agricultural exports, such as rice, spices, tea, coffee, and cotton, generate foreign exchange earnings for the country. This helps improve the balance of trade and supports economic growth.
Rural Development: The growth of agriculture has a significant impact on rural development. It improves rural infrastructure, raises the standard of living, and creates opportunities for the development of allied industries and services in rural areas.
Poverty Alleviation: Agriculture remains an essential tool in poverty alleviation as it provides income and employment opportunities to the rural population, which is often more susceptible to poverty.
Important role of MSP
Ensuring Income Security: MSP provides a minimum guaranteed price for farmers’ produce. It protects them from price fluctuations and market risks, ensuring a stable income for their efforts and investment in farming.
Preventing Distress Sales: With MSP in place, farmers are less likely to resort to distress sales of their crops during times of market downturns.
Encouraging Crop Diversification: The MSP system covers a range of crops, including cereals, pulses, oil seeds, and more. By providing a remunerative price for diverse crops, it encourages farmers to adopt crop diversification, contributing to agricultural sustainability and food security.
Government Procurement: MSP sets a benchmark for government procurement of crops. The government procures crops at MSP through various agencies like FCI and state agencies, thereby supporting farmers and maintaining buffer stocks for food distribution.
Addressing Regional Imbalances: MSP implementation considers regional variations in production costs and helps bridge the income gap between farmers in different regions. It addresses regional imbalances and ensures equitable growth in the agriculture sector.
Inadequacies of the MSP
Limited Coverage: The current MSP system leaves the majority of farmers without much-needed support. Only around 6% of farmers in the country benefit from MSP, while the remaining face challenges in accessing remunerative prices for their produce.
Debt and Bankruptcy: Despite MSP being introduced as a safety net, farmers still struggle with debt and bankruptcy. The average debt burden on a farmer’s family is over Rs 1 lakh, despite the subsidies provided by the government.
Natural Disasters and Market Risks: Farmers remain vulnerable to natural disasters and market forces, making their income uncertain and apprehensive. Climate change adds complexity to farming, and farmers cannot be left at the mercy of such unpredictable factors.
Insufficient Market Regulation: Middlemen exploit farmers, leading to a significant difference between the price at which farmers sell their produce and the price at which consumers buy the same produce. This lack of market regulation affects farmers’ income adversely.
Inadequate MSP Calculation: The MSP calculation method may not fully reflect the input costs, market trends, and other economic factors, leading to an ineffective MSP for farmers.
Rising Debt: The outstanding loan on farmers has increased significantly over the years, indicating the insufficiency of MSP and minimal increases in support prices.
Swaminathan Commission Recommendations
Calculation of MSP: The Swaminathan Commission recommended that MSP be calculated by adding 50 percent profit to the C2 cost (comprehensive cost including imputed value of family labor) for crops. This method takes into account various input costs incurred by farmers, including labor, seeds, fertilizers, and other expenses.
Expanded Coverage: The Commission suggested expanding the scope of MSP to cover a wide range of agricultural produce, including crops like ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili, and all agricultural produce and horticulture.
The Call for a Legal Guarantee of MSP
Addressing Rising Debts: The outstanding loan to farmers has significantly increased over the years, reaching Rs 23.44 lakh crore in 2021–22. Legalizing MSP would offer a sustainable solution, reducing farmers’ dependence on debt.
Fulfilling Promises: A legal guarantee makes MSP a binding obligation, ensuring farmers receive the promised prices for their crops and avoiding selling at lower rates.
Empowering Farmers: Legalized MSP enhances farmers’ bargaining power and enables informed decisions in cropping and marketing.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: MSP legislation promotes sustainable agriculture, diversification, and resilience against climate change.
Promoting Farmer-Centric Policy: A Legal Guarantee of MSP emphasizes a farmer-centric approach, safeguarding their rights, interests, and livelihoods.
Way forward
Reforming Agribusiness and Ensuring Fair Compensation:
Promote farmer producer organizations (FPO’s) and cooperatives.
Facilitate direct market access to reduce dependence on intermediaries.
Adhering to the Swaminathan Commission’s Guidelines:
Follow the MSP calculation as per the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.
Consider comprehensive costs, including labor and input expenses.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture Practices:
Encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices and climate-resilient crop varieties.
Invest in agricultural research and extension services for modern technologies.
