Weekly Current Affairs Week 3, 18-Aug-24 To 24-Aug-24 (2024)

Indian Polity (Current Affairs) Centre - State Relations

Context: The central government has finalized guidelines for providing special financial assistance to states under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25.

• The Centre has earmarked significant funds to incentivize key reforms and infrastructure development in various sectors, including land reforms, rural and urban infrastructure, and the welfare of working women.

Major Financial Outlays and Focus Areas

• In her Budget Speech on July 23, 2024, Finance Minister announced substantial financial allocations aimed at encouraging states to undertake critical land-related reforms.

• The Centre has set aside Rs 10,000 crore specifically for land reforms in both rural and urban areas.

• Additionally, Rs 5,000 crore has been allocated for creating a comprehensive Farmers’ Registry, aimed at compiling detailed information on six crore farmers and their land holdings.

Incentivizing Land Reforms

• To drive land-related reforms, the Centre has outlined several key activities that states must undertake.

• These include:

• Assignment of Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN): Also known as Bhu-Aadhaar, this initiative aims to assign a unique identification number to every land parcel, ensuring precise and reliable land records.

• Digitization of Cadastral Maps: States are required to digitize cadastral maps to create accurate and accessible records of land ownership and boundaries.

• Survey and Subdivision of Maps: Surveys of map subdivisions according to current ownership will be conducted to update and verify land records.

• Establishment of Land Registries: States will establish comprehensive land registries to maintain updated and accurate records of land ownership.

• In urban areas, the Centre is offering fiscal incentives to encourage the digitization of land records using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.

• This includes the development of an IT-based system for property record administration, updating, and tax administration.

• These reforms are expected to enhance transparency, improve land governance, and reduce land-related disputes.

Creating a Farmers’ Registry

• The allocation of Rs 5,000 crore for the Farmers’ Registry underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting the rural economy.

• The registry will compile detailed data on farmers, including their landholdings, to facilitate better policy formulation and targeted delivery of government schemes.

Special Focus on Women’s Welfare: Working Women’s Hostels

• In addition to land reforms, the Centre has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for the construction of working women’s hostels across the country.

• This initiative aims to facilitate greater participation of women in the workforce by providing safe and affordable accommodation.

Guidelines for Hostels

• Land Acquisition: The state government will provide land for the hostels free of cost, or bear the cost of acquiring the land.

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model: The operation and maintenance of the hostels will be managed by a private party under the PPP model, while ownership will remain with the state government.

• This initiative is expected to create a supportive environment for working women, particularly in urban areas, enabling them to pursue careers without concerns about housing and childcare.

State-wise Allocation for Hostels

• The funds allocated for the construction of working women’s hostels have been distributed among various states.

• Uttar Pradesh is set to receive the highest amount of Rs 382 crore, followed by Madhya Pradesh with Rs 284 crore, and Assam with Rs 226 crore.

• These allocations reflect the varying needs of different states in providing support infrastructure for women in the workforce.

Additional Allocations and Incentives

• The Centre has also announced a range of other financial allocations aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving infrastructure, and encouraging sustainable practices:

• Rs 2,000 crore for Developing Iconic Tourist Centers: These funds will be used to develop tourist destinations to global standards, boosting tourism and generating economic opportunities.

• Rs 3,000 crore for Vehicle Scrappage Incentives: This allocation aims to incentivize the scrapping of old vehicles, promoting cleaner and more efficient transportation.

• Rs 15,000 crore for Industrial Growth: This significant allocation is intended to stimulate industrial growth and job creation across the country.

• Rs 1,000 crore for NCR Development: This fund will be divided equally among Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to develop the National Capital Region (NCR).

• Rs 15,000 crore for States’ Shares of Centrally Sponsored Schemes: This includes funding for urban and rural infrastructure projects, ensuring states have the resources to implement key developmental programs.

• Rs 4,000 crore for SNA Sparsh Model Incentives: These incentives aim to streamline the release of funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, ensuring timely and efficient use of resources.

• Rs 25,000 crore for Capital Expenditure Incentives: The Centre will provide these funds to states that achieve their targets for capital expenditure in FY25, encouraging them to prioritize investments in infrastructure and development.

Indian Polity (Current Affairs) Civil services

Context: Recently, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a notification for recruiting 45 joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries as specialists in government departments through lateral entry scheme.

• The decision ignited criticism from opposition parties, which claimed it undermined the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs and STs.

Background

• The concept of lateral entry was first introduced under the Congress-led UPA regime and strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission established by it in 2005.

• It was later recommended by NITI Aayog in 2017 to bring in expertise and fresh perspectives.

• In 2017, NITI Aayog, in its 3-year Action Agenda, and the Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on Governance recommended the induction of personnel at middle and senior management levels in the central government.

• The government has historically inducted outside talent into its higher tiers, typically in advisory roles but occasionally even in key administrative assignments.

• For instance, the chief economic advisor is traditionally a lateral entrant who, according to the rules, must be below 45 years of age and is invariably an eminent economist.

About Lateral Entry Scheme

• Lateral entry refers to the process of appointing individuals from outside the government directly to mid-level and senior positions.

• It aims to bring in domain-specific expertise and fresh perspectives to enhance governance.

• These 'lateral entrants' are appointed on contracts for 3 years, which can be extended to a maximum of 5 years.

Eligibility

• Individuals with domain expertise and a proven track record in relevant fields from the private sector, state governments, autonomous bodies, or public sector undertakings are eligible to apply for these positions.

• The selection criteria typically emphasise professional accomplishment and subject matter expertise.

• Lateral entries have been excluded from the reservation system because of the "13-point roster" policy.

• In the current round of recruitment, 45 openings have been advertised separately for each department. If considered as a single group, reservations would apply with specific allocations for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates.

• However, since the vacancies are treated as individual posts, they bypass the reservation policy, effectively excluding reserved categories from these positions.

Number of Recruitments So Far

• Since the lateral recruitment process began in 2018, a total of 63 individuals have been appointed to various Ministries/Departments.

• As of August 2023, 57 of these lateral entrants currently hold positions in the central government.

ARC Recommendations on Lateral Entry Scheme

• First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) (1966): It was established under chairmanship of Morarji Desai which focused on professionalising and reforming training and personnel management within the civil services.

• While it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry, it laid the groundwork for addressing the need for specialised skills in the bureaucracy.

• Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) (2005): It recommended reforms to improve the Indian administrative system's effectiveness, transparency, and citizen-friendliness.

• In its 10th Report, the ARC emphasized the need for lateral entry into higher government positions to bring in specialised knowledge and skills not always available within traditional civil services.

• It proposed recruiting professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings, creating a talent pool for short-term or contractual roles.

• The ARC also recommended a transparent, merit-based selection process and stressed integrating lateral entrants while preserving civil service integrity.

Arguments in Favour of Lateral Entry Scheme in Bureaucracy

• Specialised Skill and Expertise: Lateral entry allows the government to recruit specialists with expertise in areas like technology, management, and finance, addressing gaps in knowledge that generalist civil servants may not have as governance becomes more complex.

• Innovation and Reforms: Lateral recruits can bring valuable experiences from the private sector, NGOs, or other organisations, helping to reform and enhance administrative processes and governance.

• Filling The Gap: According to Department of Personnel and Training data, there is a shortage of about 1500 IAS officers. Lateral entry can help bridge this deficit.

• Bringing a Change in Work Culture: It will help in bringing change work culture in the Government sector which is criticised for red-tapism, rule-book bureaucracy, and status-quoist.

• Participatory Governance: Presently, governance is becoming a more participatory and multi-actor endeavour and lateral entry provides stakeholders such as the private sector and non-profits an opportunity to participate in the governance process.

Criticisms of Lateral Entry Scheme in Bureaucracy

• Short Tenure: The Central government has set the tenure for joint secretaries at 3 years, which is insufficient for newcomers to fully acclimate to the complex governance systems and make meaningful contributions.

• Maintaining Objectivity and Neutrality: Bringing in individuals from diverse backgrounds can challenge objectivity and neutrality due to potential conflicts of interest and impartiality concerns, especially if recruits have prior ties to private companies or interest groups.

• Impact on Permanent Officers' Morale: The increasing number of lateral entrants could create a divide between them and permanent officers, potentially harming the morale of career bureaucrats.

• Potential Dilution of Merit-Based Recruitment: Lateral entry might dilute the merit-based recruitment system that underpins the civil services. If not conducted transparently, it could lead to perceptions of favouritism or nepotism in the selection process.

• Outsider Syndrome: Traditional bureaucrats may resist lateral entrants due to concerns about hierarchy and disruption, often treating them as outsiders and displaying hostility towards their inclusion.

• Experience Requirement for Senior Positions: In the permanent system, IAS officers are promoted to the joint secretary level after 17 years of service, typically around the age of 45, and remain at that level for ten years.

• If similar experience requirements are applied to lateral entrants, it may deter the best candidates from joining, as they often reach the peak of their professions in the private sector at that age.

Key Suggestion

• Ensure Transparency: Maintain a transparent, merit-based selection process for lateral entries that focuses on relevant expertise, experience, and skills, avoiding perceptions of favouritism or bias.

• In the UK, the UK Civil Service Fast Stream program recruits individuals directly into the civil service at multiple levels, focusing on candidates with specialised skills and expertise.

• Training of Lateral Entrants: An intensive training program for entrants from the private sector to civil services needs to be formulated which helps them understand the complex nature of work in Government.

• Clear Expectations and Role Definition: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and establish specific performance indicators and objectives to align contributions with organisational goals.

• Relaxing Age Barrier: To attract top talent, age requirements for joint secretary positions should be relaxed to include candidates as young as 35.

• In the past, economists like Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Bimal Jalan advanced to senior positions at a younger age, which was a factor in their return from lucrative international roles.

Conclusion

• Lateral entry, like competition in any field, can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration of entry criteria, job roles, personnel numbers, and training to ensure it drives positive change. Additionally, reforms to the traditional seniority-based system are essential for comprehensive administrative improvements.

• The ARC had emphasised the importance of bringing external expertise into the civil services to make the administration more dynamic and responsive to the complexities of modern governance.

• The recruitment of joint secretaries in 2018 effectively operationalised the ARC's vision, demonstrating a commitment to integrating specialised skills from outside the traditional civil service framework.

• These reforms have continued to influence ongoing discussions about how best to modernise India's public administration, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of governance in the 21st century.

Indian Polity (Current Affairs) Human Rights

Context: Though the practice of state sovereignty puts up barriers to the implementation of international human rights standards, moral pressure against the governments guilty of violating human rights sometimes succeeds in nudging them to step back.

Effectiveness of Naming and Shaming

• Historical Impact: Naming and shaming has proven effective in various contexts, such as Myanmar and Ethiopia, where it has pressured governments to release political prisoners and address human rights issues.

• Policy Implications: In countries like Colombia and Argentina, shaming campaigns have led to policy changes aimed at improving human rights conditions. These campaigns demonstrate the potential of moral pressure to drive policy deviations and reforms.

• Limitations: Despite successes, naming and shaming often fails to induce change in authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, and North Korea. In some cases, these governments resist or deny allegations, making moral pressure less effective.

Theoretical Insights

• Strategic Contexts: Rochelle Terman’s study explores the conditions under which naming and shaming is successful. The effectiveness of this approach depends on the strategic context and the level of international scrutiny faced by the violating governments.

• Challenges in International Law: The strategy of shaming, while spotlighting violations, does not always lead to tangible improvements, especially when military or economic sanctions are also ineffective. This highlights the limitations of moral sanctions in international law.

• Need for Comprehensive Strategies: To overcome the limitations of naming and shaming, there is a need for integrating human rights into national and international legal frameworks. Advocates must focus on building democratic institutions and addressing the underlying social and political issues.

Issues with Human Rights Compliance at global level

• Authoritarian Regimes: Governments like those in North Korea, China, and Russia often ignore international human rights norms. Despite global condemnation, these regimes maintain oppressive practices without significant reforms.

• State Sovereignty: The principle of state sovereignty can obstruct the enforcement of human rights. Countries may reject external pressures or interventions, citing their right to self-governance.

• Selective Enforcement: Human rights violations are sometimes addressed selectively based on geopolitical interests. For example, some nations receive criticism for abuses while others, due to strategic alliances, avoid significant international scrutiny.

• Lack of Implementation: Even when human rights standards are adopted, implementation can be superficial. For instance, Myanmar has faced global condemnation for its treatment of the Rohingya, but substantive policy changes remain limited.

