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  • How Canada’s policy of ‘reducing low-wage, temporary workers’ may impact Indians?       

    Why in the News?

    On Monday, August 26, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be “reducing the number of temporary foreign workers in low-wage jobs.”

    Who are these “Temporary Workers” in Canada?

    Temporary workers in Canada encompass various categories of individuals, including:

    • Temporary Work Visa Holders: These individuals come to Canada for a fixed duration, typically two years, to work in low-wage jobs that pay between CAD 13-19 per hour (approximately Rs 800-1,200 per hour).
    • International Students: After completing their studies, many international students remain in Canada on work visas for one to three years while applying for Permanent Residency (PR).
    • Spouse Open Work Permit Holders: Many international students bring their spouses to Canada, who can work in low-wage jobs under this permit.
    • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Workers: These workers are hired under LMIA contracts, which allow employers to recruit foreign workers when they cannot find Canadians to fill job openings.
    • Humanitarian Arrivals and Youth Program Participants: This category includes individuals arriving through special humanitarian pathways, such as the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), asylum seekers, and participants in reciprocal youth programs that allow Canadians to work abroad.

    How will Canada’s Policy of “Reducing” Such Workers Impact Indians?

    • Reduced Opportunities: The restrictions on temporary workers will limit job opportunities for many Indians, particularly students and their spouses, who make up a significant portion of the temporary workforce.
    • Impact on International Students: Indians constitute around 40% of Canada’s international student population, with a majority coming from Punjab. The new policy may restrict their ability to transition from temporary work to permanent residency.
    • Shift in Immigration Dynamics:  The introduction of restrictions emphasizes a policy shift that could deter potential migrants from considering Canada as a destination.

    Indians in Canada: 

    • The Indian community in Canada has grown significantly in recent years. Between 2000 and 2020, the registered Indian population increased from 670,000 to over 1 million.
    • As of 2021, there were approximately 1.8 million people of Indian origin in Canada, representing over 5% of the total population.
    • Indian students are the largest international student group in Canada, accounting for 20% of all international students in 2021. There were over 319,000 Indian students enrolled in Canadian institutions, contributing approximately US$ 4.9 billion to the Canadian economy in 2021
    • Many highly skilled Indian professionals contribute to various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and engineering. In 2022, over 15,000 Indian tech workers moved to Canada, enhancing the labor market with their expertise.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Domestic Opportunities: India should focus on creating more job opportunities and enhancing skill development programs within the country to reduce dependency on foreign employment, ensuring that young professionals and students have viable career options at home.
    • Bilateral Engagement and Negotiation: Engage in diplomatic discussions with Canada to advocate for the interests of Indian workers and students, seeking to ensure continued access to work and study opportunities under fair and equitable conditions.
  • What is the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)?

    Why in the News?

    The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has begun in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga.

    About Pacific Islands Forum (PIF):

    Details
    Establishment 1971
    Members 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
    Vision Promote peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity in the Pacific region.
    Framework Operates under the Framework for Pacific Regionalism which outlines strategic visions and objectives.
    Dialogue Partners 18, including major nations like the USA, China, India, and members of the EU.
    Key Focus Areas Environmental sustainability, economic growth, cultural development, and regional security.
    Leadership Directed by a Secretary-General, with annual meetings among leaders of member countries.

    Significance of PIF

    • The PIF advocates for global climate action and funds resilience efforts through the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) to support vulnerable Pacific nations.
    • It enhances cooperation among its 18 small island states, fostering joint decision-making on key regional issues.
    • The forum strengthens the Pacific’s ability to navigate geopolitical tensions between major powers like the US and China.
    • PIF promotes sustainable economic development through regional trade and investment initiatives.
    • It focuses on protecting the Pacific’s ecosystems by addressing challenges like ocean pollution and overfishing.

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:

    1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.

    2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Rajya Sabha Elections

    Why in the News?

    Results of the latest round of Rajya Sabha elections are out.

