Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dengue
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec have applied to the ICMR’s call for Expression of Interest for collaborative Phase-III clinical trials for an indigenous dengue vaccine.
What is Dengue?
|
Details |
| Transmission |
Primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes |
| Virus and Serotypes |
Dengue virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family
Four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4 |
| Symptoms |
High fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, pain behind the eyes, mild bleeding |
| Severe Dengue |
Progression to severe dengue can cause plasma leakage, bleeding, organ impairment |
| Geographic Distribution |
Endemic in more than 100 countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions |
| Incidence and Global Impact |
100-400 million dengue infections occur annually globally, affecting healthcare systems and economies |
| Vector and Breeding Sites |
Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in stagnant water containers found near human dwellings |
| Treatment |
No specific antiviral treatment available; supportive care, rest, fluid intake, symptom management |
| Prevention and Control |
Reduce mosquito breeding sites, proper water storage, cleaning of water containers, use of insecticides |
Dengue Virus Disease and Global Impact
- Dengue virus disease causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, with 2 to 2.5 lakh (200,000 to 250,000) cases reported annually in India.
- The global incidence of dengue has increased dramatically, with over half of the world’s population at risk.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified dengue as one of the top ten global health threats in 2019.
- Currently, there is no specific treatment for dengue, highlighting the urgent need for effective vaccines.
Desirable Characteristics of a Dengue Vaccine
The ICMR highlights the desirable characteristics of a dengue vaccine, including a-
- Favorable safety profile
- Protection against all four serotypes of dengue
- Reduced risk of severe disease and death
- Induction of a sustained immune response and
- Effectiveness regardless of previous sero-status and age
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Merger of Sikkim
Mains level: Not Much
Sikkim Statehood Day
- Sikkim day is annually celebrated on May 16, commemorating the integration of Sikkim with India in 1975.
- The process of Sikkim joining India occurred about two decades after Sardar Vallabbhai Patel led the integration of princely states into India.
Sikkim’s History with the Chogyal Royals
- The kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642 when Phuntsong Namgyal was consecrated as the first ruler or Chogyal.
- Sikkim’s monarchy, under the Namgyal dynasty, lasted for 333 years until its integration with India in 1975.
- Sikkim had a Tibetan origin and was located between India and China. It often faced conflicts over land with Bhutan and Nepal.
- The British saw Sikkim as a buffer state and established a formal relationship with it.
- Various treaties like the Treaty of Tumlong (1861), Treaty of Titaliya (1817), Calcutta Convention (1890), and Lhasa Convention (1904) shaped the relationship between Sikkim and the British.
Independent India and Sikkim
- After India’s independence, princely states had the option to accede to India or Pakistan.
- Sikkim’s unique relationship with British rule led to complexities in its integration with India.
- Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and BN Rau wanted Sikkim to sign the Instrument of Accession to integrate it with India.
- Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged the situation in Sikkim and emphasized its autonomous growth.
- Sikkim State Congress (SSC), Praja Mandal (PM), and Praja Sudharak Samaj (PSS) demanded a popular government, abolition of landlordism, and accession to India.
- A Standstill Agreement was signed to maintain the existing arrangement while discussions continued.
War with China
- Sikkim had a state council with elected and nominated members.
- Political developments in the 1960s and 1970s played a significant role in Sikkim’s status.
- The formation of the Sikkim National Congress (SNC) in 1960 and changes in political leadership on both sides influenced the course of events.
- India-China war of 1962 and containment of border skirmishes made it important to clarify the relationship between India and Sikkim.
How Sikkim finally joined India?
- The Indian leadership started supporting pro-democracy forces in Sikkim, such as Kazi Dorji of the SNC.
- Protests in Sikkim in 1973 led to a tripartite agreement between the Chogyal, the Indian government, and three major political parties.
- Elections were held in 1974, and a new constitution limited the role of the monarch.
- A referendum held in 1975 resulted in a majority vote in favor of joining India.
- The Constitution (Thirty-Sixth Amendment) Bill was passed, recognizing Sikkim as a state in the Union of India.
- Sikkim’s new parliament proposed a bill for Sikkim to become an Indian state, which was accepted by the Indian government.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Worldcoin
Mains level: NA
Central Idea: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly raising $100 million for Worldcoin, a unique cryptocurrency.
What is Worldcoin?
- Worldcoin, co-founded by Altman and Alex Blania in 2019, aims to provide every human being on Earth with a share of its digital token.
- Worldcoin is a crypto project that seeks to establish a global identity and financial network for everyone.
- It utilizes a device called the Orb, which scans people’s irises to verify their uniqueness and humanity.
- Individuals who undergo the iris scan are rewarded with Worldcoin tokens.
- The World App, developed by Worldcoin, enables users to make payments, purchases, and transfers using Worldcoin and other digital assets.
- The project plans to launch in the first half of 2023 and distribute a total of 10 billion tokens, with 80% going to users.
Functioning of Worldcoin
- Worldcoin’s founders aimed to freely distribute shares of the digital token to every person on the planet.
- They envisioned it as a global distribution system for Universal Basic Income and a means to distribute profits generated by AI systems equally among people.
- To ensure fair distribution, Worldcoin utilizes biometric iris scans through the Orb device.
- The Orb scans the iris and converts it into a hash, which is impossible to recreate even if compromised.
- The iris hash and the user’s public key hash are sent to Worldcoin servers, and if the person is new to the system, the hashes are added to the database and the company’s blockchain.
Challenges and criticisms
- Worldcoin faces challenges regarding the accessibility of the Orb and expanding the user database.
- The project plans to incentivize sign-ups by offering coupons or access to loans.
- Concerns exist about the privacy and security of biometric data and potential misuse.
- Questions arise about the feasibility and scalability of reaching unbanked or underbanked populations.
- The value and utility of the Worldcoin token and its competitiveness with other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies are also subject to scrutiny.
Back2Basics: Cryptocurrency
- A cryptocurrency is a digital asset stored on computerised databases.
- These digital coins are recorded in digital ledgers using strong cryptography to keep them secure.
- The ledgers are distributed globally, and each transaction made using cryptocurrencies are codified as blocks.
- And multiple blocks linking each other forms a blockchain on the distributed ledger.
- There are estimated to be more than 47 million cryptocurrency users around the world.
- These cryptocurrencies are created through a process called mining.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: G20, Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)
Mains level: India's G20 presidency and leadership in disaster risk management
Central Idea
- The endorsement of a new working group on disaster risk reduction by the G20, under India’s presidency, presents an opportunity to prioritize disaster risk financing and achieve the targets set by the Sendai framework for 2030. The increasing occurrence of natural and human-made catastrophes globally has highlighted the need for competent financial risk management and insurance.
The Need for Disaster Risk Financing
- Recent years have witnessed a surge in both natural and human-made catastrophes worldwide. Disasters not only exacerbate poverty and hinder development but also generate social polarization.
- Lack of competent financial risk management and insurance has allowed risks to proliferate, causing havoc in society and the economy. Annual disaster losses have a significant impact on low-income economies
The Role of the G20 in Strengthening Financial Risk Management
- Enhancing Risk Understanding and Integration: The G20 can support countries in enhancing their understanding of disaster risks and integrating them into government planning and budget processes. This includes promoting the development and dissemination of risk assessment tools, methodologies, and best practices.
- Strengthening Regulation and Supervision in the Insurance Industry: Effective regulation, legislation, and supervision are crucial for the insurance industry to play a proactive role in managing disaster risks. The G20 can facilitate dialogue and cooperation among regulators and policymakers to establish robust frameworks that ensure fair and transparent insurance practices
- Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships are essential for managing and financing disaster risks effectively. The G20 can foster an enabling environment for partnerships between governments, private sector entities, and financial institutions.
- Shifting from Ex-post to Ex-ante Financing Mechanisms: Traditionally, financial resources for disaster response, recovery, and reconstruction have been mobilized after an event occurs (ex-post financing). The G20 can advocate for a shift towards ex-ante financing mechanisms, where financial resources are pre-arranged and readily available to respond to disasters.
- Encouraging Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction: There is a scarcity of investment in a development-oriented approach that focuses on reducing disaster risks. The G20 can promote investment in disaster risk reduction by raising awareness about the benefits of resilience-building measures and creating incentives for both public and private sectors to allocate resources towards risk reduction initiatives.
What is Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)?
- The Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group is a newly endorsed working group within the G20 that focuses on disaster risk reduction.
- It serves as a platform for member countries to collaborate and share knowledge on effective strategies for managing and reducing disaster risks.
- It aims to address key components of comprehensive financial management strategies for disaster risks, including risk assessment, insurance coverage, financial assistance, and risk transfer mechanisms.
Facts for prelims
What is Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)?
- The CDRI is an international coalition of countries, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic institutions that aim to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure.
- Its objective is to promote research and knowledge sharing in the fields of infrastructure risk management, standards, financing, and recovery mechanisms.
- It was launched by the Indian PM Narendra Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019.
- CDRI’s initial focus is on developing disaster-resilience in ecological, social, and economic infrastructure.
|
Significance of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)
- Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The DRRWG provides a platform for member countries to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in disaster risk reduction. It facilitates collaboration and learning from diverse approaches and methodologies employed by different nations.
- Harmonization and Standardization: The DRRWG promotes harmonization and standardization of definitions, methodologies, and data collection practices related to disaster risk assessment and financing. This improves comparability and enables better analysis and benchmarking of disaster risks across different regions.
- Access to International Markets: By harmonizing definitions and methodologies, the DRRWG helps countries improve access to international (re)insurance markets. Standardized approaches and better data quality enhance the confidence of insurers and reinsurers, facilitating the availability of insurance coverage and risk transfer mechanisms.
