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

Top 1% Indians’ income share is higher now than under British-rule

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Income and Wealth Inequality in India report

Mains level: Income inequality in India and comparison with developed countries

Why in the news? 

  • In 2022, 22.6% of the national income went to the top 1% of Indians. Cut to 1951, their share in the income was only 11.5% and even lower in the 1980s  just before India opened-up its economy at 6%.

Context: India’s top 1% income and wealth shares (22.6% and 40.1%) are at their highest historical levels in 2022-’23 and the country’s top 1% income share is among the very highest in the world as per World Inequality Lab.

Key findings from the ‘Income and Wealth Inequality in India’ report by the World Inequality Lab

  • Increase in Share of Top 10%: The share of the top 10% of Indians in national income rose from 36.7% in 1951 to 57.7% in 2022.
  • Decline in Share of Bottom 50%: The bottom 50% of Indians earned only 15% of the national income in 2022, compared to 20.6% in 1951, indicating a decrease in their share.
  • Decrease in Share of Middle 40%: The middle 40% of Indians experienced a significant decline in their share of income from 42.8% to 27.3% over the period.
  • Rapid Widening of Income Gap: The gap between the rich and the poor has widened rapidly in the last two decades.
  • Historic Peak for Wealthiest 1%: In 2022, the share of national income that went to the wealthiest 1% of Indians reached a historic peak, surpassing levels observed in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

Income group-wise share in national income, and the adult population in each bracket as of 2022-23

  • Distribution Across Income Percentiles: Approximately one crore adults were in the top 1%, ten crore in the top 10%, 36 crore in the middle 40%, and 46 crore were in the bottom 50% of the income pyramid.
  • Concentration of Wealth at the Top: The top 0.001% of the income pyramid, comprising about 10,000 richest Indians, earned 2.1% of the national income, highlighting extreme wealth concentration.
  • High Shares of National Income: The top 0.01% and top 0.1% of income earners earned disproportionately high shares of the national income, accounting for 4.3% and 9.6%, respectively. This reflects significant income inequality, with a small segment capturing a large portion of the country’s wealth.
The year wise share of national income for the top 10%, bottom 50% and that middle 40% of the population:

  • 1950s-60s: Negligible income gap between the top 10% and the middle 40% of earners.
  • 1980s: Bottom 50% saw a slight increase in their share of national income, contributing to narrowing the gap.
  • 1990s Onwards (Post-liberalization): The income share of the top 10% surged dramatically, while shares of the other two groups steadily declined. This trend persisted into the 2000s and early 2010s, stabilizing thereafter.
  •  In 2022:  the top 1% of earners had a higher share of national income than the richest 1% during colonial rule.
  • Income Disparities: The average annual income of the top 1% was ₹53 lakh, 23 times more than the average Indian’s income of ₹2.3 lakh in 2022-23. The average income of the bottom 50% and middle 40% stood at ₹71,000 and ₹1.65 lakh, respectively, during the same period.

Richest 1% of Indians’ share in the national income

  • Pre-Independence (1930s): The top 1% of earners had a significant share of national income, surpassing the 20% mark.
  • Post-Independence: After independence and the merger of princely states with Independent India, the share of the top 1% steadily declined, reaching close to 6% in the 1980s.
  • Post-liberalization: Following liberalization reforms, the income share of the top 1% surged again, presently hovering around the 22.5% mark.
  • Comparison with British Rule: The current income share of the top 1% is much higher than their share under British rule, highlighting a return to historical levels of income concentration.

The income share of India’s top 10% and top 1%, compared with select countries in 2022-23

  • India’s Income Growth: India’s income levels are not growing as rapidly as other comparable economies.
  • High Share of Top 1%: Despite slower overall income growth, the top 1% of earners in India have a disproportionately high share of national income.
  • Comparison with Advanced Countries: In 2022-23, the income shares of India’s top 1% were higher than those recorded in advanced countries like the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

China and Vietnam’s average incomes grew at a much faster pace than India’s

  • Economic Policies: China and Vietnam implemented economic policies that focused on export-oriented growth, attracting foreign investment, and promoting industrialization. These policies contributed to rapid economic expansion and increased average incomes in both countries.
  • Liberalization and Reforms: Both China and Vietnam underwent significant economic liberalization and reforms, allowing for greater market integration, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and relaxation of trade barriers. These reforms stimulated economic growth and led to higher average incomes.
  • Investment in Infrastructure: China and Vietnam invested heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications. This infrastructure investment facilitated economic development and improved productivity, leading to higher average incomes

Income inequality in India can be attributed to various factors:

  • Historical Factors: Historical disparities in wealth distribution, exacerbated by colonial rule and feudal systems, have contributed to persistent income inequality.
  • Economic Growth Patterns: India’s economic growth needs to be more inclusive, with benefits disproportionately accruing to certain segments of society, particularly urban and educated populations. This uneven growth exacerbates income inequality.
  • Structural Issues: Structural factors such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities perpetuate income disparities. Marginalized groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women often face barriers to accessing quality education and formal employment, limiting their income-earning potential.
  • Land Ownership and Agriculture: Unequal distribution of land ownership and disparities in agricultural productivity contribute to income inequality, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood.
  • Labor Market Dynamics: Informal employment, low wages, and lack of job security in the informal sector contribute to income inequality. Additionally, skill mismatches and technological advancements may widen the income gap by favoring skilled workers over unskilled laborers.
  • Lack of Financial Inclusion: Limited access to formal financial services and lack of asset ownership, such as land or property, among marginalized communities further perpetuate income inequality.
  • Corruption and Cronyism: Corruption, crony capitalism, and unequal access to resources and opportunities exacerbate income inequality by favoring vested interests and hindering equitable wealth distribution.

Conclusion: India witnesses unprecedented income inequality with the top 1% accruing a higher share of national income than under British rule. Structural factors, uneven economic growth, and limited access to resources perpetuate income disparities, requiring comprehensive policy interventions for equitable growth.


Mains PYQ

Q. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objective of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. ( UPSC IAS/2019)

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Digital India Initiatives

Data marketplaces: the next frontier

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Digital Architecture, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Mains level: National Data Governance Framework Policy

Why in the news?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) released the National Data Governance Framework Policy (NPD Framework) which was touted as the first building block of the digital architecture being conceived to maximize data.

Context:

  • The role of digitization in realizing India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy cannot be overstated.
  • As per a NASSCOM report, data and artificial intelligence (AI) can add approximately $450-500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025.

Types of data:

  • Personal Data – Data containing identifiers that can be used to identify specific individuals.
  • Non-Personal Data (NPD)- data excluding personal data. It constitutes the primary type of citizen data obtained by the government and holds the potential to serve as a ‘public good’.

Significance of Non-personal data-

  • NPD as a Public Good: NPD (Non-Personal Data) is considered the primary type of citizen data collected by the government. It holds the potential to serve as a ‘public good’, implying its utility and value to society as a whole.
  • Integration of NPD in Public Services: Advocates for integrating NPD into the delivery of public services to create synergies and scalable solutions. Integration aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery.
  • Application of Advanced Analytics and AI: Utilizing high-value advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) on NPD can lead to predicting socially and economically beneficial outcomes. Such applications can span across various sectors of the economy.
  • Key Sectors for Data-Driven Insights: Meteorological and disaster forecasts: Utilizing NPD to enhance predictions and preparedness for weather-related events and disasters. Infrastructure capacity and citizen use patterns: Understanding how citizens interact with infrastructure to optimize usage and planning.
  • Mobility and housing patterns: Analyzing data to inform transportation and housing policies.
  • Employment trends: Using NPD to predict and address changes in employment patterns and workforce needs.
  • Informing Governance and Public Functions: NPD-driven insights can better inform decision-making in governance and public functions. Data analytics can provide valuable information for policy formulation and resource allocation.

Challenges related to NDP:

  • Privacy and Security Concerns: The unprotected inter-flow of NPD across government departments, third parties, and citizens can lead to privacy breaches and make sensitive data vulnerable. This vulnerability can disproportionately benefit capacity-carrying actors such as Big Tech.
  • Risk of Faulty Decision-making: Imperfect analysis of crucial public trends resulting from the exchange of NPD can lead to faulty decision-making. The inefficient exchange of data fails to unlock the power of interdisciplinary legislative and policy-making.
  • Gaps in the NPD Framework: The NPD Framework lacks actionable guidance and practical operationalization, focusing on abstract high-level principles and objectives. It overlooks mechanisms for pricing data, appropriate legal structures for data exchange, and standardized governance tools.
  • Lack of Legislation and Operationalization: While legislation is expected, the practical implementation and operationalization of the NPD Framework are overlooked. Questions remain unanswered regarding stakeholder rights and obligations across sectors.

