TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the World Bank has initiated a significant step towards enhancing Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) by forming a task force.

EXPLANATION:

• This task force, proposed by an independent group of experts during India’s G20 presidency, aims to scrutinize and act upon recommendations geared towards fortifying MDBs.
• The group president of the World Bank confirmed this development during discussions held recently.

Leadership Role and Reform Roadmap

• During the interaction with Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, The minister urged the World Bank, being a prominent MDB, to lead the implementation of the reform agenda for MDBs.
• The primary objectives of these reforms revolve around amplifying the global presence, efficacy, and assertiveness of these lending institutions.

Global Challenges and Focus Areas

• It was highlighted that the World Bank had identified eight distinct global challenges demanding immediate attention.
• However, the Finance Ministry’s statement did not provide detailed insights into these challenges.
• Despite the lack of elaboration, Finance Minister assured the World Bank of India’s full support in addressing these challenges, indicating India’s commitment to global development endeavours.

India’s Priorities in World Bank’s Reporting

• It was emphasized that the Country Climate and Development Report by the World Bank should intricately consider India’s specific priorities and circumstances.
• This directive underscores India’s stance on aligning global initiatives, especially those by prestigious institutions like the World Bank, with the nation’s developmental goals and environmental concerns.

MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS (MDBS):

• A multilateral development bank (MDB) is an international financial institution chartered by two or more countries for the purpose of encouraging economic development in poorer nations.
• Multilateral development banks consist of member nations from developed and developing countries.
• MDBs provide loans and grants to member nations to fund projects that support social and economic development, such as the building of new roads or providing clean water to communities.
• Multilateral development banks (MDBs) originated in the aftermath of World War II to rebuild war-ravaged nations and stabilize the global financial system.
• Today, MDBs fund infrastructure, energy, education, and environmental sustainability in developing countries.
• While commercial banks seek to make profits on loans and other financial services, the goal of MDBs is to issue grants and low-cost loans to improve the economic conditions of impoverished or developing nations.
• MDBs now operate throughout the world and control trillions of dollars in assets.

Conclusion

• The formation of a task force by the World Bank to explore and implement reforms in MDBs demonstrates a proactive approach to bolstering global lending institutions.
• The acknowledgment of significant global challenges and India’s insistence on aligning World Bank reports with its priorities showcase the evolving landscape of international collaborations, where nations seek tailored solutions while supporting broader global agendas.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/world-bank-sets-up-task-force-to-act-on-mdb-reform-plan/article67659110.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The recent volcanic eruption that commenced near Grindavik in Iceland has raised concerns, but the Icelandic government has assured that it does not pose an immediate threat to life.

EXPLANATION:

• This eruption, which initiated on December 18th local time, is situated between Sýlingarfell and Hagafell, north of Grindavik—a town located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of Iceland.

Eruption Details and Population Impact

• Location and Proximity:
  • The eruption site lies in close proximity to the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, which houses a significant portion of the country’s population.
• Evacuation and Precautions:
  • The 3,800 residents of Grindavik had previously been evacuated on November 10 due to escalating seismic activity.
• President emphasized the need to safeguard lives and infrastructure in his communication, highlighting the closure of the affected area and the nation’s preparedness to face the natural forces.

Geological Significance of Iceland: ‘Land of Fire and Ice’

• Mid Atlantic Ridge:
  • Iceland’s unique geological position atop the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, fosters its distinct landscape.
• Natural Features:
  • The country’s terrain showcases an amalgamation of geysers, glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and lava fields, earning it the moniker ‘Land of Fire and Ice.’
• Volcanic Activity:
  • Iceland is home to 33 active volcanoes, reflecting a significant concentration of volcanic activity, notably the highest in Europe.

Historical Context and Recent Eruption Trends

• Reykjanes Peninsula:
  • The region hadn’t witnessed volcanic eruptions for nearly 800 years before experiencing four eruptions within a span of fewer than three years, hinting at a potential new phase of volcanic activity.
• Eyjafjallajokull Eruption:
  • The last globally significant eruption in Iceland occurred in 2010, when Eyjafjallajokull’s eruption disrupted air traffic across Europe and North America for six days due to an extensive ash cloud.

Expert Opinions and Potential Impact on Air Travel

• Experts noted that while the possibility of air travel disruptions due to the current eruption is unlikely, it remains a potential concern.
• The impact on air travel might occur but isn’t guaranteed at this point.