- Comprehensive Financial Management Strategies: The DRRWG aims to address all key components of comprehensive financial management strategies for disaster risks. Comprehensive strategies enhance countries’ abilities to manage and reduce disaster risks effectively.
- Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction: The DRRWG emphasizes the importance of investment in disaster risk reduction initiatives. By providing screening criteria for disaster-resilient investments and entities, the DRRWG helps guide investment decisions toward reducing risks and building resilience.
- Global Resilience Building: The efforts of the DRRWG contribute to global resilience-building against disasters. By fostering cooperation, sharing expertise, and promoting best practices, the DRRWG strengthens the collective capacity of member countries to mitigate, manage, and recover from disasters, ultimately enhancing global resilience.
How India can guide G20’s disaster management initiatives?
- Setting the Agenda: India, as the G20 president, can prioritize disaster management on the agenda of G20 meetings and discussions. By emphasizing the importance of disaster resilience and risk reduction, India can ensure that member countries address these issues at the highest level of international cooperation.
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: India can lead efforts to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among G20 member countries in the field of disaster management. This can involve organizing workshops, training programs, and conferences to promote the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches.
- Policy Advocacy: India can advocate for policy measures that strengthen disaster management capabilities. This includes encouraging the adoption of robust regulatory frameworks, promoting risk-based approaches, and supporting the integration of disaster risk reduction into national development plans and policies.
- Financial Commitments: As the G20 president, India can encourage member countries to allocate financial resources towards disaster risk reduction and resilience-building initiatives. By highlighting the economic and social benefits of such investments, India can mobilize support for increased funding and financing mechanisms for disaster management.
- Public-Private Partnerships: India can promote partnerships between governments and the private sector to enhance disaster management efforts. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, technologies, and resources, India can facilitate the development of innovative solutions and strengthen resilience across sectors.
- International Cooperation: India can leverage its position as G20 president to strengthen international cooperation in disaster management. This involves collaborating with other international organizations, regional bodies, and stakeholders to coordinate efforts, share data and information, and foster a collective response to global disaster risks.
Conclusion
- Prioritizing disaster risk financing within the G20, under India’s presidency, presents an opportunity to convert intentions into investment opportunities. India’s experience in dealing with natural disasters positions it to lead in disaster risk management.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DNA analysis applications
Mains level: DNA analysis in criminal investigations and and issues
Central Idea
- The recent judgments by the Supreme Court have raised concerns about the admissibility of DNA reports as conclusive evidence in criminal cases. Highlighting issues of suspicion, lack of examination of underlying findings, and reliable application of techniques, the Court has emphasized the need to establish a robust framework for the acceptance of DNA analysis.
What is DNA analysis?
- DNA analysis, also known as DNA profiling or DNA testing, is a scientific method used to identify and analyze genetic material present in an individual’s cells.
- It involves examining specific regions of DNA to create a unique DNA profile for identification purposes.
- DNA analysis is widely used in forensic investigations, paternity testing, ancestry research, and other fields where genetic identification is required.
Facts for prelims: Basics
| Characteristic |
DNA |
RNA |
| Structure |
Double-stranded |
Single-stranded |
| Sugar |
Deoxyribose |
Ribose |
| Bases |
Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) |
Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) |
| Base Pairing |
A-T, C-G |
A-U, C-G |
| Primary Function |
Stores genetic information |
Transfers and expresses genetic information, protein synthesis |
| Types of RNA |
Not applicable |
Messenger RNA (mRNA), Transfer RNA (tRNA), Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) |
| Presence in Viruses |
Yes |
Yes |
| Stability |
Relatively stable |
More prone to degradation |
The process of DNA analysis
- Sample Collection: Biological samples such as blood, saliva, semen, hair, or tissues are collected from the individual or the crime scene.
- DNA Extraction: The collected sample undergoes a process of DNA extraction, which involves isolating the DNA from other cellular components.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is used to amplify specific regions of the DNA. This technique allows the production of numerous copies of the targeted DNA sequences.
- Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Analysis: STR analysis is performed by examining specific regions of DNA called short tandem repeats. These regions consist of repeating DNA sequences that vary in length among individuals. The number of repeats at each STR locus is determined and used to create a DNA profile.
- Electrophoresis: The amplified DNA fragments are separated by size using a technique called electrophoresis. The DNA fragments are placed in a gel matrix and subjected to an electric current, causing them to migrate through the gel. This process separates the DNA fragments based on their sizes.
- DNA Profile Generation: The separated DNA fragments are visualized, and the resulting pattern is captured as an individual’s DNA profile. The DNA profile consists of a series of bands corresponding to the sizes of the amplified STR regions.
- Comparison and Interpretation: The generated DNA profile is compared to known reference samples, such as those from suspects or victims. The comparison is used to determine if there is a match or exclusion. Statistical calculations, such as the random match probability (RMP), may be used to assess the significance of the match.
Role of DNA analysis in criminal investigations
- Identification: DNA analysis is used to identify individuals involved in a crime. By comparing DNA profiles from crime scene samples to reference samples, such as those collected from suspects or victims, investigators can establish or exclude a person’s presence at the crime scene.
- Linking Suspects to Crime Scenes: DNA evidence can be compared to a suspect’s DNA profile to determine if they were present at the crime scene. If a match is found, it provides strong evidence connecting the suspect to the crime.
- Exclusion of Innocent Individuals: DNA analysis can be used to exclude individuals who are not connected to a crime. If a DNA profile from the crime scene does not match a suspect’s DNA, it can help establish their innocence.
- Cold Case Investigations: DNA analysis has been instrumental in solving cold cases where conventional evidence has been limited. Revisiting old DNA samples or re-analyzing evidence using advanced techniques can lead to the identification of previously unknown suspects or the exoneration of wrongly convicted individuals.
- Establishing Biological Relationships: DNA analysis is employed in cases involving missing persons, unidentified bodies, and disputed paternity or maternity claims. By comparing DNA profiles, investigators can determine familial relationships or confirm parentage.
- Sexual Assault Cases: DNA analysis is particularly significant in sexual assault cases. DNA evidence collected from the crime scene, victim, or perpetrator can provide crucial information for identifying and convicting the offender.
- Decoding Crime Scene Evidence: DNA analysis can help decipher complex crime scene evidence. By analyzing DNA profiles from different sources, such as mixed DNA samples, touch DNA, or degraded DNA, forensic experts can unravel critical information about the sequence of events and potential contributors.
- Corroboration of Witness Testimony: DNA evidence can corroborate or challenge witness testimony. When witness accounts are in question, DNA analysis can provide objective evidence to support or refute their claims.
Critical Examination of DNA Reports
- In recent judgments, such as Rahul v. State of Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs (2022) and Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2022), the Supreme Court has raised concerns about the reliability and admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
- Rahul v. State of Delhi:
- In Rahul v. State of Delhi, the Court expressed reservations about the reliability of DNA evidence based on the suspicion surrounding the collection and sealing of samples sent for examination.
- Despite a match result and other findings, the Court acquitted all three individuals accused of rape and murder.
- Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh:
- In Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh, the Court identified the likelihood of contamination in the DNA analysis due to the absence of mentioning the random occurrence ratio.
- The Court emphasized the importance of considering the statistical ratio or ‘random match probability’ (RMP), which indicates the frequency of a particular DNA profile in a population. The lack of mention of RMP led to the exclusion of the DNA evidence in this case.
Concerns over the admissibility of DNA reports
- Reliability of Techniques: The Court has questioned whether the techniques used in DNA analysis were reliably applied. It is crucial to ensure that the methods employed are scientifically sound and that the experts conducting the analysis possess the necessary expertise.
- Examination of Underlying Findings: The Court has criticized the failure of trial courts and higher courts to examine the underlying basis of the findings in DNA reports. It is essential to scrutinize the methodology, procedures, and conclusions drawn from the analysis to determine the accuracy and reliability of the results.
- Chain of Custody: The Court has expressed concerns about the integrity of DNA samples and their handling throughout the chain of custody. Proper documentation and maintenance of the chain of custody are vital to establish the authenticity and reliability of the evidence.
- Possibility of Contamination: Contamination of DNA samples can significantly impact the reliability and accuracy of the analysis. The Court has highlighted instances where contamination may have occurred, such as improper collection, storage, or handling of samples.
- Random Occurrence Ratio (RMP): The Court has emphasized the importance of including the random occurrence ratio or RMP in DNA reports.
Way ahead
- Standardized Guidelines: Establish standardized guidelines for DNA analysis in forensic laboratories, including protocols for sample collection, handling, storage, and analysis. These guidelines should encompass best practices to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the integrity of DNA evidence.
- Quality Control Measures: Implement rigorous quality control measures in DNA analysis processes. This includes regular proficiency testing, accreditation of forensic laboratories, and adherence to international quality standards.
- Chain of Custody: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a proper chain of custody for DNA samples. Accurate documentation and strict adherence to protocols will help ensure the integrity and admissibility of DNA evidence in court.
- Research and Technological Advancements: Encourage research and development in the field of DNA analysis to further enhance the reliability and accuracy of techniques. Explore emerging technologies, methodologies, and advancements in forensic genetics that can improve the analysis of DNA evidence.
- Expert Testimony: Enhance the understanding of DNA analysis among legal professionals, judges, and juries. Training programs and workshops can help educate stakeholders about the principles, limitations, and significance of DNA evidence. This will facilitate better comprehension and assessment of DNA reports during legal proceedings.