Ensuring Access to Credit and Insurance:
Strengthen credit facilities for farmers.
Provide insurance coverage to manage risks effectively.
Investing in Rural Infrastructure:
Improve irrigation facilities, storage, and transportation networks.
Reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
Promoting Agro-tourism and Direct Marketing:
Encourage agro-tourism for additional income.
Establish farmers’ markets and e-commerce platforms for direct marketing.
Conclusion
The demand for a legal guarantee of MSP is a just and crucial step towards safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers. Providing farmers with a dignified life is not just a moral obligation but an economic imperative, as the growth of the agricultural sector directly impacts the nation’s prosperity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India’s clean-cooking strategy and government schemes
Mains level: India’s clean-cooking strategy, Growth of LPG sector, challenges and alternatives
What’s the news?
For the first time, LPG consumption in Indian households saw an absolute reduction in 2023 (minus 0.5% versus FY22) after years of steady growth.
Central idea
Over the past 15 years, the Government of India has endeavored to replicate the urban success of LPG adoption in rural and poorer households. The Grameen Vitrak Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) have significantly expanded the rural distributor base from 18% to 60%. However, the recent decline in LPG consumption raised questions about its sustainability and highlighted the need for a transition.
Significant growth in the LPG sector
Share Increase: The share of Indian households using LPG as their primary cooking fuel rose from 33% in 2011 to 71% in 2020, according to the India Residential Energy Consumption Survey (IRES) conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW).
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): The successful implementation of PMUY, launched in May 2016, played a pivotal role in promoting LPG adoption. Over 8 crore (80 million) free LPG connections were provided to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households by March 2021.
Reduction of Health and Environmental Hazards: The increased adoption of LPG has led to a reduction in health hazards caused by traditional cooking fuels like firewood, crop residues, and dung cakes. Indoor air pollution, particularly affecting women who spent long hours cooking in smoky kitchens, has decreased.
Government Initiatives: Government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting clean cooking solutions have contributed to the growing awareness among Indian households about the benefits of LPG as a clean fuel for cooking
Challenges faced by the LPG sector
Financial Barriers: The withdrawal of LPG subsidies for all consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created financial barriers for many households, affecting their ability to afford LPG refills.
Underutilization of Subsidies: Despite providing three free cylinders to all PMUY consumers in FY21 as part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, only 14.1 crore out of the possible 24 crore free cylinders were consumed, indicating challenges in reaching the intended beneficiaries and ensuring full utilization of the provided benefits.
Distribution and Logistics: Despite significant efforts, home delivery and distribution channel issues persisted, particularly affecting non-PMUY consumers, leading to slow refill rates and hindering the seamless supply of LPG.
Price Volatility: Indian households have experienced a near-doubling in LPG prices since May 2020 in nominal terms due to volatile international prices, especially since the Russian war against Ukraine. This price volatility affects the affordability and accessibility of LPG for consumers.
Import Dependency: India’s dependence on imported LPG (the refined commodity) has steadily increased to over 64% in FY23, compared to 46% in the pre-PMUY phase. This import dependency exposes the country to international market risks and supply disruptions.
Budgetary Constraints: Given the domestic budget’s reliance on petroleum taxation and uncertain international prices, it is unlikely that India can return to a regime where a subsidy of approximately INR 20,000 crore (2011–12 prices) was provided each year for LPG consumption over the first two decades of the 21st century.
Steps and a data-driven approach for India’s clean cooking transition
Promote Electric Cooking: India should actively promote electric cooking, including induction cook-tops, to offset the reliance on flame-based cooking. The IRES conducted by CEEW showed that even at a high tariff of ₹8 per unit of electricity, electric cooking remains cheaper than LPG cooking at current prices.
Leverage Electricity Access in Rural Areas: With near-universal access to electricity connections in rural areas, specific cooking needs can be shifted to electricity. This approach can effectively reduce the reliance on LPG in rural households.
Incentivize Transition to Electric Cooking: Policymakers can use a telescopically increasing LPG prices beyond a threshold, such as seven cylinders per average household.
Support Domestic Manufacturing Ecosystem: Demand from early adopters of electric cooking can spur the domestic manufacturing ecosystem for electric cooking technologies.
Monetize Avoided Emissions: By transitioning from traditional chulhas to electric cooking, India can avoid climate pollutant release. This can be monetized through the newly launched carbon market, providing financial resources to support the adoption of electric cooking by poorer rural communities.
