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  • Recently Awarded GI Tags

    Why in the news?

    What is a GI Tag?

    • A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
    • Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
    • GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    • The tag stands valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

    Various GI Tags Awarded:

    Details
    Bihu Dhol (Assam) Traditional drum used during Bihu festivals
    Jaapi (Assam) Bamboo headgear worn in rural Assam
    Sarthebari metal craft (Assam) Traditional metal craft producing utensils and artifacts
    Mishing handloom products (Assam) Handwoven textiles including shawls and sarees
    Asharikandi terracotta craft (Assam) Terracotta pottery and decorative items
    Pani Meteka craft (Assam) Brass and copper utensils adorned with intricate designs
    Bodo Dokhona (Assam) Traditional attire of Bodo women
    Bodo Eri silk (Assam) Silk fabric produced from eri silkworms, known for its soft texture and eco-friendly production
    Bodo Jwmgra (Assam) Traditional scarf worn by Bodo community members
    Bodo Gamsa (Assam) Traditional dress of Bodo men
    Bodo Thorkha (Assam) Traditional musical instrument made from bamboo or wood
    Bodo Sifung (Assam) Long flute used in traditional Bodo music
    Banaras Thandai (Uttar Pradesh) Traditional drink made from milk, nuts, seeds, and spices
    Banaras Tabla (Uttar Pradesh) Pair of drums used in classical Indian music
    Banaras Shehnai (Uttar Pradesh) Traditional wind instrument used in Indian classical music
    Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Uttar Pradesh) Red chili grown in the Banaras region
    Banaras Lal Peda (Uttar Pradesh) Popular Indian sweet made from condensed milk and sugar
    Pachra-Rignai (Tripura) Traditional dress worn by women, consisting of a wrap-around skirt and blouse
    Matabari Peda (Tripura) Sweet delicacy made from condensed milk, sugar, and ghee
    Garo Textile weaving (Meghalaya) Traditional weaving craft practiced by the Garo tribe
    Lyrnai Pottery (Meghalaya) Traditional pottery making characterized by unique designs and techniques
    Chubitchi (Meghalaya) Traditional dish made with meat, local herbs, and spices

     

    PYQ:

    Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? (2015)

    1.    Banaras Brocades and Sarees

    2.    Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma

    3.    Tirupathi Laddu

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 only 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (2016):

    (a) ILO

    (b) IMF

    (c) UNCTAD

    (d) WTO

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements about the Geographical Indications (GI) Tag:

    1.    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal agency for GI.

    2.    A GI tag stands valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Empathic Voice Interface (EVI): World’s first conversational AI with Emotional Intelligence  

    Why in the news?

    • Hume, a prominent research lab and tech firm based in New York, has unveiled Empathic Voice Interface (EVI), world’s first conversational AI endowed with emotional intelligence.

    What is Empathic Voice Interface (EVI)?

    • Hume’s Empathic Voice Interface (EVI) is powered by its proprietary empathic large language model (eLLM).
    • It can decipher tones, word emphasis, and emotional cues, improving the quality of interactions.
    • As an API, EVI can integrate seamlessly with various applications, offering developers a versatile solution for implementing human-like interactions.

    Potential Applications and Future Prospects

    • Enhanced AI Assistants: Hume’s technology enables AI assistants to engage in nuanced conversations, enhancing productivity and user satisfaction.
    • Improved Customer Support: By infusing empathy into customer support interactions, Hume’s AI promises to deliver more personalized service and foster stronger relationships.
    • Therapeutic Potential: Hume’s empathetic AI holds promise in therapeutic settings, offering support and guidance by understanding and responding to human emotions.

    PYQ:

    1. What is ’emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?  (2013)
    2. “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (2019)
    3. How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?  (2017)

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the Empathic Voice Interface (EVI)?

    (a) EVI operates as a standalone application, devoid of integration capabilities with other software systems.

    (b) It relies on conventional language models, neglecting emotional cues and word emphasis during interactions.

    (c) EVI, powered by its proprietary empathic large language model (eLLM), detects emotional nuances such as tones, word emphasis, and cues, enhancing interaction quality.

    (d) EVI is developed by the Microsoft.

  • Hepatitis B: Everything you need to know

    Why in the news?

    • A recent study by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, revealed alarming deficiencies in public knowledge (transmission, effects & vaccination) about Hepatitis B in India.
    • Despite the availability of a vaccine for over 30 years, HBV infection rates remain high in India, with prevalence estimates ranging from 2% to 8% and approximately 37 million carriers nationwide.