Conclusion

• The ongoing eruption near Grindavik, Iceland, raises awareness of the country’s unique geological features and its susceptibility to volcanic activity.
• While the current eruption doesn’t pose an immediate threat to life, the historical context of Icelandic eruptions, along with expert insights, underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness for potential impacts, including on air travel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO THE 14^TH NOVEMBER 2023 DNA.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/land-of-fire-and-ice-will-the-grindavik-eruption-in-iceland-be-another-eyjafjallajokull–93471

TAG: GS 1: ART AND CULTURE

THE CONTEXT: The Sahitya Akademi Awards for the year 2023 have been announced, recognizing exceptional literary works across various Indian languages.

EXPLANATION:

• These awards, bestowed by the Sahitya Akademi—an autonomous body under the Union Culture Ministry—aim to honour authors and their contributions to literature.

Awardees and Recognized Works

• Literary Diversity
  • Tamil:
    • Rajasekaran (Devibharathi) received the award for his novel “Neervazhi Padooum.”
  • Telugu:
    • Patanjali Sastry was honored for his Telugu short story collection “Rameshwaram Kaakulu Marikonni Kathalu.”
  • Malayalam:
    • V. Ramakrishnan was recognized for his literary study “Malayala Novelinte Deshakalangal.”

Categories of Recognition

• Poetry:
  • Acknowledged authors include Vijay Verma in Dogri, Vinod Joshi in Gujarati, Manshoor Banihali in Kashmiri, Ashutosh Parida in Odia, and Arun Ranjan Mishra in Sanskrit.
• Novels:
  • Noteworthy works like Neelum Saran Gour’s “Requim in Raga Janaki” (English) and Swapnamay Chakrabarti’s “Jaler Upar Pani” (Bengali) were recognized.
• Essays:
  • Lakshmisha Tolpadi’s collection “Mahabharatha Anusandhanada Bharathayatre” in Kannada stood out.

Selection Process and Criteria

• The awards, recommended by distinguished jury members across 24 languages, were approved by the Sahitya Akademi’s Executive Board.
• These accolades pertain to books first published between January 2017 and December 31, 2021.

Recognition and Ceremony Details

• Each recipient will be presented with an award consisting of an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000.
• The award presentation ceremony is scheduled for March 12, 2024, where the awardees will be honoured for their literary contributions.

Significance of Sahitya Akademi:

• The Sahitya Akademi, established in 1954, stands as an independent institution committed to the advancement and promotion of literature in Indian languages.
• These awards not only acknowledge literary excellence but also encourage and celebrate diverse voices and languages across the country.
• The Sahitya Akademi supports work in the 24 languages, 22 of which are included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India, alongside English and Rajasthani.
• The General Council of the Sahitya Akademi operates for a term of five years.
• It consists of the president and vice president along with other members.
• The President is generally chosen from among the members who is generally a distinguished personality of the literary field.

Conclusion

• The Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2023 serve as a testament to the literary brilliance and diversity prevalent across various Indian languages.
• By recognizing outstanding contributions across genres, these awards continue to uphold the significance of literature and its profound impact on society.
• These awards signify and honour the rich cultural heritage of India’s diverse linguistic landscape.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/books/sahitya-akademi-awards-for-2023-announced/article67658599.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) took place in Dubai, gathering nations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

EXPLANATION:

• With a primary focus on tackling the climate crisis, the summit covered diverse aspects including mitigation, adaptation, financing, and the roles of developed and developing nations in climate action.

Achievements and Firsts

• Loss and Damage Fund Operationalisation
  • An important milestone emerged from the establishment of the ‘Loss and Damage’ (L&D) fund, as agreed upon during COP27.
  • COP28 witnessed the operationalization of this fund, albeit with limited pledged support—$790 million—far below the required annual corpus of $100 billion to $400 billion.
  • However, concerns arose regarding fund management and accessibility, prompting scepticism about the fund’s efficiency in promptly responding to emergencies.
  • There were also reservations about the World Bank’s oversight and the fund’s autonomy.
• Ambitious Emissions Reduction Targets
  • The summit concluded the inaugural Global Stocktake (GST), aimed at assessing progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
  • Commitments were made to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, but fossil fuel use was still permitted in certain sectors like plastics, transport, and agriculture, which contradicts the essence of climate justice.
  • Furthermore, reliance on unproven technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon removal raised concerns about the effectiveness and risks associated with such methods.
• Green Finance Mechanisms and Partnerships
  • Efforts were made to address financial shortfalls, with an emphasis on the responsibility of developed nations to provide grant-based finance.
  • Innovations in global green-finance mechanisms, including a $3.5 billion boost for the Green Climate Fund and the introduction of investment initiatives like ALTÉRRA, aimed to mobilize substantial funding.
  • However, these efforts fell short of meeting the estimated annual funding requirement for adaptation.