- Collaboration and Peer Review: Foster collaboration among forensic laboratories, DNA experts, and legal professionals to promote knowledge sharing and peer review. This will help maintain high standards of DNA analysis and ensure continuous improvement in the field.
Conclusion
- Despite recent concerns, DNA analysis continues to be a valuable tool in criminal cases. By addressing the raised issues through standardized guidelines, quality control, and improved understanding, the admissibility and reliability of DNA reports can be enhanced, contributing to a fair administration of justice.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SHW Act
Mains level: Women saftet at workplace
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court of India has identified “serious lapses” and “uncertainty” in the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act).
- It has directed the Union, States, and UTs to verify the formation of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) in government bodies and ensure strict adherence to the Act’s composition requirements.
What is the POSH Act?
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was passed in 2013.
- It defined sexual harassment, lay down the procedures for a complaint and inquiry, and the action to be taken.
- It broadened the Vishakha Guidelines, which were already in place.
What are Vishakha Guidelines?
- The Vishakha guidelines were laid down by the Supreme Court in a judgment in 1997. This was in a case filed by women’s rights groups, one of which was Vishakha.
- In 1992, she had prevented the marriage of a one-year-old girl, leading to the alleged gangrape in an act of revenge.
Guidelines and the law
- The Vishakha guidelines, which were legally binding, defined sexual harassment and imposed three key obligations on institutions :
- Prohibition
- Prevention
- Redress
- The Supreme Court directed that they should establish a Complaints Committee, which would look into matters of sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
The POSH Act broadened these guidelines:
- It mandated that every employer must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each office or branch with 10 or more employees.
- It lay down procedures and defined various aspects of sexual harassment, including the aggrieved victim, who could be a woman “of any age whether employed or not”, who “alleges to have been subjected to any act of sexual harassment”.
- This meant that the rights of all women working or visiting any workplace, in any capacity, were protected under the Act.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Under the 2013 law, sexual harassment includes “any one or more” of the following “unwelcome acts or behaviour” committed directly or by implication:
- Physical contact and advances
- A demand or request for sexual favours
- Sexually coloured remarks
- Showing pornography
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has published a Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace with more detailed instances of behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace. These include, broadly:
- Sexually suggestive remarks or innuendos; serious or repeated offensive remarks; inappropriate questions or remarks about a person’s sex life
- Display of sexist or offensive pictures, posters, MMS, SMS, WhatsApp, or emails
- Intimidation, threats, blackmail around sexual favours; also, threats, intimidation or retaliation against an employee who speaks up about these
- Unwelcome social invitations with sexual overtones, commonly seen as flirting
- Unwelcome sexual advances.
Unwelcome behavior
- The Handbook says “unwelcome behaviour” is experienced when the victim feels bad or powerless; it causes anger/sadness or negative self-esteem.
- It adds unwelcome behaviour is one which is “illegal, demeaning, invading, one-sided and power based”.
Circumstances amounting to SHW
The Act mentions five circumstances that amount to sexual harassment implied or explicit:
- Promise of preferential treatment in her employment
- Threat of detrimental treatment
- Threat about her present or future employment status
- Interference with her work or creating an offensive or hostile work environment
- Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety
Procedure for complaint
|
Description |
| Filing a complaint |
Aggrieved victim has the option to file a complaint with the ICC, but it is not compulsory for the ICC to act. |
| Assistance in filing a complaint |
Any member of the ICC must provide reasonable assistance to the victim in filing a written complaint. |
| Filing a complaint on behalf of the victim |
If the victim is unable to file a complaint due to incapacity, death, or other reasons, her legal heir may file it on her behalf. |
| Time limit for filing a complaint |
Complaint must be made within 3 months from the date of the incident |
| Extension of time limit |
ICC has the authority |
| Monetary settlement and conciliation |
Yes |
| Forwarding complaint or initiating an inquiry |
Must be completed within 90 days. |
| Confidentiality of information |
Act ensures the confidentiality of the woman’s identity, respondent’s identity, inquiry details, recommendations, and actions taken |
Requirements imposed on employers
|
Description |
| Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) |
Employers with more than 10 employees must establish an ICC to address sexual harassment complaints. |
| Composition of ICC |
The ICC must include women employees, another employee, and a third-party member familiar with sexual harassment issues. |
| Local Committee (LC) for smaller organizations |
Organizations with fewer than 10 employees must create an LC to receive complaints from the informal sector. |
| Complaint filing process |
Women can file written complaints to either the ICC or LC within three to six months of the incident. |
| Resolution methods |
The Act provides two resolution methods: conciliation between the parties involved or conducting an inquiry by the committee. |
| Annual audit report |
Employers must file an annual audit report on sexual harassment complaints and take responsibility for conducting workshops, awareness programs, and orientation for ICC members. |
| Non-compliance penalties |
Non-compliance with the Act can result in penalties, including fines. |
Hurdles to the Act’s Implementation
|
Description |
| Inadequate constitution of ICCs |
Improper constitution of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) with inadequate members or absence of mandatory external members. |
| Lack of accountability |
Unclear specification of responsibilities for ensuring compliance with the Act, leading to ineffective enforcement. |
| Inaccessibility for informal sector workers |
Limited accessibility of the law for women in the informal sector, comprising a significant portion of the female workforce. |
| Underreporting of sexual harassment cases |
Significant underreporting of cases due to fear of repercussions, power dynamics, and lack of awareness about the process. |
| Reliance on evidence and due process |
Excessive reliance on concrete evidence, discouraging victims from coming forward and potential penalties during inquiries. |
| Lack of clarity in conducting inquiries |
Lack of clarity in inquiry procedures, resulting in confusion and inefficiency in addressing sexual harassment cases. |
Recent concerns and directions from the Supreme Court
|
Description |
| “Serious lapses” and “uncertainty” in implementation |
Supreme Court expressed concerns about the implementation of the PoSH Act, citing serious lapses and uncertainty in its enforcement. |
| Verification of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) |
It directed to verify the formation of ICCs in government bodies. |
| Strict adherence to composition requirements |
Emphasis was placed on ensuring strict adherence to the Act’s composition requirements for ICCs. |
| Inadequate constitution of ICCs |
The Court highlighted the issue of improperly constituted ICCs, including the absence of mandatory external members. |
| Proactive approach for enforcement |
A proactive approach from both State and non-State actors was called for in enforcing the Act. |
| Publication of committee details |
Directions were given to publish committee details on websites within a specified timeframe. |
| Ensuring a safe and respectful workplace |
The importance of providing a safe and secure workplace, ensuring the dignity and respect women deserve, was emphasized. |
| Accountability and effective enforcement |
The Court’s directions aimed to ensure accountability and effective enforcement of the PoSH Act. |
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Adopt a Heritage Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Private firms, companies, and public sector units can adopt and maintain State-owned archaeological sites or monuments through agreements with the Union Ministry of Culture.
- These businesses are referred to as “Monument Mitras” under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme.
Adopt a Heritage scheme
- The ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ scheme is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Launched in September 2017, it aims to develop selected monuments and heritage sites across India with the participation of public and private entities.
- The scheme focuses on providing and maintaining basic amenities, improving accessibility, cleanliness, illumination, and advanced facilities like surveillance systems and night-viewing facilities.
Selection and Adoption Process
- Sites/monuments are selected based on tourist footfall and visibility, and they can be adopted by private and public sector companies and individuals known as “Monument Mitras.”
- The Oversight and Vision Committee, co-chaired by the Tourism Secretary and the Culture Secretary, selects the Monument Mitras based on their vision for developing the site.
- No financial bid is involved in the selection process, and corporate entities are expected to use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for the upkeep of the site.
- The adopted sites provide limited visibility to the Monument Mitras on the premises and on the Incredible India website.
- The oversight committee has the authority to terminate the memorandum of understanding in case of non-compliance or non-performance.
Previous Initiatives and Controversy
- The government previously formed the National Culture Fund and initiated the ‘Campaign Clean India’ scheme to involve the corporate sector in maintaining tourist sites.
- The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme faced controversy when it was reported that Dalmia Bharat, under a MoU, would build infrastructure and maintain the Red Fort.
- Critics argued that the involvement of private parties in iconic monuments raised concerns about the preservation of India’s heritage.
- The government defended the scheme, stating that it aimed to increase tourist footfall and improve the maintenance of sites.
Perils and Challenges of the Scheme
- Diminishing role of ASI: The scheme sidelines the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and disregards established guidelines for presenting excavated objects.
- Undue commercialization: Allowing businesses to occupy prime public land and build their brands can further diminish the grounds around iconic monuments.
- Demographic impacts: The involvement of big businesses in guided tours and illumination of monuments may impact local communities and their livelihoods.
- Disregarding historical preservation: Concerns arise about businesses altering the historical character of monuments not protected by the ASI or located in states without Archaeology Directorates.
Govt intention behind the scheme
- Businesses can help citizens understand why monuments matter: This can be done by earmarking CSR funds for grants for researching, writing, and publishing high-quality textbooks, and developing imaginative and effective ways of teaching history.
- Skillful conservation: Industrial houses can support the meaningful conservation of heritage buildings by looking within through their CSR.
- Collaborative efforts: The private sector’s resources and expertise may also help the ASI and State Archaeology Directorates to secure monuments from dams, mining projects, defacement, and looting.
- Cultural contribution: By embracing principles of historical preservation, businesses and organizations can showcase India’s progress in safeguarding its pluralistic heritage and inspire citizen participation in this endeavour.
Way ahead
- Transparent selection process: Implement a fair and transparent process for selecting entities or Monument Mitras to adopt heritage sites, ensuring accountability and avoiding favoritism.