Shift the Policy Focus: Policymakers need to move beyond LPG subsidies alone and focus on fostering a bouquet of solutions for India’s clean cooking goals.
Conclusion
While LPG subsidies have played a crucial role in improving adoption, it is time for India’s clean cooking policy to diversify and embrace a range of clean-cooking technologies. By nurturing a bouquet of clean cooking solutions, India can pave the way for a sustainable and healthier future.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Worldcoin
Mains level: Not Much
PC: The Hindu
Central Idea
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently reintroduced Worldcoin, a project that was previously overshadowed by the popularity of ChatGPT.
What isWorldCoin?
The Worldcoin venture involves a unique model where individuals have their eyes scanned to establish their human uniqueness.
In return for the eye scan, participants receive cryptocurrency and a World ID, forming the basis of the project.
Worldcoin’s aim is to create the “world’s largest identity and financial public network,” accessible to people globally.
How does it works?
Orb Operators: Worldcoin relies on volunteers called “Orb operators” who use a device called “Orb” to scan people’s iris patterns and collect their biometric data.
World ID: Participants receive a World ID through the World app after getting their irises scanned. This unique ID allows them to claim Worldcoin cryptocurrency and conduct transactions.
Proof of Personhood: Scanning irises ensures that people cannot sign up multiple times to receive more crypto rewards.
Cryptocurrency and Transactions: Users can collect WLD at regular intervals or use it for transactions, similar to a standard digital currency.
WLD Cryptocurrency and Compliance
WLD Token: WLD is a cryptocurrency based on the Ethereum blockchain and can be bought, sold, or traded on major exchanges.
Regulatory Compliance: Worldcoin ensures compliance with Europe’s GDPR and uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to maintain user privacy. User data is encrypted and not sold, though it may be shared with necessary third parties.
Various risks
Price Volatility: As with most cryptocurrencies, the price of WLD is subject to fluctuations. Its value can rise or fall, and users should be cautious about investing in lesser-known digital currencies.
Security Risks: Users must be wary of potential scams or hacks related to cryptocurrency investments.
Criticism and Controversies
Privacy Concerns: Worldcoin faced criticism over privacy concerns about the use of biometrics for verification.
Scanning in Emerging Economies: Reports indicated that Worldcoin scanned underprivileged people’s irises in emerging economies during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising ethical questions about informed consent and rewards for scans.
Worldcoin in India
Orb Operators in India: Worldcoin has deployed Orb operators in various locations, particularly in Delhi, Noida, and Bangalore, where people’s irises are scanned to join the network.
Conclusion
Worldcoin’s vision of a global digital network with biometric identity and cryptocurrency rewards is both promising and controversial.
While it aims to foster financial inclusion and provide digital opportunities, it must address privacy and ethical concerns to gain wider acceptance and trust among users worldwide.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cell Free DNA vs. Normal DNA
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Researchers worldwide are increasingly using Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a valuable tool to better comprehend human diseases, improve diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis.
What is Cell-free DNA?
CfDNA refers to small fragments of nucleic acids that are released from cells and found outside the cell in body fluids.
Its discovery dates back to the late 1940s when it was first observed in the blood of pregnant women.
cfDNA can be generated and released from cells in various situations, such as cell death and other physiological processes.
The release of cfDNA is associated with several disease processes, including autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
How is it different from normal DNA?
Cell-free DNA
Normal DNA
Found in the bloodstream and other bodily fluids
Found within the cell nucleus or mitochondria
Released from dying or dead cells into the circulation
Remains within the cell’s nucleus or mitochondria
Exists in a fragmented form
Exists as an intact double-stranded helix
Can be isolated and analyzed from blood samples
Requires cell extraction and purification for analysis
Provides valuable genetic information for personalized medicine
Forms the basis of genetic inheritance and traits
Valuable in infectious disease diagnosis and monitoring
Not used for infectious disease diagnosis
Used in forensics for DNA profiling and crime investigations
Not typically used in forensics
Applications of CfDNA
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Detect genetic abnormalities in foetuses
Screening for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome
Cancer Screening and Monitoring
Identify genetic mutations in tumour cells
Determine cancer type
Monitor treatment response and disease progression
Transplant Rejection Monitoring
Monitor immune response after organ transplantation
Early detection of organ rejection
Infectious Disease Diagnosis
Identify viruses and bacteria in the bloodstream
Aid in diagnosing infections and guiding treatment
Personalized Medicine
Provide genetic information for tailored treatment plans
Enable precision medicine based on individual genetic profile
Tracking Tumour Mutations
Monitor drug-resistant mutations in cancer patients for treatment adjustments
Recent Advances in Therapeutics
GEMINI Test: Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre developed a new test called ‘GEMINI’ that uses cfDNA for early cancer detection. By analyzing genetic mutations and using machine learning, they achieved over 90% accuracy in detecting lung cancer, even in early-stage cases.