Steps by Government:

  • Agriculture Data Exchange in Telangana: Telangana State has developed an agriculture data exchange platform. The platform aims to facilitate the exchange of agricultural data among various stakeholders. It is likely designed to enhance decision-making, productivity, and innovation in the agriculture sector.
  • India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX): The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, has established the India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX).
    • IUDX enables better urban planning, infrastructure development, and governance through data-driven insights.
  • Data Exchanges for Geospatial Policy: The Department of Science & Technology has announced plans to establish data exchanges to implement aspects of the National Geospatial Policy.

Measures to address these challenges:

  • Need for Critical Evaluation and Enhancement: A critical evaluation of the NPD Framework is necessary to address existing gaps. Enhancements to the framework can supplement MeiTY’s efforts to regulate NPD and facilitate interoperability across sectors.
  •  Learn from International practice: countries like Australia, the UK, and Estonia highlight the adoption of data exchange frameworks and protocols. These frameworks have been applied across various sectors such as housing, employment, aged care, and agriculture to address specific issues like unemployment.
  • Regulatory Design for Data Exchanges: Creating a regulatory design for data exchanges in India can digitize and automate public welfare functions. It can reduce administrative burden, facilitate inter-sectoral integration, and build safeguards for using and sharing NPD, making civic functions more participatory.
  • Stakeholder Consultation: Engage stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society in the evaluation process. Gather feedback on practical challenges faced in implementing the framework and areas needing clarification or enhancement.

Conclusion: A comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of the NPD Framework are imperative. Learning from international practices, establishing regulatory designs for data exchanges, and fostering stakeholder consultations will pave the way for effective governance of non-personal data.

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Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

Centre notifies Fact-Check Unit to screen online content

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Legal liability protection, Fact check unit

Mains level: IT Rules, 2021

Why in the news? 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has designated the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit to point out misinformation about Central government departments on social media platforms ahead of the election.

Context-

  • According to the IT Rules of 2021, social media platforms might lose their legal protection from being held responsible for content posted by users if they decide to keep the misinformation flagged by the Fact Check Unit.

Background of this news-

  • Due to the controversy surrounding the concept, the Union government had delayed officially notifying the Fact Check Unit as there was ongoing litigation at the Bombay High Court challenging the provision.
  • However, this month, the court decided not to prolong a temporary halt that prevented the government from implementing the rules.

Key points as per IT Rules, 2021-

  • Mandates: In essence, the IT Rules (2021) demand that social media platforms exercise heightened diligence concerning the content present on their platforms. Legal obligation on intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent users from uploading such content.
  • Appoint a Grievance Officer: Social media platforms are mandated to set up a grievance redressal mechanism and promptly remove unlawful and inappropriate content within specified timeframes.
  • Ensuring Online Safety and Dignity of Users: Intermediaries are obligated to remove or disable access within 24 hours upon receiving complaints about content that exposes individuals’ private areas, depicts them in full or partial nudity, shows them engaged in sexual acts, or involves impersonation, including morphed images
  • Informing users about privacy policies is crucial: Social media platforms’ privacy policies should include measures to educate users about refraining from sharing copyrighted material and any content that could be considered defamatory, racially or ethnically offensive, promoting pedophilia, or threatening the unity, integrity, defense, security, or sovereignty of India or its friendly relations with foreign states, or violating any existing laws.

Fake news on social media can have several negative impacts on governments-

  • Undermining Trust- Fake news can erode public trust in government institutions and officials. When false information spreads widely, it can lead to scepticism and doubt about the government’s credibility.
  • Destabilizing Democracy- Misinformation can distort public perceptions of government policies and actions, potentially leading to unrest, protests, or even violence. This can destabilize democratic processes and undermine the functioning of government.
  • Manipulating Public Opinion- Fake news can be strategically used to manipulate public opinion in favour of or against a particular government or political party. By spreading false narratives, individuals or groups can influence elections and policymaking processes.
  • Impeding Policy Implementation- False information circulating on social media can create confusion and resistance to government policies and initiatives. This can impede the effective implementation of programs and reforms.
  • Wasting Resources- Governments may be forced to allocate resources to address the fallout from fake news, such as conducting investigations, issuing clarifications, or combating disinformation campaigns. This diverts resources away from other important priorities.
  • Fueling Division- Fake news can exacerbate social and political divisions within a country by spreading divisive narratives or inciting hatred and hostility towards certain groups or communities. This can further polarize society and hinder efforts towards unity and cohesion

Measures to Tackle Fake News on Social Media:

  • Mandatory Fact-Checking: Implement a requirement for social media platforms to fact-check content before dissemination.
  • Enhanced User Education: Promote media literacy and critical thinking skills to help users discern reliable information from fake news.
  • Strengthened Regulation: Enforce stricter regulations on social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and hold them accountable for content moderation.
  • Collaborative Verification: Foster partnerships between governments, fact-checking organizations, and social media platforms to verify the accuracy of information.
  • Transparent Algorithms: Ensure transparency in algorithms used by social media platforms to prioritize content, reducing the spread of false information.
  • Swift Removal of Violative Content: Establish mechanisms for prompt removal of fake news and penalize users or entities responsible for spreading it.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of fake news and promote responsible sharing practices.

Conclusion: To address misinformation, governments should enforce IT Rules (2021), empower fact-checking units, and promote media literacy. Collaboration between authorities, platforms, and citizens is vital for combating fake news and upholding democratic values.

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Intellectual Property Rights in India

Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024: Key Highlights

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Trademarks, Patents

Mains level: Patent Amendments Rules

In the news-

  • The Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were recently published in the Gazette of India, making crucial changes in the Indian patent regime.

Context:

 

2023 emerged as a landmark year for intellectual property rights (IPR) in India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to innovation and creativity.

 

  • 1 Lakh Patents filed: The Indian Patent Office has achieved a significant milestone this year by granting over 1 lakh patents in a year for the first time.
  • Sector-wise Breakdown: The highest number of patents, 47,993, were granted in the electrical and related field of invention, followed by mechanical (37,714), chemical sciences (12,028) and Biotech (3,576) categories.

Key Amendments Introduced:

  • Revised Timeline for Request for Examination: The period for submitting a Request for Examination (RFE) in a patent application has been shortened from 48 months to 31 months from the earliest priority date.
  • Streamlined Applications: Patent applicants now need to furnish details of corresponding applications solely twice using Form 3.
  • Introduction of ‘Certificate of Inventorship’: This new provision acknowledges the contributions of inventors to patented innovations.
  • Reduction in Advance Renewal Fees: A discount of 10% on renewal fees is offered if paid electronically in advance for a minimum of four years.
  • Decreased Frequency of Patent Working Statements: The requirement to file statements of working patents has been reduced from annually to once every three financial years.
  • Enhanced Authority of Controller: The Controller is now empowered to extend specified periods and excuse delays for up to six months.
  • Amendments to Opposition Procedures: Adjustments have been made to the time frames for submitting recommendations by an Opposition Board and the response period for applicants in both pre-grant and post-grant opposition procedures.

What are Patents?

  • A patent is a legal right granted by a government to an inventor or assignee, giving them exclusive rights to an invention for a limited period.
  • It provides the inventor with the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without their permission.
  • In essence, a patent acts as a form of intellectual property protection for inventions, allowing inventors to control and commercialize their creations.
  • Patents are territorial rights. In general, the exclusive rights are only applicable in the country or region in which a patent has been filed and granted.

Indian Patent Regime: A Backgrounder

  • Indian patents are governed by the Indian Patent Act of 1970.
  • India has gradually aligned itself with international regimes pertaining to intellectual property rights.
  • In 1995, India became a party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement following its membership to the World Trade Organisation on January 1, 1995.
  • An interesting point is that the original Indian Patents Act did NOT grant patent protection to pharmaceutical products to ensure that medicines were available at a low price.
  • Patent protection of pharmaceuticals were re-introduced after the 2005 amendment to comply with TRIPS.

Filing a Patent: Key Terms

  • Patentable Subject Matter: Under the Indian Patents Act, inventions related to products, processes, methods, and applications in all fields of technology are patentable, provided they are novel, involve an inventive step, and are capable of industrial application.
  • Patent Office: The Indian Patent Office, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), administers the patent system in India. It operates through four branches located in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, with the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks overseeing patent-related matters.
  • 20-Year Validity: Patent protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years from the filing date of the application.