- Robust monitoring mechanism: Develop a strong monitoring system to ensure that the adopted sites are maintained and developed according to the agreed-upon standards and guidelines.
- Preservation protocols: Strictly adhere to preservation guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other relevant authorities to protect the historical and cultural integrity of heritage sites.
- Engagement with local communities: Involve local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes, encouraging their participation, ownership, and contribution to the conservation efforts.
- Sustainable tourism practices: Promote sustainable tourism practices that minimize the environmental impact, respect the local culture and heritage, and provide socio-economic benefits to the communities living around the heritage sites.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Scammers are using silicone thumbs to operate biometric POS devices and ATMs, draining users’ bank accounts.
- Incidents of Aadhaar-linked fingerprint misuse and unauthorized withdrawals have been reported.
What is AePS?
|
Details |
| What is it? |
Enables online financial transactions using Aadhaar authentication, eliminating the need for OTPs and other details. |
| Supported transactions |
Cash deposit, withdrawal, balance inquiry, and fund transfer can be done with just the bank name, Aadhaar number, and fingerprint. |
| Default activation |
AePS may be enabled by default for most bank account holders when Aadhaar is linked to their account. |
| Mandatory linking for benefits and subsidies |
Users seeking benefits or subsidies under Aadhaar Act schemes must link their Aadhaar number with their bank account. |
Issues AePS
- Data breaches: These have been reported, although UIDAI denies breaching Aadhaar data.
- Information Leak: Criminals can obtain Aadhaar numbers from photocopies and soft copies, using Aadhaar-enabled payment systems to breach user information.
Securing Aadhaar
- Regulation: UIDAI proposes regulations to prevent sharing of Aadhaar details without redaction.
- New two-factor authentication: This combines finger minutiae and image capture for fingerprint liveness.
- Locking Aadhaar Online: Aadhaar can be locked using the UIDAI website or the myAadhaar app. Locking generates a 16-digit VID code needed for unlocking.
- Zero Liability: Customers’ entitlement to zero liability arises if unauthorized transactions are reported to the bank within three working days.
Way forward
- Immediately lock Aadhaar biometric information if suspicious activity occurs.
- Inform banks and authorities promptly to initiate necessary actions.
- Timely reporting ensures the possibility of returning money transferred fraudulently.
- Regularly check bank accounts for any suspicious activity and inform the banking institution promptly.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meri LiFE Mera Swachh Shehar
Mains level: LiFE Initiative
Central Idea: The Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’ campaign.
Meri LiFE Mera Swachh Shehar
- The campaign focuses on waste management and promotes the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR).
- It aims to create awareness and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable daily habits for environmental protection.
- The campaign strengthens citizens’ commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
- It aligns with Mission LiFE’s objective of adopting sustainable daily habits for environmental conservation.
Objectives of the Campaign
- The campaign involves setting up RRR Centres where citizens can contribute items such as clothes, shoes, books, toys, and plastic for reuse or recycling.
- The collected items will be refurbished or transformed into new products, aligning with the vision of a circular economy.
- The RRR approach empowers craftsmen, recyclers, Self Help Groups, entrepreneurs, and startups to convert waste into various products.
Key initiatives: RRR Centres and Circular Economy
- The RRR Centres to be launched nationwide will serve as one-stop collection centers for various unused or used items.
- Citizens, institutions, and commercial enterprises can deposit plastic items, clothes, shoes, books, and toys at these centers.
- The collected items will be refurbished for reuse or transformed into new products, promoting the government’s vision of a circular economy.
Back2Basics: Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)
- The LiFE movement was introduced by India during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
- It aims to promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle that emphasizes mindful and deliberate utilization rather than mindless and wasteful consumption.
- The movement seeks to replace the prevailing “use-and-dispose” economy with a circular economy characterized by conscious and deliberate consumption.
- The objective of the LiFE Movement is to leverage the power of social networks to influence social norms related to climate change.
- It plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals known as ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3) who are committed to adopting and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles.
- Through the P3 community, the mission aims to establish an ecosystem that supports and sustains environmentally friendly behaviours.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has achieved a milestone with the signing of the 250th contract.
- The first contract under Mission DefSpace and the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract were signed on May 15.
What is Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)?
- IDEX is a government initiative launched in April 2018.
- Its objective is to contribute to the modernization of the Defence Industry.
- The initiative focuses on promoting innovation and technology development in the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
- Industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, are engaged under iDEX.
- IDEX provides funding and support to these industries to carry out Research & Development activities.
- The Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) funds and manages IDEX, serving as its executive arm.
Key achievements of IDEX
- The first IDEX contract of Mission DefSpace was exchanged between officials of the MoD and InspeCity, a winner of the challenge for developing a micro propulsion system for CubeSats.
- InspeCity is working on a gas-based compact micro propulsion system that can be integrated with satellites, including the CubeSat swarm under Mission DefSpace.
- IDEX has received over 7,500 applications from individual innovators, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and startups.
- The initiative has generated thousands of jobs and attracted India’s talent back to the country.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Unpaid Care Work and women's crucial contribution and need for changing societal attitudes
Central Idea
- Unpaid care work, predominantly performed by women, plays a crucial role in the well-being of families and contributes significantly to a country’s economy. However, it often goes unrecognized and undervalued, leading to gender inequality and economic implications. On this Mother’s day and beyond it is necessary to introspect and change the attitudes towards the women’s role of essential well being.
The Importance of Unpaid Care Work
- Daily chores essential for their well-being: Unpaid care work encompasses daily chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and tending to the needs of family members, which are essential for their well-being.
- Crucial contribution: It accounts for a substantial portion of a country’s GDP, ranging from 10 to 39 percent according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and 7.5 percent in India, as per the State Bank of India report.
Implications of Unpaid Care Work
- Gender Inequality: Unpaid care work reinforces traditional gender roles and perpetuates gender inequality. The unequal distribution of caregiving and domestic responsibilities limits women’s opportunities for education, employment, and advancement, creating a cycle of economic and social disadvantage.
- Economic Invisibility: Unpaid care work is often invisible in economic systems and measurements, such as GDP calculations. This invisibility devalues the contributions of caregivers and neglects the economic significance of care work, leading to an underestimation of women’s economic contributions.
- Economic Loss and Reduced Income: The time and energy spent on unpaid care work can limit women’s ability to engage in paid employment or pursue economic opportunities. This leads to reduced income potential and financial dependence, contributing to income inequality between men and women.
- Limited Time for Personal Development: The significant time and effort devoted to unpaid care work leave women with limited time for personal development, education, skills training, and leisure activities. This constrains their ability to pursue individual goals and self-fulfillment.
- Health and Well-being: The burden of unpaid care work can have adverse effects on women’s physical and mental health. The constant juggling of caregiving responsibilities, household chores, and other duties can lead to stress, fatigue, and burnout, negatively impacting well-being.
- Education and Professional Advancement: The unequal distribution of care work can hinder women’s educational opportunities and limit their ability to pursue higher education or career advancement. This perpetuates a cycle of limited professional growth and fewer leadership roles for women.
- Workforce Gender Gap: Unpaid care work affects women’s participation in the formal labor force. The time constraints and caregiving responsibilities make it challenging for women to engage in paid employment, contributing to the gender gap in workforce participation and representation.
- Social and Intergenerational Impact: The gendered division of unpaid care work can reinforce traditional gender norms and perpetuate inequality across generations. Children growing up in households where women bear the majority of care work may internalize and replicate these gendered roles in their own lives.
- Policy and Societal Implications: The undervaluation and invisibility of unpaid care work hinder the formulation of effective policies and social structures that support caregivers. Lack of recognition and support can perpetuate gender inequality and limit progress towards gender-responsive policies and systems.
Gendered Division of Labor: Reasons and impact
- Historical and Cultural Norms: Deeply ingrained historical and cultural norms shape societal expectations regarding gender roles. Traditional gender norms often dictate that women should be primarily responsible for caregiving and domestic chores, while men are expected to engage in paid work outside the home.
- Gender Stereotypes and Expectations: Stereotypical beliefs about men’s and women’s inherent abilities and inclinations influence societal expectations regarding work and family responsibilities. Stereotypes portraying women as nurturing, emotional, and inclined towards caregiving, and men as strong, assertive, and suited for paid employment, contribute to the gendered division of labor.
- Economic Factors and Structural Inequality: Structural inequalities in the labor market, such as gender wage gaps and limited opportunities for women’s advancement, create economic barriers for women. The undervaluation of traditionally female-dominated sectors contributes to the devaluation of women’s labor and reinforces the gendered division of labor.
- Socialization and Education: Socialization processes from an early age play a crucial role in shaping gender roles and expectations. Children are often socialized into specific gender roles through various channels, including family, education, media, and peer influences.
- Family Dynamics and Household Responsibilities: Within the family unit women are frequently assigned the bulk of caregiving and domestic tasks, regardless of their employment status. Unequal distribution of household chores and caregiving responsibilities creates a cycle where women’s time and energy are disproportionately dedicated to unpaid work, limiting their opportunities for paid employment and career advancement.
- Power Dynamics and Patriarchy: Patriarchy grants men greater authority and control over resources, while women’s labor is often devalued and overlooked. These power dynamics reinforce traditional gender roles and limit women’s ability to challenge or negotiate their participation in different spheres of life, including work and family.
Way ahead: Need for Redefining Societal Attitudes
- Recognizing the Value of Care Work: Unpaid care work is essential for the well-being and functioning of families and societies. It is important to acknowledge and value the contributions of caregivers, particularly women, as their work has significant economic, social, and emotional implications.
- Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Societal attitudes often reinforce traditional gender roles, where caregiving is seen as primarily women’s responsibility. Redefining attitudes involves challenging these stereotypes and promoting the idea that caregiving should be shared by all members of the family, regardless of their gender.
- Promoting Gender Equality: Redefining societal attitudes towards care work is crucial for promoting gender equality. It involves recognizing that caregiving is not solely a woman’s duty but a shared responsibility between partners, families, and society as a whole.
- Empowering Women: By redefining societal attitudes, women can be empowered to pursue their educational, professional, and personal aspirations. When the burden of unpaid care work is shared more equitably, women have the opportunity to participate fully in the workforce, contribute to economic growth, and exercise their rights and choices.
- Breaking the Cycle of Gendered Division of Labor: Redefining societal attitudes helps break the cycle of gendered division of labor, where women are primarily responsible for unpaid care work. It encourages men to take an active role in caregiving, fostering a more balanced and equitable distribution of responsibilities within households.
- Creating Supportive Environments: Redefining societal attitudes also involves creating supportive environments that facilitate and value caregiving responsibilities. This includes workplace policies that enable work-life balance, access to affordable and quality childcare facilities, and social systems that recognize and support caregivers.
- Building Inclusive and Progressive Societies: Societal attitudes towards care work reflect broader social norms and values. By redefining these attitudes, societies can become more inclusive, progressive, and equitable, where the contributions of all individuals, irrespective of their gender or caregiving roles, are valued and respected.
Conclusion
- On Mother’s Day and beyond, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the work done by women, transcending the singular role of mothers or caregivers. Collective efforts are needed to challenge and change societal attitudes that neglect the rights of women and perpetuate gender inequality.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Inflation and challenges overall food and nutrition security
Central Idea
- India’s recent decline in consumer price index (CPI) inflation and food price inflation has brought a degree of comfort to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, the challenge lies in managing inflation while aiming for a GDP growth of 6 to 6.5 percent in FY24. Collaborative efforts between the RBI and the Government of India are crucial to achieving this twin objective.
Current Inflation Scenario
- The CPI inflation for April 2023 stood at 4.7 percent, with food price inflation even lower at 3.84 percent.
- Maintaining overall inflation below 5 percent and GDP growth above 6 percent throughout the year would be a commendable achievement.
Importance of Managing Food Inflation
- Managing food inflation is crucial due to its significant weightage in the consumer price index (CPI) basket in India. The food and beverages component holds the highest weightage of 45.86% among G20 countries.
- Food inflation directly impacts the cost of living for the general population, particularly vulnerable sections that spend a significant portion of their income on food.
- High food inflation can lead to increased household expenses, lower purchasing power, and a decline in the overall standard of living.
- Food inflation can also have social and political implications, as rising food prices can cause public unrest and dissatisfaction.
- Effective management of food inflation contributes to maintaining price stability, ensuring food affordability, and supporting macroeconomic stability.
Implications of Monsoon Season
- Agricultural Production: The monsoon is crucial for agricultural production as it provides the majority of the water needed for irrigation. A normal or above-normal monsoon season supports adequate water availability, leading to higher crop yields and increased agricultural output. Conversely, a below-normal monsoon can lead to drought-like conditions, affecting crop productivity and agricultural incomes.
- Food Prices: The monsoon significantly influences food production, particularly for rain-fed crops. Insufficient rainfall can lead to lower agricultural output, resulting in reduced supplies and higher food prices. Inadequate monsoon rains can impact staple crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds, leading to inflationary pressures on food prices.
- Rural Economy: As agriculture plays a vital role in the rural economy, the monsoon directly impacts rural livelihoods and income levels. A good monsoon season can boost rural incomes, increase agricultural employment opportunities, and stimulate rural consumption. Conversely, a poor monsoon can lead to income losses, lower agricultural wages, and reduced rural demand.
- Hydroelectric Power Generation: The monsoon contributes to water reservoirs, which are essential for hydroelectric power generation. Adequate rainfall ensures sufficient water levels in reservoirs, supporting electricity generation from hydroelectric plants. Inadequate monsoon rains can result in lower water levels, impacting power generation and potentially leading to electricity shortages.
- Groundwater Recharge: The monsoon plays a crucial role in replenishing groundwater levels. Adequate rainfall helps recharge aquifers, which are vital sources of water for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use. Insufficient monsoon rains can lead to depleted groundwater levels, affecting agriculture, water availability, and overall water security.
- Economic Growth: The performance of the agricultural sector, influenced by the monsoon, has implications for overall economic growth. Agriculture contributes significantly to India’s GDP and employment. A good monsoon season can stimulate rural demand, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to higher economic growth. Conversely, a poor monsoon can dampen agricultural output, impacting overall economic performance.
- Fiscal Impact: The monsoon season also has implications for government finances. Adequate rainfall supports agricultural production and reduces the need for government interventions such as subsidies or price support measures. In contrast, a poor monsoon can strain government resources, necessitating increased spending on irrigation infrastructure, relief measures, or support to affected farmers.
What are the challenges in milk inflation?
- Supply-side Factors: Milk inflation is influenced by supply-side dynamics. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, including drought or floods, can impact the availability of fodder and water for cattle, leading to reduced milk production. Any disruptions in the supply chain, such as transportation issues or logistical challenges, can also affect the supply of milk and contribute to inflationary pressures.
- Disease Outbreaks: Disease outbreaks among cattle, such as lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease, or other health issues, can affect milk production. These outbreaks may result in a decrease in the number of healthy and productive cattle, leading to a decline in milk output and subsequently driving up milk prices.
- Fodder Prices: The cost of animal feed, such as fodder, plays a significant role in milk production costs. Fluctuations in fodder prices can impact the overall cost of maintaining dairy cattle. If fodder prices increase due to factors like supply-demand imbalances, weather conditions, or changes in agricultural practices, it can contribute to higher milk prices.
- Input Costs: Various input costs involved in milk production, such as labor, veterinary services, and energy costs, can affect the overall cost structure. Increases in input costs, including wages, veterinary medicines, or energy prices, can exert upward pressure on milk prices.
- Import Dependence: In some cases, countries may rely on milk imports to meet domestic demand. If the import costs increase due to factors like changes in international prices, trade policies, or exchange rate fluctuations, it can contribute to higher domestic milk prices.
- Market Structure and Competition: The market structure and competition within the dairy industry can impact milk prices. If the market is concentrated with a limited number of dominant players, it may lead to less competition, allowing suppliers to exercise greater pricing power. This can contribute to higher milk prices for consumers.
- Government Policies and Regulations: Government policies and regulations related to milk production, procurement, and pricing can influence milk inflation. Policies such as subsidies, import restrictions, quality standards, or pricing mechanisms can affect the overall supply-demand dynamics and pricing in the milk market
Way ahead
- Focus on buffer stocking policy: To tackle cereal inflation, using the buffer stocking policy more proactively is important. Unloading excess stocks in open market operations can be an effective tool in managing cereal inflation.
- Preemptive policy actions: It is important to implement policy actions in a preemptive manner rather than being reactive to events. This includes timely unloading of excess stocks and adjusting import duties to maintain price stability.
- Monitor and address external shocks: Given that food price inflation can be triggered by external shocks like droughts and supply chain disruptions, it is crucial to closely monitor such factors and take appropriate measures to mitigate their impact.
- Strengthen milk production: To address milk inflation, efforts should be made to address factors like the lumpy skin disease and high fodder prices that have strained milk production. Policies supporting the growth and sustainability of the milk industry should be implemented.
- Lower import duties on fat and skimmed milk powder (SMP): By reducing import duties to around 10 to 15 percent, there could be an increase in imports of fat and SMP, which may help in controlling milk and milk product prices.
Conclusion
- By effectively managing inflation, implementing proactive policies, and fostering collaboration between the RBI and the Government of India, India can navigate the challenges of inflation management, ensure economic stability, and promote sustainable development in critical sectors.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trade agreements
Mains level: RCEP and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and possible implications for India
Central Idea
- India’s recent shift from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has raised questions about the motivations behind this decision and the potential implications for the country.
What is Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?
- RCEP is a trade agreement involving 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, namely the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam — as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
- RCEP is aimed at creating a regional free trade area, covering a significant portion of the global economy. It is considered one of the largest trade agreements in the world in terms of population, GDP, and trade volume.
- The RCEP negotiations began in 2012 and were concluded in November 2020. The agreement is seen as a significant development in regional trade integration, particularly in light of rising protectionism and uncertainties in the global trading system.
What is Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)?
- The IPEF is an economic framework proposed by the United States as an alternative or complement to RCEP.
- The purpose of the IPEF is to promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment among participating countries in the Indo-Pacific region, with the United States taking a leading role.
- The article highlights that the IPEF focuses on non-tariff areas such as intellectual property, services, investment, domestic regulations, digitalization, labor, and environmental standards.
- Unlike traditional trade deals that primarily address tariffs, the IPEF seems to emphasize these broader aspects of economic integration.
Potential reasons for India’s shift from the RCEP to the IPEF
- Strategic Partnership with the United States: India’s top foreign policy priority is to develop a strategic partnership with the United States. The shift to the IPEF may reflect India’s desire to align itself more closely with the United States and its Indo-Pacific strategy.
- Deteriorating Relationship with China: India’s relationship with China has further deteriorated. The decision to join the IPEF could be seen as a way for India to distance itself from China and align with countries that share similar economic and strategic interests.
- Economic Concerns: India may have had concerns about the potential impact of the RCEP on its manufacturing sector. The fear of cheap Chinese goods flooding the Indian market might have influenced India’s decision to explore alternative economic frameworks like the IPEF.