Potential Impact: Early detection of cancers using cfDNA could significantly improve patient outcomes and survival rates.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Constitutional crisis in Israel
Central Idea
On July 24, the governing coalition in Israel’s Parliament (Knesset) passed a critical part of its judicial overhaul plan, aimed at curbing the Supreme Court’s oversight powers over government decisions.
This has sparked months of protests against the right-religious government’s plans to transform the judiciary.
Judiciary Overhaul: The Crisis Trigger
Abolishing the “Reasonability Doctrine”: The Knesset legislation abolishes the “reasonable doctrine” used by the Supreme Court to assess government decisions and ministerial appointments. This doctrine allowed the court to determine the sensibility and fairness of government decisions and nullify them if deemed necessary.
Reasonability Doctrine in Other Countries: The reasonability standard is a legal standard used in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and the U.K., by top courts to evaluate government decisions.
Criticism and Justification: Supporters of the government argue that the reasonability standard is too abstract and prone to judicial overreach, justifying its removal. They claim that this change will prevent courts from interfering in executive decisions.
Other Proposals in the Overhaul Plan
Curbing Judicial Review: The original overhaul plan included proposals to limit judicial review over legislation and empower Parliament to override court decisions with a majority vote of 61 out of 120.
Greater Control of Judicial Appointments: The government seeks to replace members of the Bar Association in the nine-member panel responsible for selecting judges with “public representatives” chosen by the government. This change would give the government a majority vote in the committee and more control over judicial appointments.
Ministers’ Autonomy from Legal Advisers: Another proposal seeks to remove the legal obligation for Ministers to follow the advice given by their legal advisers, including the Attorney-General’s guidance.
Motivation behind the Overhaul
Right-Wing Government’s Agenda: Israel’s current government, composed of right-wing, ultra-Orthodox, and extreme-right parties, aims to strengthen its control over the judiciary. The right-wing leaders have criticized the judiciary for impeding their legislative agenda and settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.
Shift in Israel’s Polity: Over the years, Israel’s polity has shifted rightward, while the judiciary remained relatively independent. The right-wing has long advocated for bringing the courts under the Parliament’s ambit.
Influence of Think Tank: The Kohelet Policy Forum, a think tank backed by American and Israeli billionaires, has played a significant role in formulating the judicial reforms. Kohelet seeks to advance right-wing policy reforms in Israel and has pushed for the overhaul of the judiciary.
Protests and Concerns
Undermining Democracy: Critics, including the Opposition and civil society, argue that the government’s actions are an attempt to undermine Israel’s democracy. They fear that concentrating power within the government, controlled by right-wing and religious parties, could lead to an authoritarian theocracy.
Tensions between Liberal and Orthodox Jews: Protests have spread to different groups, including military reservists, amid concerns that religious parties may undermine the courts and empower religious sections.
Supreme Court Review: Civil society groups have filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the legislation on the reasonability doctrine. The court, facing a constitutional showdown, will review the challenges, even though the law curtails its own powers.
Conclusion
The passage of the judicial overhaul plan in Israel’s Knesset has significant implications for the country’s governance and democratic fabric.
The concentration of power within the government and curtailing the Supreme Court’s oversight powers has raised concerns about checks and balances.
Civil society’s petitions and the Supreme Court’s subsequent decisions will be crucial in determining the future course of Israel’s judiciary and its democratic institutions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL) Treatment
Mains level: Elimination of TB from India
Central Idea
The interim results of a randomized phase-3/4 trial conducted in India to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of BPaL Regimen, an all-oral, short-course treatment are promising.
BPaL is administered for individuals with pre-XDR TB or treatment-intolerant/non-responsive MDR pulmonary TB
What is BPaL?
The trial uses only three drugs—Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL).