Various Agreements

India is also a signatory to several IPR-related conventions, including-

  1. Berne Convention (1886) The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, established in 1886, is an international treaty governing copyright.
  2. Budapest Treaty (1977): It aims to facilitate the international recognition of patents relating to microorganisms by providing a centralized deposit system for the storage and distribution of biological materials.
  3. Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883): It aims to harmonize and standardize the protection of industrial property, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets, among its member countries.
  4. Patent Cooperation Treaty (1970): It is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to simplify the process of filing patent applications in multiple countries by providing a unified procedure for filing an international patent application.

Back2Basics:

Patents Copyright Trade Secrets
Legal Basis Patents Act, 1970 Copyright Act, 1957 Common law, contracts
Duration of Protection 20 years Author’s lifetime + 60 years Indefinite
Nature of Protection Inventions, processes, methods Literary, artistic, musical works Confidential information
Criteria for Protection Novelty, Inventiveness Originality, Fixation Confidentiality
Registration Requirement Required Optional (automatic) None (advisable)
Scope of Protection Technical aspects Expression of ideas Unauthorized use or disclosure
Enforcement Mechanism Civil litigation Civil and criminal actions Civil litigation
International Protection Patent protection can be sought internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and other international agreements Copyright protection is recognized internationally through the Berne Convention and other treaties Protection of trade secrets can vary internationally and may depend on the laws and regulations of individual countries
Examples Inventions, software Books, music, software Formulas, processes

 

PYQ:

 

2013: Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced an amendment to section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (200 words)

2014: In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.

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WTO and India

India pursues Lowering Cost of Cross Border Remittances at WTO

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Cost of Remittances, Remittances Inflows, WTO

Mains level: NA

What is the news-

  • India is strongly pursuing its proposal for lowering the cost of cross-border remittances, which it presented at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi last month.
  • It has now requested the WTO’s general council (GC) to initiate a work program to make recommendations for reducing remittance costs.

Why discuss this?

 

  • In 2023, India witnessed the highest remittance inflows globally, amounting to USD 125 billion.
  • Lowering the costs of remittances would primarily benefit low and middle-income countries, which accounted for 78% of remittances flow in 2023, according to estimates.
  • India’s draft proposal at MC13 highlighted that the global average cost for sending remittances remained high at 6.18%, more than twice the SDG target.

 What is Cost of Remittances?

  • Remittances are financial transfers sent by migrant workers to their families or relatives in their home countries.
  • The cost of remittances refers to the expenses incurred by individuals or businesses when sending money from one location to another, typically across international borders.
  • The cost components of cross-border payments can include:
  1. Bank fees,
  2. Intermediary fees,
  3. Compliance fees,
  4. Operational costs, and
  5. FX (foreign exchange) rate margin
  • Innovative technologies like DeFi payment rails are emerging to reduce the total cost of payments for cross-border transactions.

About World Trade Organization (WTO)

Details
Establishment 1995, replacing GATT
Objective To regulate international trade
Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
Members
  • 164
  • India is a Founding Member.
Objectives
  • Formulate rules for trade
  • Negotiate further liberalization
  • Settle disputes
  • Assist developing countries
  • Cooperate with major economic institutions
Principles
  • Non-Discrimination
  • Most Favored Nation
  • National Treatment
  • Reciprocity
  • Predictability through Binding Commitments
  • Transparency
  • Encourage Development and Reforms
Important Trade Agreements
  • Agreement on Agriculture (AoA),
  • Agreement on TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights),
  • Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS),
  • Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),
  • Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS),
  • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) etc.
WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA)
  • Negotiated during Uruguay Round (1995)
  • Aims to reform trade in agriculture
  • Allows support for rural economies with fewer trade “distortions”
  • Focuses on improving market access, reducing subsidies, and eliminating export subsidies

Subsidies Types:

  1. Green Box – No distortion in trade
  2. Amber Box – Can distort production and trade (subject to limits)
  3. Blue Box – Subsidies linked to production-limiting programs
Most Favoured Nation Clause
  • Ensures non-discriminatory trade
  • Prevents discrimination among trade partners
  • First clause in GATT
  • Special trade statuses extended to all WTO members

 


PYQ:

Q.The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the: (2015)

  1. Food and Agriculture Organization
  2. United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
  3. World Trade Organization
  4. United Nations Environment Programme

 

Q.Which of the following constitute Capital Account? (2013)

  1. Foreign Loans
  2. Foreign Direct Investment
  3. Private Remittances
  4. Portfolio Investment

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

 

Practice MCQ:

Consider the following statements:

  1. India is the highest recipient of remittances globally.
  2. UAE is the largest source of remittances to India.
  3. The current cost of remittances meets the SDG target.

How many of the given statements is/are correct?

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

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Start-up Ecosystem In India

NABARD to launch ₹1000-crore Blended Fund for Agri-Startups

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Agri-Startups, NABARD

Mains level: NA

What is the news –

  • The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is set to launch a ₹1,000-crore fund to bolster technology-driven agri-startups and rural enterprises.
  • NABARD has already established a ₹750-crore fund, which will be followed by another ₹1,000 crore, to support startups in this regard.

What are Agri-Startups?

  • Agri-startups are entrepreneurial ventures focused on innovating and revolutionizing various aspects of agriculture and allied sectors.
  • These startups leverage technology, data, and modern farming practices to address challenges in the agricultural value chain and promote sustainable farming practices.
  • They offer a wide range of products and services aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability for farmers, as well as enhancing food quality and safety for consumers.

Key areas of innovation in agri-startups include:

  1. Precision Agriculture: Utilizing data-driven technologies such as IoT, drones, and satellite imagery for precision farming, soil health monitoring, crop monitoring, and yield optimization.
  2. Agritech Solutions: Developing innovative technologies and tools for pest and disease management, water management, greenhouse farming, and hydroponics.
  3. Farm Management Software: Providing digital platforms and mobile applications for farm management, crop planning, inventory management, and market intelligence.
  4. Agri-Marketing Platforms: Connecting farmers directly with buyers, retailers, and consumers through online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and farm-to-fork initiatives.
  5. Supply Chain Management: Streamlining logistics, transportation, and warehousing operations to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and ensure traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
  6. Food Processing: Developing value-added products, food processing technologies, and packaging solutions to enhance the shelf life, nutritional value, and marketability of agricultural produce.

 About NABARD

 

  • NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, by an Act of Parliament to promote sustainable rural development and agricultural growth in India.
  • It operates as a statutory body under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, with its headquarters located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • It was established on the recommendation of the Sivaraman Committee and has its headquarters in Mumbai.
  • Its primary mission is to facilitate credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and other rural crafts.
  • It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the GoI, with (1) representatives from the RBI, (2) central and state governments, and (3) experts in various fields related to rural development and finance.

 

Functions of NABARD:

 

  1. Refinance Support: NABARD provides refinance facilities to banks and financial institutions for agricultural and rural development activities, including crop loans and rural infrastructure projects.
  2. Direct Lending: It extends direct loans to institutions for specific rural development projects, such as agricultural production, rural infrastructure development, and agri-processing units.
  3. Research and Training: NABARD promotes research and development in agriculture, supports capacity building and training programs for rural stakeholders, and facilitates technology transfer initiatives.
  4. Scheme Implementation: The organization administers government schemes and funds like Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to finance rural infrastructure projects and watershed development activities.
  5. Credit Planning: NABARD collaborates with central and state governments, RBI, and other stakeholders to formulate credit policies and plans for agriculture and rural sectors.
  6. Financial Inclusion: It promotes financial inclusion by expanding banking services in rural areas, supporting SHGs, FPOs, and MFIs, and facilitating access to credit for rural communities.
  7. Priority Sector Lending: NABARD plays a crucial role in channelling credit to priority sectors such as agriculture, small-scale industries, and rural infrastructure, in alignment with the Reserve Bank of India’s priority sector lending guidelines.

 

About the Blended Fund for Agri-Startups

  • In the budget for FY23, plans for a blended capital fund were announced for ‘Sunrise Sectors’ to finance startups for agriculture and rural enterprises.
  • The fund aims to support startups facing challenges in scaling up their operations due to limited access to equity and debt instruments.
  • It also seeks to foster new linkages in the rural ecosystem, both forward and backwards.

Other Schemes for Agri-Startups in India

 

  1. Agriculture Accelerator Fund (2023): It was announced by Finance Minister in the union budget for 2023-24, as a significant initiative designed to support agritech startups and young entrepreneurs hailing from rural areas.
  2. Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Program (2018-19): To increase farmers’ income, GOI started this Program under the umbrella of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (2007). Startups receive financial assistance at different stages, with Rs. 5.00 lakh at the idea/pre-seed stage and Rs. 25 lakh at the seed stage.