- Non-Tariff Issues and Economic Interests: The IPEF’s focus on non-tariff areas such as intellectual property, services, investment, and digital economy might align more closely with India’s economic interests. By joining the IPEF, India may seek to address these issues and negotiate agreements that are more favorable to its domestic industries and economic priorities.
- Balancing Regional Influence: Joining the IPEF could be part of India’s broader strategy to balance China’s growing influence in the region. By aligning with countries like the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others in the Indo-Pacific, India may aim to assert its own influence and shape regional economic dynamics.
IPEF’s four Pillars
- Trade: This pillar focuses on facilitating trade and reducing barriers among the participating countries. While India has not joined the trade pillar, there may be pressure for it to do so.
- Supply Chains: This pillar aims to establish integrated and efficient supply chains within the participating countries. It likely involves promoting cooperation and coordination in areas such as logistics, infrastructure, and connectivity to facilitate smooth trade flows.
- Clean Economy: The clean economy pillar focuses on promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and green technologies. It likely involves commitments and cooperation to address climate change, reduce emissions, and promote clean energy and sustainable practices.
- Fair Economy: The fair economy pillar aims to establish a fair and level playing field for businesses and promote inclusive economic growth. It likely includes provisions related to competition policy, fair trade practices, and addressing inequalities within and among the participating countries.
Serious implications for India Joining the IPEF
- Economic Dependency: Joining the IPEF could result in increased economic dependency on the United States. If the IPEF aims to establish an integrated economic system centered on the U.S., India may become heavily reliant on U.S.-driven policies, which may not align with India’s specific economic interests and priorities. This could limit India’s ability to pursue independent economic strategies.
- Trade-offs and Market Access: The framework may require India to make trade-offs in various areas, such as agriculture, intellectual property, labor and environment standards, and the digital economy. These trade-offs may involve compromising certain domestic policies or sectors in exchange for market access or participation in the IPEF.
- Impact on Domestic Industries: The IPEF particularly related to non-tariff barriers, intellectual property rights, and labor and environment standards, could impact India’s domestic industries. Depending on the specific terms, India’s manufacturing sector and other industries may face challenges related to competition, compliance, or market access, which could have implications for employment, growth, and economic development.
- Policy Constraints: Joining the IPEF could limit India’s policy-making autonomy in key areas such as agriculture, labor, environment, and digital economy. The IPEF may entail commitments that restrict India’s ability to design and implement policies aligned with its national interests, potentially constraining its ability to protect domestic industries, regulate markets, or enact necessary reforms.
- Implications for Small and Medium Enterprises: The IPEF’s provisions and requirements may disproportionately impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. Compliance with standards, regulations, or market access requirements could pose challenges for SMEs, potentially hampering their growth and competitiveness.
- Loss of Sovereignty: Depending on the nature of the IPEF, India joining the framework may entail ceding a degree of sovereignty or decision-making authority to the collective interests of participating countries. This loss of sovereignty could limit India’s ability to shape its own economic policies and respond to emerging challenges or priorities.
Way ahead
- Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the potential benefits and risks associated with joining the IPEF. Evaluate the specific terms, provisions, and potential impacts on various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, intellectual property, and labor standards.
- Prioritize National Interests: Clearly define and prioritize India’s national interests in terms of economic growth, job creation, industrial development, and sustainable development.
- Engage in Negotiations: Actively engage in negotiations and discussions with the participating countries of the IPEF to ensure that India’s concerns, interests, and objectives are adequately represented and addressed. Seek to negotiate favorable terms and provisions that protect and promote India’s economic priorities.
- Strengthen Domestic Industries: Focus on strengthening domestic industries and sectors to enhance competitiveness and resilience. Invest in research and development, innovation, infrastructure, and skill development to ensure that Indian industries can withstand competition and capitalize on opportunities that arise from participation in the IPEF or other trade frameworks.
- Diversify Trade Partnerships: While considering the IPEF, continue efforts to diversify trade partnerships beyond the United States and the Indo-Pacific region. Explore opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties with other countries or regions that align with India’s economic interests and offer potential growth prospects.
- Foster Regional Cooperation: Promote regional cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region through alternative frameworks or platforms that better align with India’s priorities and ensure a more inclusive and equitable approach to economic integration.
- Domestic Policy Reforms: Strengthen domestic policy frameworks and institutions to support economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and address challenges related to labor, environment, intellectual property, and other areas covered by the IPEF.
- Public Consultation and Transparency: Ensure transparency and engage in public consultation processes to seek inputs and feedback from stakeholders, including industry associations, civil society organizations, academia, and experts.
Conclusion
- It is essential for India to approach the decision on joining the IPEF with a long-term perspective, taking into account its national interests, economic priorities, and the potential impact on various sectors. A well-informed and strategic approach will enable India to make decisions that maximize benefits and minimize risks for its economy and society.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a government-backed modular network for e-commerce, food and grocery delivery, and cabs in India.
- ONDC has witnessed significant growth, with a rising number of orders and participants.
- India Post, one of the world’s largest logistics systems, is expected to join ONDC, strengthening the network.
About ONDC
- The ONDC is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of India.
- It aims to develop open e-commerce by creating a set of specifications designed to foster open interchange and connections between shoppers, technology platforms, and retailers.
- It was incorporated on December 31, 2021, with an initial investment from Quality Council of India and Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited).
What does one mean by ‘Open-sourcing’?
- Free for all: An open-source project means that anybody is free to use, study, modify and distribute the project for any purpose.
- Open licensing: These permissions are enforced through an open-source licence easing adoption and facilitating collaboration.
What processes are expecting to be open-sourced with this project?
- Several operational aspects including onboarding of sellers, vendor discovery, price discovery and product cataloguing could be made open source on the lines of Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- If mandated, this could be problematic for larger e-commerce companies, which have proprietary processes and technology deployed for these segments of operations.
What does the DPIIT intend from the project?
- Digitize the entire value chain,
- Standardize operations,
- Promote inclusion of suppliers,
- Derive efficiencies in logistics and
- Enhance value for stakeholders and consumers
Processes in the ONDC
- Seller Onboarding: Sellers can register and onboard their businesses onto the ONDC platform.
- Vendor Discovery: Buyers can discover relevant vendors and sellers on the ONDC network.
- Price Discovery: Transparent marketplace for comparing prices across sellers.
- Product Cataloguing: Sellers can create and manage catalogues of their products on the platform.
- Transaction Processing: Secure and seamless payment infrastructure for completing purchases.
- Order Fulfillment: Coordinating delivery or provision of purchased products or services.
- Customer Support: Assistance for addressing queries and concerns of buyers and sellers.
- Data Management and Security: Robust practices to protect user data and ensure security.
Why such a move by the govt?
- Digital boom: This COVID pandemic has made every business to go digital. India is a country with 700 million internet users of whom large crunch of population are active buyers on e-coms.
- Promoting competition: ONDC aims to foster a more competitive marketplace by providing opportunities for small retailers and businesses.
- Fostering inclusivity: It seeks to enable small retailers to access a wider customer base, promoting inclusivity in the digital commerce ecosystem.
- Curbing monopolistic practices: ONDC addresses potential monopolistic behavior and rent-seeking tendencies by certain e-commerce platforms.
- Enhancing efficiency: By streamlining operations and standardizing processes, ONDC aims to drive efficiencies in the digital commerce ecosystem.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: ONDC is part of the government’s efforts to build and support essential digital services and infrastructure.
- Government support: The government’s involvement in ONDC demonstrates its commitment to supporting small businesses and advancing digital transformation.
Scope for ONDCs success
- Government backing: ONDC is a government-backed initiative, indicating strong support and resources from the government to drive its success.
- Inclusive approach: ONDC aims to create a level playing field for small retailers and businesses, empowering them to compete with larger e-commerce platforms.
- Industry expertise: The drafting panel of ONDC includes experienced individuals from various sectors, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table.
- Successful track record: India has previously executed successful public digital platforms like UPI and Aadhaar-linked projects, demonstrating the country’s capability in implementing digital initiatives.
- Open-Sourcing approach: The open-sourcing of processes within ONDC can foster innovation, collaboration, and widespread adoption, similar to the success of UPI.
- Growing digital market: India has a large population of internet users, making it a thriving market for digital commerce. ONDC can tap into this market and capitalize on the increasing adoption of online services.
- Potential for disruption: ONDC’s entry into the digital commerce ecosystem can disrupt existing players and bring about positive changes, offering more choices and opportunities for businesses and consumers.
Issues that can be raised
- EODB concerns: They may raise hues over operability and ease of doing business.
- Compliance burden: MSMEs have already raised the growing compliance burden for e-commerce.
Other challenges
- Every platform has its own challenges so would the ONDC may have.
- While UPI was ruled out (BHIM being the first) people were reluctant in using it due to transaction failures.
- With subsequent improvements and openness people and businesses are using it in every walks of life. So it would work with ONDC.
Conclusion
- While challenges may exist, the combination of government support, industry expertise, and the aim to create a more inclusive and competitive digital commerce landscape provides a strong foundation for the success of ONDC.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Groundwater exploitation issue
Central Idea: Groundwater extraction in northwestern India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Faridabad, has led to land subsidence and structural damage.
What is Groundwater?
- Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock.
- It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.
- Aquifers are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone.
- Water can move through these materials because they have large connected spaces that make them permeable.
- Aquifers, hand-dug wells, and artesian wells are different types of sources of groundwater.
Reasons for Depletion
- Increased demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs and limited surface water resources lead to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources.
