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  • 29th June 2021| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1  Salient features of world’s physical geography.

    GS-2  Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or India’s interests.

    GS-3  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment; 
     Effects of liberalization on the economy


    GS-4  Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;

     

    Questions:

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1) What do you understand by Earthquake waves ? What inferences can we draw from them regarding the interior of the Earth? (10 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2) For any nation, internationalism can’t be an end in itself; it is a critical instrument in strengthening national unity, security and prosperity. In this regard, examine what India can learn from China in building flexible global coalitions and adapting quickly to changing needs. (15 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3) Retrospective changes in policies by the Government not only leads to various disputes but also impacts overall economic environment. Comment (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4) Probity is often used in affiliation with integrity in governance. How do you differentiate between the two? Bring out their importance in public life? Suggest measures to promote these values in governance? (10 marks)

     

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  • [Burning Issue] Model Tenancy Act-2019

    Context

        The ministry of housing and urban affairs recently came out with the draft Model Tenancy Act 2019. The draft Act is aimed at increasing accountability in the rental home ecosystem. It addresses factors like the need to have a formal rent agreement, how much security deposit should be paid, rate of rent increase and grounds for eviction. While the draft tries to strike a balance between the rights of the tenants and homeowners, there is some debate about whether it promotes the interests of one over the other

    Why this act?

    • Restrictive Laws: As per Census 2011, more than 1 crore houses were lying vacant in urban areas. The existing rent control laws are restricting the growth of rental housing and discourage owners from renting out their vacant houses due to fear of repossession. 
    • Large scale informalisation in sector: One of the potential measures to unlock the vacant house is to bringing transparency and accountability in the existing system of renting of premises and to balance the interests of both the property owner and tenant in a judicious manner.
    • Lack of Uniformity: Since it is a state subject, states have enacted their laws and it differs from one state to another.
    • Housing Poverty: 2013 report by a Task Force for Rental Housing held that affordable rental housing “addresses the issues of the underprivileged and inclusive growth, in an even more direct manner than affordable ownership housing”. Model Tenancy Act helps bring investment in the sector as the sector provides better safeguards.

    Features of act

    • Mandatory Rent Agreement: The act makes it mandatory to create a written lawful rent agreement between the owner and tenant. 
    • Rent Authority: The Act requires establishing rent authorities in every district to regulate renting of premises.
      •  Both the landlord and tenant will have to submit a copy of the rent agreement to the district Rent Authority.
      •  The proposed authority will also provide a speedy adjudication mechanism for the resolution of disputes.
    • Tribunal and Courts: It calls for creating dedicated tribunals and courts for dealing with tenancy related disputes.
    •  Security Deposit: The act puts a cap on the amount of security deposit. It will be a maximum of two months of rent in case of residential premises and six months in case of non-residential premises.
    • Subletting: The act bars tenants from subletting the property in part or whole.
    • Vacating Rental Premises: It says that if a landlord has fulfilled all the conditions stated in the rent agreement, then the tenant has to vacate the premises. 
      • If the tenant fails to vacate the premises, then the landlord is entitled to double the monthly rent for the first two months and four times after that.
    • Increase in Rent: The rent can be revised according to the terms and conditions mentioned in the agreement. If there is no such agreement, the landowner will have to give a 3 months notice to the tenant before revising the rent.
    • Coverage: The Act will apply to premises rented for residential, commercial, or educational use but not for industrial use. It also won’t cover hotels, lodging, etc. This model law will be applied prospectively and will not affect existing tenancies.

    Need for Model tenancy act

    (1) Unlocking homes

    • It will unlock vacant houses for rental purposes
    • It will enable the creation of adequate rental housing stock for all the income groups thereby addressing the issue of homelessness.

    (2) Helping migrants

    • Rental housing is a preferred option for students and migrants.
    • It will balance the rights of both landlords and tenants.

    (3) Effective negotiations

    • There is no monetary ceiling under MTA, which enables parties to negotiate and execute the agreement on mutually agreed terms.
    • It will give confidence to landlords to let out their vacant premises, the housing ministry said.
    • The Act also tries to address how a renter can legitimately increase the rent.

    (4) Control over encroachments

    • It has proposed limiting the advance security deposits to two months’ rent and has also suggested heavy penalties for tenants who decide to overstay.
    • Those who do may have to shell out double the rent for two months and even four months.