 


PYQ:

Q.Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to: (2012)

  1. Agriculture
  2. Micro and small enterprises
  3. Weaker sections
  4. All of the above

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Digital India Initiatives

[pib] NIXI and MeitY to unveil BhashaNet Portal  

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: BhashaNet Portal, Universal Acceptance Principle

Mains level: NA

What is the news-

  • The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is proud to announce the launch of the BhashaNet portal for the upcoming Universal Acceptance (UA) Day.
Universal Acceptance is the principle that all domain names and email addresses should be treated equally, regardless of the characters used in them.

 What is BhashaNet Portal?

  • The Bhasha-Net Portal is a digital platform launched by NIXI, aimed at promoting Universal Acceptance (UA).
  • The portal specifically focuses on ensuring that individuals, regardless of the language or script they use, can fully participate in the digital world.
  • The portal is designed to provide resources, tools, and information to support the integration of diverse languages and scripts into online platforms, websites, and applications.

Objectives:

  1. To provide a truly multilingual internet, where local language website name and local language email id, work everywhere seamlessly.
  2. To foster digital inclusivity by addressing linguistic barriers and promoting the use of local languages and scripts in digital communication.

About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

 

  • Established on June 19, 2003, the NIXI is a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of MeitY.
  • NIXI is dedicated to enhancing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating essential infrastructure and services.
  • It plays a crucial role in enabling the internet ecosystem to be accessible and utilized by the masses, thereby promoting digital empowerment and inclusion nationwide.

Four key services include-

1.    Setting up Internet Exchange Points,

2.    Managing the .IN Registry,

3.    Promoting IPv4 and IPv6 address adoption through IRINN, and

4.    Offering data center services under NIXI-CSC.


Back2Basics:

IPv4 IPv6
Address Format 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.0.2.1) 128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
Address Representation Decimal dotted notation (e.g., 192.0.2.1) Hexadecimal colon-hex notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
Address Space Limited address space (~4.3 billion addresses) Vast address space (approximately 3.4×10^38 addresses)
Header Length Fixed-length header (20 bytes) Variable-length header (40 bytes or more)
Header Options Limited options Expanded options for quality of service, security, and mobility
Broadcast Uses broadcast addresses for network discovery and ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Uses multicast addressing for efficient communication
Security Limited built-in security features Built-in IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) support for end-to-end encryption and authentication
Adoption Status Widely deployed and used Increasing adoption but not yet fully ubiquitous

 


PYQ:

2011: What is “Virtual Private Network”?

  1. It is a private computer network of an organization where the remote users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the organization
  2. It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organization’s network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted
  3. It is a computer network in which users can access a shared pool of computing resources through a service provider
  4. None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is a correct description of Virtual Private Network

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Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

[pib] GRID-INDIA is now a Miniratna Company

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and their Categorization

Mains level: NA

What is the news-

  • Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) reached a significant milestone as it was honored with the prestigious status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) by the Ministry of Power.

About Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA)

  • Founding: Established in 2009, GRID-INDIA plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Indian Power System.
  • Mandate: GRID-INDIA is tasked with overseeing the seamless transfer of electric power within and across regions, facilitating transnational power exchanges, and ensuring reliability, economy, and sustainability in the power sector.
  • Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and NLDC: GRID-INDIA comprises five RLDCs and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), collectively managing the All India synchronous grid.
  • Functions: Managing one of the world’s largest and most intricate power systems, GRID-INDIA handles diverse challenges arising from the integration of power systems, rising energy demands, and the proliferation of Renewable Energy (RE) sources.

What are Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

  • CPSEs are companies in which the central government holds a majority stake (usually more than 51%).
  • These enterprises operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and financial services.
  • CPSEs are governed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

Within the CPSEs, there are further classifications based on their financial performance, operational autonomy, and strategic importance:

Maharatna Companies Navratna Companies Miniratna Companies
Categories Single category Single category Two categories (Category-I and Category-II) based on the Autonomy
Eligibility Criteria Annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore, net worth of ₹15,000 crore, and net profit of ₹5,000 crore over the last three years A composite score of at least 60% based on various parameters such as net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, cost of production, PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes) to turnover ratio, and other operational and financial parameters. Satisfactory operational and financial performance, as per government guidelines
Operational Autonomy High degree of operational autonomy and financial powers Moderate degree of operational autonomy and financial powers Limited operational autonomy and financial powers
Investment Authority Authority to make strategic investments, undertake mergers and acquisitions, and form joint ventures or collaborations without seeking government approval Authority to undertake investment decisions, execute projects, and form joint ventures or subsidiaries within prescribed limits without seeking government approval Authority to make certain investment decisions, incur capital expenditure and undertake expansion projects within prescribed limits without seeking government approval
Number of Companies Limited number of companies (currently 10 Maharatna companies) Limited number of companies (currently 14 Navratna companies) Larger number of companies (over 70 Miniratna companies)
Examples Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), NTPC Limited Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)

 


PYQ:

2011: Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

  1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.
  2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

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

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Tobacco: The Silent Killer

In news: Tobacco Board  

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Tobacco Board, Tobacco Crop, Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

  • The Tobacco Board has authorised a crop size of 100 million kg for Karnataka during the year 2024-25.

Tobacco in Indian Economy

 

  • It is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop which can be grown on soils where other crops cannot be cultivated profitably.
  • In India, Tobacco crop is grown in an area of 0.45 M ha (0.27% of the net cultivated area) producing ~ 750 M kg of tobacco leaf.
  • India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively.
  • The production of flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is about 300 million kg from an area of 0.20 M ha while 450 M kg non-FCV tobacco is produced from an area of 0.25 M ha.
  • In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.

 About Tobacco Board 

  • The Tobacco Board was constituted as a Statutory Body on 1st January, 1976 under Section (4) of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975.
  • It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • It is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

The primary objective of the Tobacco Board is-

  • To promote the orderly development of the tobacco industry in India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, which are the major tobacco-growing regions in the country.

Key Functions and Responsibilities  

  1. Regulation and Control: The Tobacco Board regulates the production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia tobacco, which includes Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) and Burley tobacco varieties.
  2. Licensing and Registration: It monitors and issues licenses and registrations to tobacco growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers involved in various stages of the tobacco supply chain.
  3. Research and Development: It collaborates with agricultural research institutes, universities, and industry stakeholders to introduce new technologies, best practices, and crop varieties to enhance the productivity and profitability of tobacco farming.
  4. Market Promotion: It promotes Indian tobacco products in domestic and international markets through trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and promotional campaigns.
  5. Price Stabilization: It intervenes in the market to stabilize prices, mitigate price fluctuations, and protect the interests of farmers against adverse market conditions.
  6. Quality Control and Grading: It operates grading centers and quality testing laboratories to assess the quality characteristics of tobacco and facilitate fair trade practices in the industry.

PYQ:

Q.With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
  2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
  4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)

  1. 1 and 3
  2. 2 and 4
  3. 3 and 4
  4. 1 and 4

 

Practice MCQ:

Consider the following statements regarding the cultivation of Tobacco in India:

  1. Tobacco is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop.
  2. India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively
  3. In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.

How many of the given statements is/are correct?

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

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

Insights from the WMO’s State of the Climate Report, 2023

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: State of the Climate Report, 2023, Key Highlights

Mains level: Surging impact of Climate Change

What is the news-

  • The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recent State of the Climate report highlights unprecedented climatic shifts, with numerous indicators reaching record levels.

About World Meteorological Organization

  • It is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
  • It was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • It origin traces to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
  • Currently it has a membership of 191 countries. India is also a member.

Key Highlights of the State of the Climate Report, 2023

[1] Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

  • Record-High Concentrations: GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record levels in 2022, contributing to global warming. The concentration of GHGs observed in 2022 is the latest year for which consolidated global values are available (1984–2022).
  • Long-term Trend: The rise in GHG concentrations underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate their impact.

[2] Surface Temperature

  • Historic Spike: Global surface temperatures in 2023 surged to 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the highest recorded temperature. This temperature rise is attributed to the combined effects of rising GHG concentrations and the onset of El Nino in 2023.
  • El Nino Influence: The onset of El Nino exacerbated temperature extremes globally, amplifying the impacts of climate change.

[3] Ocean Heat Content (OHC)

  • Unprecedented Heat: Ocean heat content reached its highest level in the observational record of 2023. The ocean heat content (OHC) refers to the total amount of heat the oceans store.
  • Long-term Trend: The continual increase in OHC underscores the ongoing challenge of ocean warming and its implications for marine ecosystems.