- Limited storage facilities owing to the hard rock terrain, along with the added disadvantage of lack of rainfall, especially in central Indian states.
- Green Revolution enabled water-intensive crops to be grown in drought-prone/ water deficit regions, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.
- Frequent pumping of water from the ground without waiting for its replenishment leads to quick depletion.
- Subsidies on electricity and high MSP for water-intensive crops is also leading reasons for depletion.
- Inadequate regulation of groundwater laws encourages the exhaustion of groundwater resources without any penalty.
- Deforestation, unscientific methods of agriculture, chemical effluents from industries, and lack of sanitation also lead to pollution of groundwater, making it unusable.
- Natural causes include uneven rainfall and climate change that are hindering the process of groundwater recharge.
Impact of groundwater depletion
- Lowering of the water table: Groundwater depletion may lower the water table leading to difficulty in extracting groundwater for usage.
- Reduction of water in streams and lakes: A substantial amount of the water flowing in rivers comes from seepage of groundwater into the streambed. Depletion of groundwater levels may reduce water flow in such streams.
- Subsidence of land: Groundwater often provides support to the soil. When this balance is altered by taking out the water, the soil collapses, compacts, and drops leading to subsidence of land.
- Increased cost for water extraction: As the depleting groundwater levels lower the water table, the user has to delve deep to extract water. This will increase the cost of water extraction.
Mechanism of Land Subsidence
- The relationship between excessive groundwater extraction and land subsidence became evident through the analysis of data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.
- Excessive groundwater withdrawal, coupled with limited monsoon rain, has resulted in critically low groundwater levels in the region.
- Land subsidence occurs when underlying aquifers, which are deep water channels storing percolated water, are not adequately recharged.
- The depletion of aquifers causes the layers of soil and rock above them to sink gradually.
- This sinking of soil is similar to “soil settlement” observed in mining operations.
Regulation of Groundwater in India
(1) Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
- It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
- It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
- CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for ground water withdrawal.
(2) National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)
- The NAQUIM is an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti for mapping and managing the entire aquifer systems in the country.
- It maintains the Hydrological Map of India.
(3) Atal Bhujal Yojana
- It is a Central Sector Scheme, for sustainable management of groundwater resources with community participation in water-stressed blocks.
Way Forward
- Routine survey: There should be regular assessment of groundwater levels to ensure that adequate data is available for formulating policies and devising new techniques.
- Assessment of land use pattern: Studies should be carried out to assess land use and the proportion of agricultural land falling under overt-exploited units.
- Changes in farming methods: To improve the water table in those areas where it is being overused, on-farm water management techniques and improved irrigation methods should be adopted.
- Reforms in power supply subsidies: The agricultural power-pricing structure needs to be revamped as the flat rate of electricity adversely affects the use of groundwater.
- Monitoring extraction: There should be a policy in place to monitor the excessive exploitation of groundwater resources to ensure long-term sustainability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Types of Bail in India
Mains level: Prison reforms in India
Central Idea: The Supreme Court emphasized that orders in bail cases should adhere to the constitutional principle of personal liberty.
Supreme Court on Bail
- Short debates: Prolonged debates on bail may prejudice the accused in their case.
- Upholding liberty: Delays in pronouncing bail decisions impinge on the personal liberty of the undertrial.
- No extensive discussions and elaborations: The Supreme Court highlights the significance of brevity (state of being brief, concise) in bail orders.
- No early delving into case details: Long orders may unnecessarily delve into the details of the case, which is not appropriate at the bail stage.
- Ensuring fairness and impartiality: Such brevity ensures that the case is not unduly influenced or prejudiced during the bail proceedings.
- Promptness in pronouncing bail decisions: The Court emphasized the need for prompt pronouncement of bail decisions. Every day of waiting affects the personal liberty of the undertrial.
What is Bail?
- Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.
- The term also means the security that is deposited in order to secure the release of the accused.
Types of Bail in India
- Depending upon the sage of the criminal matter, there are commonly three types of bail in India:
- Regular bail: Regular bail is generally granted to a person who has been arrested or is in police custody. A bail application can be filed for the regular bail under section 437 and 439 of CrPC.
- Interim bail: This type of bail is granted for a short period of time and it is granted before the hearing for the grant of regular bail or anticipatory bail.
- Anticipatory bail: Anticipatory bail is granted under section 438 of CrPC either by session court or High Court. An application for the grant of anticipatory bail can be filed by the person who discerns that he may be arrested by the police for a non-bailable offense.
Conditions for Grant of Bail in Bailable Offences
- Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that a person accused of a bailable offence under IPC can be granted bail if:
- There are sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offence.
- There is sufficient reason to conduct a further inquiry in the matter.
- The person is not accused of any offence punishable with death, life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years.
Conditions for Grant of Bail in Non-Bailable Offences
- Section 437 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 lays down that the accused does not have the right to apply for bail in non-bailable offences.
- It is discretion of the court to grant bail in case of non-bailable offences if:
- The accused is a woman or a child, bail can be granted in a non-bailable offence.
- There is a lack of evidence then bail in non-Bailable offenses can be granted.
- There is a delay in lodging FIR by the complainant, bail may be granted.
- The accused is gravely sick.
Why bail needs reform?
- Huge pendency of undertrials: Referring to the state of jails in the country, where over two-thirds lodged are undertrials,
- Indiscriminate arrests: Of this category of prisoners, majority may not even be required to be arrested despite registration of a cognizable offense, being charged with offenses punishable for seven years or less.
- Disadvantageous for some sections: They are not only poor and illiterate but also would include women. Thus, there is a culture of offense being inherited by many of them.
- Colonial legacy: Theoretically, the court also linked the idea of indiscriminate arrests to magistrates ignoring the rule of “bail, not jail” to a colonial mindset.
What is the law on bail?
- The CrPC does not define the word bail but only categories offences under the Indian Penal Code as ‘bailable’ and ‘non-bailable’.
- The CrPC empowers magistrates to grant bail for bailable offences as a matter of right.
- This would involve release on furnishing a bail bond, without or without security.
Way forward
- Bail Law would certainly take care of not only the unwarranted arrests but also the clogging of bail applications before various courts.
- With restrictive bail conditions and a conservative view on bail, we may forget the meaning of personal liberty, which is the greatest of human freedoms enjoyed in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)
Mains level: Various ARTs
Central Idea
- The birth of a baby using three persons’ DNA using Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) in the UK has generated significant attention and discussion.
- The baby has three parents, with the mitochondria coming from a donor in addition to the genetic material from the biological parents.
- This pioneering technology was employed to prevent the baby from inheriting the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
What is Mitochondria?
|
Description |
| Structure |
Membrane-bound organelles with outer and inner membranes |
| Energy Production |
Generate ATP through cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation |
| ATP Production |
Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the inner membrane |
| DNA and Replication |
Possess their own circular DNA (mtDNA) and can replicate independently |
| Other Functions |
Involved in calcium signalling, apoptosis, and synthesis of molecules |
| Inheritance |
Maternally inherited during fertilization |
| Evolutionary Origin |
Arise from a symbiotic relationship with bacteria-like organisms |
| Disorders |
Mutations or dysfunction can cause mitochondrial diseases |
- Certain defects in mitochondria can lead to mitochondrial diseases, impacting the function of energy-hungry tissues in various organs.
- Mitochondrial diseases have no cure but can be treated, and their incidence is estimated to be one in 5,000 people.
- In this case, the mother had a mitochondrial disease that she wanted to avoid passing on to her baby, but she did not want to use a donor egg.
What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)?
- MRT is a medical technique used to prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from a mother to her child.
- It involves replacing faulty mitochondria in an egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria from a donor.
- The procedure is typically performed using in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques.
- The nucleus, containing the majority of the genetic material, is transferred from the intended parents’ egg or embryo to a donor egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria.
- The resulting embryo, with nuclear DNA from the intended parents and healthy mitochondria from the donor, is then implanted into the mother’s uterus for gestation.
How does it work?
- The father’s sperm fertilizes the eggs from the biological mother and a female donor with healthy mitochondria.
- The genetic material from the donor’s egg is replaced with that of the biological parents, resulting in an egg with the parents’ DNA and the donor’s mitochondria.
- This modified egg is then implanted into the mother’s uterus and carried to full term, resulting in a baby free from the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
Uses of MRT
- Prevention of Mitochondrial Diseases: MRT helps prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from mothers to their children.
- Family Planning: It enables individuals or couples with mitochondrial DNA mutations to have genetically related children without the risk of disease inheritance.
- Improved Health: MRT can significantly improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by avoiding debilitating mitochondrial diseases.
- Ethical Considerations: It provides an alternative to traditional donor egg options, allowing intended parents to have a child with their own genetic material while avoiding disease transmission.
- Scientific Advancements: MRT contributes to scientific research and advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, expanding our understanding of mitochondrial biology and potential treatment options for mitochondrial disorders.
Recent advancements in UK
- The baby primarily carries DNA from its biological parents and a small percentage from the donor whose mitochondria was used during fertilization.
Scientific process
- Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from the mother, prompting research to find ways to protect infants from inheriting these diseases.
- The Newcastle Fertility Clinic developed an advanced in vitro fertilization technique known as Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT).
Legal Facilitation of MDT
- The UK government amended the law in 2015 to allow for mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) or MDT.
- The Newcastle Fertility Centre became the first center to obtain a license to perform the procedure, and the first cases were approved in 2018.
Issues with MRT
- Transfer of Defective Mitochondria: There is a minimal risk of transferring small amounts of defective mitochondria along with healthy ones during the procedure.