• Ineffective Sanctions: Economic sanctions or military interventions, such as those imposed on Syria or Venezuela, often fail to resolve human rights abuses and can exacerbate humanitarian crises.

• Resistance to Shaming: Efforts to name and shame violators, like the international backlash against Israel’s policies or Russia’s actions in Ukraine, may lead to only cosmetic changes or outright denial of allegations.

Promotion and protection of human rights:

• Article 51 A (g): Every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment and have compassion for living creatures.

• Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993(as amended in 2019) provided for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission at the Union level, which steers the State Human Rights Commission in States and Human Rights Courts.

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights: It is an international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It establishes the rights and freedoms of all members of the human race.

• Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th December all around the world.

• Freedom in the World 2021 report released earlier this year downgraded India’s status from ‘Free’ to ‘Partly Free’.

• Human Rights Council: The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights.

• Amnesty International: An international organisation of volunteers who campaign for human rights.

Steps taken for the preservation of human rights:

• Governance systemic reforms and affirmative initiatives: particularly in the Health and Economic sectors.

• Inclusive growth: It is also antidotal to violation of human rights.

• Banking network: 400 million getting into banking networks and over 200 million families benefiting out of free cooking gas connections.

Challenges to human rights

• Conflicting definition of what forms human rights: E.g. while the world has condemned Chinese persecution of the Uighur community for human rights violations, China sees it as anti-terror/ anti-separatist measures.

• Silence: Silent and voiceless existence of the majority of our citizens

• Corruption: Human rights get compromised in the face of corruption.

Importance of Human rights

• Flourishing of Democracy: Human rights are quintessential for flourishing democracy.

• Democratic values: They are of no significance in the absence of human rights.

• Dignity: Nurturing human rights is the nectar of dignity and dignified human existence.

• Positive ecosystem: Flourishing human rights generates a positive ecosystem that facilitates optimal utilisation of human talent.

• Development: It brings about holistic development.

• Indian culture: The pro-human rights foundational spirit of Indian culture, is reflected in Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad.

Actions to Improve Human Rights Compliance

• Strengthen International Pressure: Increase coordinated global efforts through sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and public condemnation to hold violators accountable.

• Enhance Accountability Mechanisms: Improve international legal frameworks and institutions to effectively investigate and prosecute human rights violations.

• Support Grassroots Activism: Encourage and support local human rights organizations and activists to address abuses from the ground up.

• Promote Transparency: Advocate for greater transparency in human rights practices and data reporting to expose abuses and drive accountability.

• Foster Global Cooperation: Build alliances among nations, NGOs, and international bodies to create a unified front against human rights violations.

Future Directions

• Moral and Institutional Reform: Human rights advocates should emphasize the development of democratic institutions and moral reform within states. This approach can help integrate human rights more deeply into national policies and legal systems.

• Resistance and Legitimacy: In cases where states are reluctant to uphold human rights, resistance activism gains legitimacy. Such activism becomes a crucial defense mechanism against state persecution or indifference.

• Broader Implications: The centrality of human rights must be reinforced in international relations and domestic policies. This involves aligning political ideologies with human rights norms to ensure compliance and justice.

Indian Polity (Current Affairs) Judgments and Directives

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) of senior medical professionals to formulate comprehensive safety protocols for healthcare workers across India.

• Ordering the formation of the task force, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said a lack of institutional safety norms at medical establishments against both violence and sexual violence against medical professionals is a matter of serious concern.

About National Task Force (NTF)

• The NTF has been tasked with the critical responsibility of devising an action plan to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals, with a particular focus on preventing gender-based violence and creating dignified working conditions for interns, resident doctors, and non-resident doctors.

The action plan will address several key areas, including:

• Enhancing security in emergency rooms and other critical areas;

• Providing restrooms and gender-neutral spaces for medical staff;

• Introducing biometric and facial recognition systems, Improving lighting and installing CCTV in all hospital areas.

• Performing quarterly audits of institutional safety measures;

• Applying the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to medical establishments, ensuring the constitution of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

Challenges faced by the healthcare workers

• Workload and Burnout: High patient-to-staff ratios result in overwhelming workloads. Healthcare workers experience burnout due to long hours, high stress, and insufficient time to rest.

• Violence and Abuse: Instances of violence against healthcare workers, including verbal abuse and physical attacks, have been reported in several instances.

• Inadequate Compensation: Salaries for healthcare workers, particularly those in the public sector or rural areas, are relatively low compared to the cost of living and the demands of the job.

• Infrastructure Issues: Poor infrastructure in healthcare facilities such as lack of proper sanitation, unreliable electricity, and inadequate medical waste management compromise patient care and worker safety.

• Health and Safety Risks: Healthcare workers face health and safety risks, including exposure to infectious diseases, particularly in under-resourced settings where personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control measures are inadequate.

Present Scenario of Legal Protection to Healthcare Professionals

• Currently no central law exists to safeguard healthcare workers nationwide.

• As of 2020,19 States had implemented their statutes, each with varying provisions. Other States and Union Territories had no laws at all.

• This lack of uniformity meant protection is inconsistent.

• Among States, Kerala and Karnataka provide their healthcare workers with the most robust legal protections in India.

Challenges in enacting a Central law

• A central law has not been enacted because public health is a State subject, and VAHCW is primarily a public health-related issue.

• While the concurrent list allows for a central law, the central government has not prioritized this issue, leaving it to the States to manage.

Road Ahead

• Incident Reporting: Develop a robust mechanism for reporting incidents of violence that ensures confidentiality and protection for those who report.

• Workplace Safety Policies: Develop and enforce comprehensive workplace safety policies and procedures to prevent and respond to violence against healthcare workers.

Indian Polity (Current Affairs) Union Executive

Context: To resolve disputes between the Government as an employer and the employees. The Prime Minister will meet staff representatives in the national-level Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) for the first time in 10 years.

• One of the key issues expected to be discussed during the meeting is the potential restoration of the old pension scheme.

About Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM)

• It is a platform for constructive dialogue between the representatives of the staff side and the official side for peaceful resolution of all disputes between the Government asemployer and the employees.

• The scheme was introduced in 1966 with the objectives of promoting harmonious relations and securing the greatest measure of cooperation between the Central Government as the employer and the employees.

• The scheme is a non-statutory one mutually agreed upon between the staff side and the official side.

The scheme covers all regular civil employees of the Central Government, except:

• The Class-I services;

• The Class-II services, other than the Central Secretariat Services and the other comparable services in the headquarters organization of the Government;

• Persons in industrial establishments employed mainly in a managerial or administrative capacity, and those who are being employed in a supervisory capacity drawing salary going beyond grade pay of Rs.4200/- per month;

• Employees of the Union Territories;

• Police personnel.

Joint Councils

• The scheme provides for the setting up of joint councils at the National, Departmental and Regional / Office levels.

• The National Council, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, is the apex body.

• The scope of the Joint Councils includes all matters relating to conditions of service and work, welfare of employees, and improvement of efficiency and standards of work, provided, however, that in regard to matters of recruitment, promotion, and discipline, consultation is limited to matters of general principles only, and individual cases are not considered.

• The National Council deals only with matters affecting Central Government employees generally, such as pay of common categories of staff, allowances, etc.,

• The Departmental Council deals with matters affecting only the employees in the Ministries/Departments concerned.

• The Office/Regional Councils deal with regional or local issues only.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Agricultural Policy and Growth

Context: Recently, the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), a State government’s initiative launched through Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), has won the Portugal-based Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity (2024).

About Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme

• The APCNF programme aims to increase the adoption of natural farming practices among the state’s farmers to help them escape the debt cycle caused by high input costs linked to conventional agricultural practices.

• Launched in 2016, it supports farmers to switch from chemically intensive agriculture to natural farming through practices such as:

• using organic residues and minimising tillage to improve soil health

• re-introducing indigenous seeds

• diversifying crops including trees

• Implemented by:RythuSadhikaraSamstha (RySS), a not-for-profit body under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture.

• The APCMNF is aggressively promoting the Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) Model, as it enables the farmer to take home three crops in a year, even in rainfed conditions in semi-arid areas.

• This is a paradigm shift since, in normal conditions, farmers in rainfed situations grow only one crop and leave the land fallow for the rest of the year. This mode of agriculture is based on scientific principles and comes into play in the non-farming season or whenever there is no crop cover on the land.

• Coverage: Currently, the APCNF is implementing natural farming in 4,116 gram panchayats and 7,746 village organisations through 2.31 lakh SHGs across 662 mandals of Andhra Pradesh. The government aims to reach out to all the 8 million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh in the next 10 years and inspire the programme’s replication in other States too.

• The model is already being incubated across 12 States in India. The programme receives funding from Central schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and Bharatiya Prakriti Krishi Padhati. The recently announced National Mission of Natural Farming is also expected to provide funds from this year.

Positive Impact

• Livelihoods: APCNF positively impacts farmers’ livelihoods by reducing input costs and enhancing yields.

• Climate Resilience: It’s climate-resilient, which is crucial in an era of changing weather patterns.

• Food Security: Citizens benefit from improved food and nutrition security.

• Environment: APCNF contributes to environmental restoration and mitigates climate change.

Success and Global Recognition

• Impact and Scale: The APCMNF has become the world’s largest agroecology program, covering over 500,000 hectares and involving more than a million farmers. It has generated environmental benefits such as soil carbon sequestration and increased biodiversity.

• Recognition and Awards: The program received the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, recognizing its contribution to climate action and sustainable agriculture. This award highlights the success of APCMNF in integrating scientific knowledge with traditional farming practices.

• Future Plans and Expansion: The APCMNF aims to expand its reach to all 8 million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh over the next decade. It also plans to replicate the model in other Indian states and internationally, with support from various donors and government schemes.

About Natural and Organic Farming

• Natural farming and organic farming, both come under agroecological practices.

• In natural farming the focus is on the use of bio inputs prepared from farm and local ecosystems instead of purchasing those from outside.

• Organic farming is defined now more from a perspective of product certification.

• In both the method, there is absence of application of chemical fertilisers or chemical pesticides during cultivation.

• In India, Natural farming is promoted as Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme (BPKP) under Paramparagat Krishi VikasYojana (PKVY).

Components of Natural Farming

• Beejamrit: The process includes treatment of seed using cow dung, urine and lime based formulation.

• Jivamrit: The process enhances the fertility of soil using cow urine, dung, flour of pulses and jiggery concoction.

• Whapasa: The process involves activating earthworms in the soil in order to create water vapour condensation.

• Mulching: The process involves creating micro climate using different mulches with trees, crop biomass to conserve soil moisture.

• Plant Protection: The process involves spraying of biological concoctions which prevents pest, disease and weeds problems and protects the plant and improves their soil fertility.

Government initiatives to boost natural farming

1. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana

3. Paramparagat Krishi VikasYojana (PKVY)

4. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

6. Bharatiya Prakriti Krishi Padhati (BPKP)

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Digital Economy

Context: Recently, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister raised concern about the functioning of the E-commerce sector, saying that E-commerce is eating into the small retailers by giving heavy discounts on products.

Key highlights

• Major e-commerce players, like Amazon, are accused of using aggressive pricing strategies to drive competitors out of the market, which could harm the business prospects of small retailers.

• The rapid growth of e-commerce might threaten the livelihood of around 100 million small stores in India, potentially leading to significant job losses and social disruption.

• The Union Commerce and Industry Minister questioned reports suggesting that e-commerce growth does not negatively affect employment

• Official reports might downplay the negative effects of e-commerce on jobs.

• There are concerns that Cloud Kitchens and Food Delivery Apps online services could adversely affect traditional restaurants.

• E-commerce companies like Amazon report significant losses, raising concerns about predatory practices

• There are issues with how e-commerce platforms operate in relation to regulations that restrict direct consumer transactions (B2C)

• The Minister argued that these platforms are circumventing rules by using complex structures.

  See Also

  The Health and Wellbeing of Hybrid Entities - Faeriekit

• Large investments by e-commerce firms may not necessarily benefit the local economy.

What is Predatory Pricing?

• Predatory pricing is a strategy where a company sets prices below cost to drive competitors out of the market.

• Once the competition is eliminated, the company can raise prices to recoup losses and achieve higher profits.

• This strategy poses challenges to small retailers and raises questions about market fairness and competition.

Impact on Small Retailers

• Price Competition: E-commerce platforms often offer deep discounts and promotions that small retailers cannot match due to limited resources and higher operating costs. This aggressive pricing strategy can force small retailers to lower their prices unsustainably or exit the market.