    Elections to the Rajya Sabha: 

    Details
    Election Method
    • Members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the electoral college for UTs (Delhi and Pondicherry).
    • Using the proportional representation system via the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method and Open Ballot.
    Composition Total Members: Up to 250 members, with 238 elected and 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
    Current Strength: 245 members (233 elected, 12 nominated).
    Voting Requirements for Candidates Candidates must be proposed by at least 10 members of the State Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the Assembly.
    Voting Process Single Transferable Vote: Voters rank candidates based on preference. Votes are transferable if a preferred candidate is eliminated or achieves the quota.
    Open Ballot System: Employed to facilitate transparency in the voting process.
    Election Procedure Quota System: To win, a candidate must obtain a quota of votes calculated as [Total Votes / (Number of Vacancies + 1)] + 1.
    Powers and Functions Legislative Powers: Can introduce and pass bills except Money Bills.
    Special Powers: Can pass resolutions to create all-India services, make laws on state list subjects under certain conditions, and approve proclamations of emergency.
    Sessions
    • 3 regular sessions each year: the Budget session, Monsoon session, and Winter session.
    • Special sessions can be convened as required.
    Tenure
    • A permanent body that is not subject to dissolution;
    • One-third of its members retire every two years.
    Chairmanship
    • Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
    • House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members.
    Eligibility for Membership Candidates must be Indian citizens, at least 30 years old, and comply with other conditions set by the Constitution.
    Disqualification Criteria Members can be disqualified for defection, certain criminal convictions, or if declared bankrupt, among other reasons.
    Special Features Nominated Members: Up to 12 members can be nominated by the President.
    No dissolution: Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved but operates as a continuous body.
    Key Sessions and Administrative Details First Sitting: Conducted on May 13, 1952.
    Secretary General: Acts as the chief executive officer and the administrative head of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
    2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • India, Russia sign working plan to handle emergencies

    Why in the News?

    India and Russia signed the working plan of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026.

    Background of the Cooperation:

    • The meeting held in Moscow aimed to strategize the execution of previous agreements between India and Russia, including:
      • The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for cooperation in the field of Emergency Management was signed in December 2010.
      • The regulation was established in 2013 to create the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
    • The first meeting of this commission was held in New Delhi in 2016.

    About the Joint Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026

    • It is an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between India and Russia in the area of disaster management and emergency response.
    • The plan covers a two-year period from 2025 to 2026 and focuses on several key areas:
      • Use of Space Monitoring Technologies: To improve risk forecasting and emergency response capabilities.
      • Exchange of Experiences: On responding to large-scale disasters to enhance preparedness and response strategies.
      • Training of Specialists: In fire and rescue operations to build a robust capacity for emergency management.
    • The next meeting is scheduled to be held in India in 2026 to facilitate cooperation and strategic planning in emergency management.

    About the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation 

    • Established in 2013, it seeks to formalize and enhance cooperation between India and Russia in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
    • It was formed under the framework of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management, signed in December 2010.
    • The commission serves as a platform for India and Russia to collaborate on various aspects of disaster management, including:
      • Prevention and Preparedness: Developing strategies and sharing expertise to prevent and prepare for potential disasters.
      • Response and Recovery: Coordinating efforts to respond to emergencies and support recovery efforts following disasters.
      • Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and knowledge of personnel involved in emergency management through joint training programs and knowledge exchange.
    • It facilitates a structured approach to managing disasters by leveraging the strengths and resources of both countries.
  • Expansion of Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    • The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme.
      • It will now include financial support for Farmers’ Producers Organizations (FPOs) to enhance their financial security and creditworthiness.

    About Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme:

    Details
    Launch  July 2020, Central Sector Scheme
    Nodal Ministry Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
    Fund Allocation Rs. 1 lakh crore, with disbursements planned until 2025-26; interest subvention and credit guarantee assistance extended till 2032-33.
    Aim To mobilize medium to long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects relating to post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets, to enhance agricultural infrastructure in India.
    Key Features Interest Subvention: 3% on loans up to Rs. 2 crore, with additional rate reductions for NABARD loans for PACS.
    Credit Guarantees: Under the CGTMSE scheme for loans up to Rs. 2 crore.
    Fund Usage: Supports up to 25 projects per beneficiary across different locations.
    Target Beneficiaries Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), entrepreneurs, startups, Self Help Groups, Agricultural Produce Market Committees, and federations.
    Management Managed through an online MIS platform with national, state, and district level monitoring committees for real-time monitoring and feedback.
    Lending Institutions Includes 24 commercial banks, 40 cooperative banks, and NABARD among others.
    Hassle-Free Process Supported by a user-friendly online portal to facilitate speedy loan sanctions.