- Long-Term Safety: The long-term safety of MRT is still being studied, and ongoing monitoring is necessary to assess any potential risks or effects.
- Ethical and Social Concerns: MRT raises ethical and social considerations related to the creation and destruction of embryos, use of donor gametes, and altering the germline.
- Limited Availability: MRT is a highly regulated procedure, and its availability may be limited to specific countries or cases approved by regulatory bodies.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Undergoing MRT involves emotional implications and decision-making, which can have an impact on individuals and couples involved.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Palghat Gap, Western Ghats
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The article discusses the Palghat (Palakkad) Gap, a significant corridor in the Western Ghats of India. It provides information about the geological origin of the gap.
What is Palghat Gap?
- The Palghat Gap is a 40 km wide corridor in the Western Ghats, known for its steep hills and serving as a gateway to Kerala.
- It is a crucial passage for roads and railways connecting Coimbatore and Palakkad.
- The Bharathappuzha River flows through the Palghat Gap.
- The vegetation in the gap is classified as dry evergreen forest, different from the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats.
- The Palghat Gap marks a distinct divide in the flora and fauna of the region.
Geological origin of the Palghat Gap
- The Palghat Gap is a geological shear zone running from east to west.
- Shear zones are weak regions in the Earth’s crust, occasionally causing tremors in the Coimbatore region.
- The formation of the Palghat Gap occurred when the continental shelves shifted after the separation of Australia and Africa from the Gondwana landmass.
- India and Madagascar were connected until volcanic activity led to their split, with a similar gap called the Ranotsara Gap in Madagascar.
Biogeographic distinctions and ancient history
- The biogeographic distinctions in species north and south of the Palghat Gap may be attributed to an ancient river or an incursion of the sea in the distant past.
- Elephant populations on the Nilgiris side of the gap have different mitochondrial DNA from elephants in the Anamalai and Periyar sanctuaries.
- DNA analysis of the White-bellied Shortwing, an endemic bird species, shows divergence between populations in the Nilgiris and the Anamalai regions.
Biodiversity south of the Palghat Gap
- The southern region of the Western Ghats, located south of the Palghat Gap, exhibits high species richness and phylogenetic diversity.
- A recent study reports over 450 tree species, including ancient species like Magnolia champaca, dating back 130 million years.
- The warm weather and moist air of the southern Western Ghats support a diverse range of life, making it an island refuge during cycles of ice ages and droughts.
- The southern Western Ghats receive rainfall more evenly throughout the year compared to the northern region.
Back2Basics: Western Ghats
- The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
- It spans an area of 160,000 sq. km. and stretches for 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, passing through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
|
Description |
| Flora and Fauna |
The Western Ghats are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 227 reptile species, 179 amphibian species, 290 freshwater fish species, and 6,000 insect species. |
| Geological Significance |
The Western Ghats, known as the “Great Escarpment of India,” are older than the Himalayas. They influence India’s monsoon weather patterns by intercepting rain-laden monsoon winds from the southwest during late summer. |
| Geographic Features |
Stretching north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats separate the plateau from the narrow coastal plain called the Western Coastal Plains, which lies along the Arabian Sea. |
| Catchment Area |
The Western Ghats cover a vast catchment area for complex riverine drainage systems, contributing to almost 40% of India’s total drainage. The range acts as a barrier, blocking southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical information infrastructure
Mains level: Critical information infrastructure, need for global norms of protection
Central Idea
- Technology has become pervasive, impacting various aspects of society, including national and foreign policies, governance, service delivery, and warfare. However, this dependence on technology also exposes critical systems to potential disruptions. Safeguarding critical systems is a nation’s responsibility to ensure the continuity of vital services.
What is critical information infrastructure?
- Critical information infrastructure refers to the interconnected systems and assets that are essential for the functioning of a nation’s society, economy, and government. It encompasses the hardware, software, networks, data, and communication channels that support vital services and processes.
- It includes sectors such as transportation, energy, banking and finance, healthcare, telecommunications, water and sanitation, emergency services, and government networks.
- Protecting critical information infrastructure is crucial to ensure the continuity of services, safeguard sensitive data, and defend against cyber threats, including cyberattacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities.
Differences in defining critical information infrastructure
- Criteria for Criticality: Different countries employ distinct criteria to determine the criticality of information infrastructure.
- For example: One country may consider infrastructure critical if its failure impacts national security, economy, public health, or safety. Another country may define critical infrastructure based on the potential for sustained supply shortages, disruptions to public safety and security, or other significant consequences.
- Scope of Infrastructure: There may be variations in the scope of infrastructure considered critical. While certain sectors like energy, transportation, banking, and telecommunications are commonly recognized as critical across many countries, there might be differences in identifying sub-sectors or specific enterprises within those sectors. Some countries may include additional sectors like water and sanitation, emergency services, healthcare, or government networks in their definition of critical information infrastructure.
- Overlapping Criteria: In some cases, the criteria used to identify critical infrastructure may overlap with one another. For instance, ensuring the availability, delivery, or integrity of essential services can encompass vital societal functions, information flow, and communication channels. Harmonizing these overlapping criteria can help establish specific and comprehensive criteria that cater to the needs of all countries.
- National Context: National priorities and contextual factors also influence the definition of critical information infrastructure. Countries may consider their unique geopolitical situation, existing threats, vulnerabilities, and the potential impact on their economy and citizens. This context-specific approach allows each country to address its specific challenges and ensure the protection of infrastructure crucial to its national well-being.
Role of the G20 in developing global norms for protecting critical infrastructure
- Platform for Discussion: The G20 provides a platform for member countries to engage in discussions and exchanges on pressing global issues, including cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. It brings together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to share insights, experiences, and best practices.
- Building Consensus: The G20 aims to build consensus among member countries on critical issues related to protecting infrastructure. Through dialogue, negotiations, and diplomatic efforts, the G20 seeks to develop common understandings and principles that can guide international cooperation in safeguarding critical information infrastructure.
- Initiating Discussions: The G20 has the capacity to initiate discussions on specific topics and themes relevant to critical infrastructure protection. By placing the issue on the G20 agenda, it draws attention to the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks and establishing global norms in this area.
- Leveraging Economic Influence: The G20 represents around 85 percent of global GDP, over 75 percent of global trade, and a significant portion of the world population. This economic influence provides the G20 with leverage to drive discussions and encourage member countries to prioritize the protection of critical infrastructure.
- Collaboration with International Organizations: The G20 collaborates with international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This collaboration helps leverage the expertise, resources, and frameworks of these organizations to inform discussions and develop comprehensive approaches to protecting critical infrastructure.
- Promoting International Stability: The G20 recognizes that protecting critical infrastructure is crucial for international stability and economic cooperation. By advocating for global norms and responsible state behavior, the G20 aims to enhance cybersecurity, prevent disruptions, and promote a secure digital environment for economic activities.
- Influencing Policy Development: The G20’s discussions and recommendations on critical infrastructure protection can influence policy development at the national and international levels. Member countries may align their policies and frameworks with the norms and principles identified through G20 deliberations, thereby fostering harmonization and cooperation.
Recommendations to the G20
- Common Definition and Critical Sectors: The G20 should adopt a phased approach, beginning with establishing a common definition of critical infrastructure. Subsequently, a broader consensus on critical sectors should be built, followed by the formulation of common principles for regulating critical infrastructure. This process will facilitate a global consensus, ensure cooperation among member countries, and guide nations that are in the early stages of regulating critical infrastructure.
- Common Principles: While formulating common principles for regulating critical infrastructure, the G20 should reaffirm and adopt existing norms as the foundation for future discussions. This includes commitments made in G20 documents like the Hamburg Action Plan and the Buenos Aires Declaration. Furthermore, the G20 can draw from the initiatives of other multilateral groupings, such as the G7, G8, and OECD, that have focused on protecting critical infrastructure.
- Respecting International Law: The G20 should commit to protecting critical infrastructure and refrain from intentionally damaging it. Member countries should conduct themselves in accordance with international law and uphold responsible state behavior in cyberspace.
- International Cooperation: G20 countries must enhance cooperation to prevent, mitigate, trace, and investigate cyber incidents targeting critical infrastructure. Sharing information regarding such incidents should be encouraged. Adopting international standards relevant to critical infrastructure will help harmonize approaches to regulation and enforcement, reducing conflicts and improving cooperation.
- Capacity Building: Investing in research and development and building capacity in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and space is crucial. G20 countries should support low- and middle-income nations in accessing research and technologies. Additionally, countries should respond to requests for assistance from states whose critical infrastructure has been affected, and promote the application of certified security technologies based on international standards.
- Multistakeholder Approach: A multistakeholder commitment is vital to protecting critical information infrastructure. Governments, technology companies, and civil society groups should collaborate to share and analyze critical infrastructure information, prevent attacks, and respond to damage. Awareness should be raised to ensure stakeholders understand the nature and extent of critical information infrastructure and their respective roles in protecting it.
- National Laws: G20 countries should incorporate the principles and norms for protecting critical infrastructure into their national laws. This will help create a culture of enforcement and cooperation at both the national and international levels.
- Institutional Mechanism: Establishing an institutional mechanism for continuous research and the development of new standards for protecting critical infrastructure is essential. Drawing lessons from initiatives like the Christchurch Call, public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in establishing a global order for a safe cyberspace.
Conclusion
- The protection of critical information infrastructure is of paramount importance in today’s interconnected world. The G20, with its representation of major economies and commitment to international cooperation, plays a crucial role in developing global norms for safeguarding critical infrastructure. By establishing a common understanding and definition of critical information infrastructure, the G20 can facilitate discussions and build consensus among member countries.
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