India’s Stance and Health Declaration

• India refrained from signing the U.A.E. declaration on climate and health due to potential conflicts with emissions reduction in the healthcare sector.
• Similarly, India did not sign the Global Methane Pledge as it shifted focus from carbon dioxide to methane, a gas with a shorter lifetime that primarily arises from agricultural practices integral to the livelihoods of small farmers.

Hits and Misses

• The COP28 outcomes featured several positive aspects, including acknowledgments of nature-based solutions, transition away from fossil fuels, and commitments to sustainable food systems.
• However, persistent challenges between developed and developing nations, such as fossil-fuel subsidies, financial resource allocation, and differing viewpoints on market mechanisms, remained unresolved.

SOME GLOBAL CLIMATE FINANCING FUNDS:

• Green Climate Fund (GCF):
  • It was established to limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries and to help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
• Adaptation Fund (AF):
  • It was established under the Kyoto Protocol in 2001 and has committed US$ 532 million to climate adaptation and resilience activities.
• Global Environment Fund (GEF):
  • It has served as an operating entity of the financial mechanism since the Convention came into force in 1994.
  • It is a private equity fund focused on seeking long term financial returns by investments in clean energy under climate change.

Conclusion

• While COP28 showcased significant strides in renewable energy targets and financial mechanisms, unresolved issues like fund management, reliance on risky technologies, and disagreements on critical matters indicate a mixed outcome.
• Addressing the disparities between nations and ensuring equitable climate action remains a substantial challenge despite the noteworthy accomplishments at the summit.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/cop28-outcomes-decisions-explained/article67656914.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: A recent study published in Scientific Reports introduces the electron Born self-energy (eBse) model as an innovative extension challenging conventional cosmological perceptions.

EXPLANATION:

• It is proposed by Dr. Bruce Law from Kansas State University.
• This model presents a unique mechanism attributing cosmic inflation to a constant potential energy density, offering an alternative explanation for dark energy.

Understanding Dark Energy and Its Enigma

• Dark energy, accounting for approximately 68% of the universe’s total energy content, remains an enigmatic force fuelling the universe’s accelerated expansion.
• Unlike dark matter, dark energy displays uniform distribution and is often associated with the cosmological constant (Λ), initially posited by Einstein to explain cosmic expansion.

Conventional Models and the ΛCDM Paradigm

• Traditional cosmological models, notably ΛCDM, link dark energy to the intrinsic energy of space’s vacuum, contributing to the observed accelerated expansion.
• However, the eBse model introduces a departure from this concept by proposing that the energy associated with the electric field surrounding a finite-sized electron contributes significantly to dark energy.

Mechanisms of Cosmic Inflation and Transition Models

• Law highlights two distinct cosmological theories: cosmic inflation and the ΛCDM model.
• Cosmic inflation hypothesizes a rapid, exponential expansion of the universe in its early stages.
• This phase addresses foundational issues of the Big Bang theory, explaining large-scale uniformity and isotropy.
• The eBse model delineates a critical glass transition temperature (TG = 1.06 × 10^17K) when the universe moves out of equilibrium.
• Beyond this threshold, exponential acceleration ensues, driven by a constant potential energy density.

The eBse Model: Core Principles and Unique Perspectives

• The eBse model’s foundation lies in viewing intergalactic space akin to a single hydrogen atom, with ionization accounting for an electron’s electric field.
• Law’s premise stems from contemplating the physics of finite-sized electrons and positrons, expanding the model’s scope to dense scenarios for consistency with astrophysical observations.
• In this model, temperature (T) acts as the inflation while potential energy density ψ(T) represents a plateau potential.
• Temperature fluctuations influence system behaviour, maintaining relative stability within certain ranges.
• This model introduces a seamless transition between cosmic inflation and the later ΛCDM model, forging a connection between early and later evolutionary stages of the universe.

Validation and Future Prospects

• Law underscores consistency between his model and Planck collaboration 2013 findings on cosmic inflation, validated through detailed analyses of temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
• Future endeavours aim to validate the eBse model through comparisons with astrophysical measurements, particularly focusing on CMB temperature fluctuations.
• However, the model’s current limitations in addressing photonic transport and quantum fluctuations necessitate further exploration and refinement.