     

    Key changes introduced: 

    Description
    Support for FPOs Includes financial support for Farmers’ Producers Organizations (FPOs) to improve financial security and creditworthiness.
    Broader Eligible Projects Expand the scope to cover more types of agricultural infrastructure projects.
    Community Farming Assets Allows the creation of community farming assets to enhance productivity and sustainability.
    Integrated Processing Projects Adds integrated primary and secondary processing projects as eligible activities; standalone secondary projects remain under MoFPI schemes.
    Alignment with PM-KUSUM Converges AIF with PM-KUSUM Component-A for joint development of agricultural infrastructure and clean energy solutions.
    Extended Credit Guarantee Extends credit guarantee coverage to FPOs through NABSanrakshan, in addition to CGTMSE, to boost investment confidence.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.

    2. It has a corpus of 4,00,000 crore at present.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • [28th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: ​Reasonable restrictions: On Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest and Content Hosting 

    [28th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: ​Reasonable restrictions: On Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest and Content Hosting 

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)

    Q Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber-crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (UPSC IAS/2018)

    Q What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Mentor comment: Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, was arrested at a Paris airport on August 24, 2024, amid a French investigation into alleged criminal activities facilitated by the platform, including drug trafficking and child pornography. Although Durov himself is not accused of direct involvement in these crimes, his platform’s moderation practices are under scrutiny for failing to adequately address illegal content, raising questions about the responsibilities of tech companies in regulating user-generated content. Durov promotes Telegram as a space for free speech, especially for dissidents and anti-establishment voices. This open approach has led to problems, as the app has also been used for extremist content and illegal activities. Supporters, including Elon Musk, have expressed concern about the implications for tech leaders facing legal issues for content on their platforms.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News?

    After Durov’s arrest, Telegram stated it follows EU regulations and maintains moderation practices that meet industry standards.

    • Many worry that Durov’s arrest could discourage free expression online, with critics seeing it as government overreach. 
    What does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) say?
    According to Article 19 of UDHR, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.
    However, this free speech is not absolute and is subject to certain restrictions for public order, morals and public health is something that has been codified in the UDHR. 

    What is the National Cyber Security Policy (2013)?
    It is a policy framework by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY).
    It aims at protecting the public and private infrastructure from cyber-attacks.
    The policy also intends to safeguard “information, such as personal information (of web users), financial and banking information and sovereign data”.

    What are the Implications of Pavel Durov’s Arrest for Global Free Speech Debates?

    • Concerns raised: Edward Snowden called Durov’s arrest “an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association”
      • Elon Musk, a vocal proponent of free speech, shared the hashtag #FreePavel and warned that these are “dangerous times” for free expression
    • Backlash from Diverse Groups: The outrage over Durov’s arrest has come from adversaries uniting both Kremlin supporters and opponents in Russia, as well as free speech absolutists worldwide.
      • This unusual coalition highlights the significant role Telegram plays in Russian society as a crucial tool for organizing dissent against the government.
    • Limits Free Speech: According to the Stanford Cyber Policy Center, Durov’s case seems to be a simple matter of breaking the law, as child sexual abuse material, terrorist content, and drug sales are all regulated by criminal law.
    Indian Scenario 

    Current Status: Telegram is not yet banned in India, but its future depends on the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
    The Indian government is investigating Telegram due to its alleged involvement in criminal activities, including exam paper leaks (UGC-NEET paper, etc), extortion, and stock price manipulation.

    Compliance with IT Rules: Telegram has been following India’s Information Technology (IT) Rules, which require it to appoint compliance officers and publish monthly reports.
    Telegram’s lack of a significant physical presence in India complicates effective communication and enforcement of regulations.

    Maintaining balance between Free speech and the responsibility of Tech platforms:

    • Free Speech vs. Responsibility: While Durov defends absolute free speech, the prevalence of illegal activities on Telegram, such as drug trafficking and child exploitation, highlights the need to ensure user safety without infringing on fundamental rights.
    • Need for Responsible Moderation: For Telegram to maintain its position as a free speech advocate, it must prevent the spread of harmful content while respecting users’ Rights to Privacy.
    • Legal Accountability: If Durov is found guilty, it could set a precedent for holding tech executives accountable for the content shared on their platforms. This could lead to stricter regulations and increased accountability while scrutinizing messaging apps globally.
    • Future of Messaging Apps: The outcome of this case may influence how other messaging platforms operate, potentially prompting them to adopt stricter content moderation policies to avoid similar legal challenges.

    Conclusion: The ongoing Telegram issue encapsulates the ongoing struggle to navigate the fine line between protecting free speech and ensuring public safety. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for both Telegram and the broader tech landscape will be closely watched.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Breasonable-restrictions-on-durovs-arrest-and-content-hosting/article68573507.ece

  •  An either-or approach won’t help quell food inflation 

    Why in the News?