    About Hepatitis

    • Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver.
    • It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (hepatitis viruses), alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders.
    Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C
    Causative Virus Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
    Transmission Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water) Blood and body fluids (unsafe sex, sharing needles) Blood-to-blood contact (sharing needles, transfusions)
    Vaccine Available Yes Yes Yes
    Chronic Infection No (usually acute) Yes (can become chronic) Yes (often becomes chronic)
    Symptoms Mild flu-like symptoms, jaundice Variable, from none to severe symptoms Often asymptomatic, but can lead to liver damage
    Chronic Complications None Cirrhosis, liver cancer Cirrhosis, liver cancer
    Preventable by Vaccine Yes Yes No
    Treatment Supportive care Antiviral medications Antiviral medications

     

    PYQ:

     

    Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)

    (a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.

    (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

    (c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.

    (d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

     

    Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)

    1.    Chikungunya

    2.    Hepatitis B

    3.    HIV-AIDS

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

     

    Consider the following statements regarding Hepatitis C virus:

    1.    It is spread mainly through contaminated water and food.

    2.    It primarily affects the functioning of respiratory system.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2
  • [30 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Bonds, big money, and an imperfect democracy

    [30 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Bonds, big money, and an imperfect democracy

    PYQ Relevance:Mains: 

    Q) ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2017) 

    Q) In light of the recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?  (UPSC CSE 2018) 

    Prelims:

    Q) Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty? (UPSC CSE 2011) 

    a) To vote in public elections
    b) To develop the scientific temper
    c) To safeguard public property
    d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Polity; Elections;  Electoral Bonds Scheme;

    Mains: Polity; Elections; Judicial Interventions;  Electoral Bonds Scheme;

    Mentors Comment: Representative democracy is a political system in which citizens of a country vote for representatives to handle legislation on their behalf. But perhaps India too is in some doubtful situation when the debate revolves around the Election 2024 or our version of present democracy. Recently, we have been through various news discussions on the Electoral Bonds Scheme which was introduced to cut down illegal funds in Party Politics, and its Campaigning pillared on black money. However, beyond curbing the wrong actions, the Electoral Bond Scheme also has another side which is a threat to our Democratic principles. Today’s Editorial also works on the same topic.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    The Recent Judgement passed by our Supreme Court on the Electoral Bonds Scheme needs to be revisited in the Political domain too. 

    • If this picture is seen from a broader perspective, in a well-functioning democracy, fighting an election would need neither extravagant funding nor Electoral Bonds to be bought in secrecy.

    Context:

    • Elections continue to be fought with an increasingly larger amount of illegal funds being spent by political parties and candidates.
    • According to the SC the Electoral Bonds Scheme violates the Right to Information and Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. It can lead to quid pro quo. The court ruled that the amendment to the Companies Act which allows blanket corporate political funding is unconstitutional.
    • This was supposed to end the financing of elections with black money. If this had happened, Indian politics would have been transformed with great benefit to the nation. After all, illegal finance results in the control of politics subverting our Democracy. 

    The gaps between the professed and the actual scenario of Indian politics:

    • Faraway from Democratic values: Elected leaders, usually serve the interests of those who finance their elections, and hardly represent the interests of their constituency. This gap between the professed and the actual undermines democracy since the government is no longer an entity ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people’. 
    • Vested interests as national interests: The vested interests corner most of the gains from development. It is in the design of the policies the packaging is cleverly done to make policies appear to be in the national interest. 
    • Widening of the Rich-poor Gap: Concessions are granted to private businesses to provide basic services like Health and Education through the market which results in the inability of the poor to afford them while simultaneously leading to growing disparities. This also reduces the availability of resources to the public sector.

    The Challenge of Money and the Election:

    • Representation issue: Voting is often not based on a candidate’s performance but on attributes such as caste, community, and region. Hence, political parties slice and dice the electorate along these lines. Vote banks are cultivated and the constituents are bribed just before an election.
    • Campaigning through illegal funds: Campaigning is conducted by paid workers and crowds are mobilized to attend rallies and meetings using money, transportation, and food. All this requires a lot of money far more than the permitted election expenditure limit of ₹95 lakh for a big parliamentary constituency. 
    • An issue with the Electoral Bonds Scheme: It enabled a bribe to be given in white for favors done. Since, only big businesses could contribute for big sums, their influence and manipulations were increased.
      • Secondly, the party obtaining funds could use them for all kinds of purposes and not necessarily for elections, such as setting up offices or destabilizing Opposition-led governments. Thus, the name electoral bonds was inappropriate.
    • Cronyism uncovered: The data show that funds were given to political parties for favors from policymakers; to escape prosecution for wrongdoing, and as an investment for the future. The data provided by the State Bank of India shows the quid pro quo in the case of some of the donations made. 