• Customer Attrition: Consumers attracted by lower prices on e-commerce sites may shift their spending away from local retailers, reducing their customer base and revenue.

• Job Losses: As small retailers struggle or close down, there can be significant job losses in local communities. Small retail businesses are often major employers, and their decline can impact employment rates.

• Economic Drain: Small retailers contribute to the local economy through taxes and local spending. Their closure can reduce local economic activity and tax revenue.

• Community Erosion: Small retail shops often play a crucial role in community life, providing personalized services and contributing to the local character of neighborhoods. Their decline can erode community cohesion and character.

The earning gap

• In India, there are about 12 million kirana stores, which generate over $800 billion in annual business, yet most of them do not have a digital footprint.

• These sellers continue to depend on orders received over call and Whatsapp for their home delivery business which constitutes over 10% of their business — that's an $80 billion plus kirana led home delivery business that already exists today, in spite of availability of quick commerce.

• Quick commerce at under $4 billion is a small fraction of the kirana home delivery business even today.

Required Measures

• Antitrust and Competition Laws: Many countries have antitrust and competition laws designed to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure a level playing field. Regulatory bodies may investigate and address cases of predatory pricing if it is deemed to harm competition and consumer welfare.

• Subsidies and Grants: Governments can provide financial support to small retailers through subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to help them compete with e-commerce platforms.

• Digital Transformation: Encouraging small retailers to embrace digital technologies can help them compete more effectively with e-commerce platforms. Initiatives to enhance digital literacy and provide e-commerce training can be beneficial.

• There is need to help onboard kirana stores on the central government's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network, helping them compete with e-commerce and quick service grocery retailers. ONDC is a freely accessible and inclusive platform that aims to democratise e-commerce.

India's e-commerce landscape

• India's e-commerce landscape is poised for a monumental gain by 2030. A substantial surge to $325 billion by 2030 has been forecasted.

• Currently valued at $70 billion, India's online shopping makes up approximately 7 per cent of the country's total retail market.

• The quick commerce market (Zomato, Swiggy) within India's hyperlocal mobility sector is forecasted to experience exponential growth, reaching a market size of USD 5.5 billion by 2025.

Factors responsible for growth

• High internet penetration, low-cost internet services, and substantial increase in rural smartphone users.

• With a staggering 881 million users, India boasts the world's second-largest internet user base, positioning itself to emerge as the third-largest online retail market by 2030, driven by the rapid expansion of its digital economy.

• Government schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana, BharatNet Project, and the implementation of Goods & Service Tax (GST) play instrumental roles in shaping India's digital economy

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Employment related Issues

Context: The ambitious Rs 2 lakh crore employment package aims to create 4.1 crore jobs, but evidence shows low wages and short-term skill programs hinder long-term sustainability.

Current Challenges and Need for Decentralized Action

• Wage Concerns: Evidence shows that a wage earner earning Rs 25,000 a month is among the top 10% of wage earners. This highlights the race to the bottom on wages and the inadequacy of low-paying jobs for a dignified life.

• Skill Program Effectiveness: Short-duration skill programs often lead to low long-term employment rates, primarily due to inadequate wages. Many trained individuals return to rural areas seeking better opportunities.

• State and Local Role: Mass employment with dignity requires increasing productivity and setting floor wage rates. State intervention is crucial for ensuring high-quality public goods and services to support sustainable employment.

Proposed Policy Initiatives

• Community-Based Skilling: Initiatives should start with decentralized community action to identify and address local skilling needs. This involves creating employment registers and partnering with professionals to develop targeted plans.

• Integration of Services: Converge education, health, skills, and employment initiatives at the local level, leveraging women’s collectives for accountability and effective outcomes. This approach enhances human development indicators through community-based decision-making.

• Vocational Education: Introduce need-based vocational courses alongside undergraduate programs in colleges. This will improve employability by providing practical skills and certifications relevant to the job market.

Enhancing Skill Development and Support

• Standardization and Infrastructure: Standardize vocational courses, particularly in nursing and allied health, to international benchmarks. Invest in upgrading ITIs and polytechnics to serve as hubs for skill development.

• Enterprise Skills in Schools: Integrate technology and enterprise skills into high school curricula to prepare students for entrepreneurial ventures and employment. Professional visits can enhance practical understanding and skills.

• Apprenticeship Models: Implement co-sharing models for apprenticeships with industries to ensure practical experience and shared costs. This will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of skill development programs.

• Absorption of youth at the workplace: Apprenticeships on the scale can facilitate the absorption of youth in the workplace, with the government’s condition for employer subsidies being wages of dignity on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

• Capital loan for women: Streamline working capital loans for women-led enterprises/first-generation enterprises to enable them to go to scale.

• Skill accreditation programme: Start a universal skill accreditation programme for skill-providing institutions, with candidates co-sponsored by the state and employers.

• Majority of fund in water scares block: Use 70% funds under MGNREGA in 2,500 water-scarce blocks and blocks with high deprivation, with a thrust on the poorest 20 families and a focus on skills for higher productivity.

Road Ahead

• Strengthen Industry-Academia Linkages: Enhance collaboration between educational institutions, industry, and vocational training centers to align curricula with industry needs, ensuring employability through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements.

• Focus on Inclusive Skill Development: Prioritize investment in underdeveloped regions and marginalized groups by expanding access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for women and youth, to bridge the skill gap and promote economic inclusion.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Employment related Issues

Context: In the Economic Survey, the Chief Economic Advisor estimated that India needed to create close to 8 million new jobs each year for the coming decade.

• Gita Gopinath, IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director, says India needs to create anywhere between 60 to 148 million additional jobs between now and 2030 cumulatively. That works out to be an annual rate ranging from 10 million to 24 million.

Status

• India has been one of the brightest spots in terms of GDP growth rate.

• India is doing extremely well in terms of its growth rate.

• At 7% growth for this financial year makes India the fastest growing major economy inside the world, and that contributes about 17% to global increase

Main Challenges

• Inflation: Inflation is stabilizing but nevertheless needs careful control to avoid unfavourable economic consequences.

• Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts, especially within the Middle East, ought to have an effect on commodity rates, including oil.

• Political Uncertainty: Numerous elections globally this year might also bring coverage uncertainty affecting growth.

• Medium-Term Growth: Projected international growth charges are susceptible compared to ancient averages, necessitating structural reforms.

• The dollar’s dominance is due to the strength of U.S. institutions, open capital markets, and network effects.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Employment

• About 25% of Indian employees are exposed to AI, with combined outcomes in different sectors.

• AI can help deal with capacity shortages, enhance public finance, and beautify instructional methods.

• But certain sectors, like call centres, might also see lower demand for human labour because of AI.

Related steps

• Flexible inflation focused on has commonly been successful globally through anchoring inflation expectancies and improving credibility.

• India’s Experience:Since adopting inflation targeting in 2015, India has visible greater solid inflation, despite the fact that challenges stay.

• India is experiencing robust GDP growth, contributing significantly to global growth.

Road Ahead

• Encouraging company funding and flexible labour markets can resource extensive-based growth and process creation.

• Improving ease of doing business and decreasing alternate regulations are important.

• Focus on education, skilling, and elevating productivity in agriculture is crucial for long-term growth.

• Improving macroeconomic and financial stability, and foreign money convertibility, advantages countries regardless of whether their foreign money turns into dominant.

• With enduring reforms, India should maintain and in all likelihood decorate its increase, but process introduction is important.

• India needs to create 60 to 148 million new jobs by 2030, requiring broad-based growth across sectors.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Energy

Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Power and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the JAL VIDYUT DPR portal.

About the portals

• Portal DRIPS (Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for Power Sector): To serve as a single point of contact for all stakeholders for managing inventory of specific Power System equipments and critical supplies.

• Jal Vidyut Detailed Project Report Portal: For Monitoring Survey and Investigation Activities of Hydro Electric Projects and Pumped Storage Projects.

• Portal for Online Monitoring Of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT): To facilitate real-time tracking and analysis of thermal power projects.

• Developed by: The JAL VIDYUT DPR portal is a digital platform developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

• Purpose: It is designed to monitor survey and investigation activities related to Hydro Electric Projects and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs).

• Aim: It aims to expedite workflows and streamline communication between developers and appraising agencies. It aligns with the government’s ease of doing business initiatives by reducing timelines for appraisals and approvals of DPRs.

About PROMPT (Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects – Thermal) Portal

• It is part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency and transparency of thermal power project management in India.

• The PROMPT portal is introduced to streamline the monitoring process for thermal power projects.

• It aims to facilitate real-time tracking, transparent reporting, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders to address project issues promptly.

Key Features of the PROMPT:

• Real-Time Tracking – Allows for centralized monitoring and swift identification of issues.

• Transparency – Enhances accountability and project management efficiency.

• Resource Optimization – Helps in managing resources predictably, aiding in maintaining a balance between demand and supply.

Key Features and Benefits

• Strategic Initiative for Hydropower Development: The portal supports the development of hydropower and PSPs which are essential for grid stability and energy transition.

• Improved Project Management and Coordination: It provides a comprehensive overview of a project’s development status. It enhances coordination among various stakeholders during the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation process.

• Centralized Digital Platform: It also offers a single platform for monitoring all survey and investigation activities related to Hydro and PSP projects.

• Enhanced Efficiency and Transparency: It enables real-time tracking of tasks and pending actions.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Financial Markets

Context: The Reserve Bank of India issued a framework for recognition of self-regulatory organisations in the financial markets space to help strengthen compliance culture and provide a consultative platform for policy making.

Key regulations mentioned in the RBI’s framework

• The RBI framework provides guidelines for recognizing SROs to oversee financial market segments like fintech firms and non-banking financial corporations (NBFCs).

• Application Process: Applications can be submitted via email or to the RBI’s Financial Markets Regulation Department in Mumbai

• Eligibility Criteria: Not-for-Profit: Must be a not-for-profit entity registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, with a minimum net worth of Rs 10 crore and adequate infrastructure.

• Voluntary Membership: Membership should be voluntary.

• Representation: Must represent a diverse mix of sector entities. If current representation is insufficient, a two-year roadmap must be provided to achieve adequate representation.

• Directors: Must have competent, fair, and reputable directors without past convictions for offences, including economic crimes.

• The RBI may impose additional conditions to ensure the SRO’s functioning is in the public interest.

• Possible Impact: This initiative aims to expand market access, boost participation, and protect users by establishing industry standards and best practices, promoting compliance, and supporting innovation, particularly for smaller sector entities.

About Self-Regulatory Organisations

• Self-Regulatory Organisations are entities that are created by industries themselves to regulate and oversee the conduct of their members. Unlike government regulatory bodies, which are established by legislative or executive actions,

• SROs are formed by industry stakeholders and often operate under a framework of rules and guidelines developed by the industry.

Primary objectives

• SROs develop and enforce standards and practices that members must adhere to, ensuring consistency and quality within the industry.

• They help in setting ethical guidelines and codes of conduct to prevent malpractices and unethical behavior among members.

• SROs often provide mechanisms for resolving disputes between members or between members and their clients, thus promoting fairness and transparency.

• They offer training and resources to help members stay informed about industry developments, regulatory changes, and best practices.

Challenges

• While SROs contribute significantly to industry self-regulation, they face several challenges:

• Maintaining consistent compliance among members can be challenging, especially in rapidly evolving industries.

• SROs must balance the interests of different stakeholders, including large corporations and small businesses, which can sometimes lead to conflicts.

• The effectiveness of SROs can be impacted by the extent of regulatory oversight they are subject to. Striking the right balance between self-regulation and external regulation is crucial.

Road Ahead

• SROs in India are likely to focus on enhancing their regulatory frameworks, adopting new technologies for better compliance, and improving transparency and accountability. By addressing these challenges, SROs can continue to play a vital role in fostering ethical practices and maintaining high standards across various industries.

• As industries evolve, SROs will need to adapt and innovate to effectively manage the challenges of modern self-regulation.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Food Processing

Context: Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a significant project aimed at addressing the pressing issue of microplastic contamination in food products. This initiative comes amid growing global concerns regarding the presence of microplastics in various food items and their potential impacts on human health.

Background

• Need for Indian Specific Data: The growing concern over microplastic contamination, highlighted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO’s) report identifying microplastics in common food items like sugar and salt, underscores the urgent need for India-specific data to better understand the implications for human health.

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health

• Recent Initiative of FSSAI: FSSAI collaborated with various research organisations to create standardised protocols for analysing micro and nano-plastics, conduct intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and generate crucial data on microplastic exposure among Indian consumers.