    The recently released Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) data reveals that food inflation, particularly from pulses, vegetables, and cereals, is rising faster than the overall CPI inflation.

    • The Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) is the index used to calculate headline inflation in India. It is calculated and published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Key Highlights of the CPI-C Data:

    • On Current Inflation Rates: The general CPI inflation stands at 3.54%, while food inflation is notably higher at 5.06%, driven by increases in prices of pulses, vegetables, and cereals.
    • On Inflation Dynamics in the Past: Over the past decade, food inflation has contributed to the overall volatility of prices. In 52 of the 124 months analyzed, food inflation exceeded the general CPI rate, indicating a significant and fluctuating impact on overall inflation.
    • Expectations by the report: The RBI has highlighted that food inflation significantly influences inflationary expectations, which remain unanchored, often exceeding actual inflation rates.

    (*Note: These data don’t include income taxes or investment items like stocks, bonds, and life insurance.)

    Recently impact of good Monsoon on Food Production and Inflation: 

    • Increased Sowing Due to Robust Monsoon: India has reported a significant increase in the sowing of paddy and pulses, with paddy sowing up by 16% to 39 million hectares and pulses by 7% to 12 million hectares as of August 23, 2024, driven by a strong monsoon.
    • Potential Impact on Food Inflation: Despite concerns over rising food inflation, the expanded cultivation area for staple crops like rice and pulses could positively impact the agriculture sector and support government efforts to enhance farm productivity.

    Present Situation of Inflation in the Agri-Food Sector

    • Volatility in Food Prices: Food inflation has been volatile, with instances of both high and low inflation. For example, food inflation was above 6% in 52 out of 124 months, while it was below 2% in 20 months, including periods of negative inflation.
    • Supply-Side Factors: The disparities between food and retail inflation can be attributed to supply-side issues such as monsoon variability, crop failures, and government policies like minimum support prices (MSPs). Excess demand for specific food categories, such as oils and fats, has also contributed to higher inflation.
    • Regional Disparities: Rural CPI inflation is higher (5.43%) compared to urban CPI (4.11%), reflecting the impact of agricultural conditions and market dynamics on rural households.

    How Can the Gap Between Farmer and Consumer Be Reduced?

    • Market-Driven Pricing: The government should reconsider its intervention in agricultural markets through MSPs, allowing market forces to determine food prices. This could help reduce production distortions and improve price signals for farmers.
    • Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Government expenditure should focus on increasing agricultural productivity through better technology and irrigation practices, which can lead to more stable food supplies and prices.
    • Reducing Middlemen: Implementing measures to eliminate middlemen in the supply chain can help narrow the gap between what farmers receive and what consumers pay.
    • Infrastructure Development: Improving infrastructure for storage and transportation can help reduce food wastage and ensure that food products reach consumers efficiently, further stabilizing prices.

    Conclusion: Need to encourage the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices to boost productivity and reduce the impact of supply-side disruptions, ensuring more consistent food supplies and stable prices.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.  (UPSC IAS/2017)

  •  Advancing equity, from COVID-19 to Mpox  

    Why in the News?

    The recent declaration of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO highlights several critical lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Major Learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic

    • Vaccine Manufacturing Capabilities: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in vaccine manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the Global South. This inadequacy was exacerbated by limited technology transfers and a lack of know-how to produce vaccines developed in high-income countries.
      • The current response to the Mpox outbreak reflects similar challenges, emphasizing the need for robust local manufacturing capabilities to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
    • Global Cooperation: The pandemic underscored the necessity of international collaboration in health emergencies. The WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a PHEIC aims to foster this cooperation, encouraging countries and organizations to share information and resources to combat the outbreak.
    • Equity in Health Responses: The recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) include equity as a core principle, which is crucial for ensuring that all countries, particularly those in lower-middle-income regions, have access to essential medical products during emergencies.

    Recent Initiatives by India’s Drug Regulatory Agency:

    • On August 7, 2024, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) decided that drugs already approved in developed countries like the U.S. and those in the EU can be used during pandemics in India without needing to go through clinical trials here.
    • This regulatory change is expected to expedite the availability of critical vaccines like MVA-BN (Jynneos) in India, facilitating faster access to vaccines necessary to combat the Mpox outbreak.