    (5) Rights of tenants

    • The landowner cannot cut power and water supplies in case of a dispute and would have to provide a 24-hour notice to tenants to carry out repair work.
    • Should the landlords wish to increase the rent, they will need to provide a three-months notice to the tenants.
    • These measures would go a long way in protecting the rights of a tenant as it regulates the rent hikes that tenants have had to face.

    Scope of coverage

    MTA applies to any premises, which is, let separately for residence or commercial or educational use except industrial use.

    However, MTA does not provide what constitutes residence/commercial/educational/industrial use. Besides, MTA does not apply to the following premises–

    • Hotel, lodging house, dharamshala or inn etc.
    • Premises owned or promoted by:
    • The Central/ State/ UT Government.
    • Local Authority.
    • Government undertaking or enterprise.
    • Statutory body.
    • Cantonment board.
    • Premises owned by a company, university or organization given on rent to its employees as part of service contract.
    • Premises owned by owned by religious or charitable institutions as may be specified by notification.
    • Premises owned by owned by any trust registered under the Public Trust Act of the State.
    • Premises owned by owned by Wakfs registered under the Wakf Act, 1995.
    • Any other building specifically exempted in public interest through notification.

    However, if the owner of any of the premises mentioned in (b) to (g) wishes a tenancy agreement to be regulated under MTA, then he can inform the same to the Rent Authority.

    Significance

    • The model act will be applied prospectively and will not affect existing tenancies.
    • When enforced in all states, it will lead to a better regulated rental house market for middle and high-income segments.
    • The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana( Housing for all by 2022 mission ) has a component of having 20 per cent of 2 crore houses shall be created exclusively for rent.
    • This informality is the key reason why this housing segment, despite its huge potential, remains largely untapped. When landlords and tenants have a common platform to refer to understand the market dynamics, the rental housing segment would slowly march towards transparency and a formal setup.
    • A segment-specific court would mean the grievance redressal mechanism would work efficiently. This would generate in landlords the confidence to let out their units, which they otherwise shy away from, fearing squatting and other such unfavourable consequences.
    • A cap on security deposits would make a correction in these markets, where housing is expensive and renting is not cheap either.
    • Squatting by tenants is the key reason why landlords are wary of letting their unoccupied property. Since the policy sets monetary penalties for squatting, landlords will have greater confidence.
    • This would work as an alternative to eliminate the problem of the housing shortage in view of the ever-increasing population in India.

    Drawbacks of the MTA

    • Non-Binding nature: Land and Urban Development is a state subject. The states may or may not adopt the proposed law, as done by them in the case of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act.
    • Prospective effect: The new model act would have a prospective effect. This means it would be applicable to future disputes only, hence past disputes would continue to linger on for years.
    • Inadequate Security Cover: Security Cap for two months may not be enough to cover damages, especially during the last month when tenants adjust their rent in the security deposit.
    • Lacunae in the formation of the Act: The act fails to properly define the term ‘habitation’. Further, it fails to mention the penalty if the owner delays in paying back the security deposit. Also, it is altogether silent on sudden leave and license arrangements.

    What is the impact on Real Estate?

    • Model Tenancy Act will fuel the rental housing supply by attracting more investors
    • More rental housing stock will help students, working professionals and migrant populations to find urban accommodation.
    • Aimed at bridging the trust deficit between tenants and landlords by clearly delineating their obligations that will open up more players in the field confidence to landlords.
    • Attract corporate players to provide serviced apartments for their employees.

    Way forward

    • Protection of rights: The Model Tenancy Act, 2019 is a progressive step in matters related to rent and rental housing in the Indian real estate sector. By combining a range of clauses covering aspects from the security deposit to rent tribunals, the draft policy will aid in protecting the rights of the tenants as well as the property owners.
    • Special authority setup: It also proposes the establishment of adjudicating authorities in an effort to lessen the burden on lower courts in the matters relating to tenancy. In doing so, it offers a comprehensive and well-structured approach to solving tenancy-related issues in India.
    • Needs improvement: Although the provisions offer a win-win situation for both tenants and landowners, the scope can still be broadened. For instance, the draft policy should draw a clear distinction between residential tenancies and commercial rental accommodations, which attract higher institutional investments. 
    • Must be made binding: The central and state governments can work in tandem to provide affordable rental housings. This will not only attract a lot of tenants but will also increase the supply of formal rental accommodations. 
    • Taking all the factors into consideration, including the setting up of tribunals and courts, the act does bring transparency, fixes accountability, and promotes fairness in the rental housing segment. 