Research Organisations include:

1. CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow)

2. ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi)

3. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani)

• These collaborations will enhance the research capabilities and ensure a comprehensive approach to tackling microplastic contamination.

Understanding Microplastics

• Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are manufactured as small particles for use in products like cosmetics and industrial applications.

• These particles can enter food systems through various pathways, including contaminated water sources, agricultural practices, and food packaging.

Sources of Microplastic Contamination

• Environmental Pollution: Microplastics are prevalent in the environment due to pollution from plastic waste. They can be found in oceans, rivers, and soils, ultimately making their way into the food chain.

• Food Processing and Packaging: The use of plastic materials in food processing and packaging can lead to microplastic contamination, especially when products are stored for extended periods or subjected to heat.

• Agricultural Practices: The application of contaminated water and fertilizers can introduce microplastics into crops, which are then consumed by humans.

The FSSAI Project

• Launched in March 2024, the FSSAI project titled “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in Different Food Matrices” aims to address the following key objectives:

• Develop Analytical Methods: The project seeks to develop and validate analytical methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products, ensuring accurate measurement and assessment.

• Assess Prevalence and Exposure: It aims to assess the prevalence of microplastics in different food matrices and evaluate exposure levels among consumers in India.

• Standard Protocols: Establishing standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis is crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability in testing across laboratories.

• Data Generation: The project will generate critical data on microplastic exposure levels, which is essential for formulating effective regulations and safety standards.

Global Context and Implications

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted the global prevalence of microplastics in food items, including common staples like sugar and salt.

• A recent study conducted by Toxics Link revealed alarming levels of microplastics in various food products, emphasizing the need for robust data to understand the implications for human health, particularly in the Indian context.

Findings from Recent Studies

• Presence in Common Foods: The study found that iodized salt had the highest concentration of microplastics, with an average of 89.15 pieces per kilogram, while organic rock salt had the lowest at 6.70 pieces per kilogram. Sugar samples also showed varying levels of microplastic contamination, ranging from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogram.

• Health Concerns: Microplastics can enter the human body through food, water, and air, leading to potential health risks. Recent research has detected microplastics in human organs, breast milk, and even in unborn babies, raising significant concerns about long-term health effects.

Regulations in India Related to Microplastics

• Ban on Single-Use Plastics: India has implemented a ban on various single-use plastic items to reduce plastic pollution.

• India Plastics Pact: A collaborative initiative aimed at creating a circular economy for plastics in India, reducing plastic waste and pollution.

• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: Established a comprehensive framework for managing plastic waste in India, including the extended producer responsibility (EPR) concept.

• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018: Strengthened the 2016 rules, with stricter provisions for plastic waste management, including phasing out certain types of plastics.

• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024: Recent amendments to further tighten regulations on plastic waste management, with enhanced focus on reducing microplastic pollution.

Regulatory Framework and Public Health

• FSSAI is committed to ensuring that Indian consumers have access to safe and healthy food. This project is a crucial step towards understanding the extent of microplastic contamination in Indian food and guiding the formulation of effective regulations and safety standards.

Importance of Reliable Data

• Informed Policy Making: Accurate data will help policymakers make informed decisions regarding food safety regulations and public health initiatives.

• Public Awareness: Understanding the prevalence of microplastics in food can raise public awareness and encourage consumers to make informed choices about their food sources.

• Global Contribution: The findings from this project will not only inform regulatory actions in India but also contribute to the global understanding of microplastic contamination in food systems.

Future Directions

• Enhanced Testing Protocols: The development of standardized testing protocols will facilitate consistent monitoring of microplastic levels in food products.

• Consumer Education: FSSAI may implement educational campaigns to inform consumers about microplastic contamination and its potential health impacts.

• Collaboration with Industry: Engaging with food manufacturers and suppliers to minimize plastic use in packaging and processing can help reduce microplastic contamination at the source.

• Longitudinal Studies: Conducting longitudinal studies to track changes in microplastic levels over time will be essential for assessing the effectiveness of regulatory measures.

Conclusion

• The launch of the FSSAI project to tackle microplastic contamination in food products marks a significant step towards ensuring food safety and public health in India. By developing analytical methods, assessing prevalence, and generating critical data, FSSAI aims to address the emerging threat of microplastics in the food supply chain.

• The collaboration with leading research institutions and the focus on reliable data will not only enhance regulatory frameworks but also contribute to the global understanding of microplastic contamination. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its outcomes and implement necessary measures to protect consumers and promote a healthier food environment.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Foreign Trade - Trends and Policy

Context: Recently, India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS), proposing a ‘Global Development Compact’ to share its development experiences with other developing countries.

• The Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) unites Global South countries to share perspectives on issues aligned with the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’ India hosted the 1st and 2nd VOGSS in January and November 2023.

3rd Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS)

• Theme: “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.”

• The 3rd VOGSS was held in virtual format and was structured into Leaders’ Session and Ministerial sessions.

• The inaugural session was at Head of State / Government level and was hosted by PM Modi.

• Virtual Participation: 123 countries joined; China and Pakistan were not invited.

• Global Development Compact (GDC): India proposed the GDC to address development finance concerns, focusing on trade, sustainable growth, and technology sharing.

• Funding: India will launch a $2.5 million fund for trade promotion and a $1 million trade policy training fund for capacity building.

Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

• Global development compact

• He proposed the creation of a human-centric Global Development Compact.

• Announcing the ‘Compact’, PM Modi said needy countries will not be burdened with debt in the name of development finance.

• The foundation of the ‘Compact’ will be based on India’s development journey and experiences of development partnership.

• Under this Compact, members will focus on trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, technology sharing, project-specific concessional finance and grants.

• To strengthen trade promotion activities, India will start a special fund of USD 2.5 million.

Global challenges faced by countries

• There is an atmosphere of uncertainty all around” and the “world has not yet fully come out of the effects of Covid.

• The situation of war has posed challenges to our development journey.

• We are already facing challenges of climate change, and now there are also concerns about health security, food security, and energy security.

• Terrorism, extremism and separatism remain a serious threat to our societies.

• Technology divide and new economic and social challenges related to technology are also emerging.

• He underlined that the solution to various global conflicts and tensions lies in inclusive global governance.

Highlighted failure of global institutions

• Global governance and financial institutions formed in the last century have been unable to fight the challenges of this century.

Global South needs to unite

• He urged for steps to be taken to reduce the gap between the Global North and the Global South.

• He mentioned that the upcoming Summit of the Future at the UN next month could be an important milestone for this.

• He emphasized that the Global South needs to unite, stand together with one voice, become each other’s strength, and learn from each other’s experiences.

India's Contribution to Digital Public Infrastructure in the Global South

• The Prime Minister referred to last year's G20 presidency, stating that the Global DPI Repository, created under India's leadership, marked the first-ever multilateral consensus on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

• He expressed satisfaction that agreements have been signed to share the 'India Stack' with 12 partners from the Global South.

• To further accelerate DPI development in the Global South, India has established a Social Impact Fund and will make an initial contribution of USD 25 million.

What constitutes Global South?

• Not a geographical line

• Despite how it sounds, it is not really a geographical term.

• Many countries included in the Global South are in the northern hemisphere, such as India, China and all of those in the northern half of Africa.

• Australia and New Zealand, both in the southern hemisphere, are not in the Global South.

Brandt Line as the border

• Many people refer to the Brandt Line as the border.

• The line was proposed by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1980s as a visual depiction of the north-south divide based upon per-capita GDP.

• It starts in the north of Mexico, goes across the top of Africa and the Middle East, makes a loop around India and China, and then goes down to include most of East Asia. It doesn't include Japan, Australia, or New Zealand.

Global South as a concept

• The Global South is a geographical, geopolitical, historical and developmental concept, all at the same time — with exceptions.

India Emerged As The Voice Of Global South

• One of the various visions of G20 presidency

• When India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022, it set out various visions for the nation's year-long presidency and the Global South was one of them.

• India organized eight ministerial-level thematic segments to address the most pressing concerns of the developing world.

• Raised the issues concerning Global South

• India has raised the issues that were concerning the Global South countries on the international forums and at the United Nations meetings and conferences.

• During Covid-19 pandemic

• Made-in-India vaccines were sent to about 100 countries. And about 150 nations imported medicines during this period from the Pharmacy of the World.

• Hosted the Voice of Global South Summit

• India hosts the Voice of Global South Summit on a regular basis.

• India even ensured that the region remained centre stage at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May this year.

• African Union as a full member of the G20

• African Union were admitted as a full member in the G20 under India’s presidency.

• The 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa

• During this summit, PM Modi said that the Global South is not just a diplomatic term but represents the shared history of these countries against colonialism and apartheid based on which modern relations are being reshaped.

• Two-day event on international taxation

• In an attempt to voice the views of the Global South on important international issues, India held a two-day event on International Taxation at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT).

• This event was an initiative of the Indian Presidency to bolster capacity building for Indian tax officials in the area of International Taxation, with a global south perspective.

India-UN Capacity Building Initiative

• In September 2023, the “India-UN Capacity Building Initiative” was announced at the event India-UN for the Global South-Delivering for Development.

• The initiative aims to share the country's best practices with partner countries in the Global South.

Inauguration of DAKSHIN

• During the second Voice of Global South summit, PM Modi inaugurated a global centre for excellence for the Global South countries called DAKSHIN.

Proposal to launch a satellite

• During the G20 Summit, India proposed to launch a satellite for monitoring weather and climate monitoring for Global South.

Conclusion

• In all, the energy and the environmental crisis as well as the geopolitical contestation will have a significant impact on the Global South.

• Amidst this, India is in somewhat of a sweet spot to negotiate middle paths to these challenges. Therefore, it is likely that India will emerge as the definitive capital and voice of the Global South.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Industrial Policy and Industrial Growth

Context: Recently, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry and the International Labor Organization collaborated to enhance fair labor practices in Madhya Pradesh's cotton farming districts. The project targets 6.5 million farmers, focusing on women and small-scale farmers.

Key Points

• This project aims to foster awareness and disseminate technical know-how on maintaining the highest labor standards in the textile sector.

• By equipping stakeholders with essential knowledge and practices, the initiative seeks to improve working conditions and ensure that fundamental labor rights are upheld within the industry.

ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW)

• The ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) encompasses a commitment from governments, employers, and workers’ organizations worldwide to uphold essential human values critical to societal and economic prosperity. Here are the core aspects and categories of the FPRW project:

• Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining:-

• Purpose: Ensures the right of workers and employers to form organizations without interference.

• Key Conventions

• Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87, 1948)

• Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98, 1949)

• Elimination of Forced or Compulsory Labour:-

• Principle: Workers should be free to join or leave employment at will, with reasonable notice.

• Key Conventions

• Forced Labour Convention (No. 29, 1930)

• Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105, 1957)

• Effective Abolition of Child Labour:-

• Goal: Sets minimum age limits for employment to ensure children are not employed too young.

• Key Conventions

• Minimum Age Convention (No. 138, 1973)

• Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182, 1999)

• Elimination of Discrimination in Employment and Occupation:-

• Objective: Ensures no discrimination in employment based on race, sex, religion, and other categories.

• Key Conventions

• Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100, 1951)

• Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111, 1958)

• Safe and Healthy Working Environment:-

• Aim: To prevent workplace accidents and promote a culture of safety and health.

• Key Conventions

• Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155, 1981)

• Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 187, 2006)

• The ILO’s declaration, first introduced in 1998 and amended in 2022, reflects evolving global standards and the added emphasis on occupational safety and health, demonstrating the ILO’s adaptive approach to global workforce challenges.

Importance of FPRW for India

• Trade and Compliance: India’s inclusion in the US Labor Department’s list of goods produced by child labor highlights the necessity for initiatives like the FPRW to remove trade barriers associated with labor violations.

• Universal Application: As a part of the ILO, India is obligated to adhere to the FPRW principles, regardless of the ratification status, to ensure compliance and uphold labor standards.

• Community Impact: Implementing FPRW can transform cotton-growing regions by promoting fairness, sustainability, and prosperity, benefiting workers and their communities extensively.

• Knowledge Empowerment: Farmers will gain insights into government schemes and initiatives crucial for their socioeconomic advancement.

• Development Goals: Aligning with FPRW will aid India in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

International Labor Organization (ILO)

• Nature and Structure:

• The only tripartite United Nations (UN) agency.

• Brings together governments, employers, and workers from 187 member States, including India.

• Aims to set labor standards, develop policies, and create programs promoting decent work for all.

• Recognition and Awards:

• Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for its efforts in promoting social justice and labor rights.