    Way Forward:

    • Need for a level-playing field: The political parties should not discriminate based on their vote share popularity or religion. This will enable the smaller and regional parties to compete with the ruling party and the major opposition parties on an equal footing and offer a genuine choice to the voters.
    • Need to reduce Money Influence: There is a need to curb the influence of money and corporate power in politics. The donors should no longer be able to hide their identity and agenda behind the veil of anonymity.

    Conclusion: The Electoral Bonds Scheme only highlights the growing weakness of Indian democracy. In a well-functioning democracy, where the political leadership is accountable, fighting an election would need neither big funding nor electoral bonds to be bought in secrecy. 

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/bonds-big-money-and-an-imperfect-democracy/article68006688.ece

  • MHA extends FCRA Registration of NGOs

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs extended till June 30 the validity of all FCRA registered NGOs whose licences are expiring on March 31.

    What is Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)?

    • The FCRA regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
    • First enacted in 1976, it was amended in 2010 when a slew of new measures was adopted to regulate foreign donations.
    • The FCRA is applicable to all associations, groups and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
    • It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA.
    • The registration is initially valid for 5 years and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.

    What contributes to Foreign Donations?

    • Foreign Contribution’ means the donation, delivery or transfer made by any foreign source of any:
    1. Article (whose market value is not more than one lakh rupees);
    2. Currency (whether Indian or foreign);
    3. Securities
    • Foreign donations may be those from Governments, international agencies, foreign companies, trusts, corporations, foreign citizens
    • However, some agencies like the UN, World Bank, IMF etc. are EXEMPTED from the definition of foreign donors.

    Who cannot accept donations under FCRA?

    According to the FCRA, foreign donations cannot be accepted by:

    1. Election candidates
    2. Editors and publishers of newspapers
    3. Judges and government employees.
    4. Political parties and members of legislature etc.

    What was the recent Amendment?

    The FCRA was amended in September 2020 to introduce some new restrictions:

    • There is now a capping of the administrative expenses of NGOs at 20% of their foreign donations.
    • The new amendment requires them to have a State Bank of India account at a Delhi Branch.
    • It also prohibits the transfer of grants received under FCRA to any other outfit.
    • It also gives sweeping powers to the Ministry of Home Affairs to cancel the FCRA certificate of an NGO.
    • It made legal for political parties to accept foreign aid through Indian subsidiaries.
    • Under the Act, the government may suspend the registration of a person for a period not exceeding 180 days.
    • Providing Aadhar is mandatory for all office bearers, directors or key functionaries of the organization.

     

    PYQ:

    2015: Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.

     

    2015: How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements regarding “Foreign Contribution (regulation) Act”:

    1.    World Bank is excluded from the definition of foreign sources under the act.

    2.    Political parties are prohibited from taking foreign donations under the act.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

    Why in the news?

    • The Supreme Court has rejected review petitions challenging its ruling on the initiation of proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
    • The judgment clarified that Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code cannot be invoked for PMLA proceedings unless the alleged conspiracy pertains to a scheduled offence.

    Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002

     

    • The PMLA was enacted in 2002 with the aim of preventing money laundering and providing for confiscation of property derived from money laundering.
    • It applies to all financial institutions, banks (including the RBI), mutual funds, insurance companies, and their financial intermediaries.
    • The Act empowers government authorities to confiscate property and/or assets earned from illegal sources and through money laundering.
    • It has been amended three times, in 2005, 2009, and 2012.
    • Under the PMLA, the burden of proof lies with the accused, who must demonstrate that the suspect property/assets have not been obtained through proceeds of crime.

     

    Penalties under PMLA:

    • Freezing or Seizure of property and records, and/or attachment of property obtained through crime proceeds.
    • Rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 7 years. In cases where money laundering is linked with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the punishment can extend up to 10 years, along with a fine.
    • Fine imposition.

     

    Authorities for investigation under PMLA:

    1. Enforcement Directorate (ED): It is responsible for investigating offenses under the PMLA.
    2. Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND): It is the national agency tasked with receiving, processing, analyzing, and disseminating information related to suspect financial transactions.

    What is Article 120 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)?

    • Section 120 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the concept of “Conspiracy to commit an offense”.
    • It states that when two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done, an illegal act, or an act which is not illegal by illegal means, such an agreement is designated a criminal conspiracy.
    • Section 120A defines “criminal conspiracy” as when two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done, an illegal act or an act which is not illegal by illegal means.
    • Section 120B prescribes the punishment for criminal conspiracy, with death, imprisonment for life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offense.