[4] Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)

  • Widespread Occurrence: The global ocean experienced a significant increase in marine heatwave (MHW) coverage in 2023. The average daily marine heatwave coverage reached 32%, surpassing previous records set in 2016.
  • Duration and Intensity: Prolonged MHWs pose threats to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and fisheries, highlighting the urgency of climate action.

[5] Antarctic Sea-Ice Extent

  • Record Low: Antarctic sea-ice extent plummeted to 1.79 million km2 in February 2023, the lowest since satellite observations began in 1979. The extent remained below average throughout the year, signalling ongoing trends of sea-ice loss in the Antarctic region.
  • Persistent Decline: The continued decline in Antarctic sea-ice extent underscores the vulnerability of Polar Regions to climate change.

[6] Glacier Mass Balance

  • Unprecedented Loss: Glaciers worldwide experienced the largest annual loss of ice on record in 2022-2023. The annual mass balance, which measures the amount of mass gained or lost by glaciers, dropped to a new low of ‘–1.2 metre water equivalent’.
  • Regional Disparities: Glacial mass balance varied across regions, with North American and European glaciers particularly affected by ice loss.

Significance of the report

  • The figures presented in the WMO report underscore the magnitude of climate change impacts on various Earth systems.
  • Urgent action is needed to address rising GHG emissions, mitigate temperature extremes, protect marine environments, and preserve critical cryospheric regions.

PYQ:

2018: “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by

  1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
  2. The UNEP Secretariat
  3. The UNFCCC Secretariat
  4. The World Meteorological Organisation

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Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

PIB’s Fact Check Unit: Combating Misinformation in India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Fact Check Unit (FCU) and its Functions

Mains level: Not Much

Why in the news-

  • Weeks ahead of the election, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Wednesday notified the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the designated body to flag misinformation about Central government departments to social media platforms.

Why PIB?

 

  • Under the GoI (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating information about government policies, schemes, and programs through various mediums of communication.
  • In fulfilling its role, the Ministry publicizes the policies, initiatives, schemes, and programs of the Government of India through press releases, press conferences, webinars, publication of books, etc.
  • To carry out this crucial function, the Ministry has several attached and subordinate offices, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

What is Fact Check Unit (FCU)?

  • The Fact Check Unit’s mandate arises from the IT Rules, 2021, which stipulate that social media platforms risk losing legal liability protections if they fail to address notified misinformation promptly.
  • The unit verifies claims about government policies, regulations, announcements and measures.
  • Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB Fact Check Unit helps in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.

Operational Framework

  • The FCU, led by senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), operates under the supervision of the Principal Director General of PIB.
  • Its mandate includes verifying claims related to government policies, regulations, and announcements through a rigorous fact-checking process.
  • The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.

Fact-Check Mechanism

  • Query Handling: Users submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web portal, which are processed as ‘Queries’ by the Unit.
  • Verification Process: Actionable Queries relevant to the Government of India undergo thorough verification using official sources and technological tools.
  • Publication of Fact Checks: Verified information is categorized as Fake, Misleading, or True, and published on the Unit’s social media platforms for public awareness.

Categories of Fact-Checked Content

  1. Fake: Factually incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally disseminated to deceive or manipulate the audience.
  2. Misleading: Information presented with partial truths, selective facts, or distortion to mislead recipients.
  3. True: Information verified to be factually accurate after rigorous investigation.

PYQ:

2017: Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity-

  1. The intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
  2. The methods for strengthening executive leadership.
  3. A superior individual with dynamism and vision.
  4. A band of dedicated party workers.

 

Practice MCQ:

The centre has recently established the Fact Check Unit (FCU) as a designated body to flag misinformation in India. In this regard, consider the following statements:

  1. Establishment of FCU is mandated under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
  2. The FCU is led by an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS).

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

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

 

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Nuclear Energy

Onward to Thorium

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Thorium-based Reactors

Mains level: Nuclear Energy, Government Initiatives

Why in the News?

Recently, at the start of March 2024, our 500-MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) began fuel-loading, marking the successful completion of commissioning trials and rectification of a range of first-of-its-kind equipment in the fast breeder reactor technology.

Context:

  • Homi Bhabha’s spirit of self-reliance has enabled the autonomous pursuit of ‘Thorium Goals’.
  • His proposed three-stage strategy aims to develop critical nuclear technologies, starting with modest uranium resources, and achieve a large-scale thorium-based energy program.
  • The largest contributor to the climate change-related existential threat we face has created an immediate demand for large-scale deployment of nuclear power plants.
  • BHAVINI, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are responsible for building and operating the PFBR.

What is the significance of thorium in making India energy self-sufficiency?

    • Meeting Energy Demand:
  • Boosting Domestic Market: 
      • Given the size of India’s population and its economy, its energy demands would lead to serious challenges to energy security.
      • For ‘Vikasit Bharat’, India needs around three-and-a-half times more energy, which can come only from nuclear energy, specifically thorium.
    • Reducing Imports:
      • India has been dependent on energy imports all along. Thorium presents us with a unique opportunity to become energy self-sufficient.
      • Renewable energy, including large hydropower projects, can, at best, meet current energy needs.
  • Building Global Perspective:
    • India’s long-term Energy security:
      • Looking towards India’s level of nuclear energy deployment will, the PFBR is expected to become operational, paving India into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme.
      • It works as the gateway for meeting the country’s energy needs for a long time into the future, leveraging India’s vast thorium resources, which are the largest in the world.
    • Further, there is no other clean energy source available on the Indian landmass that can cope with India’s energy needs.

Future Scope:

  • Transitioning to Better Fuel:
      • high-assay, low-enriched uranium (LEU) and thorium fuel capable of delivering a seven-times larger fuel burn-up in the PHWR design is needed.
      • ANEEL fuel has been designed and will be available shortly. The ANEEL fuel concept could also bring the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR300-LEU), a fully developed design immune to any severe accident-related anxiety, to reality.
  • Concurrent fuel Recycling Processes:
      • Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle Facility (FRFCF) that would work alongside the PFBR is coming up.
      • Once a sizeable inventory of uranium-233 accumulates, we must bring in reactors specifically designed for thorium and the related fuel-cycle facilities, constituting the third stage of our nuclear power program.
  • Advancement in Fast Reactor Technology:
      • The rapid deployment of PHWRs based on imported uranium allows for the advancement of thorium utilization in PHWRs, facilitating the deployment of third-stage thorium reactor systems, reducing spent fuel inventory, and proliferation resistance, and enhancing safety and economy.
      • The fast reactor systems with faster growth based on inherently better breeding performance are needed.
      • More reactors on the PFBR model must be constructed to consolidate sodium-cooled fast reactor technology, a key feature of the second stage of the nuclear program.
  • High-temperature reactor:
    • Thorium utilization can be improved in high-temperature reactors to produce low-cost hydrogen with minimal carbon footprint.
    • Direct hydrogen production without electricity would make hydrogen production cheaper and less dependent on hydrogen electrolyzers.

Conclusion: The beginning of fuel-loading in PFBR is a significant step that must be celebrated to motivate our scientists and prepare them for the bigger tasks ahead. Sustained encouragement backed up by a demanding but conducive framework around them is the need of the hour. One must move on the thorium path, though it has no parallel anywhere else in the world.

 

Mains PYQ:

  1. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC 2018)
  2. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor program in India? (UPSC 2017)

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Minimum Support Prices for Agricultural Produce

Guaranteed MSP is an ethical imperative

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: MSP, National Commission on Farmers, 2004

Mains level: Farmers woes and role of MSP

Why in the news? 

As the upcoming general elections approach, agricultural issues have once again become the focus of attention.

Context-

    • Farmers from the regions known for the Green Revolution have journeyed to the outskirts of the capital not only to express their concerns but also to influence the topics being discussed in the election campaigns.
  • What is the guarantee on MSP?
    • There are legal provisions for farmers to get the MSP for all 23 crops when they sell them—a guarantee by the government to ensure that prices do not fall below the minimum. 