• Establishment and Affiliation:

• Established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles.

• Initially affiliated with the League of Nations.

• Became the first affiliated specialized agency of the UN in 1946.

• Headquarters:

• Geneva, Switzerland.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Inflation

Context: The article argues against removing food prices from India’s inflation target, emphasizing that food inflation affects most households and core inflation. It advocates for agricultural production improvements to manage inflation effectively, instead of solely relying on monetary policy.

Exonomic Survey's Suggestion

• The Economic Survey suggests removing food prices from the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) inflation target.

• This would shift focus from “headline” inflation, which includes all items, to “core” inflation, which excludes food and fuel prices.

Basics

• Inflation is the rate at which prices increase over time. Typically measured by the overall increase in prices or the cost of living, it is tracked using a basket of commonly purchased items.

• Note: A basket of goods is a collection of items used to measure inflation and changes in the cost of living over time. It’s a representative sample of goods and services that are commonly consumed by households, such as food, transportation, healthcare, medicines, housing etc.

Headline vs. Core Inflation

• Headline Inflation: Refers to the change in value of all goods in the basket, providing a broad measure of inflation within an Economy.

• Core Inflation: It Excludes food and fuel items from headline inflation to reduce volatility. It reflects longer-term trends since food and fuel prices fluctuate significantly. In developed economies, food and fuel account for 10-15% of household consumption, whereas in developing economies like India, this figure is 30-40%. Thus, headline inflation is more relevant for developing countries.

Inflation Targeting in India

• Inflation targeting is a monetary policy framework that involves a central bank using interest rates to steer price increases toward a publicly announced target.

• India’s inflation targeting framework, managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aims for a 4% inflation rate with a tolerance band of ±2%.

• To control inflation, the RBI employs monetary policy tools like repo rates and reverse repo rates.

• Raising the repo rate helps reduce inflation by curbing spending, while lowering it stimulates spending to boost growth.

Impact of Excluding Food Prices from the Inflation Target

• Food prices have been rising sharply in India, with a nearly 10% year-on-year increase in June.

• Since 2019, food price inflation has been consistently high, even before the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war.

• Food accounts for nearly 50% of household expenditure in India, compared to less than 10% in the U.S.

• High food prices significantly impact the cost of living, especially for poorer households, making them vulnerable to price spikes.

• Food price inflation has been positive every year since 2011-12, indicating a persistent issue.

• Ignoring food prices in inflation targeting would overlook a crucial factor affecting most Indians, potentially worsening their living standards.

Targeting Core Inflation

• This leads us to the second issue: Whether the RBI can be expected to be any more successful if it focuses solely on targeting core inflation.

• Over the past 13 years, the annual average core inflation has been within the targeted 4% in only one year, and barely so.

• A rise in the RBI’s repo rate does not necessarily dampen core inflation as claimed. In fact, increasing the repo rate may lead to a rise in the inflation rate because, as higher interest rates choke off demand, firms may raise prices to protect their profits. This is due to increased working capital costs and reduced revenues as aggregate output contracts.

Interconnection Between Food Prices and Core Inflation

• Another important point is that food price inflation is a determinant of core inflation.

• As food prices affect wages of labour in factories, which are a part of a firm’s costs along with materials.When food price inflation drives up wages, companies may raise prices of their products. This interconnection between food prices and core inflation renders the measure of core inflation without considering food prices operationally insignificant.

• Moreover, the RBI’s monetary policy, which works through changes in interest rates, cannot control inflation because the central bank has no control over food prices.

Solution to Rising Food Prices

• Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Focus on increasing agricultural yield to stabilize food prices. This approach addresses the root cause of inflation, rather than just managing it through monetary policy.

• Comprehensive Supply-Side Policies: Implement policies that reduce costs and ensure a steady supply of food as the population and economy grow, rather than relying solely on the RBI’s interest rate adjustments.

• Inclusion of Food Prices in Inflation Targeting: Continue to include food prices in inflation measures, as they impact nearly 50% of household expenditures in India.

Conclusion

• The rising price of food lies at the core of India’s inflation. The proposal to exclude food prices from the official measure of inflation is not a solution to the ongoing problem. The current inflation in India can only be addressed through supply-side measures that enhance agricultural yield. While the challenges are serious, they are not insurmountable for a country that overcame chronic food shortages over half a century ago.

• Success would require a comprehensive approach to agricultural production, one that keeps costs in check to ensure a steady supply at reasonable prices as the population and economy grow. Ignoring food inflation in the inflation target without a plan for its control would leave India vulnerable to an ever-present threat to the standard of living of its population.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Pension and Insurance

Context: Recently, the DOPPW has introduced an innovative centralized pension processing software called ‘Bhavishya’ for all central government Ministries/Departments.

About Bhavishya

• Description: Bhavishya is a centralized pension processing software introduced by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW). Bhavishya became mandatory for all central civil Ministries and Departments starting January 1, 2017.

• Purpose: It is to address the challenges of delays, clerical errors, financial loss, and harassment faced by pensioners during pension processing.

• Benefits:Reduced delays and errors, Improved financial security, transparency and accountability, and Efficient processing (83% PPOs issued within 30 days).

Key Features of Bhavishya

• Auto Registration of Retirees:Integrated with payroll systems, Bhavishya automatically registers retiring employees and provides essential Management Information System (MIS) data to various departments, highlighting the number of employees set to retire in the next 15 months.

• Self-Registration for Stakeholders: All stakeholders, including DDOs, Heads of Offices (HOO), and Pay and Accounts Officers (PAO), can self-register on Bhavishya. Retirees can fill out their pension forms themselves, streamlining the process and reducing errors.

• Strict Timelines:The pension processing begins 15 months before retirement, with strict deadlines for each stage to ensure timely completion. The software sends automatic reminders to both the pensioner and stakeholders to adhere to these deadlines.

• Transparency and Accountability: Bhavishya provides complete transparency in the pension process, making it easy to identify and address any delays, ensuring accountability at every stage.

• Automatic Calculation of Retirement Benefits:The software ensures accurate calculation of all retirement benefits by removing manual interventions, reducing the likelihood of grievances.

• Real-Time Updates: Pensioners receive real-time updates via email and SMS for every action related to their pension processing, from initiation to the first credit in their bank account.

• e-PPO (Electronic Pension Payment Order): Bhavishya is integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) module, enabling the issuance of electronic PPOs (e-PPOs), which are sent directly to the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) and the paying bank branch.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Small Scale Industries

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched the Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) Management Information System (MIS) portal, aiming to enhance welfare schemes for BoC workers across India.

Key Points

• The BoCW MIS portal was launched to centralize data management for better decision-making and welfare policy formulation for BoC workers.

• States and Union Territories are required to register on the portal, updating details on fund utilization, worker registration, and benefits from various central and state social security schemes.

• As of June 30, 2024, around 5.7 crore workers are registered with the Building and Construction Workers Welfare Boards, and approximately Rs 1.15 lakh crores have been collected in cess funds, with over Rs 66,000 crores spent on welfare schemes.

• The Ministry is working to extend benefits from central government schemes to BoC workers, including the approval of Ayushman Cards for 1.3 crore workers under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

• More than 85,000 workers have received insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PM-JJBY), and 1.24 lakh workers have been protected against disability under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY).

• States like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh have used cess funds to construct schools for the children of BoC workers, and other states are encouraged to undertake similar initiatives.

About Building and other Construction Workers (BoCW) Management Information System (MIS) portal

• It is a centralized data management portal which aimed at improving the welfare of Building and Other Construction (BoC) workers across India.

• It compiles and analyzes data from the BoCW Welfare Boards of different States and Union Territories (UTs) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of welfare initiatives for these workers nationwide.

• Launched by: Ministry of Labour & Employment

• Objective: To enable States and UTs to make informed decisions and frame more effective welfare policies for BoC workers.

Features

• States and UTs can ensure better use of the BoCW Cess Fund for welfare activities by updating their data on the portal.

• The portal helps to track fund usage, register workers under various schemes, and ensure that they receive benefits like social security, insurance, health care, and housing.

• It is integrated with the e-Shram portal which simplifies access to government schemes and ensure complete welfare coverage for BoC workers

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Transport

Context: Recently, Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways launched the SOP for GTTP to drive the transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives towards Green shipping.

• Note- A Tug is a marine vessel that manoeuvres other vessels by pushing or pulling them. These boats typically tug ships in circ*mstances where they cannot move under their own power.

About GTTP

• GTTP, announced in 2023, is a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs.

• ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ includes 5 major announcements including 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping, Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises, etc.

Key Objectives

• Environmental Sustainability: The program aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of cleaner, sustainable fuels in maritime operations.

• Decarbonizing Ports: GTTP is a crucial step in decarbonizing the operations of Indian ports by phasing out conventional fuel-based tugs.

Implementation Phases

• The first phase of the program will run from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027.

• Four Major Ports: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority will each procure or charter at least two green tugs during this phase.

Need of Green Shipping

• Shipping sector accounts for nearly 3% of world's CO2 emissions.

• For India, GHG emissions from maritime (excluding military operations) contribute 1% of overall transport sector GHG emissions.

Challenges in Decarbonization of Shipping

• High Dependency on fossil Fuels: About 99% of energy demand from the international shipping sector is met by fossil fuels.

• Transition cost: e.g., For use of LNG fuel, it requires extensive retrofits to existing infrastructure as it require storage of fuel at cryogenic temperatures.

• Others: Inadequate port facilities resulting in sub-optimal route planning and inefficient fuel consumption, difficulty in enforcing regulations in international waters, etc.

Key Benefits

• Boost to Domestic Industry: All green tugs under this program will be constructed in Indian shipyards, promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

• Job Creation: The program is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in shipbuilding and ship design.

• Long term vision: By 2040, all tugs operating in Indian Major Ports are expected to be green tugs. From 2033 onwards, any new tug built in India for use in Indian ports must meet the standards for green technologies.

Key Initiatives

• Global:

• Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy by IMO: Set a sectoral target of net-zero emissions by or around 2050.

• Green Voyage 2050: Global programme supporting developing countries to reduce emissions from ships, in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.

• India:

• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on port-led development with emphasis on green port initiatives and coastal community development.

• Maritime India Vision 2030: Focuses on development of Green Ports & Green Shipping in India.

• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: This vision extends the goals, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.

Economic Affairs (Current Affairs) Types of Banks and Banking

Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has been awarded an “A+” rating for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024.

About the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards

• The Central Banker Report Cards are published annually by Global Finance, a magazine that has been grading central bank governors since 1994.

• The report grades the central bank governors of nearly 100 countries, territories, and districts, including major institutions like the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States, and the Central Bank of West African States.

Grading Scale

• The ratings range from “A+” for excellent performance to “F” for outright failure.

• The grades assess success in key areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.

Significance

• This recognition highlights his exceptional performance in managing India’s monetary policy, particularly in areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.

About Global Finance

• Global Finance, founded in 1987, has a circulation of 50,000 and readers in 193 countries and territories.

• Global Finance’s audience includes senior corporate and financial officers responsible for making investment and strategic decisions at multinational companies and financial institutions.

• It offers analysis and articles that are the legacy of 37 years of experience in international financial markets.

• Global Finance is headquartered in New York, with offices around the world.

• Global Finance regularly selects the top performers among banks and other providers of financial services.

• These awards have become a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community.

Environment and Ecology (Current Affairs) Disasters and Management issues

Context: Sikkim has recently experienced a landslide that damaged six houses and a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) building. This incident is the second major natural disaster impacting hydropower projects along the Teesta River, following last year's glacier outburst that severely affected the Teesta-3 project.

• The situation highlights ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding hydropower development in the region.

About the Project

• The Teesta V Power Station is one of 24 power stations owned and operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC Ltd.).

• It is located in the state of Sikkim, India, on the Teesta River, which originates from the Cho Lamo glacier above 7,068 metres and flows southward through steep slopes and extremely rugged terrain into the foothills of the Sikkim Himalaya and West Bengal

• The project was under restoration following the glacial outburst in October last year, which had caused significant damage.

Recent Developments

• Impact of Recent Landslide: On August 20, 2024, a landslide in Sikkim damaged six houses and an NHPC building at the Teesta-5 hydropower station. Unlike the previous disaster, this incident did not result in any casualties or injuries, but it underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in hydropower projects.

• Previous Disaster: In October 2023, a deluge from the South Lhonak glacier caused the Chungthang dam to collapse, leading to severe impacts on the Teesta-3 power project. This project, initially a major power source, is now operational at only a fraction of its original capacity.