    Punishment for Criminal Conspiracy

    • Nature of Conspiracy: IPC 120B categorizes conspiracy based on the gravity of the offense and prescribes punishments accordingly.
    • Serious Offenses: Conspiracy to commit serious crimes punishable by death, life imprisonment, or rigorous imprisonment for 2 years or more warrants severe punishment equivalent to the offense committed.
    • Other Offenses: Conspiracy for illegal acts not falling under the serious category incurs imprisonment for up to six months, a fine, or both, as per Section 120B.

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements are correct regarding ‘Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 (PMLA)’?

    1. Enforcement Directorate (ED) is responsible for investigating offences under the PMLA

    2. The Act enables government authorities to confiscate property earned through money laundering.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Global Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu

    Why in the news?

    • Since 2020, the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been spreading globally, posing a significant threat to both birds and mammals.

    H5N1 Bird Flu: Details

    • H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak on a goose farm in China in 1996 and has since evolved into a highly pathogenic strain.
    • The virus quickly spread from Europe to Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, and most recently, it reached mainland Antarctica.
    • H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds, known as avian influenza or “bird flu”.
    • Influenza A viruses are classified by subtypes based on the properties of their surface proteins, with H5N1 being one subtype.

    How widespread is it?

    • The virus has affected birds in over 80 countries, resulting in mass culling of poultry and wild birds.
    • Furthermore, it has now begun infecting mammals, including seals, sea lions, and marine mammals.
    • While humans rarely contract bird flu, those at risk are typically individuals who have extensive contact with infected birds at poultry farms.
    • Bird flu first broke out in Maharashtra in 2006.
    • The H5N1 virus led to the culling of millions of poultry so as to contain the virus. But it has resurfaced from time to time.

    Impact on Animals

    • Bird Species Affected: Numerous bird species, including Great Skuas and Barnacle Geese, have experienced significant mortality rates due to H5N1.
    • Endangered Species Threatened: Endangered birds like the California condors have been severely affected, with a notable percentage of the population succumbing to the virus.
    • Mammalian Casualties: H5N1 has crossed species barriers, infecting mammals such as foxes, pumas, skunks, and marine mammals like sea lions and dolphins.
    • Devastating Consequences: Mass mortalities of marine mammals, particularly elephant seals, have been reported, raising concerns about the long-term ecological impact.

    Factors behind Spread

    • Climate Change: Some scientists attribute the large-scale spread of bird flu to climate change, which alters bird behavior and facilitates the transmission of the virus.
    • Warmer Seas: Warmer sea temperatures have weakened marine mammal populations, making them more susceptible to disease outbreaks.

    PYQ:

     

    2015: H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

    (a) AIDS

    (b) Bird flu

    (c) Dengue

    (d) Swine flu

     

    Practice MCQ:

    How many of the given statements about H5N1 Virus is/are correct?

    1.    It is a type of influenza virus causing highly infectious, respiratory disease in birds.

    2.    It is highly contagious in humans.

    3.    Seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals are vulnerable to this Virus.

    Select the correct codes from below –

    (a) One

    (b) Two

    (c) Three

    (d) None

  • South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion

    Why in the news?

    A recent study has revealed about undocumented biodiversity in the newly recognized South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion.

    What is SEAMA Ecoregion?

    • The SEAMA is a recently recognized ecoregion located in Southern Africa.
    • It spans across northern Mozambique and incorporating Mount Mulanje in Malawi.
    • SEAMA is distinguished by its mountainous terrain, encompassing diverse habitats such as montane forests, grasslands, and rock faces.
    • Despite its relatively recent recognition, SEAMA has been identified as a hub of biodiversity, hosting numerous species of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.

    Recent Findings on SEAMA Ecoregion

    • Species Documentation: The researchers identified 127 plants, 45 vertebrates, and 45 invertebrate species, including two endemic genera of plants and reptiles.
    • Endemic Reptiles: SEAMA is home to 22 strictly endemic reptile species, most of which are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.
    • Global Significance: The remarkable diversity of SEAMA has prompted proposals to designate it as a new ecoregion of global biological importance.

    Conservation Challenges

    • Late Discovery: Despite being located in a region considered the birthplace of modern humans, the mountains of northern Mozambique remained largely unstudied until recent decades due to historical conflicts.
    • Deforestation Threats: SEAMA faces severe deforestation threats, with up to 18% of its primary humid forest cover lost since 2000.
    • Causes of Deforestation: Slash and burn shifting agricultural practices, along with charcoal production, are the primary drivers of deforestation in the region.

    PYQ:

    2013: Which one of the following pairs a correctly matched?