Key issues related to MSP in India (Produce and perish trap in India)

  • Inadequate implementation of MSP- Despite annual announcements, the implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 23 crops across both kharif and rabi seasons still needs to be improved.
    • Only a small fraction, around 6% of farmers (as per The Shanta Kumar Committee, in its 2015 report), particularly those growing paddy and wheat in states like Punjab, actually benefit from MSP.
  • Vicious Cycle of Debt and Suicide– Farmers trapped in a cycle of produce and perish face crippling debt and tragically, suicides. The inability to sell crops at MSP exacerbates financial struggles.
  • Dependency on Intermediaries The MSP procurement system frequently relies on intermediaries like middlemen, commission agents, and officials from Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). 
    • This setup can pose difficulties for smaller farmers, limiting their access to these channels and resulting in inefficiencies and diminished benefits for them.
  • Inconsistent Implementation Across States- While some states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have made efforts towards ensuring MSP through legislative measures, there are challenges due to a lack of political will and comprehensive strategies.
  • Financial Burden on Government- The government bears a substantial financial burden in procuring and maintaining buffer stocks of MSP-supported crops.
    • This allocation of resources detracts from potential investments in other agricultural or rural development initiatives.
  • Lack of political will- Unable to prevent purchasing of food crops below the MSP.  For example, A few years ago, Maharashtra attempted to amend its Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act to prevent the purchase of agricultural produce below MSP, but the effort failed due to a lack of political will and a comprehensive strategy

What are the measures suggested?

  • Amendment to State APMC Acts or Essential Commodities Act- Minor amendments to these laws could introduce provisions ensuring that transactions of farmers’ produce do not occur below the MSP.
  • Development of Backward and Forward Linkages- Alongside legal recourse to MSP, it is proposed to develop essential backwards and forward linkages. This includes crop planning, market intelligence, and the establishment of post-harvest infrastructure for the storage, transportation, and processing of farm commodities.
  • Enhancing MSP- There’s a suggestion to enhance MSP to provide a 50% profit margin over total cost, which is seen as feasible considering the current margins.
  • Effective Procurement and Distribution- Emphasizing the need for effective procurement and distribution mechanisms as envisioned under the National Food Security Act, 2013, to ensure MSP and address hunger and malnutrition.
  • Scheme ensure MSP- Recognizing the potential of schemes like PM-AASHA, which comprises price support, price deficiency payment, and incentives to private traders to ensure MSP, although it’s noted that such schemes have been sidelined in policy circles.
  • Reducing Intermediaries’ Share– Establishing a legally binding MSP may reduce the share of intermediaries, leading to resistance from them.
    • However, this reduction could lead to farmers receiving a higher percentage of the price paid by consumers.
  • Addressing Free Market Dogma- Critiquing the adherence to free market ideology and advocating for government intervention, particularly in ensuring a legally binding MSP, to address the ongoing crisis in farmer incomes.

Conclusion: Inadequate MSP implementation leads to a vicious cycle of debt and dependence on intermediaries. Solutions include legal guarantees, better procurement, reducing intermediary influence, and challenging free market ideologies to ensure fair compensation for farmers.

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Forest Fires

Forest Fires in the Nilgiris

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Forests in India; Location

Mains level: Forests in India; Forest Fires

Why in the news?

Forest fires have been ongoing in the Coonoor forest range of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu for the past week.

Context:

  • The Indian Air Force has recently joined the firefighting operations led by the state forest department.
    • A Mi-17 V5 helicopter has been deployed to conduct numerous Bambi Bucket operations, delivering approximately 16,000 liters of water to extinguish the fires.

What are Forest Fires/Wildfires?

Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are uncontrolled fires that occur in forests, grasslands, or other wild areas. These fires can spread rapidly, fueled by dry vegetation, high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.

There are three types of Forest Fires:

  • Surface Fires: These fires burn along the forest floor, consuming vegetation and leaf litter. Surface fires are typically less intense and move relatively slowly compared to other types of wildfires. They are often caused by natural factors like lightning strikes or human activities such as campfires.
  • Ground Fires: Ground fires occur beneath the surface of the forest floor, burning through layers of organic matter like peat and roots. These fires can smolder for extended periods, producing significant heat and damage to the soil. Ground fires are often difficult to detect and extinguish, posing a long-term threat to forest ecosystems.
  • Crown Fires: Crown fires are the most severe type of wildfire, burning through the upper canopy of trees. These fires spread rapidly, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, and can cause extensive damage to forested areas. Crown fires are challenging to control and extinguish, posing significant risks to both property and lives.

What is the frequency of Forest Fires in India?

  • Period of Fires in India– 
      • April-May are usually the worst fire months across the country.
      • June to November is considered to be forest fire season in India, with hundreds of thousands of small and large fires burning every year.
  • Affected areas in India- 
      • According to the 2019 India State of Forest Report (ISFR) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, over 36% of India’s forest cover was susceptible to frequent fires.
      • Approximately 4% of the forest cover was categorized as extremely prone to fire, while an additional 6% was classified as very highly fire-prone.
  • Most Forest Fire Regions-
    • As per the FSI, dry deciduous forests are more susceptible to severe fires, whereas evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests exhibit lower susceptibility to fires.
    • Northeast India, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand are identified as the regions most susceptible to forest fires
    • During March 2023, extensive bushfires erupted in Goa, prompting an inquiry into their possible human origins.
    • In 2021, a series of forest fires occurred in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Nagaland-Manipur border, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, encompassing several wildlife sanctuaries.

Incidents of Forest Fires in 2024

    • During the past week, Mizoram reported the highest number of forest fires, totaling 3,738, followed by Manipur with 1,702, Assam with 1,652, Meghalaya with 1,252, and Maharashtra with 1,215.
  • Forest fires have been increasing since early March along the:
    • Konkan belt in Maharashtra,
    • South-coastal Gujarat along Gir Somnath and Porbandar,
    • Southern Rajasthan and adjoining south-western districts of Madhya Pradesh,
    • Coastal and interior Odisha, and adjoining Jharkhand.
  • Forest Fires in South India– Certain forest areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are susceptible to fires.
    • However, as per the FSI, forests in southern India, characterized by mainly evergreen or semi-evergreen vegetation, are relatively less prone to fires. Nonetheless, Tamil Nadu has witnessed wildfires in its forests in recent years.

What are the reasons behind Forest Fires in 2024?

  • Highest Temperature: February 2024 was exceptionally hot over Southern India, the hottest since 1901, with January ranking as the fifth warmest in over a century.
  • Early build-up of heat load: Recorded maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures have remained above normal over the southern states for the past two months, leading to an early build-up of heat load in the region well before the onset of the summer season.
  • Excess Heat Factor (EHF): The IMD has warned of the significantly higher-than-normal prevalence of EHF over western Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Karnataka. EHF predicts the likelihood of a heatwave over a region, with maximum temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, unusual for mid-March.
  • Mild Aridity: In the absence of rain and prevailing high temperatures, the IMD has classified almost all districts of southern India under mild aridity.
  • Climatic Conditions: High aridity, above-normal day temperatures, clear sky conditions, and calm winds during the early phase of the summer season contribute to the spike in forest fire incidents in southern India this year.

Suggestive measures to address Forest Fires:

  • Prevention: Implementing fire prevention measures such as creating firebreaks, clearing vegetation around vulnerable areas, and enforcing restrictions on activities that can cause fires.
  • Early Detection: Installing and maintaining fire detection systems including lookout towers, satellite monitoring, and automated sensors to detect fires early. And Training and equipping forest rangers and firefighters with the skills and tools needed to identify and report fires promptly.
  • Rapid Response: Establishing communication networks to coordinate response efforts among firefighting agencies, emergency services, and other stakeholders. Strategies Pre-positioning firefighting equipment and resources in strategic locations to facilitate rapid deployment.

Conclusion: Forest fires, prevalent in India, pose significant threats to ecosystems and communities. Climatic factors exacerbate the situation. Urgent measures including prevention, early detection, and rapid response are essential to mitigate these risks and safeguard our forests.

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

Changing cancer nomenclature can improve treatment outcomes: doctors 

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Genetic causes behind Cancers

Mains level: Menace of Cancer in India and the World

Why in the news? 

Physicians have expressed the necessity to categorize Cancers based on their genetic characteristics.

Context:

  • An updated classification system could aid patients in comprehending the reasoning behind their treatment.
  • While two individuals may share the same type of cancer, their therapies could vary due to differences in the biological mechanisms driving their tumors.

What motivates the need for change?

  •  Not limited to cancers of a single organ: With technological improvements, doctors are also able to find which genetic mutations are responsible for a tumor in many cases and target them with drugs.
    • All cancers from the same organ don’t always share the same mutations, and these mutations aren’t limited to cancers of a single organ
  • Access life-saving drugs sooner: This development in precision oncology requires cancers to be classified based on their molecular and genetic characteristics rather than the organ in which they originate, a team of researchers from France has written in a paper.
    • This way, according to them, cancer patients can also access life-saving drugs sooner. Oncologists spend a lot of time testing new drugs in clinical trials in a sequential manner, leading to “delay in treatment access”.