The treatment duration is only 26 weeks, contrasting with the conventional 18-month treatment involving eight to nine tablets per day.
Trial Outcomes
It offered a significantly reduced number of tablets per day, resulting in better treatment adherence and improved outcomes.
Approximately 70% of the trial participants have completed the 26-week treatment, with a cure rate exceeding 85%.
In comparison, the cure rate for conventional treatment for DR-TB is 60-65% even with strict adherence.
Treatment Superiority
Advanced TB Cases: The trial participants had advanced TB affecting both lungs, yet the cure rate was above 85%, demonstrating the superiority of the BPaL short-course therapy.
Importance of Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with the three-drug regimen can lead to even better outcomes for patients with pre-XDR TB.
Issues with the treatment
Three to four trial participants experienced serious adverse effects, but these were either managed or occurred too late in the disease’s progression to be helped.
Some cases of mild adverse effects caused by linezolid included a drop in haemoglobin and platelet counts, as well as neuropathy (tingling sensation and numbness in the legs).
TB Menace in India
Total TB Cases: In 2021, there were approximately 21.3 lakh (2.13 million) reported TB cases in India.
Incidence Rate: The incidence rate of TB in India in 2021 was 210 cases per lakh population.
Drug-Resistant TB: The number of drug-resistant TB cases in India declined from around 1.49 lakh in 2015 to 1.19 lakh in 2021.
Government Initiatives: To combat TB, India has set the target of eliminating the disease by 2025, and various initiatives have been implemented, including active case finding, screening, and improved access to diagnostic tests and treatment.
| Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DLI Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
The Indian government is considering a proposal to pick an equity stake in domestic chip design-making companies as part of the second phase of the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for the semiconductor industry.
The aim behind the scheme is to establish a stable ecosystem and promote the growth of “fabless companies” in India—entities that design chips but outsource manufacturing.
However, this policy requires a long-term strategy due to the capital-intensive nature of the semiconductor sector and the lengthy gestation periods for setting up design and fabrication units.
What is DLI Scheme?
DLI scheme is a program aimed at providing financial and infrastructural support to companies establishing semiconductor manufacturing plants in India.
Eligible participants who set up fabrication units in the country can receive fiscal support of up to 50% of the total cost.
Additionally, participants building compound semiconductors, silicon photonics, and sensors fabrication plants can avail fiscal support of 30% of the capital expenditure under this scheme.
Companies engaged in semiconductor design for integrated circuits, chipsets, system-on-chips, systems, and IP cores will receive incentives of 4% to 6% on net sales for a duration of five years.
The scheme is expected to promote the growth of at least 20 such companies, achieving a turnover of more than ₹1500 crore in the next five years.
Present Chip Dynamics
Long Gestation Period: Setting up design and fabrication units in the semiconductor industry involves long gestation periods before the first product is launched. Returns on investment are not immediate.
Capital Intensive: The semiconductor industry requires significant investment for setting up fabrication units, up-scaling manufacturing capabilities, and research.
Cyclic Nature: The industry’s cyclic nature and changing functional requirements of chipsets make research and development challenging.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Supply chain disruptions, such as those experienced during COVID-related lockdowns, can dampen investor confidence in the sector.
Domestic Chip Industry Scenario
Talent Pool: India has a highly-skilled talent pool of semiconductor design engineers, making up around 20% of the world’s workforce, working for global companies like Intel, Micron, and Qualcomm, among others.
IP Ownership: Despite a thriving talent pool, India owns a smaller portion of the intellectual property (IP) related to chip designs, which is mostly retained by global companies.
DLI Scheme for Chip Designing: The DLI scheme introduced in December 2021 aimed to indigenize innovations and support the growth of chip design companies with financial incentives.
Changing Landscape: The scheme has led to the establishment of over 30 semiconductor design startups in India, with some already receiving government support.
Growing market in India
The semiconductor industry is growing fast and can reach $1 trillion dollars in this decade. India can grow fast and reach $64 billion by 2026 from $27 billion today.
Mobiles, wearables, IT, and industrial components are the leading segments in the Indian semiconductor industry contributing around 80% of the revenues in 2021.
The mobile and wearables segment is valued at $13.8 billion and is expected to reach $31.5 billion in 2026.