Conclusion: The Evolutionary Trajectory of the eBse Model

• The eBse model represents a paradigm shift, challenging established cosmological norms by providing a distinct mechanism for cosmic inflation and dark energy.
• Its potential to bridge gaps between early universe dynamics and later-stage evolution underscores its significance in reshaping cosmological paradigms, urging continual refinement and exploration for a comprehensive understanding of the universe’s expansion history.

SOURCE: https://phys.org/news/2023-12-ebse-perspective-dark-energy-inflation.html

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: A groundbreaking study published in Nature challenges previous estimations regarding the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

EXPLANATION:

• It was led by an international team of researchers and asserts that the ocean can store approximately 20% more carbon than previously estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Role of Plankton in Carbon Sequestration

• The study delves into the pivotal role of plankton, microscopic organisms, in facilitating the transfer of carbon from the ocean’s surface to its depths.
• Plankton, through the process of photosynthesis, consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transform it into organic matter as they grow.
• Upon their demise, some plankton convert into particles termed “marine snow,” which gradually descends to the ocean floor.
• These particles not only store carbon but also serve as essential nutrients for a spectrum of deep-sea organisms, from bacteria to larger deep-sea fish.

Insights from Oceanographic Data

• The research team, comprising seven scientists, meticulously examined data compiled from oceanographic expeditions spanning back to the 1970s.
• Utilizing this extensive dataset, they constructed a digital map delineating the movement of organic matter across the world’s oceans.
• This comprehensive analysis led to a re-evaluation of the ocean’s carbon storage capacity.

Revised Estimate of Carbon Storage in the Ocean

• The study’s revised estimate suggests that the ocean has the potential to store 15 gigatons of carbon annually.
• This noteworthy increase from the IPCC’s previous estimation of 11 gigatons annually highlights a substantial advancement in comprehending global-scale carbon exchanges between the atmosphere and the ocean.

Implications and Significance

• This re-evaluation of the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon represents a significant stride in understanding the intricate dynamics of carbon movement between the atmosphere and the ocean.
• Despite this enhanced absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean, it’s crucial to note that this process occurs over an extensive period, spanning tens of thousands of years.
• Consequently, it is insufficient to counterbalance the rapid increase in CO2 emissions stemming from industrial activities since the 18th century.

Ocean Ecosystem’s Role in Climate Regulation

• However, the study underscores the pivotal role of the ocean ecosystem as a substantial contributor to the long-term regulation of global climate dynamics.
• It emphasizes that while the ocean’s absorption process might not suffice to offset current emissions, acknowledging its significance underscores the need for sustained efforts to protect and understand this ecosystem’s vital role in mitigating climate change.
• The ocean, acting as a major player in the global climate system, warrants continued scientific attention and conservation efforts.

SOURCE: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03662-7

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The recent deluge in south Tamil Nadu, particularly in areas like Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, has been attributed to an active Northeast monsoon (NEM) intensified by the El Nino phenomenon.

EXPLANATION:

• El Nino, characterized by warmer-than-normal temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is a phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation Phenomenon (ENSO).
• This phase tends to augment rainfall extremes, specifically during the Northeast monsoon period.

Impact of El Nino on Rainfall Extremes

• Studies indicate that extreme rainfall occurrences during the Northeast monsoon in regions of southern Tamil Nadu are notably more frequent than during the Southwest monsoon season.
• The recent heavy rainfall is a reflection of this pattern, with five districts experiencing significant downpours, surpassing normal rainfall levels by staggering percentages.
• Tirunelveli received 363.6 mm of rainfall, an astonishing 5,094% higher than the usual amount.
• Thoothukudi encountered 343.6 mm of rain, exceeding the normal by 7,059%.
• Other affected districts include Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Kanyakumari, each experiencing substantial rainfall exceeding the expected averages.

Meteorological Factors Contributing to Extreme Rainfall

• Experts emphasize the contribution of the El Nino phenomenon in intensifying the Northeast monsoon, thereby creating conducive conditions for extreme rainfall events.
• Factors contributing to the deluge include:
  • Cyclonic Circulations:
    • These atmospheric whirls in upper layers induce low-pressure areas, leading to rainfall.
    • The presence of cyclonic circulations, particularly near Kanyakumari, facilitated strong upper-level divergence.
    • This resulted in significant low-level convergence of moisture-laden winds towards south Tamil Nadu.
  • Upper-Level Divergence and Low-Level Convergence:
    • The spreading out of air in the upper atmosphere causes air below to rise, leading to low-level convergence.
    • This process brings moisture-laden winds, fostering extreme rainfall events.
  • Influence of Cyclonic Systems:
    • After the impact of Cyclone Michaung, a diffuse cyclonic system near the south Tamil Nadu coast further intensified northeast winds, creating wind and wave convergence over the region, especially around the gap between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu (Palk Bay & Gulf of Mannar).