    Geographical feature and region

    (a) Abyssinian Plateau – Arabia

    (b) Atlas Mountains – Northwest Africa

    (c) Guiana Highlands – Southwest Africa

    (d) Okavango Basin – Patagonia

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The SEAMA Ecoregion often seen in news is located in-

    (a) Latin America

    (b) Europe

    (c) Africa

    (d) Asia

  • UNEP Food Waste Index Report, 2024

    Why in the news?

    The Food Waste Index Report, 2024 was recently released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK based non-profit organization.

    Food Waste Index Report:

    • It tracks the global and national generation of food and inedible parts wasted at the retail and consumer (household and food service) levels.
    • It was first launched in 2011.
    • It was conceived as a tool to monitor progress towards international targets, such as those outlined in the SDG 12.3, which calls for halving food waste by 2030.

     

    Key Findings of the 2024 Report

    1. Total Food Waste Generation in 2022:
      • Globally, 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste were generated in 2022.
    2. Distribution of Food Waste by Sector:
      • Households accounted for 60% of the total food waste.
      • Food services were responsible for 28% of the total food waste.
      • Retail accounted for 12% of the total food waste.
    3. Per Capita Food Waste:
      • The average per capita food waste was 132 kilograms in 2022.
    4. Economic Cost of Food Waste:
      • The economic toll of food loss and waste is estimated at $1 trillion.
    5. Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
      • Food loss and waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 8-10% of annual global emissions.
    6. Regional Trends:
      • Food waste levels vary minimally across income groups.
      • Hotter climates tend to generate more household food waste due to consumption patterns and infrastructure limitations.
      • Rural areas generally exhibit lower levels of food waste compared to urban areas.
    7. Policy Integration:
      • Only 21 countries, including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, have included food loss and waste reduction in their climate plans or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    PYQ:

    2019: In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

    (a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998

    (b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999

    (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

    (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements is correct about the Food Waste Index Report?

    (a) It tracks only the global generation of food waste at the retail level.

    (b) It was first launched in 2011 to monitor progress towards reducing food waste in households and food service sectors.

    (c) It is a tool aimed at monitoring progress towards international targets outlined in SDG 12.3 to halve food waste by 2030.

    (d) It primarily focuses on tracking inedible parts wasted at the industrial level.

     

  • Archaeological Survey of India will ‘Delist’ some ‘Lost’ monuments. What’s happening, and why?

    Why in the news?

    Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 “centrally protected monuments” because according to them, they lag in National Importance.

     

    What does the “Delisting” of monuments mean?

    • Delisting means that the monument will no longer be protected, conserved, or maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).  Once delisted, the restrictions on construction-related activities around the monument are lifted. 
    • Legal Mandate: Section 35 of the AMASR Act outlines the process for delisting monuments. It empowers the Central Government to declare, via official notification, that a monument no longer holds national importance, thereby removing its protected status.

    Delisted Monuments: Kos Minar No.13 at Mujessar village in Haryana, Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi, Gunner Burkill’s tomb in Jhansi district, a cemetery at Gaughat in Lucknow, and the Telia Nala Buddhist ruins in Varanasi.

    Challenges for the Archaeological Survey of India due to “untraceable” monument:

      • Survival issue: Some monuments, especially smaller or lesser-known ones, have been lost over time due to various factors such as urbanization, encroachments, neglect, and construction activities like dams and reservoirs.  
    • Among the 50 missing monuments, 14 had been lost to rapid urbanization, 12 were submerged by reservoirs or dams, and the remaining 24 were untraceable. 
    • Difficulty in Locating Monuments:  This could be due to factors like inadequate documentation, lack of historical records, changes in the landscape, or complete disappearance of the structure.
    • Issue with Preservation and Conservation:  Without knowing the monument’s location, it cannot be regularly inspected, assessed for its condition, or protected from encroachments or other forms of damage.
      • Despite the recognized need for 7,000 security personnel, only 2,578 were deployed due to financial limitations.
    • Therefore, ASI faces challenges in fulfilling this responsibility effectively, especially when dealing with monuments that are untraceable due to historical neglect or lack of resources.

    How many historical monuments have been lost in this way?

    • According to the Ministry of Culture’s submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture in December 2022, a total of 50 out of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments were missing.
    • In 2013, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted the issue of missing monuments. The report stated that at least 92 centrally protected monuments across the country were missing.  

    Conclusion: The ASI has decided to delist 18 centrally protected monuments that are deemed to have lost national importance. This delisting means these monuments will no longer receive protection or conservation from the ASI.

    Mains PYQs

    Q Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment  (UPSC IAS/2018)

     

     

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