Challenges and Considerations
Effectiveness and Efficiency: Some experts view the government’s plan to become a venture capital firm for chip design companies as ineffective and inefficient. Companies may prefer foreign buyers for higher valuations and global ecosystem connections.
Venture Capital Support: The lack of venture capitalists in the private sector focused on semiconductors is a challenge for the growth of design firms.
Equity Stake’s Impact: Offering an equity stake can align the interests of design companies with the project’s success, ensuring shared risk and reward. It may also help in selling chip-designing services more effectively and attracting a broader client base in the market.
IP and Value-Added Activities: The government must consider who can keep the IP and how investments can drive more innovation and employment generation. Moving up in the value chain and enabling the ecosystem is crucial.
Conclusion
The proposal to take an equity stake in domestic chip design-making companies in India’s semiconductor industry aims to promote the growth of fabless companies and ensure a stable ecosystem.
However, it requires a long-term strategy and careful consideration of IP ownership, venture capital support, and value-added activities in chip design.
The success of the scheme will depend on effective implementation and alignment of interests between the government and promising design companies.
| Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UDAN Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
Union Civil Aviation Ministry inaugurated a new phase of the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, or UDAN 5.2, to improve last-mile connectivity in remote regions of the country through small aircraft.
There have been aspersions regarding the success of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme (RCS) since ONLY 11 of the 74 Greenfield airports are decently operational.
Progress till now
Route Closures: Out of the 479 routes launched under RCS, 225 have ceased operations, leading to significant route closures.
Commercial Viability: Around 70 of the routes were found to be commercially unviable even with subsidies, leading airlines to discontinue their operations.
Three-Year Sustainability: The objective of RCS was for airlines to become self-sustaining after three years, but only 58 out of 155 routes completed this period successfully.
Incomplete Infrastructure: Some airports, such as Thanjavur, Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Ayodhya, were not ready for operations, leading to the discontinuation of 12 routes.
What is UDAN Scheme?
UDAN Scheme, initiated in 2016, aims to enhance aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in Tier II and Tier III cities.
It was formulated based on the review of The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)-2016, with the goal of fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizen.
The scheme, designed to last for 10 years, operates with a self-financing mechanism through the establishment of the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF).
The RCF funds the viability gap funding (VGF) requirements of the scheme by levying certain domestic flights, thereby stimulating growth and development in the aviation sector.
As part of the scheme, the Airports Authority of India has waived the airport fee.
Issues with the scheme
Route Discontinuance: Some routes launched under UDAN have been discontinued, raising concerns about their sustainability.
Challenges in Expansion: Efforts to improve connectivity to hilly regions and islands through helicopters and seaplanes have faced hurdles due to land unavailability and operational difficulties.
Unrecovered since the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the aviation industry, further impacting the sustainability of airlines.
Various Challenges
Financial Constraints: Many smaller airlines struggle with insufficient funds, making it difficult to maintain aircraft, pay rentals, and provide staff salaries.
Maintenance Issues: Smaller players often have limited aircraft that are poorly maintained, and acquiring new planes is expensive.
Pilot Availability: The availability of pilots can be a challenge for smaller airlines, leading to higher costs when hiring foreign pilots.
Competition: Routes dominated by bigger domestic players like IndiGo and SpiceJet tend to see better success rates.
Way Forward
Extended Subsidy Period: Airlines need an extension of the subsidy period to develop routes sustainably and achieve self-sufficiency.
Addressing Pandemic Impact: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel restrictions and passenger safety should be considered when evaluating the losses incurred by airlines.
Collaboration and Support: The government and stakeholders need to collaborate to address financial constraints and maintenance issues faced by smaller airlines.
Continuous Evaluation: Regular evaluation and necessary adjustments in the UDAN scheme are essential to overcome challenges and ensure successful implementation.
Conclusion
While India has made significant strides in airport development, challenges related to commercial viability and infrastructure readiness must be addressed to ensure sustainable air connectivity across the nation.
Renewed focus on the UDAN scheme and optimizing airport infrastructure can pave the way for a robust aviation sector that benefits smaller cities and contributes to the overall growth of the nation’s economy.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Tiger Day
Mains level: Tiger Conservation Efforts
CentralIdea
July 29th was celebrated the world over as International Tiger Day in a bid to raise awareness on various issues surrounding tiger conservation.
India’s tiger population has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, owing to successful conservation efforts under the Project Tiger initiative.