Previous Observations and Weather Patterns

• Historically, research suggests that extreme rainfall during the Northeast monsoon (December-February) is more prevalent in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka compared to the Southwest monsoon (June-September).
• Studies analyzing 30 different weather patterns have identified specific climate variability, with certain patterns significantly associated with extreme rainfall occurrences in autumn and winter around Sri Lanka and south Tamil Nadu.

EL-NINO:

• El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, as opposed to La Niña, which is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.
• El Niño is an oscillation of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific having important consequences for weather around the globe.
• Among these consequences are increased rainfall across the southern tier of the US and in Peru, which has caused destructive flooding, and drought in the West Pacific, sometimes associated with devastating brush fires in Australia.
• Observations of conditions in the tropical Pacific are considered essential for the prediction of short term (a few months to 1 year) climate variations.

Implications and Conclusion

• The current deluge over Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli aligns with one of these identified patterns.
• The active pattern during the NEM season strengthens the monsoon, potentially enhancing rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
• In essence, the convergence of various meteorological factors, including El Nino’s influence on the Northeast monsoon, cyclonic circulations, upper-level divergence, and low-level convergence, has contributed to the recent extreme rainfall events in south Tamil Nadu.
• Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of such extreme weather occurrences in the future.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/el-nino-fuelled-northeast-monsoon-caused-the-deluge-in-south-tamil-nadu-experts-93469

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 was introduced in the Lok Sabha after the President recommended its introduction under Article 117(1) of the Constitution of India in the Winter Session. This Bill aims to usher in comprehensive regulations for the telecommunications sector.

KEY PROVISIONS OF THE BILL:

• It repeals the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.  It also amends the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997.
• Authorisation for telecom-related activities:  

Prior authorisation from the central government will be required to:

1. provide telecommunication services

2. establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunications networks

3. possess radio equipment.

Existing licences will continue to be valid for the period of their grant, or for five years, where the period is not specified.

• Assignment of spectrum:Spectrum will be assigned by auction, except for specified uses, where it will be allocated on an administrative basis.

These include purposes such as:

1. national security and defence

2. disaster management

3. weather forecasting

4. transport

5. satellite services such as DTH and satellite telephony

6. BSNL, MTNL, and public broadcasting services.

The central government may re-purpose or re-assign any frequency range.  The central government may permit sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender of spectrum.

• Powers of interception and search: Messages or a class of messages between two or more persons may be intercepted, monitored, or blocked on certain grounds.  Such actions must be necessary or expedient in the interest of public safety or public emergency, and must be in the interest of specified grounds which include:

1. security of the state

2. prevention of incitement of offences

3. public order.

• Powers to specify standards:  The central government may prescribe standards and assessments for telecom equipment, infrastructure, networks, and services.
• Right of way:  Facility providers may seek a right of way over public or private property to establish telecom infrastructure.  Right of way must be provided on a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive basis to the extent possible.
• Protection of users: The central government may provide for measures to protect users which include:

1. prior consent to receive specified messages such as advertising messages

2. creation of Do Not Disturb registers

3. a mechanism to allow users to report malware or specified messages.

Entities providing telecom services must establish an online mechanism for registration and redressal of grievances.

• Appointments to TRAI:   The Bill amends the TRAI Act to also allow individuals with:

1. at least 30 years of professional experience to serve as the chairperson

2. at least 25 years of professional experience to serve as members.

• Digital Bharat Nidhi: The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been established under the 1885 Act to provide for telecom services in underserved areas.  The Bill retains this provision, renames the fund as Digital Bharat Nidhi, and also allows its use for research and development.
• Offences and penalties: The Bill specifies various criminal and civil offences.  Providing telecom services without authorisation or gaining unauthorised access to a telecom network or data, are punishable with imprisonment up to three years, a fine up to two crore rupees, or both.  Breaching terms and conditions of authorisation is punishable with a civil penalty up to five crore rupees.  Possessing unauthorised equipment, or using unauthorised network or service, is punishable with a penalty of up to ten lakh rupees.
• Adjudication process: The central government will appoint an adjudicating officer to conduct inquiries and pass orders against civil offences under the Bill.  The officer must be of the rank of joint secretary and above.  Orders of the adjudicating officer may be appealed before the Designated Appeals Committee within 30 days.  Members of this Committee will be officers of the rank of at least Additional Secretary.   Appeals against the orders of the Committee, in connection to breach of terms and conditions, may be filed with TDSAT within 30 days.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BILL:

• Simplifying procedure for license: The Bill seeks to simplify the current licensing regime for telecom networks by moving towards an authorisation system. Currently, the telecom department issues more than 100 types of licences, registrations, and permissions, and the Bill seeks to club many of those in a single authorisation process. Licensing processes are set to be digitised, and telecom operators will have a new way of dealing with non-compliance with their licence terms. It will also have access to district and state-level authorities for permissions and dispute resolution when setting up their equipment and optical fiber networks on public and private properties.
• Utilising spectrum: The Bill also allows the government to take back spectrum that is unutilised for insufficient reasons and also opens the door for sharing, trading, and leasing of spectrum. Entities will be able to surrender unused spectrum but will not receive payment from the government for it.
• Settling disputes: The Bill introduces structured measure for settling of disputes efficiently. A tiered structure for settling disputes arising out of breach of terms and conditions involving an adjudicating officer, designated committee of appeals and the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on top.
• Consolidation: The introduction of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 leads to consolidation of the laws for wireless networks and Internet service providers by keeping existing regulatory structures largely intact. It simplifies bureaucratic procedures such as applying for licences and permits for telecom operators.
• Ease of doing business: The Bill streamlined regulatory landscape of industry bodies and promotes their ease of doing business, and could possibly give the much-needed regulatory stability and enables environment for the next phase of telecom expansion.

ISSUES:

• Authorisation from the government: As per the new Bill, telecom services and networks will need authorisation from the government, unless it decides to exempt certain entities in public interest. There are concerns surrounding interception requirements for communication over telecom networks and whether the Bill excludes Internet-based communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram from its ambit.
• Issue of surveillance: The expansive definition of telecom brings in its ambit a range of services, and state authority over them raises concerns of privacy and surveillance. These concerns are not merely academic considering past allegations of state-sponsored snooping.

The issues of surveillance reform and Internet shutdowns have massive implications, but the newly introduced Bill did not address these issues.

• Privacy concern: Entities have been mandated to carry out biometric authentication of their users as a measure to curb fraud. However, this provision has raised concerns about the privacy of users.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Stakeholder consultation: The government must address the concerns of stakeholders with an open mind, considering the vast powers that the text of the Bill grants. To further reassure the public of its clean motives, the government must conduct rule-making with absolute transparency and consultation.
• Address privacy concerns: The Bill needs to address privacy concerns and simplify procedures regulation of telecommunication sector. The Bill tries to deal with spamming concerns, but its proposed solutions require additional compromises to privacy.

• Balancing Security and Freedom: The Bill needs to acknowledge the need to safeguard press freedom with specific rules for accredited correspondents while ensuring security. The Bill’s provisions for government intervention in telecom services during emergencies highlight a focus on national security and public safety.
• Aligning with current needs: There is a need to create a regulatory environment that aligns with current technological advancements and societal needs.

THE CONCLUSION:

The telecommunications landscape has evolved dramatically since the Telegraph Act was first passed in the 19th century. The newly introduced telecommunication Bill needs to comprehensively address all the issues that have come up with this digital explosion.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q.1 The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests? (2014)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 The newly introduced Telecommunication Bill, 2023 seems to interfere with free online communication services which could lead to surveillance and privacy concerns. Examine with justification.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/incoming-call-on-the-introduction-of-the-telecommunications-bill-2023/article67654726.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced a significant achievement in India’s defence capabilities, revealing the successful demonstration of the Akash missile system’s capability to engage four aerial targets simultaneously.

EXPLANATION:

• This feat was accomplished at a range of 25 kilometers, marking a global first in the realm of missile technology.

Unprecedented Capability

• India’s successful demonstration positions it as the first country globally to achieve such a capability, utilizing a single firing unit to engage multiple aerial targets.
• The DRDO highlighted this achievement as a milestone, showcasing India’s advancement in missile technology and command guidance systems.

Test Conduct and Military Exercise

• The Indian Air Force (IAF), in collaboration with the DRDO, conducted the test, which took place during the ‘Astrashakti’ military exercise on December 12.
• The exercise was specifically organized by the Indian Air Force to showcase and validate various military capabilities.

Akash Missile System: Key Features

• The Akash missile system, designed for short-range surface-to-air defense, boasts a range of up to 25 kilometers.
• Its primary function involves safeguarding vulnerable areas and critical points from potential air attacks, making it a crucial component of India’s defense arsenal.