• Ongoing Hydropower Challenges: The region has faced numerous issues with hydropower projects, with only five of the 47 proposed projects being operational. The remaining projects are mired in complications, including environmental and financial concerns.

Environmental and Structural Concerns

• Environmental and Structural Risks: The Teesta-3 project’s failure has been partly attributed to cost-saving measures that led to the construction of a less durable concrete-faced rock fill dam rather than a more robust concrete gravity dam. This highlights the risks associated with compromising on structural integrity.

• Need for Accurate Assessments: Comprehensive environmental impact assessments are crucial for hydropower projects in the region. Accurate assessments can help in understanding the true costs and risks, thereby improving public trust and ensuring environmental sustainability.

• Balancing Interests: The development of hydropower projects along the Teesta River involves balancing environmental risks, public perception, and financial considerations. The challenges in this balancing act underscore the need for careful planning and risk management.

About the Teesta River

• Teesta River rises from the Cho Lamo glacier in the Himalayas at an elevation of approximately 7,068 meters.

• It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flowing through India and Bangladesh.

• Course: It flows southward through steep and rugged terrain, eventually turning southeast. It cuts through the Siwalik Hills and the Sivok Khola pass before entering the plains of West Bengal.

• Originally, the Teesta River emptied directly into the upper Padma River (Ganges). However, around 1787, it shifted its course to flow eastward and join the Jamuna River in Bangladesh.

Major Tributaries

• Left-bank Tributaries: Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu.

• Right-bank Tributaries - Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Rangit River.

Environment and Ecology (Current Affairs) Sustainable Development

Context: Uttarakhand has not just become the first Indian state to launch a Gross Environment Product Index, but also the first in the world to go beyond ecosystem services to ecosystem growth.

About Gross Environment Product Index

• GEPI is a novel method to evaluate ecological development caused by human interventions.

• This innovative metric aims to quantify the ecological wealth of a region by assessing both the benefits derived from the environment and the contributions made to enhance it.

• Unlike traditional environmental metrics that focus solely on ecosystem services, GEP includes the idea of ecosystem growth, making it the first such index globally.

• This approach could potentially redefine how we measure and value environmental health in relation to economic growth.

Four pillars of GEPI

• 1) Air:

• The air component of GEP assesses air quality and the impact of human activities on atmospheric health.

• It considers both pollution levels and efforts to reduce emissions or enhance air purification through natural or engineered processes.

• 2) Soil:

• Soil health is a critical indicator in the GEP Index.

• It measures the quality of soil, considering factors such as fertility, contamination levels, and soil conservation practices.

• The aim is to ensure that the soil remains productive and capable of supporting agriculture and natural vegetation.

• 3) Trees (Forest):

• The forest component of GEP goes beyond simply counting the number of trees.

• It evaluates the types of trees planted, their survival rates, and their ecological value.

• For instance, broad-leafed trees, which are more beneficial for the environment, receive greater weightage in the index compared to less preferred species like pine.

• This approach encourages the planting of more ecologically valuable trees and ensures sustainable forest management practices.

• 4) Water:

• The water component examines both natural and human-made water bodies, assessing their quantity and quality.

• It includes the evaluation of water conservation efforts, such as the creation of man-made reservoirs like Amrit Sarovars, and compares them with natural water sources like rain-fed lakes and rivers.

• The index aims to reflect the overall water availability and the effectiveness of conservation initiatives.

Formula

• GEP index = (Air- GEP index + Water- GEP index + Soil-GEP index + Forest-GEP index.

Significance:

• Help assess the impact of anthropological pressure on our ecosystem and natural resources.

• Also Calculates what we put back into the environment.

• Quantifies contributions of natural ecosystems to the economy and overall welfare.

• It provides a robust and integrated method for assessing a state's ecological growth, capturing various facets of environmental well-being as a result of human actions.

Criticisms and Concerns

• Despite its innovative approach, the GEP Index has faced some criticism.

• It is argued that the index oversimplifies complex environmental issues.

• It is suggested that activities impacting the environment should be categorized into those that should be prohibited, regulated, or promoted.

• There is a need for stringent environmental impact assessments and cautions against using human interventions to justify environmental degradation.

• There is also concern about the scientific rigor behind the GEP formula.

• Some experts have questioned the clarity and transparency of the methodology used to develop the index.

• It is pointed out that the values presented in the media are not well understood, and there is uncertainty about how GEP would be implemented at a national level.

Road Ahead

• Despite the criticisms, the GEP Index has garnered support from key stakeholders, including the Uttarakhand government.

• The index has the potential to offer a meaningful alternative by quantifying the contributions of natural ecosystems to the economy and human well-being.

• By translating these diverse contributions into a single monetary value, GEP reflects the true worth of natural capital.

Geography (Current Affairs) Agriculture

Context: Recently, Union Minister of State for Agriculture launched Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS) a geo-spatial platform to provide real-time information on crop conditions, weather patterns, water resources, and soil health.

• It has been developed by Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Department of Space using RISAT-1A and Visualization of Earth observation Data and Archival System (VEDAS) of the space department.

About Krishi-Decision Support System

• It is a first-of-its-kind geospatial platform specifically designed for Indian agriculture.

Features

• It captures minute details from the vast expanse of fields to the smallest soil particle.

• The platform provides seamless access to comprehensive data including satellite images, weather information, reservoir storage, groundwater levels and soil health information, which can be easily accessed from anywhere at any time.

• It’ll also give near real-time information on various indicators such as soil moisture, water storage, crop condition, dry spells, etc.

• One nation-one soil information system of Krishi-DSS will give comprehensive soil data with embedded information on soil type, soil pH (potential of hydrogen), soil health, etc.

Significance

• It will enable the government to understand cropping patterns by analysing parcel-level crop maps of different years.

• The feature on drought monitoring in this platform will help the government to stay ahead of drought.

• It will enable the government to accurately identify field-parcel units, which will help in understanding each parcel's unique needs, and cropping patterns, for targeted interventions.

• Soil data will help the government in assessing crop suitability and land capability for implementing soil-water conservation measures, officials said.

• That apart, the ground-truth data library of Krishi-DSS will help in fostering innovation by providing essential resources for different crops to researchers and the industry.

• By integrating data sources available on Krishi-DSS, various farmer-centric solutions — such as right individual advisories to farmers, early disaster warnings like pest attacks, heavy rain, hailstorms, etc. — can be developed.

• It is developed jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Space.

Initiatives undertaken

• Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land based Observations (FASAL) Project

• Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geoiNformatics (CHAMAN) Project

• KISAN (Crop Insurance using Space technology And geoiNformatics) for improvement in yield estimation.

Geography (Current Affairs) Disasters and Management issues

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti launched the Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC).

• Developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC), the upgraded app enhances flood monitoring capabilities by integrating real-time data from 592 flood monitoring stations, a significant increase from the 200 stations in the previous version.

• Additionally, the app now includes data on the storage levels of 150 major reservoirs, helping users assess potential flood risks in downstream areas.

About FloodWatch India:

• It gives information related to the flood situation and forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public.

• The in-house developed user-friendly app has readable and audio broadcast and all the information is available in 2 languages, viz. English and Hindi.

• Another feature of the app includes real-time flood monitoring where users can check up-to-date flood situations throughout the country.

• It utilizes near real-time river flow data from various sources.

• It also provides flood forecasts at the nearest location where users can check the flood advisory at the station nearest to them on the Home Page itself.

• The app will also provide State-wise/Basin-wise Flood Forecast (up to 24 hours) or Flood Advisory (up to 7 days) which can be accessed by selecting specific stations, state wise or basin wise from the dropdown menu.

• This app utilizes advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts.

New features in FloodWatch India 2.0

• It provides current information at additional 392 flood monitoring stations, taking up the total number of stations to 592, thus imparting users with an extensive and detailed overview of flood conditions across the country.

• It also provides additional information regarding the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in the country which shall help in better understanding of the possible flood situation in their downstream areas.

Geography (Current Affairs) Earth Geology

Context: Recently, the Shiveluch volcano in Russia experienced a major eruption following a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka. This event is part of the ongoing active phase of the volcano.

• The earthquake’s epicentre was located about 55 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city on the Kamchatka Peninsula.

About Shiveluch Volcano

• It is a stratovolcano characterized by its composition of alternating layers of solidified ash, hardened lava, and volcanic rocks.

• Location: It is the northernmost active volcano in Kamchatka Krai, Russia.

• Shiveluch is one of Kamchatka’s most active volcanic structures, with at least 60 significant eruptions recorded during the Holocene period. Its current phase of activity began around 900 BC and continues to this day, with frequent eruptions.

• Eruptions from Shiveluch often produce volcanic ash emissions that can disrupt air traffic, particularly on routes connecting Asia and North America.

About Kamchatka Peninsula

• It is situated in the far eastern part of Russia. It is bounded by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

• The peninsula stretches about 1,250 kilometers (780 miles) in length.

• It is home to over 160 volcanoes, 29 of which are active. Notable volcanoes include Klyuchevskaya Sopka (the tallest) and Kronotsky (famous for its cone shape).

• It is also home to the Valley of Geysers which is one of the largest geothermal fields in the world. It is also UNESCO World heritage site.

• Climate: It is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Coastal areas have milder temperatures, while the interior experiences more extreme cold. Heavy snowfall and frequent fog are common over there. Rivers and streams are abundant with Pacific salmon.

• Flora and Fauna: It is rich in biodiversity. It is dominated by Coniferous forests with tundra landscapes in the northern areas.

• It is famous for its large population of brown bears, especially during the salmon spawning season. Marine animals such as seals, sea lions, and whales are also found there.

• Cultural and Historical Significance: The area is inhabited by indigenous peoples like the Itelmen, Koryaks, and Evens for thousands of years. The first Russian settlement established in the late 17th century. It also served as a strategic military region during the Soviet era.

Geography (Current Affairs) India - Water bodies

Context: The Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project, an integral part of India’s National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, has sparked protests among flood victims in Bihar.

• While the project primarily aims to enhance irrigation capabilities within the region, local residents express concerns that it inadequately addresses the recurring issue of flood control.

• This annual challenge significantly impacts their lives and livelihoods, leading to widespread dissent against the project’s current focus and implementation strategy.

Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project

• Purpose and Scope: The project aims to connect the Kosi River with the Mechi River, affecting areas in Bihar, India, and Nepal. It targets to facilitate irrigation across 4.74 lakh hectares and provide 24 million cubic meters of water annually for domestic and industrial purposes.

• Water Release: Expected to increase water discharge from the Kosi barrage by 5,247 cubic feet per second, a small fraction of the barrage’s total capacity of 900,000 cusecs.

• Management: Managed by the National Water Development Agency under India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti.

• Irrigation Focus: Primarily supports agriculture in the Mahananda river basin during the Kharif planting season.

• Flood Control: There are significant concerns due to its limited impact on flood control in a region frequently affected by severe flooding.

• Local Impact: The minimal increase in water flow is unlikely to mitigate the longstanding issues of flooding and land erosion that regularly affect local communities.

Kosi River: “The Sorrow of Bihar”

• Starts from over 7,000 meters above sea level in the Himalayas, encompassing regions around Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

• Flows through China, Nepal, and India, joining the Ganga River in Bihar. Notable tributaries include the Trijunga, Bhutahi Balan, Kamla Balan, and Bagmati.

• Notorious for its unpredictable course changes, which have historically caused extensive damage to agriculture in northeastern Bihar.

Mechi River: A Trans-boundary River

• Originates in the Mahabharat Range in Nepal and traverses down to Bihar, India, where it joins the Mahananda River in Kishanganj.

• Acts as a natural line in the geographic and administrative landscapes between Nepal and India, impacting bilateral water management discussions.

Interlinking of Rivers

• In 1858, Arthur Cotton (British general and irrigation Engineer) came up with even more ambitious proposals such as connecting all major rivers of India, and interlinking of canals and rivers. He suggested drought-relief measures for Odisha.

• The National River Linking Project (NRLP) formally known as the National Perspective Plan, envisages the transfer of water from water ‘surplus’ basins where there is flooding, to water ‘deficit’ basins where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects.

• The interlinking of river project is a Civil Engineering project, which aims to connect Indian rivers through reservoirs and canals.

• The farmers will not have to depend on the monsoon for cultivation and also the excess or lack of water can be overcome during flood or drought.

• Since the 1980s, the interlinking project has been managed by India’s National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under the Ministry of Water Resources.

It has been split into three parts as follows:

• A northern Himalayan river interlink component.