  • What is Project Seabird?

    Defence Minister has recently visited the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka to inspect infrastructure development under Phase II of “Project Seabird”.

    Project Seabird

    • The largest naval infrastructure project for India, Project Seabird involves the creation of a naval base at Karwar on the west coast of India.
    • INS Kadamba is an Indian Navy base located near Karwar in Karnataka.
    • The first phase of construction of the base was code-named Project Seabird and was completed in 2005.
    • INS Kadamba is currently the third-largest Indian naval base and is expected to become the largest naval base in the eastern hemisphere after the completion of expansion Phase IIB.

    Why need such a base?

    • During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, the Indian Navy faced security challenges for its Western Fleet in Mumbai Harbour due to congestion in the shipping lanes from commercial shipping traffic, fishing boats and tourists.
    • At the end of the war, various options were considered on addressing these concerns
    • Upon completion, it will provide the Indian Navy with its largest naval base on the west coast and also the largest naval base east of the Suez Canal.
    • The Navy’s lone aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya is based at Karwar.

  • Successful test-fire of Agni-Prime Missile

    A new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-P (Prime) was successfully test-fired by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

    Agni-Prime Missile

    • Agni-P is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
    • It is a canisterised missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.
    • Many advanced technologies including composites, propulsion systems, innovative guidance and control mechanisms and state-of-the-art navigation systems have been introduced.
    • The missile strengthens India’s credible deterrence capabilities.

    What is the upgrade?

    • Agni-P has improved parameters including manoeuvring and accuracy.
    • Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving its storage and mobility.

    What are Agni Missiles?

    • Agni class of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability which also includes the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft.
    • The longest of the Agni series, Agni-V, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, has already been tested several times and validated for induction.

    An arsenal for peace

    • In the last few years, India has also operationalized its submarine-based nuclear launch capability, completing the nuclear triad.
    • This is especially important given India’s No-First-Use policy while reserving the right of massive retaliation if struck with nuclear weapons first.

  • [pib] India to become self-reliant in Phosphatic Fertilizers

    The Department of Fertilisers is ready with an Action Plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate, the key raw material of DAP and NPK Fertilizers.

    What are Phosphatic Fertilizers?

    • Phosphorus is the eleventh most abundant element on the earth. Commercial phosphate fertilizers are manufactured using phosphate rock.
    • Approximately two-thirds of the world’s phosphate resources are derived from sedimentary and marine phosphate rock deposits.
    • Ground rock phosphate has been used as a source of phosphorous for soils in the past.
    • However, due to the low concentration of phosphorous in this native material, high transportation costs, and small crop responses, the usage of rock phosphate has reduced considerably in agriculture.
    • On the other hand, the usage of phosphorous based fertilizers has grown significantly.

    Which are the most common Ph fertilizers?

    • The most commonly used phosphatic fertilizers are Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), NPKs, and SSP.
    • DAP is the world’s most widely used phosphorus fertilizer. It is popular due to its relatively high nutrient content and its excellent physical properties.
    • DAP is an excellent source of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) for plant nutrition.
    • It provides the correct proportion of phosphorous and nitrogen for the farming of grains such as wheat, barley, fruits, and vegetables.
    • NPKs, also called compound fertilizers, are fertilizers that contain all three nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in different proportions.

    Also read

    [pib] Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) for Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) Fertilizers

    Why need Phosphorus?

    • Phosphorus is an essential nutrient required for plant growth. It helps in root development, plant maturation, and seed development.
    • If soils are deficient in phosphorus, food production becomes restricted, unless the nutrient is added in the form of fertilizers.
    • Hence, to increase food production, an adequate amount of phosphorus is required.
    • Along with nitrogen and potassium, phosphorus is one of the most important elements for plant life.
    • Soil gets depleted of phosphorus due to several reasons including being washed away by rain. Therefore, modern farming is reliant on the use of phosphorus-based fertilizers.

    Consumption in India

    • Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilisers and India is 90% dependent on imports.
    • Volatility in international prices affects the domestic prices of fertilisers and hinders the progress and development of the agriculture sector in the country.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? (CSP 2020)

    1.Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
    2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
    3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
    4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 1,2 and 4 only

    (c) 1,3 and 4 only

    (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

  • [pib] Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

    The Prime Minister has paid homage to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his birth anniversary.

    Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (1838-1894)

    • Chattopadhyay was a revolutionary novelist, poet and journalist.
    • He was the composer of Vande Mataram, originally in Sanskrit, personifying India as a mother goddess and inspiring activists during the Indian Independence Movement.
    • Chattopadhyay wrote fourteen novels and many serious, serio-comic, satirical, scientific and critical treatises in Bengali.
    • He is known as Sahitya Samrat (Emperor of Literature) in Bengali.

    His literary work

    • Anandamath is a political novel that depicts a Sannyasi (Hindu ascetic) army fighting a British force. The book calls for the rise of Indian nationalism.
    • The novel was also the source of the song Vande Mataram which, set to music by Rabindranath Tagore, was taken up by many Indian nationalists and is now the National Song of India.
    • The plot of the novel is loosely set on the Sannyasi Rebellion.
    • He imagined untrained Sannyasi soldiers fighting and defeated the highly experienced British Army; ultimately, however, he accepted that the British could not be defeated.
    • The novel first appeared in serial form in Bangadarshan, the literary magazine that Chattopadhyay founded in 1872.
    • Vande Mataram became prominent during the Swadeshi movement, which was sparked by Lord Curzon’s attempt to partition Bengal.
    • Drawing from the Shakti tradition of Bengali Hindus, Chattopadhyay personified India as a Mother Goddess known as Bharat Mata, which gave the song a Hindu undertone.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Which among the following event happened earliest? (CSP 2018)

    (a) Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj

    (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan

    (c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath

    (d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first India to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination

  • Sainath awarded 2021 Fukuoka Prize

    Noted journalist P. Sainath has been selected as one of the three recipients of the Fukuoka Prize for 2021.

    Fukuoka Prize

    • The Fukuoka Prize is given annually to distinguished people to foster and increase awareness of Asian cultures, and to create a broad framework of exchange and mutual learning among the Asian people.
    • The Prize was established in 1990 by the city of Fukuoka in Japan and the Fukuoka City International Foundation.
    • The Grand Prize has earlier been awarded to Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh, historian Romila Thapar, and sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan. Eleven Indians have received the Fukuoka Prize so far.
    • 115 people from 28 countries and areas have received the Prize in the past 30 years.

    Citation for the award

    • In a statement issued Mr. Sainath was described as a “very deserving recipient of the Grand Prize of Fukuoka Prize”.
    • The Secretariat noted his work for creating a new form of knowledge through his writings and commentaries on rural India and for “promoting civil cooperation”.

  • [RSTV Archive] India and Afghan Peace Process

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar set out India’s red lines for the settlement process in Afghanistan during a UNSC debate. A Qatari official revealed that there was a “quiet visit by Indian officials to speak with the Taliban”.

    India has been becoming more central to the negotiations with the Talibans. In this article we will discuss and analyse all aspects of Afghan peace process from India’s perspective.

    The tension is the change in “the balance of influence between regional powers and the wider international community” where non-Western states have become more influential in matters of regional security.

    Afghan Peace Process

    • The Afghan peace process comprises the proposals and negotiations in a bid to end the ongoing war in Afghanistan.
    • This US-Taliban deal signed in February 2020 was seen in India as a “victory for Taliban and Pakistan”.
    • Although sporadic efforts have taken place since the war began in 2001, negotiations and the peace movement intensified in 2018 amid talks between the Taliban, which is the main insurgent group.
    • Besides the US, major powers such as China, India, Russia, as well as NATO play a part that they see as facilitating the peace process.
    • The Afghan peace group People’s Peace Movement sees regional and global powers as a cause of continued war.

    The peace process has not made much headway mainly because violence by the Taliban continues unabated. The Taliban now view this as an important milestone and is busy trying to establish their military superiority on the ground.

    Taliban prowess is ever increasing

    • Every single day since the ceasefire, the Taliban is strengthening and violence is mounting high.
    • Taliban is now more organized as an organization with diplomats on par with modern democratic nations with a state apparatus propaganda.
    • The Taliban strategy seems to be to capture power in Kabul by violence and intimidation despite warnings from the international community.
    • At the core of its diplomacy lies the untenable violent extremism based on radical religious ideology.