Export of Indian Defence Platforms

• India’s increasing prowess in defense technology is evident in its export of key platforms to friendly foreign nations.
• Alongside the Akash missile system, other notable defense platforms exported by India include the Dornier-228 aircraft, 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), Brahmos missiles, mine-protected vehicles, armored vehicles, ammunition, thermal imagers, avionics components, and small arms.

Significance of the Akash Missile System

• The successful demonstration of the Akash missile system’s enhanced capability underlines India’s commitment to advancing indigenous defense technologies.
• The system’s capacity to engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously significantly bolsters India’s defense preparedness and strengthens its position as a key player in the global defense arena.

Implications for India’s Defense Strategy

• The Akash missile system’s successful test not only showcases technological advancements but also signifies India’s strategic focus on fortifying its defense mechanisms.
• With increased capabilities in missile technology and air defense systems, India aims to bolster its defense infrastructure and enhance its ability to counter potential threats effectively.

AKASH MISSILE SYSTEM:

• The Akash (sky) is a mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system built by India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The missile was developed under the integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP).
• The programme also involved the development of the Nag, Agni and Trishul missiles, as well as the Prithvi ballistic missile.
• Two versions of the missile have been built for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA).
• The first batch of the Akash missiles was inducted by the IA in May 2015. The first Akash missile was delivered to the IAF in March 2012. The missile was formally inducted into the IAF in July 2015.

Conclusion

• India’s achievement in demonstrating the Akash missile system’s capability to engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously marks a significant milestone in its defense capabilities.
• The successful test not only highlights technological prowess but also underscores India’s commitment to advancing indigenous defense systems and contributing to global defense solutions.

SOURCE: https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/india-s-akash-missile-engages-four-targets-at-once-at-25km-a-global-first-123121700656_1.html

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: In 2023, only 18 audits of the Union government were tabled in Parliament by the CAG, marking a substantial decrease from previous years.

EXPLANATION:

• Between 2019 and 2023, the average number of reports presented annually stood at 22, contrasting sharply with an average of 40 reports per year from 2014 to 2018.
• The pinnacle was in 2015, with 53 reports, but since then, the number has been consistently lower, with four of the last six years witnessing 20 or fewer reports being tabled.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is responsible for conducting audits of the Union government’s financial transactions and presenting reports to Parliament for scrutiny and accountability.
• However, recent trends indicate a notable decline in the number of CAG audits tabled in Parliament, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in governance.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

• The reduction in the number of reports coincides with multiple factors, notably the downsizing of staff strength within the CAG and budgetary constraints faced by the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
• In 2023-24, the allocation to this department represented a mere 0.13% of the Union Budget, signifying a severe reduction in financial support for conducting audits and maintaining operational capabilities.

Budget Cuts and Staffing Challenges

• Budgetary constraints have posed significant challenges for the CAG, impacting its ability to carry out comprehensive audits effectively.
• The decline in staff strength and financial resources has likely hindered the capacity of the CAG to conduct thorough examinations of government expenditure, leading to a decrease in the number of audits produced and tabled for parliamentary scrutiny.

Implications for Transparency and Accountability

• The diminishing number of CAG audits tabled in Parliament raises concerns regarding transparency and accountability in governance.
• These reports serve as critical tools for assessing the government’s financial management, identifying inefficiencies or irregularities, and ensuring accountability to taxpayers and citizens.

Urgency for Addressing the Issue

• The decline in the presentation of audit reports emphasizes the urgency for addressing the resource constraints faced by the CAG.
• Adequate funding and adequate staffing are essential to enable the CAG to fulfill its mandate effectively, ensuring robust oversight of government spending and operations.

Need for Reinforcement of Oversight Mechanisms

• Efforts should be directed toward reinforcing oversight mechanisms, enhancing the capacity of the CAG to conduct rigorous audits, and facilitating the presentation of comprehensive reports to Parliament.
• This reinforcement is vital for upholding transparency, promoting accountability, and fostering good governance practices within the government.

Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG):

• CAG is an independent authority under the Constitution of India.
• He is the head of the Indian audit & account department and chief Guardian of Public purse.
• It is the institution through which the accountability of the government and other public authorities (all those who spend public funds) to Parliament and State Legislatures and through them to the people is ensured.

