SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

GLOBAL MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX (MPI) 2022

THE CONTEXT: Recently a study was released by the research centre Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which states that India is among many countries that have reduced poverty significantly faster.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• It is the first time that the report highlights a special section on India, giving information on 15 years of trends in the country.
• The number of poor people in India dropped by about 415 million over the last 15 years, the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index report has revealed. However, the country still has the highest number of poor people and children worldwide.
• About 71 per cent of the data for the country from the Demographic and Health Survey was obtained in 2019 before the pandemic and the rest in 2021.
• The poorest states reduced poverty the fastest and deprivations in all indicators fell significantly among poor people.
• Poverty among children fell faster, it indicated. However, India has the world’s highest number of poor children, amounting to a total of 97 million or about 21.8 per cent of the Indian children population between the ages 0 and 17 years.
• Half of the poor people in India, accounting for about 593 million are children under 18 years of age. This means that one in every three children lives in poverty compared to the one in seven ratio among adults.
• About 140 million exited poverty since 2015-16 as per the Demographic and Health Survey for India. Also, the MPI value and incidence of poverty more than halved from 0.283 in 2005-06 to 0.122 in 2015-16 and reduced again to 0.069 in 2019-21.
• Meanwhile, the incidence of poverty dropped from 55.1 per cent to 16.4 per cent over 15 years.
• Nationally, the relative drop between 2015-16 and 2019-21 was faster at the rate of 11.9 per cent annually compared with 8.1 per cent per year between 2005-06 and 2015-16.

About Global Multidimensional Poverty Index

Definition: The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of acute multidimensional poverty covering over 100 developing countries.

• It complements traditional monetary poverty measures by capturing the acute deprivations in health, education, and living standards that a person faces simultaneously.

Developed by: The global MPI was developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for inclusion in UNDP’s flagship Human Development Report in 2010.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

HOW DOES TOKENISATION PREVENT ONLINE CARD FRAUD?

THE CONTEXT: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated the tokenisation of credit/debit cards for online merchants from October 1. Till then, card details for online purchases were stored on the servers of these merchants in order to help customers avoid keying in their details every time they shopped with that merchant.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is tokenisation?

• As per the RBI’s FAQ on tokenisation updated late last month, tokenisation “refers to the replacement of actual card details with an alternative code called the ‘token’, which shall be unique for a combination of card and the token requestor (i.e. the entity which accepts the request from the customer for tokenisation of a card and passes it on to the card network to issue a corresponding token).”

Why is tokenisation necessary?

• When you visit a restaurant, or even an ATM machine, it is possible for card thieves to clone your card with a skimmer, a gadget that quietly reads the magnetic strip at the back of your card.
• Similarly, hackers can also break into online websites and mobile apps that store your credit card details. Such data breaches could give con artists access to millions of cards in one go which are then sold on the dark web.
• To help lessen the chances of such fraud, some banks have mandated the use of an OTP delivered to your registered mobile number to withdraw cash at ATMs. Other banks have enabled the use of their mobile app to allow cash withdrawal without the physical use of cards.
• Some credit card-issuing banks allow limits that you can set up yourself, per day, per transaction, etc on the bank’s app. The tokenisation mandate of the RBI is a similar exercise in caution.

What are the benefits of tokenisation?

• According to RBI, a tokenised card transaction is safer as the actual card details are not shared with the merchant.
• Even if a hacker/scammer were to get their hands on one’s token number, they would not be able to make indiscriminate use of it.
• The token generated upon request for a specific merchant is unique to a specific card number and is usable only on that particular site or mobile app.
• The token is useless outside of that merchant’s ecosystem.” The “new mandate is only for the use of credit/debit cards online. For offline merchants, users would continue to swipe the cards on the POS machines as per previously existing guidelines.”
• Popular card network Visa further explains the concept of tokenisation through the example of a metro train ticket. It is useful only for that route and not on any other. Similarly, the unique token generated for a specific site is only applicable on that site and nowhere else.
• And if an undesirable third-party gains access to that specific token and shops within that specific website, the chances of identifying the party are more as their login and phone details would be with the site.

ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

WHAT ARE GREEN CRACKERS & HOW DO WE IDENTIFY THEM?

THE CONTEXT: According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), green crackers are only allowed in cities and towns where air quality is poor or moderate and helps to reduce sound emissions.