    India and Afghanistan

    • India’s contribution has been phenomenal in every area in Afghanistan since India built the Afghan Parliament.
    • India has been a major military and developmental assistance partner for Afghanistan.

    After years of mortal enmity, India is reportedly recalibrating its approach to the Taliban. Reports say New Delhi has opened an exploratory channel with a few Taliban factions. What explains this shift?

    Why is India engaging with the Taliban?

    • As the world and India have changed there is an aspiration that Afghan can’t be brought back from the brink.
    • India wants to play a positive role and sabotage those countries that support other terror groups in Afghan.
    • It is visibly clear and Taliban has claimed that the US withdrawal is a victory for them. At the same time, the democratically elected Afghan government is crashing.
    • India is pressing on a peace process all around Afghanistan so that all countries shall be peaceful.

    India’s concerns

    • India is concerned over the violence and loss of lives in Afghanistan. Violence has increased manifold after peace talks have started.
    • India, which has committed $3 billion in development aid and reconstruction activities, backs the Ashraf Ghani government in war-torn country.
    • New Delhi wants an all-inclusive “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled” peace process—not one that is remote-controlled by Pakistan, seen as the backers of the Taliban.
    • It supports zero tolerance against violence.
    • Our EAM has iterated that there is need of double peace i.e., within and around Afghan indirectly pointing towards the terror breeding centre, Pakistan.

    What are the stakes for India?

    • Afghanistan is a part of  India’s  extended  neighborhood and a link to Central Asia.
    • But for Pakistan occupying part of Kashmir, India would have had a direct border with Afghanistan.
    • Despite claims that the Taliban have changed in the past two decades, there is no proof that it has shed any of its obscurantist ideology which leans heavily towards Pakistan’s official foreign policy towards India.
    • A Taliban-controlled government in Kabul would mean Pakistan controlling Afghan policy on India.
    • And a repeat of the past when Pakistan used Afghanistan territory for anti-India activities.

    US withdrawal raises the prospect of an India-Pakistan ‘proxy war’ in Afghanistan, it is neither inevitable nor will it be in India’s interest to engage in such a messy conflict with Pakistan in Afghanistan, especially when Pakistan will likely have the dominant hand.

    Fear over sudden US withdrawal

    • US withdrawal at this moment is very dangerous to Afghan. The Taliban is waiting for the US to withdraw.
    • Once the last US marine leaves, it is no doubt that the Taliban would seize Kabul and bring the entire Afghan nation under control.
    • With violence continuing, Afghanistan may slip back into civil war, with warlords cutting deals with the Taliban to control their areas of influence, triggering an indefinite period of instability in the entire region.

    Terrorism and its export

    • Cross border terrorism is increasing at the Indian borders. Pakistan has been since long sponsoring them modern arms.
    • A ceasefire in Afghanistan may spill over the terror in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

    International community’s role

    • Many countries have been trying through multiple tracks to kickstart the stalled peace process in Afghanistan.
    • UN-backed talks among Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US “to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan,” do not seem to be happening.

    Role of regional actors: India and Pakistan

    • Both rivals India and Pakistan have been in conflict regarding the Afghan peace process.
    • Following a May 2020 attack at a hospital in Kabul, which the Afghan state blamed on the Taliban while the US blamed the regional ISIS branch, Pakistan accused India of trying to derail the process.
    • The Afghan government denied Pakistan’s claims and cited that India is a partner.

    Way forward

    • India’s role in Afghan’s peace process and the road ahead is difficult as we see more process and less peace.
    • India has urged for a permanent & comprehensive ceasefire in Afghanistan.
    • Our External Affairs Minister has said that durable peace requires peace within & around Afghanistan. India also asserted the need for zero tolerance for terrorism.

     For a peaceful subcontinent

    • Taliban have several sections that are both radical and some want talks with the international community.
    • So international organizations like the UN must come forward to stop Pakistan sponsor of terrorism. The FATF should move beyond grey-listing itself.
    • Nations should come together against the Taliban so that it can’t move forward without any foreign aid.
    • Aid and developmental cooperation through the UN, India, USA must be done simultaneously for the restoration of democracy.

    Conclusion

    • A lot of complexities are involved in the Afghan theatre; tangible demonstration of commitment is required from all stakeholders for a political settlement and to have a permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan.