    What could be the more improved solution for it?

    • Scaling Up Production: The demand for pox vaccines is anticipated to surge, with estimates by AfricaCDC, suggesting that 10 million doses are needed to control the outbreak. However, only 0.21 million doses are currently available.
      • Indian manufacturers, such as the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, have the potential to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine using established processes and supply chains.
    • Comprehensive Technology Transfer: Effective technology transfer involves sharing not only the vaccine but also the necessary biological resources, manufacturing know-how, and patents. This is essential to enable lower-middle-income countries to produce vaccines independently, reducing reliance on high-income countries.
    • Collaborative Negotiations: The Indian government, in collaboration with international organizations like WHO and Gavi, should negotiate with Bavarian Nordic for technology transfer to technology transfer for developing the vaccine.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Local Manufacturing: Encourage Indian manufacturers like the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine, ensuring timely and sufficient supply to meet both domestic and global demand during the mpox outbreak.
    • Facilitate Technology Transfer: The Indian government should lead collaborative efforts with international organizations to secure comprehensive technology transfers, enabling domestic production of vaccines and reducing dependency on high-income countries.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic.  (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Chile’s Atacama Salt Flat sinking due to Lithium Mining

    Why in the News?

    • A recent study published in journal IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing has found that Chile’s Atacama salt flat (Salar de Atacama) is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to lithium brine extraction.
      • Lithium brine extraction involves pumping salt-rich water to the surface and letting it evaporate in ponds to collect lithium.

    About Salar de Atacama  

    • The Salar de Atacama in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources worldwide.
    • Argentina boasts more than half of the world’s total lithium resources.
    • It holds the distinction of having the 2nd-largest lithium resources, the 3rd-largest lithium reserves, and the 4th-largest lithium production in the world.
    • It is a part of the Lithium Triangle comprising of Uyuni (Bolivia) and Hombre Muerto (Argentina).

    Key Findings of the Study:

    • Researchers analyzed satellite data from 2020 to 2023 to observe deformations in the Earth’s crust in the salt flat.
    • The area experiencing subsidence measures approximately 8 km north to south and 5 km east to west.
    • The study indicates that subsidence occurs because the rate of lithium brine pumping is faster than the recharge rate of aquifers, leading to the ground sinking.

    What is Lithium?

    • Lithium is an alkali metal, often referred to as ‘white gold’ due to its value and color.
    • It is a soft, silvery-white metal, and notably, it is the lightest metal on the periodic table.
    • It is typically found in various minerals like spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, from which it is extracted and refined.
    • The leading producers of lithium are Australia, Chile, China, and Argentina.

    Effects of Lithium Mining on Environment:

    • Water Use: Lithium mining, especially from salt flats and brine pools, requires substantial water usage, which can deplete local water resources in arid areas.
    • Ecological Disruption: The extraction process can alter the chemical balance of the natural environment, affecting local flora and fauna.
    • Pollution: Mining and processing lithium can release harmful chemicals into the environment, impacting air and water quality.

    PYQ:

    [2008] Which one of the following pairs of metals constitutes the lightest metal and the heaviest metal, respectively?

    (a) Lithium and mercury

    (b) Lithium and osmium

    (c) Aluminium and osmium

    (d) Aluminium and mercury

  • [pib] ANUBHAV AWARDS, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions has conferred the Anubhav Awards 2024.

    ANUBHAV Awards

    Details
    Purpose To recognize the contributions of retired officials to nation-building and document the administrative history of India through their written narratives.
    Portal Launch Launched in March 2015.
    Organizing Body Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
    Objectives – Create a database of significant suggestions and work experiences.
    – Utilize the experience of retiring employees for nation-building.
    – Enable Ministries/Departments to consider useful and replicable suggestions.
    Criteria Retiring Central Government employees and pensioners, who can submit their Anubhav write-ups 8 months prior to retirement and up to 1 year post-retirement.
    Award Process Write-ups are assessed by the concerned Ministries/Departments, published, and then shortlisted for the Anubhav Awards and Jury Certificates.
    Awards and Recognition ANUBHAV Awardees: Receive a medal, certificate, and a prize of ₹10,000.
    Jury Certificate Winners: Receive a medal and a certificate.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards :​

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.​

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.​

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.​

    Which of the above statements are not correct?​

    (a) 1 and 2 only ​

    (b) 2 and 3 only​

    (c) 1 and 3 only ​

    (d) 1, 2 and 3​

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