THE EXPLANATION:

Difference between green and traditional crackers:

• Both green and traditional crackers cause pollution, and people should refrain from using either. The only difference is that green crackers cause 30 per cent less air pollution than traditional ones.
• Green crackers reduce emissions substantially, absorb dust, and don’t contain any hazardous elements such as barium nitrate. Toxic metals in traditional crackers are replaced with less dangerous compounds in green crackers. According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), green crackers are allowed only in cities and towns where air quality is poor or moderate.

What are the toxic metals released from conventional crackers?

• Crackers release many toxic metals that can be harmful to health. The white colour emitted through crackers is aluminium, magnesium and titanium, while the orange colour is carbon or iron.
• Similarly, the yellow colour emits sodium compounds, while blue and red are copper compounds and strontium carbonates. The green agent is barium monochloride salts, barium nitrate, or barium chlorate.

What damage can these chemicals do when people are exposed to them?  Who is vulnerable to them?

• Crackers can impact the nervous system, while copper triggers respiratory tract irritation, sodium causes skin issues, and magnesium leads to mental fume fever.
• Cadmium not just causes anaemia but also damages the kidney, while nitrate is the most harmful that causes cognitive impairment. The presence of nitrite irritates mucous membranes, eyes and skin.
• Experts added that the most vulnerable population are infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. Yet no one remains untouched by the harm these chemicals cause.

 5TH ASSEMBLY OF INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA)

THE CONTEXT: Recently 5th Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA)  began in New Delhi under India’s presidentship. Participants from 109 countries will be sharing their experiences towards a low-carbon economy through the promotion of solar energy.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of the International Solar Alliance makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement.
• The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilise efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.
• It was presented by the leaders of the two countries at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015.
• Headquarters: India
• The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of the ISA. It meets annually at the Ministerial level at the seat of the ISA.
• Membership: A total of 80 countries have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement and 101 countries have only signed the agreement.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INITIATIVES IN THE NEWS

PRADHAN MANTRI BHARTIYA JAN URVARAK PARIYOJANA – ONE NATION ONE FERTILISER

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana – One Nation One Fertiliser.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Under the scheme, all fertiliser companies, State Trading Entities (STEs) and Fertiliser Marketing Entities (FMEs) will be required to use a single “Bharat” brand for fertilisers and logo under the PMBJP.
• All subsidised soil nutrients – urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MoP), and NPK – will be marketed under the single brand Bharat across the nation.
• With the launch of this scheme, India will have a common bag design across the country like Bharat urea, Bharat DAP, Bharat MOP, Bharat NPK, and so on.
• The new “Bharat” brand name and PMBJP logo will cover two-thirds of the front of the fertiliser packet
• The manufacturing brands can only display their name, logo, and other information on the remaining one-third space.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCHEME:

The government introduced a single ‘Bharat’ brand for all subsidised fertilisers because:

1. There are some 26 fertilisers (inclusive of urea), on which government bears subsidy and also effectively decides the MRPs.
2. Apart from subsidising and deciding at what price companies can sell, the government also decides where they can sell. This is done through the Fertiliser (Movement) Control Order, 1973.
3. When the government is spending vast sums of money on fertiliser subsidy (the bill is likely to cross Rs 200,000 crore in 2022-23), plus deciding where and at what price companies can sell, it would obviously want to take credit and send that message to farmers.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

NATIONAL MARITIME HERITAGE COMPLEX AT LOTHAL

THE CONTEXT: Recently the Prime Minister reviewed the site work progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat.

THE EXPLANATION:

• It would be developed as an international tourist destination, where the maritime heritage of India from ancient to modern times would be showcased.
• The idea is to create an edutainment (education with entertainment) approach for this destination that would be of great interest for the visitors.
• It is going to cover an area of 400 acres, with structures such as Heritage Theme Park, National Maritime Heritage Museum, Lighthouse Museum, Maritime Institute, eco-resorts, and more.
• There will also be many pavilions where all coastal states in India and union territories can showcase their artifacts and maritime heritage.
• The unique feature of NMHC is the recreation of ancient Lothal city, which is one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization.