    Reference

  • Final Call for Civilsdaily’s National Scholarship Test UPSC CS 2022|| Upto 100 % Scholarship|| Register Fast || Test will Close Today

    The End of Civilsdaily’s UPSC CS 2022, National Scholarship Test Dates extension is nearing today. By end of the day today the National Scholarship test UPSC CS 2022, submission deadline will end. We have seen a phenomenal response and pan India interest for the test. So aspirants, ensure you don’t miss out on the benefits.

    Sign up fast for the test today !!

    Test yourself on a national level and Get up to a 100% scholarship.

    Date – 28th and 29th of June.

    Please Click on Test Submit after finishing the Test.

    Register here
    • Mode: Online
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    • No. of Questions: 100
    • Date: 26th and 27th June
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    • Result: 28/06/2022
    Register here

    Why should you take the CD’s Scholarship Test? 

    1. Test your preparation on UPSC-CSE grade questions, at national level.
    2. Chance to compete against the best. See where you stand.
    3. Identify your strengths, weak points, and problem areas (subject wise).
    4. Mentors will provide personalised counselling based on your performance in the scholarship test. 
    5. A detailed discussion will help you navigate through the challenges during the preparation.
    6. Achieve up to 100% scholarship in our exclusive mentorship programme. 

    As the program is rigorous and involves individual attention thus we can take only limited enrollments. Hence, we are going to conduct a Scholarship Exam on the 26th and 27th of June. Depending on your relative score, you can get up to a 100% scholarship.

    We are looking for-

    • Serious and hardworking aspirants.
    • Ready to dedicate a minimum of 5-8 hours daily.
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  • Fighting hunger needs fighting climate change

    The article suggests pathways to achieve SDG-2 by the adoption of climate-friendly agriculture practices.

    Food and SDG

    • Food is a common thread linking all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and critical to achieving overall goals within the timeframe.
    • NITI Aayog recently released the SDG India Index 2020-21, highlighting the national and states’ progress on SDGs.
    • The report states that 34.7% children aged under five in India are stunted.
    • 40.5% of children between 6-59 months are anaemic.
    • 50.3% of pregnant women between 15-49 years are anaemic.
    • India shares a quarter of the global hunger burden.
    • Four out of 10 children in India are not meeting their full human potential because of chronic undernutrition or stunting.
    • NFHS-5 shows many states have not fared well on nutrition indicators.
    • In addition to the malnutrition challenges, India’s food system faces negative consequences of the Green Revolution technologies.

    Pathways to follow in meeting the targets under SDG-2 (Zero Hunger)

    • Crop diversification especially in those areas where the existing practices are ecologically unsustainable should be promoted.
    • While Indian agriculture is a significant contributor to GHG emissions.
    • As per third Biennial Update Report submitted by Government of India to UNFCCC, agriculture sector contributes 14% of the total emissions.
    • Some of the climate-smart interventions like conservation agriculture, organic farming and agro-ecological approaches can effectively address the environmental concerns while ensuring food security and nutrition.
    • Crop-residue burning has become a huge problem in parts of the country.
    • This is mainly propelled by monoculture and a package of subsidies.
    • Conservation agriculture offers solutions to such problems with good agronomy and soil management such as zero-tillage or no-till farming, crop rotation, in-situ crop harvest residue management/mulching, etc, and industrial uses like baling and bio-fuel production.
    • Use of botanical pesticides, green-manuring, biological pest control, etc. are nature-friendly and such practices lead to eco-conservation.
    • The organic movement, fortunately, is catching up in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and a few other states.
    • Modifying consumer behaviour forms an essential ingredient to transform Indian food systems and correlate positively with crop and diet diversity.
    • POSHAN Abhiyaan, India’s national nutrition mission, can play an effective role in addressing the issues of persistent malnutrition.
    • According to FAO estimates, 40% of the food produced in India is either lost or wasted in every stage of supply chain.
    • Winning the fight against food loss and waste can save India $61 billion in 2050 through increased industry profitability and reduced food insecurity, as well as reduced GHG emissions, water usage, and environmental degradation.
    • Shifting towards a circular economy can enable India progress towards the SDGs including halving food waste by 2030 and improving resource efficiency.

    Conclusion

    India’s success is essential to achieve the planetary goal of Zero Hunger. There is a need for transformation towards sustainable, nutritious and resilient food systems to achieve the goal of zero hunger.

    Source:-

    https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/fighting-hunger-needs-fighting-climate-change/2279369/

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