• A southern peninsular component.

• An Intra-State river linking component.

Geography (Current Affairs) Space

Context: In a recent findings the researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics investigated the magnetic field at different layers of the solar atmosphere using data from the Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel Telescope which help them to better understand the corona heating problem.

• The study will help scientists to understand the physical mechanisms behind the solar wind and coronal heating .

About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)

• The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) is known for the discovery of the Evershed Effect in 1909.

• It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IA), and it is located in Kodaikanal, Gujarat.

• The Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel Telescope features a sophisticated 3-mirror Coelostat system.

• This setup includes a primary mirror (M1) that tracks the sun, a secondary mirror (M2) that redirects sunlight downward, and a tertiary mirror (M3) that aligns the beam horizontally.

About the study

• The IIA’s approach involves probing the solar magnetic field at various atmospheric heights, an essential endeavor for understanding fundamental solar processes.

• The solar atmosphere is composed of various layers connected through magnetic fields.

• These magnetic fields are responsible for transferring energy and mass from the inner layers to the outer layers.

• The magnetic field is the prime driver of the solar wind.

• Data Collection: Researchers use Hydrogen-alpha and Calcium II 8662 Å spectral lines to analyze the magnetic field at different solar atmosphere heights.

• Findings: The Hα line is less sensitive to local temperature fluctuations, making it effective for probing the chromospheric magnetic field, especially in active regions with sudden temperature changes.

Impact

• The findings from IIA’s research have the potential to transform our understanding of solar physics.

• By addressing the complexities of solar magnetic fields, the institute contributes to broader efforts to solve long standing questions about solar energy transfer and solar wind dynamics.

• This research is crucial for tackling the coronal heating problem and understanding the mechanisms driving solar wind.

Future outlook

• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics continues to lead the way in solar research, with its innovative techniques and cutting-edge technology paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics.

• Future studies will likely build on these advancements, offering deeper insights into the sun’s behavior and its effects on space weather.

Science Affairs (Current Affairs) Electronics and Computers

Context: Recently, India has finalised a tender document to procure 1,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) as part of its ambitious IndiaAI Mission and offer computing capacity to Indian start-ups, researchers, public sector agencies and other entities approved by the government.

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

• These are specialised chips or electronic circuits designed primarily for rendering graphics and visual content on electronic devices.

Origins and Purpose

• Initially, GPUs were created to handle complex 3D scenes and objects, such as those found in video games and computer-aided design software.

• Their parallel processing architecture allowed them to crunch massive amounts of graphical data efficiently.

• Over time, GPUs evolved to handle additional tasks, including video stream decompression and scientific simulations.

Parallel Processing Power

• Unlike the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which acts as the ‘brain’ of most computers, GPUs excel at parallel processing. They can perform multiple calculations simultaneously, making them ideal for tasks that involve massive data sets or repetitive computations.

• This parallelism is especially valuable for applications like machine learning, where neural networks require extensive matrix operations.

AI and Machine Learning

• The recent AI boom has thrust GPUs into the spotlight. Researchers and data scientists realised that GPUs could accelerate training deep learning models.

• It is because training neural networks involves matrix multiplications, GPUs are exceptionally good at handling these matrix operations in parallel.

• As a result, GPUs have become the workhorses behind AI breakthroughs, powering everything from natural language processing to computer vision.

About the IndiaAI Mission

• It is rooted in the vision of ‘Making AI in India’ and ensuring that AI truly works for India. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, the government has allocated substantial resources to foster AI development, research, and application across various sectors.

Key Components

• Compute Capacity: At the heart of the IndiaAI Mission lies the goal to build cutting-edge compute capacity. This involves deploying over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) through strategic public-private collaborations.

• By democratising access to powerful compute resources, the mission aims to bridge the ‘AI divide’ and empower startups, researchers, and innovators.

• Computing Infrastructure: The government plans to build a massive computing infrastructure capable of handling complex AI models and workloads. This infrastructure will be made available to researchers, startups, and public sector agencies.

• Data Localization: To ensure data privacy and security, the government has mandated that all AI services must be delivered from data centres located within India.

• This means that user data will not be transferred outside the country.

• Public-Private Partnership: The project will use a public-private partnership model with 50% viability gap funding.

• If costs decrease, private entities will be required to provide additional compute capacity within the allocated budget. Rs 4,564 crore of the total budget is allocated for building the necessary computing infrastructure.

Innovation and Application Development

• The AI mission establishes innovation centres focused on developing and deploying indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models.

• These models will find applications in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and smart cities.

• Imagine AI-powered solutions that improve crop yield predictions, enhance medical diagnostics, or optimise traffic management in our cities.

Data Platforms

• The IndiaAI Datasets Platform streamlines access to quality non-personal datasets for AI innovation.

• Researchers and startups can tap into a unified data platform, making it easier to experiment, train models, and create impactful AI applications.

FutureSkills

• IndiaAI FutureSkills aims to mitigate barriers to entry into AI programs. It will increase the availability of AI courses at undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.

• By nurturing a skilled workforce, the mission ensures that India remains competitive in the global AI landscape.

Safe and Trusted AI

• Responsible AI development is crucial. The mission emphasises building tools and practices for safe, ethical, and transparent AI.

• As AI systems become more pervasive, ensuring their trustworthiness is essential.

Global Context

• Other nations have also recognized the importance of AI. The European Union (EU) recently passed the AI Act, which categorises AI systems based on risk and sets guidelines for their deployment.

• China, the United States, and various international forums prioritise AI development.

• India’s mission positions it as a frontrunner, aligning with the global race for AI leadership.

Challenges Ahead

• While the allocation of Rs. 10,372 crore is significant, execution and effective utilisation are key.

• Balancing innovation with ethical considerations, privacy, and security remains a challenge.

• Collaboration between academia, industry, and startups will be crucial for success.

Benefits of the IndiaAI Mission

• Boost to AI Research and Development: By providing access to advanced computing resources, the mission will enable researchers to develop cutting-edge AI models and applications.

• Support for Startups: Startups can leverage the mission’s resources to build and scale their AI-powered products and services.

• Strengthening Public Sector Agencies: Government agencies can use AI to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and governance.

• Promoting Data Privacy and Security: The data localization requirement ensures that sensitive user data remains within India, protecting it from unauthorised access.

Science Affairs (Current Affairs) Space

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been actively advancing India’s space capabilities through a series of landmark missions. Over the past year, significant strides have been made with missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

• These missions not only enhance India’s scientific and technological prowess but also position India as a key player in the global space arena.

• This editorial analysis focuses on the ongoing Indian space missions, highlighting their importance, technological advancements, and implications for India’s strategic interests.

Major missions and achievements in the recent past

• Aditya-L1 Mission – Launched with the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Aditya-L1 spacecraft is studying solar radiation from the Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1). It reached its orbit around L1 by January 6, 2024, and completed its first orbit on July 2, 2024. In May 2024, it tracked a solar storm in collaboration with ground observatories and lunar spacecraft.

• Gaganyaan TV-D1 Test Flight – This mission used a modified L-40 Vikas engine to test the Crew Escape System (CES). The test successfully separated the crew module from the Test Vehicle (TV), ensuring it safely descended and was recovered by the Indian Navy vessel INS Shakthi. This test is a key part of ISRO’s human spaceflight program.

• XPoSat Launch- It studies the polarization of radiation from celestial objects and follows NASA’s IPEX mission. Equipped with XSPECT and POLIX instruments, XPoSat started its operations on January 5 and 10.

• INSAT-3DS Satellite– The INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite was launched on February 17, 2024, using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This mission tested the GSLV’s performance before the upcoming NISAR mission in early 2025.

• RLV-TD Tests- ISRO tested its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), Pushpak, with landing experiments that mimicked conditions from space. These successful tests provided key data and set the stage for the upcoming Orbital Return Flight Experiment.

• SSLV Development- ISRO successfully completed the final test flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), deploying the EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites. This milestone confirms the SSLV’s readiness for commercial use. The payloads included earth observation tools and an ultraviolet dosimeter for the Gaganyaan mission.

• NSIL Missions NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL)– NSIL now manages commercial activities like Indian Remote Sensing satellite data. On May 1, 2024, NSIL signed a launch deal with SpaceX for the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite. It also sought qualifications for LVM-3 production and signed a launch agreement with an Australian company for the SSLV.

• Private Sector Contributions – Private space companies are progressing with their missions: Agnikul Cosmos launched its SoRTeD-01 vehicle on March 21, 2024, Skyroot Aerospace is developing the Vikram 1 rocket, and Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace contributed to the PSLV-C58 mission on January 1, 2024.

Regulatory Developments

• India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, has updated its policies and issued new licenses, including the first satellite broadband license to Eutelsat OneWeb and the first ground station license to Dhruva Space.

• The government has amended its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy to allow 100% FDI in most space sectors, with some limits on satellite manufacturing (74%) and launch infrastructure (49%).

ISRO’s Long-term Roadmaps

• Gaganyaan Program: A 25-year roadmap was announced for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, including plans for a crewed lunar landing by 2040.

• Lunar Exploration: Future plans involve a sample-return mission, long-duration lunar surface missions, collaboration with NASA’s Lunar Gateway, and building moon habitats.

• Indian Space Station: Plans for the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ (BAS) , a dedicated Indian space station, are targeted for completion by 2035.

Growth of Private Space Missions in India

• Agnikul Cosmos: Successfully launched the SoRTeD-01 vehicle, the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered launch from Indian soil, on March 21, 2024.

• Skyroot Aerospace: Progressing towards the Vikram 1 rocket launch after successful solid-fuel engine tests and a previous Vikram S test flight.

• Other Ventures: Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace conducted experiments on the PSLV-C58 mission.

Policy Shift in India’s Space Programmes

• Commercial Transition: ISRO transferred all commercial activities related to Indian Remote Sensing satellite data and products to NewSpace India, Ltd. (NSIL) on May 1, 2024.

• Global Partnerships: NSIL signed agreements with SpaceX for launching the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite and with an Australian company for SSLV launches.

• New Policies: IN-SPACe released guidelines for space activities on May 3, 2024, and granted India’s first satellite broadband licence and ground station licence to private companies.

• FDI Policy Amendment: The Government of India allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in most space segments, with some restrictions on satellite manufacturing and launch infrastructure.

Conclusion

• India’s space program is on a remarkable trajectory, marked by innovative missions and strategic collaborations that aim to expand the country’s footprint in space exploration. The achievements of the past year highlight ISRO’s dedication to advancing space technology, not only for scientific discovery but also for enhancing national capabilities and fostering global partnerships.

Science Affairs (Current Affairs) Space

Context: ISRO has successfully launched the EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite through the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.

About Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• It is capable of launching mini, micro or nano satellites (10 to 500 kg mass) into 500 km planar orbit.

• SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle with all solid propulsion stages and liquid propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as terminal stage.

• Design drivers of SSLV are low cost, low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch on demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.

• SSLV-D3 is the third developmental flight of SSLV.

About EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite

• The EOS-08 is an Earth Observation Satellite built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus platform. It is designed to operate in a circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km and has a mission life of one year.

The EOS-08 satellite carries three key payloads:

• Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): The EOIR captures images in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands. It operates day and night, supporting applications like satellite-based surveillance, disaster and environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity tracking, and industrial disaster monitoring.

• Global Navigation Satellite System — Reflectometry (GNSS-R) Payload: The GNSS-R payload demonstrates remote sensing using GNSS-R for applications like measuring ocean surface winds, detecting soil moisture, monitoring the Himalayan cryosphere, and identifying floods and inland water bodies.

• SiC UV Dosimeter: The SiC UV dosimeter measures UV radiation.

Technological Advancements

• The EOS-08 satellite includes an Integrated Avionics System that combines communication, baseband, storage, and positioning (CBSP) functions.

• It also has a structural panel with an embedded printed circuit board (PCB) and battery.

Mission Significance

• The successful launch of SSLV-D3 and the precise orbit placement of the EOS-08 satellite are major milestones for ISRO.

• This mission enhances India’s Earth observation abilities and showcases new advancements in satellite technology.

Governance Issues (Current Affairs) Education

Context: The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has introduced three new categories of grading universities this year.

• Along with the regular 13 categories, the NIRF 2024 rankings have also been introduced for 'open universities', 'skill universities,' and 'state-funded government universities'.

• This expanding the total ranking categories to 16.

Key highlights of NIRF 2024

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras: Maintained its top position in the ‘Overall’ and ‘Engineering’ categories for six and nine consecutive years, respectively. The institute also retained its second rank in the ‘Research Institutions’ and ‘Innovations’ categories.