THE PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Q1. With reference to culture of India, ‘pahandi’ refers to –

a) Annual Rath Yatra at Jagannath puri temple.

b) Kanwariyas travel during Kanwar Yatra.

c) Vaishno Devi Yatra

d) Char Dham Yatra

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are a trio of deities) are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.
• At Jagannath Puri temple, annually, three deities are taken out in a chariot procession called Rath Yatra covering 3 kms along the Grand Road connecting the 12th century Shri Jagannath temple and the Mausi Maa temple. Servitors carry huge wooden idols from temple swaying them rhythmically in a ritual described as pahandi.

1. In Rama Tirtha’s woods of God-Realisation READ MORE
2. NO ONE IS SMALL in God’s scheme READ MORE

1. In the hijab row, let education not suffer READ MORE
2. Recovery analysis that points out what India got wrong READ MORE
3. Fact-Checking the HDI tally: UNDP needs to compute Indian data more accurately, India needs to provide more timely data READ MORE
4. Learn, not nitpick: Instead of trashing Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022, Govt should draw some lessons from its findings READ MORE

1. Judicial comity over arithmetic: Changes are required in terms of how larger Benches are constituted READ MORE
2. Time the electoral system is reviewed READ MORE
3. Succession Planning for Top Positions in Government Should Be High Priority – But Isn’t READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. What is card tokenization and why should you go for it READ MORE
2. At DefExpo-2022, India to pitch military hardware to Africa, IOR countries READ MORE
3. PM Modi launches ‘One Nation, One Fertiliser’ scheme: All you need to know READ MORE
4. Fight against inflation will be prolonged and dogged, says RBI READ MORE
5. New Covid-19 variants like BF.7, XBB spreading across globe: what risk do they pose? READ MORE
6. of poor in India fell by 415 mn in 15 years: UN report READ MORE
7. Justice DY Chandrachud next CJI, oath on Nov 9 READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. In the hijab row, let education not suffer READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Judicial comity over arithmetic: Changes are required in terms of how larger Benches are constituted READ MORE
2. Time the electoral system is reviewed READ MORE
3. Succession Planning for Top Positions in Government Should Be High Priority – But Isn’t READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Recovery analysis that points out what India got wrong READ MORE
2. Fact-Checking the HDI tally: UNDP needs to compute Indian data more accurately, India needs to provide more timely data READ MORE
3. Learn, not nitpick: Instead of trashing Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022, Govt should draw some lessons from its findings READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND RELATIONS

1. C Raja Mohan writes: India, America and the China challenge READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Strengthening dollar shrinks foreign reserves across nations READ MORE
2. Tread carefully: Price, growth trends need to be watched closely before raising interest rates READ MORE
3. Economic Outlook READ MORE
4. India has pushed back poverty, still home to most poor people in world: UNDP index READ MORE

SECURITY

1. A better global police to counter emergent challenges READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. In Rama Tirtha’s woods of God-Realisation READ MORE
2. NO ONE IS SMALL in God’s scheme READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘In light of the extreme climate events in the current year, the world needs to implement climate policies that will ward off catastrophic climate change’. Comment.
2. ‘India’s real food problem isn’t hunger but loss and wastage of food’. Comment and suggest how India can stop the wastage of food?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The less you fear, the more power you will have.
• Being fiscally conservative resulted in a rise in extreme poverty, with there being no signs of any course correction.
• While the fall of the rupee has been relatively moderate, the pace at which India’s foreign exchange reserves are dwindling are a cause for concern.
• Indian and American policies are converging. For both Delhi and Washington, Beijing presents the main national challenges. The current churn offers a promising opportunity for collaboration.
• Public-spirited efficient policing is the most meaningful confidence-building measure that people across diverse geopolitical contours desire and deserve. Interpol and cross-national law enforcement agencies must endeavour to build, maintain and operate a people-centric ecosystem to meet evolving challenges.
• The orthodoxy does not care about the education of girls. But institutions in a democracy must. They have to adopt a more compassionate view of women students wearing the hijab, allowing room for accommodation to account for tough social circumstances.
• The International Monetary Fund report titled ‘World Economic Outlook 2022: Countering the Cost-of-Living Crisis,’ released in October 2022, warns all countries, including India, of an impending economic downturn.
• In light of the extreme climate events in the current year, the world needs to implement climate policies that will ward off catastrophic climate change.

50-WORD TALK

• We follow the Westminster model in which the candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner. We should look at the proportional representation system in which every party gets a share of seats proportional to the share of votes it secures. Ideally, a mixed model, as is followed in Nepal & Germany, may be considered.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.