Has sequential testing caused delays? 

    • A 2012 clinical trial conducted in the U.S. explored the efficacy of the drug nivolumab across various cancer types, including melanoma and kidney cancer. Nivolumab targets a specific protein receptor found in certain tumors, and it showed promising results by alleviating symptoms in individuals with tumors expressing this protein
  • Challenges Due to Traditional Organ-Based Classification-
    • Hindered by the traditional classification-Despite promising outcomes, the next logical step of testing nivolumab in individuals with tumors expressing the protein, regardless of cancer origin, was hindered by the traditional classification of cancers based on their organ of origin (e.g., breast, kidney, lung).
    • Multiple trials needed: As a consequence, researchers were compelled to conduct separate trials for each type of cancer, leading to significant delays in drug accessibility for patients with tumors expressing the targeted protein.
    • Time taking trails: Each trial requires substantial time and resources, from recruitment to data analysis, prolonging the process of drug approval and availability for specific cancer subtypes.

Significance of categorizing cancers based on their genetic characteristics-

  • Faster drug development and availability: By targeting specific genetic mutations rather than specific cancer types, clinical trials for drugs can encompass all cancer types with those mutations. This approach potentially expedites the trial process, leading to faster drug development and availability.
  • Reduces confusion among the patient: The revamped classification system not only accelerates clinical trial timelines but also enhances patient understanding of treatment rationale. Patients often receive different therapies for the same cancer due to diverse underlying biological mechanisms. Aligning cancer names with biological mechanisms reduces confusion and helps patients comprehend the reasoning behind their treatment plans.
  • Personalized treatment: Physicians, including Dr. Jobanputra, emphasize the importance of educating patients about the molecular characteristics of their cancers. As the approach to cancer treatment becomes more personalized, understanding these molecular aspects becomes crucial as they directly impact prognosis and treatment costs.
  • Reducing the timing in trial-naming cancers based on their biological characteristics rather than their anatomical origin can significantly reduce the time required to conduct clinical trials. This shift eliminates the need for separate trials for each cancer type defined by organ of origin, streamlining the research process

Challenges in Implementing the Proposed Cancer Classification Change:

  • Limited Access to Genetic Testing: The accessibility and affordability of genetic testing are major hurdles, particularly in regions like India where many patients cannot afford these tests.
    • Without widespread access to such tests, implementing a classification system based on molecular alterations becomes impractical.
  • Financial Barriers to Genetic Testing: The cost of genetic testing in Indian labs and abroad is prohibitively high for many patients, further exacerbating the issue of limited access.
    • Addressing these financial barriers is crucial for ensuring equitable access to precision oncology.
  • Lack of Patients in Clinical Trials: Clinical trials based on molecular signatures require a significant number of patients with each type of cancer to produce meaningful results.
    • Without adequate representation across cancer types, there is a risk of generalizing results, limiting the effectiveness of precision oncology approaches.
  • Time-taking Process: Transitioning to a new diagnostic nomenclature based on molecular alterations will likely occur gradually and require careful implementation.
    • While the proposed change has the potential to improve drug accessibility, its full realization will take time and concerted effort to overcome various challenges.

Conclusion: Categorizing cancers based on genetic characteristics can streamline treatment, improve drug accessibility, and enhance patient understanding. However, challenges like limited access to genetic testing and lack of patient representation in trials must be addressed.

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Women Safety Issues – Marital Rape, Domestic Violence, Swadhar, Nirbhaya Fund, etc.

[pib] NCW-RPF Collaboration to prevent Women Trafficking

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: National Commission for Women (NCW): Powers and Functions

Mains level: NA

What is the news-

NCW-RPF MoU: Key Objectives

 

  1. Prevention and Rescue: The MoU aims to prevent human trafficking and facilitate the rescue of trafficked women through joint efforts.
  2. Role of RPF Personnel: RPF personnel stationed at railway stations are crucial in preventing trafficking and addressing crimes against women.
  3. Expanding Collaboration: NCW, which established an Anti-Human Trafficking Cell on April 2, 2022, has already been working with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to combat the trafficking of women.

 

About National Commission for Women (NCW)

  • The NCW is the Statutory Body generally concerned with advising the government on all policy matters affecting women.
  • It was established on 31 January 1992 under the provisions of the Indian Constitution as defined in the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
  • The first head of the commission was Jayanti Patnaik.
  • The Indian Constitution doesn’t contain any provision specifically made to favor women intrinsically.
  • Article 15 (3), Article 14 and Article 21 protect and safeguard women. They are more gender-neutral.

Objectives

  • The objective of the NCW is to represent the rights of women in India and to provide a voice for their issues and concerns.
  • The subjects of their campaigns have included dowry, politics, religion, equal representation for women in jobs, and the exploitation of women for labor.
  • They have also discussed police abuses against women.

Composition of the NCW

The Commission shall consist of:

  • Chairperson: To be nominated by the Central Government.
  • Five Members: To be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in law or legislation, trade unionism, management of an industry potential of women, women’s voluntary organizations (including women activists), administration, economic development, health, education or social welfare;
  • Special Representations: At least one Member each shall be from amongst persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively;

Powers of NCW

  • Provide consultation on all major policy matters that affect women.
  • Issuing summons for the examination of documents and the witnesses.
  • Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office.
  • Receiving evidence on affidavits
  • Discovery and production of documents
  • Summoning and enforcement

Functions of the NCW

  • Submission of Annual Reports: Table reports should be submitted to the Central Government every year, when deemed appropriate by the commission. These reports focus on the functioning and working of the safeguards.
  • Investigation and Examination: Proper investigation and examination are conducted under the Constitution and other laws, primarily aimed at protecting the rights of women.
  • Review and Scrutiny of Laws: Constant review and scrutiny of all laws are undertaken, with necessary amendments and alterations made to meet the needs of the current world.
  • Prevention of Violations: Ensuring there is no violation against women and taking due care of such cases to protect their rights.
  • Handling Complaints and Suo Motu Matters: Handling complaints and addressing suo motu matters about the deprivation of rights of women, with a focus on implementing laws favoring women’s welfare.
  • Assessment of Development and Progress: Assessing the development and progress of the women community at both the Center and State levels.
  • Identification and Mitigation of Systemic Limitations: Understanding the limitations in the system and devising strategic plans and mechanisms to address them effectively.

Issues faced by NCW

  • Limited Enforcement Power: The NCW is only recommendatory and lacks the power to enforce its decisions, often taking action only when issues are brought to light.
  • Lack of Constitutional Status: The Commission lacks constitutional status, resulting in no legal powers to summon police officers or witnesses.
  • Dependency on Grants: NCW’s functions are heavily dependent on grants offered by the central government, with insufficient financial assistance to cater to its needs.
  • Limited Autonomy in Member Selection: The Commission does not have the power to choose its own members, impacting its autonomy and effectiveness.

PYQ:

Q.Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (2017)

 

Q.According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?

  1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
  2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
  3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
  4. The Report of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes

Select the correct answer the using the codes given below:

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

Practice MCQ:

Which of the following does not constitute to the powers of National Commission for Women (NCW)?

  1. Issuing summons
  2. To make any record public
  3. Receiving evidence on affidavits
  4. Enforcing legal action against individuals

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Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

[pib] International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE)

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Hydrogen Fuel Cell and its Working, IPHE

Mains level: Hydrogen as a alternate fuel

Why in the news-

  • The 41st Steering Committee Meeting of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) is being convened in New Delhi.
  • The IPHE Steering Committee Meetings held biannually serve as a crucial platform for fostering international collaboration and coordination among member countries, stakeholders, and decision-makers.

What is a Fuel Cell?

 

  • A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity of a fuel and an oxidizing agent.
  • It generates electrical energy from fuel through an electrochemical reaction, offering high efficiency and zero emissions.
  • They are an innovative technology poised to revolutionize electricity generation, often referred to as the “battery of the future“.
  • Fuel cells provide high efficiency, low emissions, and can be used in various applications.
  • Note: Any electrochemical cell generates DC (Direct Current) output.

Working of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

  • Hydrogen fuel cells operate on the principle of electrochemical reactions.
  • Hydrogen gas (H2) is fed into the anode (negative electrode) of the fuel cell, while oxygen (usually from the air) is fed into the cathode (positive electrode).
  • At the anode, hydrogen molecules are split into protons (H+) and electrons (e-).
  • The protons travel through an electrolyte to the cathode, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity.
  • At the cathode, oxygen molecules react with the protons and electrons to form water (H2O), which is the only byproduct of the process.