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru: Continued its dominance by topping the ‘Universities’ and ‘Research Institutions’ categories for the ninth and fourth consecutive years, respectively.

• IIM Ahmedabad: Secured the top position in the ‘Management’ category for the fifth consecutive year.

• AIIMS, New Delhi: Remained the leading institution in the ‘Medical’ category for seven consecutive years, and was ranked 7th in the ‘Overall’ category.

• Jamia Hamdard: Topped the ‘Pharmacy’ category, while IIT Roorkee led in ‘Architecture and Planning’.

• Delhi University (DU): Made a notable jump from 11th to 6th place in the overall rankings, re-entering the top 10 university club in the country.

• DU's Hindu College claimed the top position among colleges for the first time, surpassing Miranda House, which had been the top college for seven consecutive years.

• St. Stephen’s College secured the third position, completing the top three rankings.

New Additions to the NIRF 2024

• New Categories: The 9th edition of NIRF Rankings introduced three new categories State Public Universities, Open Universities, and Skill Universities, and integrated "Innovation" ranking using the NIRF, expanding the portfolio to 16 categories and subject domains.

• Anna University and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) topped the new State Public Universities and Open Universities categories, respectively.

• Symbiosis Skill and Professional University (SSPU), Pune topped the Skill Universities category.

• Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education plans to introduce a new category for Sustainability Rankings in the 2025 edition of the NIRF, evaluating institutions on their commitment to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and green campus initiatives.

• Increased Applications: The number of unique institutions participating in the rankings increased from 2,426 in 2016 to 6,517 in 2024.

• The total number of applications also rose significantly, highlighting the growing engagement and recognition of the NIRF rankings.

What is the National Institutional Ranking Framework?

• About: The NIRF is a ranking system introduced by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2015. It aims to provide a fair and transparent assessment of higher education institutions across India based on various parameters.

• Parameters for Ranking: The ranking framework judges these educational institutions under five broad generic groups of parameters of –

1. Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR) (30% weightage),

2. Research and Professional Practice (RP) (30% weightage),

3. Graduation Outcomes (GO) (20% weightage),

4. Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) (10% weightage) and

5. Perception (PR) (10% weightage).

Difference Between NAAC Accreditation and NIRF Rankings

• Accreditation is a comprehensive assessment that takes place as a one-time (5 year) event.

• In India, Accreditation is carried out by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

• NAAC is an autonomous body registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act of 1960.

• Ranking on the other hand is a yearly event that occurs every year without fail (since 2015).

• Despite both being an assessor of educational institutes, both have considerable differences in terms of specific criteria, metrics used to prepare the qualitative and quantitative reports.

• Chairman of the NAAC’s executive committee has said that there are some discrepancies in the scores and current system needs to be reviewed and improved upon.

Mandate of the University Grants Commission (UGC)

• Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities. Framing regulations on minimum standards of education. Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.

Governance Issues (Current Affairs) Health

Context: India’s crumbling healthcare infrastructure, exacerbated by the current severe heatwave, has led to overcrowded, poorly ventilated hospitals where patients suffer from heat-related illnesses.

• The lack of adequate cooling and poor management contribute to worsened health outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements and effective heat management protocols.

Infrastructure Drawbacks in Indian Healthcare

• Overcrowding: Public hospitals face extreme overcrowding, with patients often waiting for hours or even days in inadequate conditions.

• Poor Ventilation: Many facilities, especially in rural areas, lack proper ventilation, exacerbating issues during heatwaves.

• Inadequate Cooling: The absence of air conditioning in many hospitals leads to stifling, humid environments that affect patient health.

• Overheated Wards: Hospital wards, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, can become excessively hot, worsening the condition of patients, especially those with fever or other ailments.

• Limited Respite: Patients do not have access to cooling devices or shaded waiting areas, leading to heat-related illnesses.

• Underreporting of Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat-related deaths may be underreported due to inadequate diagnostic capabilities and lack of awareness among healthcare professionals.

Future Directions

• Enhanced Infrastructure: Invest in improving hospital infrastructure, including better ventilation systems, air conditioning, and shaded waiting areas.

• Heat Management Protocols: Develop and implement protocols for managing heat-related illnesses, including regular temperature monitoring and appropriate hydration measures.

• Cooling Measures: Install automated weather and water level monitoring systems to anticipate and manage extreme weather conditions affecting hospital environments.

• Awareness and Training: Train healthcare staff to recognize and manage heat-related illnesses and incorporate heat management into patient care protocols.

• Public Health Strategy: Develop comprehensive strategies to deal with heatwaves, including improving public awareness and implementing preventive measures across healthcare facilities.

• Systematic Changes: Ensure systematic improvements such as reducing patient wait times, providing access to drinking water, and improving overall hospital environment conditions to mitigate the impact of heat on patients.

Governance Issues (Current Affairs) Service delivery

Context: Recently, the Centre has launched a pilot project to transform a select number of ration shops into ‘Jan Poshan Kendras’ or public nutrition centers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance the effectiveness of the public distribution system (PDS) in India.

• The goal is to improve the nutritional value and income potential of these shops, addressing both the needs of consumers for better food options and the financial concerns of ration dealers.

About the Project

• The project aims to revamp 60 fair price shops (FPS) in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh into Jan Poshan Kendras.

• These centers are intended to improve the viability of FPSs by offering a wider range of nutrition-rich food items and increasing the income of ration dealers.

Features

• Product Range: The Jan Poshan Kendras will stock 50% of their products with nutrition-rich food items, while the remaining 50% will include other household essentials.

• Additional Measures: The project includes several new tools and systems:

• FPS Sahay Application: Provides paperless, collateral-free financing for ration dealers.

• Mera Ration App 2.0: Offers consumers updated information on the public distribution system.

• Quality Management Systems: Includes new quality control measures and manuals.

• Accreditation: NABL accreditation for three laboratories to ensure quality testing.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced Food Security: By offering better quality nutrition, the initiative aims to improve public health and reduce malnutrition.

• Increased Transparency and Efficiency: New digital tools are expected to streamline operations and reduce corruption and inefficiencies.

• Improved Dealer Income: By diversifying product offerings, FPS dealers can increase their earnings.

About Ration Shops

• Ration shops, or fair price shops (FPS), are part of India’s public distribution system. They provide subsidized food grains and other essential items to low-income families.

• There are approximately 5.38 lakh (538,000) FPSs across India.

• The successful implementation of the Jan Poshan Kendras pilot could lead to a nationwide transformation, improving the public distribution system’s reach and effectiveness.

Social Issues (Current Affairs) Social Problems in India

Context: The Justice Hema Committee report exposed pervasive sexual exploitation and rights violations against women in the Malayalam film industry.

Background

• Five years ago, the report was submitted to the Kerala government.

• The committee confirms the rumoured existence of the practice of “casting couch” in the industry.

• The three-member committee, consisting of retired High Court Justice K. Hema, former actress Sharada, and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari, was established in response to a demand from the Women in Cinema Collective.

• This demand followed the abduction and sexual assault of a leading female actor in 2017—a case that remains in trial, with prominent actor Dileep listed as the eighth accused.

• The committee identified at least 17 forms of exploitation experienced by women working in 30 different categories within the industry.

• Key issues included the casting couch, lack of basic amenities, and threats against filing complaints.

Major Concerns

• Producers are warned by the industry’s “power group” not to cast actors who fall out of favour with them.

• Even the release of movies can be prevented as the Film Chamber of Commerce has to issue NOC.

• The report highlights the lack of changing rooms or toilet facilities on the set, especially in outdoor locations, leading to urinary infection for many women.

• Junior artists are in some cases “treated worse than slaves” with work extending up to 19 hours.

• The lack of a written contract is exploited by some to deprive the actors and technicians of even the remuneration promised orally.

• Another alarming finding is that many men assume that women willing to perform intimate scenes on-screen are also willing to do so off-set, reflecting a lack of professionalism and understanding of the craft among men in the industry.

Road Ahead

• The release of the Justice Hema Committee report marks a critical moment for the Malayalam film industry, as it confronts long standing issues of exploitation and gender inequality.

• The findings call for urgent attention from civil society and industry leaders to address and rectify these deep-seated problems.

• The Hema Committee report recommends setting up a civil court-like tribunal to deal with serious issues faced by women employed in the Malayalam film industry.

International Affairs (Current Affairs) United Nations

Context: The global tax system needed reform, and the UN answered the call with a blueprint for a new universal tax accord that represents an historic step towards changing the financial landscape.

• The aim is to help nations around the world boost economic growth and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals.

Why does a new convention matter?

• A UN tax convention represents a major shift in how international taxation is approached, with the potential to significantly impact the architecture of global financial systems and how tax dollars are used for the public good.

• That’s why the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee to draft terms of reference for a UN framework convention on international tax cooperation concluded its second session by approving a package of guidance for the new treaty, taking a landmark jump towards building a legitimate, fair, stable, inclusive and effective international tax system.

• More inclusive and effective international tax cooperation is critical in enabling countries to respond to existing tax-related challenges, from digitalisation to global operations of large multinational enterprises, as well as to mobilise domestic resources and use tax policy for sustainable development.

What will a UN tax treaty cover?

• A UN framework convention should, among other things, establish a system that is inclusive, fair, transparent, efficient, equitable and effective for sustainable development, according to the Ad Hoc Committee’s terms of reference.

• That would include using approaches that will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in three dimensions: economic, social and environmental.

• In addition, the framework convention should include commitments to achieve its objectives, from equitable taxation of multinational companies to addressing tax evasion and avoidance by high-net worth individuals - and ensuring their effective taxation in relevant Member States.

• Two legally binding protocols should also be developed simultaneously with the framework convention, including one to address taxation of income derived from the provision of cross-border services in an increasingly digitalised and globalised economy.

How can a UN tax treaty help the Global South?

• An inclusive tax cooperation system can properly address the challenges of strengthening domestic resources to enable all countries to fund and promote policies aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• “Only an international tax system that is fully inclusive will be legitimate and effective".

• A global tax convention aims to ensure that large multinationals pay their fair share of taxes, regardless of where they operate, and is expected to generate significant additional tax revenues for many countries, especially those in the Global South.

• The livelihoods and future of billions of people depend on governments being able to finance basic infrastructure, education, health services and climate action.

Is there consensus on a global tax treaty?

• No.

• Developing countries largely support it, but some industrialised nations have expressed reservations, as reflected in the vote held in the Ad Hoc Committee.

• A total of 110 Member States voted in favour of the terms of reference for a new treaty, with 44 abstentions and eight nations voting against it (Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and the United States).

About UN global Tax convention

• UN’s Ad Hoc Committee to Draft Terms of Reference for a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation approved a package of guidance for UN Global Tax Convention.

• It aims at establishing a UN Global Tax Treaty for legitimate, fair, stable, inclusive and effective international tax system.

• Developing countries (including India) largely voted in favour of treaty’s terms of reference while industrialized nations such as Australia, Israel, Japan, UK and USA voted against it.

Objectives of UN Global Tax Convention

• Strengthening international tax cooperation and making it inclusive and effective.

• Addressing existing tax-related challenges including digitalization and global operations of large Multinational Corporations (MNCs).

• Mobilize domestic resources and use tax policy for sustainable development.

• Accelerating implementation of Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development and 2030 Agenda for SDGs.

Commitments of UN Global Tax Convention

• Fair allocation of taxing rights including equitable taxation of MNCs.

• Addressing tax-related illicit financial flows, tax evasion and tax avoidance by high-net worth individuals.

• Address taxation of income derived from cross-border services.

• Effective mutual administrative assistance in tax matters and resolution of tax disputes.

Other Global Initiative

• OECD Global Minimum Tax based on the Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules, mandates MNCs to pay a minimum tax rate in each jurisdiction where they operate, reducing profit shifting incentives.

• It imposes a minimum effective rate of 15% on corporate profits.

Road Ahead

• The Ad Hoc Committee’s terms of reference will be sent to the General Assembly, which will hold a vote during the world body’s 79th session that begins in September.

• If adopted, the Assembly would have the convention and two protocols drafted by a Member State-led negotiating committee, which would meet annually for the next three years. The negotiating committee would then submit a final text to the General Assembly for its consideration in the first quarter of the 82nd session, according to the terms of reference.

• That would mean that all 193 UN Member States could vote on a finalised UN global tax treaty in 2027. The UN treaty would need to be adopted by the General Assembly, after which it would be opened for signature and ratification to all Member States.