About International Tiger Day
It was first instituted in 2010 at the Tiger Summit in St Petersburg, Russia when the 13 tiger range countries came together to create Tx2, the global goal to double the number of wild tigers by the year 2022.
Celebrating 50 Years of Project Tiger
Historical Context: Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to promote the conservation of tigers when their population was alarmingly low, hovering around 2,000 due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Landmark Achievement: Over the past 50 years, India’s tiger population has made a remarkable recovery, standing at 3,167 in 2022 as compared to just 268 in 1973.
Population Growth and Distribution
Decade-wise Growth: The tiger population has shown a remarkable growth trajectory in recent years. In 2010, there were 1,706 tigers, which increased to 2,226 in 2014 and further rose to 3,582 in 2022.
Regional Distribution: In 2022, the states with the highest tiger populations were Madhya Pradesh (785), Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). Nearly 25% of the tigers were reported outside protected areas.
Conservation Efforts and Successes
Tiger Reserves: India’s tigers are mainly concentrated in 53 dedicated tiger reserves covering about 75,796 square km, which accounts for approximately 2.3% of the country’s total land area.
Successful Reserves: Reserves like Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand (260 tigers), Bandipur (150), and Nagarhole (141) in Karnataka have shown commendable success in tiger conservation.
Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, Project Tiger played a crucial role in conserving the species, ensuring not just the protection of tigers but also preserving their natural habitats.
Challenges and Concerns
Habitat Fragmentation: The growing human population and developmental activities have led to the fragmentation of tiger habitats, affecting their dispersal and increasing human-tiger conflicts.
Quality of Forest Cover: The degradation of forest cover can impact prey availability and contribute to human-wildlife conflict, especially in regions like Central India and the Eastern Ghats.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: As tiger habitats shrink and corridors get disrupted, encounters between tigers and humans have increased, leading to conflicts and potential danger to both tigers and people.
Legal Framework Dilution: Some proposed amendments to environmental acts and the approval of projects in protected areas have raised concerns about the dilution of the legal framework supporting tiger conservation.
Way forward
Development with Ecological Sensibility: Upcoming infrastructure projects, like highways, are being planned with safe passageways for tigers and other animals to ensure minimal disruption to their movement.
Relocation and Rehabilitation: Relocation of human settlements from core areas of tiger reserves is incentivized to increase protected land and improve tribal livelihoods.
Conclusion
Conservation Commitment: The success of tiger conservation in India has come through the commitment of people, political will, and strong legal and policy frameworks.
Sustained Efforts: Despite the successes, continued efforts and vigilance are essential to ensure the continued growth of the tiger population and its harmonious coexistence with human communities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monsoon and cropping pattern
Mains level: Monsoon's erratic behavior and its impact on Indian agriculture and food security
What’s the news?
As of July 30, the current month has witnessed a significant 15.7% above-normal rainfall, transforming the cumulative deficit into an overall 6% surplus for the period from June 1 to July 30.
Central idea
The southwest monsoon made a tardy start, arriving seven days late this year, resulting in 52.6% below-normal rainfall during the first two weeks. By the end of June, there was a cumulative deficiency of 10.1%. However, the scenario changed dramatically from the last week of June, as the monsoon recovered remarkably, covering the entire country by July 2—six days ahead of schedule.
The monsoon’s erratic behavior and its impact on agriculture
Delayed Crop Planting: The late arrival of the southwest monsoon raised concerns among farmers about their ability to sow crops on time, potentially affecting overall agricultural productivity.
Uneven Rainfall Distribution:
During the first two weeks of the monsoon, the country experienced a substantial rainfall deficit, with the overall rainfall being 52.6% below the normal long-period average.
Eastern and southern India, except Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, were among the regions that received insufficient rainfall, which can lead to water stress and impact crop growth and yields.
Cumulative Deficiency: By the end of June, the cumulative rainfall deficiency stood at 10.1%. This cumulative deficit further intensified worries about agricultural output and food security, as it could affect the availability of water for crops during crucial growth stages.
Crop Recovery: Despite the abysmal start, the monsoon showed signs of recovery. This turnaround led to increased kharif crop plantings, including rice, which had been lagging behind last year’s levels until mid-July.
Positive Impact on Sowing: The monsoon’s recovery improved sowing conditions for most major agricultural regions, except for certain areas in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, where rainfall remained deficient.