About IPHE

  • The IPHE was established in 2003 as an international inter-governmental partnership led by the US.
  • It aims to accelerate progress in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
  • IPHE comprises 21 member countries and the European Commission as a non-voting member.
  • Member countries include major economies such as the United States, Japan, Germany, China, South Korea, and Canada, among others including India.
  • Additionally, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Singapore have also been mentioned in various contexts within the provided sources but are NOT explicitly listed as members of IPHE.

Objectives of the IPHE

  • Faster Transition: IPHE aims to facilitate and accelerate the transition to clean and efficient energy and mobility systems using hydrogen and fuel cell technologies across different applications and sectors.
  • Information Sharing Platform: The partnership provides a platform for sharing information on member country initiatives, policies, technology status, safety, regulations, codes, standards, and outreach efforts.
  • Advancing Clean Hydrogen Technologies: IPHE promotes a sustainable future by highlighting the versatility of hydrogen in various industries and its role in decarbonizing energy systems.

Key Initiatives: H2-DEIA Platform

  • In 2023, IPHE announced the launch of the H2-DEIA platform in partnership with the Hydrogen Council.
  • It is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the hydrogen and fuel cell economy.
  • It aims to foster a diverse workforce, share best practices, and support workforce development in the hydrogen sector.

PYQ:

Q.With reference to ‘Fuel Cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements:

  1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
  2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
  3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (CSP 2015)

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

 

Practice MCQ:

Regarding the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), consider the following statements:

  1. IPHE is an international inter-governmental partnership based on the auspices of the United Nations.
  2. India is a member of IPHE.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

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

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Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

IPEF: India to join US-led Co-operative Program on Carbon Market

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), Members and Agenda

Mains level: Carbon Trading Mechanism, Moves towards its Formalization

What is the news-

  • India has decided to participate in one of the four cooperative work programmes initiated under the ‘Clean energy pillar’ of the US-led Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
  • India will join the cooperative working group on carbon markets, with the Ministry of Power leading the initiative.

What are Carbon Markets?

 

  • Carbon markets, also known as emissions trading systems or cap-and-trade programs, are market-based mechanisms designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (2015) provides for the use of international carbon markets by countries to fulfil their Nationally Determined Contributions.
  • A regulatory authority, typically a government or regional organization, sets an overall limit or cap on the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by covered entities within a specific jurisdiction or sector.
  • Entities get permits for emissions. They can trade these permits with others.
  • Entities must have enough permits to cover their emissions. If they don’t, they buy more.

 What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

  • It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The IPEF was launched in 2021 with a dozen initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
  • The IPEF is NOT a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.

Four main “Pillars” of IPEF

 

  1. Trade that will include digital economy and emerging technology, labour commitments, the environment, trade facilitation, transparency and good regulatory practices, and corporate accountability, standards on cross-border data flow and data localisations;
  2. Supply chain resilience to develop “a first-of-its-kind supply chain agreement” that would anticipate and prevent disruptions;
  3. Clean energy and decarbonization will include agreements on “high-ambition commitments” such as renewable energy targets, carbon removal purchasing commitments, energy efficiency standards, and new measures to combat methane emissions; and
  4. Fair Economy Agreement, with commitments to enact and enforce “effective tax, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery schemes in line with [American] values”.

Members Countries include:

  • Currently, India and 13 countries other located in the Pacific Ocean are its members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

How is IPEF different from other trade deals?

  • No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined in the IPEF, although experts say it can pave the way to trade deals.
  • It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals are.
  • Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all the four pillars despite being signatories.

PYQ:

Q.Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct? (2011)

  1. The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
  2. Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota
  3. The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
  4. Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

 

Practice MCQ:

Regarding the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a US-led initiative launched in 2021.
  2. It is basically a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  3. India is not a member of IPEF.

How many of the given statements is/are correct?

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

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Air Pollution

Highlights of the World Air Quality Report, 2023

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: World Air Quality Report, Particulate Matters

Mains level: NA

Why in the news-

  • India has been ranked as the third-most polluted country in 2023, following Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to the ‘World Air Quality Report 2023’ by IQAir.
  • IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company, specializing in protection against airborne pollutants, developing air quality monitoring and air cleaning products

Comparative Analysis

 

  • Previous Rankings: In 2022, India held the eighth position among the most polluted countries with an average PM2.5 concentration of 53.3 micrograms per cubic meter, demonstrating a marginal increase in pollution levels.
  • Global Rankings: The report ranked 42 Indian cities among the top 50 most polluted cities globally, with Begusarai, Guwahati, and Delhi leading the list.

Key Highlights

(A)  Most Polluted Indian Cities:

  • Ten out of the top 11 most polluted cities in the world are from India, the other being Lahore in Pakistan.
  • Begusarai, located in Bihar, witnessed a significant increase in PM 2.5 concentration from 19.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 to 118.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023.
  • Guwahati’s PM2.5 concentration doubled from 51 to 105.4 micrograms per cubic meter between 2022 and 2023.
  • Delhi saw an increase in PM2.5 concentration from 89.1 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter over the same period.
  • Other Indian cities featuring in the top 50 most polluted cities of the world list included Greater Noida (11), Muzzafarnagar (16), Gurgaon (17), Arrah (18), Dadri (19), Patna (20), Faridabad (25), Noida (26), Meerut (28), Ghaziabad (35) and Rohtak (47).

(B) Global Insights:

  • Oceania—comprising Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia—remained the region with the cleanest air in 2023.
  • The report highlighted the top five most polluted countries worldwide, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso.
  • Seven countries which met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline (annual average of 5 µg/m3 or less) included Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
  • Despite previous declines, China experienced a 6.3% increase in PM2.5 concentration in 2023, signalling a concerning trend.
  • For the first time, Canada emerged as the most polluted country in Northern America, reflecting regional air quality challenges.
  • Africa remains the most underrepresented continent, with a third of the population still lacking access to air quality data.

What are Particulate Matters (PM)?

 

  • Particulate matter (PM) consists of a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air.
  • These particles come from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, construction activities, agricultural activities, wildfires, and natural dust.
  • PM can be classified into different size categories based on its aerodynamic diameter.
  • Common size fractions include PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller) and PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller).
  • PM 2.5 are so small that they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
  • Long-term exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 has been linked to reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

PYQ:

Q.Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (2015)

 

Q.In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (2016)

  1. Carbon dioxide
  2. Carbon monoxide
  3. Nitrogen dioxide
  4. Sulphur dioxide
  5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 4 and 5 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

 

Practice MCQ:

Consider the following statements:

  1. Particulate matter (PM) consists of a mixture of solid particles as well as liquid droplets suspended in the air.
  2. PM 2.5 can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
  3. Natural dust does not contribute to PM.

How many of the given statements is/are correct?

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

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Digital India Initiatives

[pib] Government e Marketplace (GeM)  

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Government e Marketplace (GeM)

Mains level: NA

gem

Why in the news-

  • The government’s procurement portal, GeM (Government e-Marketplace), is looking to encourage more and more start-ups and small and micro enterprises to list themselves as sellers.

About Government e-Marketplace (GeM) 

  • The GeM is a one-stop National Public Procurement Portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs.
  • It was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • It has been developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (under MCI) with technical support from the National e-governance Division (MEITy).

Functions for GeM

  • Enhancement of Public Procurement: GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in public procurement processes.
  • Paperless and Cashless Transactions: It is a completely paperless, cashless, and system-driven e-marketplace that enables procurement of common-use goods and services with minimal human interface.
  • Facilitation of Best Value: GeM provides the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction, and demand aggregation to facilitate government users in achieving the best value for their money.
  • Mandatory Purchases by Government Users: The purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance by adding a new Rule No. 149 in the General Financial Rules, 2017.

Key Developments on GeM:

  • GeM Outlet Stores: GeM has introduced outlet stores for various product categories like SARAS, Ajeevika, Tribes India, Startup Runway, Khadi India, India Handloom, India Handicraft, Divyangjan, etc.
  • Bamboo Market Window: GeM, in collaboration with the National Bamboo Mission, has introduced a dedicated window on its portal for marketing Bamboo Goods.
  • Country of Origin Tag: Since 2020, the government has made it mandatory for sellers on the GeM portal to clarify the country of origin of their goods when registering new products.

PYQ:

Q.‘SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at (2016) –

  1. Promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
  2. Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs
  3. Promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
  4. Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

 

Practice MCQ:

With reference to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a one-stop National Public Procurement Portal launched in 2016.
  2. It is developed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Select the correct option:

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

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