Subsequent Impact on Yields: While the monsoon’s recovery positively impacted crop sowing, the ultimate impact on yields would largely depend on the rainfall during August and September.
El Niño Concerns
The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) in June exceeded the El Niño threshold of 0.5 degrees, reaching 0.8 degrees Celsius.
Many global weather agencies predicted that El Niño would persist and strengthen through the 2023-24 winter.
El Niño’s potential strengthening raised concerns about its impact on India’s monsoon in the coming months, particularly during August.
El Niño is known to suppress rainfall in India, which could lead to a weakening of the monsoon during this crucial period.
A weakened monsoon can adversely affect crop growth, yields, and overall agricultural productivity.
If rainfall activity becomes progressively weaker due to El Niño’s influence, the implications can extend beyond the kharif season and impact the rabi winter-spring crops as well.
Rabi crops, dependent on stored rainwater, might be more vulnerable to a weakened monsoon, leading to potential losses and food production challenges.
Prospects of food security: Food inflation and stock situation
Rice and Wheat Stocks: As of July 1, rice and wheat stocks in government godowns were reported to be at 71.1 million tonnes (mt). This stock level is the lowest in five years for this date.
Impact of the Delayed Monsoon on Rice Planting:
Due to the delayed monsoon, rice acreage initially picked up only after mid-July. It is unclear how much of this acreage is under short-duration varieties (around 125 days from seed to grain maturity).
If the rice belt had received rain on time, farmers might have planted more long-duration varieties (around 150–155 days), which yield higher at about 1–2 tonnes per hectare.
Re-transplanting in Punjab and Haryana: There are reports of farmers in Punjab and Haryana having to undertake paddy re-transplanting in large areas along the Beas, Sutlej, Ghaggar, and Yamuna rivers. This re-transplanting is likely for shorter duration varieties that usually yield less.
Sugar Stocks and Exports: The estimated sugar stocks with mills at the end of September 2023 are projected to be 6.3 mt, a six-year low. The Indian government has already banned exports of sugar to manage domestic supply.
Pulses and Edible Oil:
Among pulses, arhar (pigeon-pea) and urad (black gram) have registered a dip in acreage due to rain deficiency in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. However, Rajasthan is expected to deliver a bumper crop of moong (green gram).
Chana (chickpea) has ample stocks due to government procurement, and masoor (red lentil) is being imported at rates below the government’s minimum support price.
Edible Oil Inflation: Edible oil inflation is likely to remain low, supported by imports projected to exceed 15 mt, a new all-time high, by the end of the current oil year in October 2023.
Milk Production and Prices: The supply of milk is expected to ease with buffalo calvings beginning from August. This will reflect in increased milk production, peaking during the winter and remaining high until next March-April.
Vegetables: Vegetable inflation has been on the rise, contributing to an unacceptably high consumer price index inflation number for July. However, with faster supply responses, vegetable inflation is expected to fall as easily as it rose.
Way forward
Monitor Monsoon Developments: Continuously monitor the progress of the monsoon and its distribution across regions. Timely and accurate weather forecasting can help farmers make informed decisions about crop planting and irrigation.
Crop Diversification: Encourage farmers to diversify their crop choices to reduce dependence on water-intensive crops. Promote the cultivation of climate-resilient crops that require less water and are suitable for specific agro-climatic zones.
Strategic Buffer Stock: Maintain a strategic buffer stock of essential food commodities like rice and wheat to address any temporary supply shortages and stabilize food prices during periods of volatility.
Supply Chain Management: Improve supply chain logistics to ensure smooth transportation and distribution of agricultural produce. This will help prevent post-harvest losses and ensure the timely availability of food in the market.
Price Stabilization Measures: Implement effective price stabilization measures to control food inflation and prevent price volatility. These measures may include regulating exports, imports, and MSP (Minimum Support Price) mechanisms.
Encourage Pulses and Oil seed Production: Provide incentives and support to farmers for increasing pulses and oilseed production. This can reduce the country’s dependence on imports and stabilize prices.
Support the Dairy Sector: Extend support to the dairy sector to enhance milk production and improve the availability of dairy products. This can help stabilize milk prices and ensure food security.
Conclusion
The monsoon’s erratic behavior has impacted crop sowing and food inflation in India. While the recovery has been promising, concerns over El Niño persist, making it vital for the government to monitor the agricultural sector closely and implement appropriate measures to ensure food security.