Conclusion

• The reduction in CAG audits tabled in Parliament, attributed to budgetary limitations and staffing challenges, underscores the importance of reinforcing the CAG’s capabilities.
• Strengthening oversight mechanisms and providing adequate resources to the CAG are essential steps toward ensuring effective scrutiny of government finances and operations, thereby upholding transparency and accountability in governance.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2023-12-19/th_chennai/articleGIBC5O39O-5232531.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Noma, also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis, has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).

EXPLANATION:

• This severe gangrenous disease affects the mouth and face, exhibiting an alarming mortality rate of approximately 90%. (Gangrenous: Decaying of a part of body because the blood has stopped flowing there.)
• It is closely associated with extreme poverty, malnutrition, and poor sanitation and oral hygiene, further exacerbating its impact on vulnerable communities.

Characteristics and Impact

• Primarily affecting children between the ages of 2-6 years, Noma displays a severe lack of awareness, with unreliable estimates of cases due to its occurrence in marginalized populations.
• It is named after the Greek word “nomē,” signifying “to devour,” as it progressively consumes facial tissues and bones if left untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The disease is linked to various risk factors, including poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, weakened immune systems, infections, and extreme poverty.
• Although not contagious, Noma preys on individuals with compromised immune defenses.
• It typically initiates with gum inflammation, likely caused by bacteria present in the mouth.

Geographical Prevalence and Historical Context

• Noma predominantly affects children in developing nations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is primarily observed among impoverished children aged 3-10 years.
• Historical studies indicate that the disease may result from oral contamination by specific bacteria and microbial combinations.

Medical Implications and Challenges

• Early detection is crucial due to Noma’s high mortality rate.
• Basic hygiene, antibiotics, and nutritional support can significantly slow its spread.
• The disease often originates as an ulcer on the mucous membrane, following illnesses like measles.

Consequences and Survivorship

• Survivors of Noma face profound consequences, including severe facial disfigurement, jaw muscle spasms, oral incontinence, and speech impairments.
• Effective treatments such as sulphonamides, penicillin, and surgical interventions remain inaccessible to many due to economic disparities.

Historical Perspective and Eradication Efforts

• Noma was prevalent in earlier centuries but diminished in the Western world with improved nutrition and disease prevention measures.
• Its occurrence in concentration camps during World War II highlights its historical impact.

WHO’s Recognition and Future Prospects

• The inclusion of Noma in WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases signifies a crucial step toward addressing this overlooked health challenge.
• Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders emphasizes the need for increased attention and resources to combat Noma.
• The WHO aims to raise global awareness, stimulate research, secure funding, and implement comprehensive strategies to control the disease.

Conclusion and Future Endeavours

• Recognition of Noma as an NTD seeks to leverage global attention and multidisciplinary approaches to combat the disease.
• Efforts targeting underserved populations are critical, contributing not only to disease control but also to achieving universal health coverage.
• The WHO’s acknowledgment emphasizes the urgency of addressing Noma and underscores the need for collaborative, multifaceted interventions to mitigate its devastating impact on vulnerable communities.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/what-is-noma-the-latest-addition-to-who-s-list-of-neglected-tropical-diseases-93439

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Raman Research Institute (RRI) is set to embark on its first winter Indian expedition to the Arctic region, specifically focusing on examining the radio frequency environment in the Svalbard region.

EXPLANATION:

• This landmark initiative aims to provide insights into the suitability of this Arctic location for conducting precise astronomy measurements, particularly in the field of radio astronomy.

Purpose and Objectives

• The primary goal of this scientific endeavour is to characterize the radio frequency environment in the Svalbard region.
• Researchers from RRI will assess the potential of this uniquely positioned area for carrying out precision astronomy measurements.
• The survey’s findings are anticipated to aid astronomers in evaluating the site’s suitability for deploying low-frequency radio telescopes, enabling them to conduct precise astronomical observations.

RRI’s Contribution and Research Focus

• RRI’s team from the Electronics Engineering Group, will spearhead the examination of the radio frequency environment in Svalbard.
• This survey, a first of its kind at this site, holds promise in potentially paving the way for the establishment of low-frequency radio telescopes in the region.
• The expedition, supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and coordinated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, is scheduled to take place from December 19, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Significance of the Survey

• RRI’s focus extends beyond conventional astronomical observations.
• It aims to study the faint cosmological signals emitted from hydrogen during the Cosmic Dawn and the Epoch of Reionization.
• These critical phases in the universe’s early evolution lack substantial observations due to their faintness and interference from various radio frequency sources, including urban infrastructures like cell phone towers and FM/television stations.

SARAS Experiment and Objectives

• The RRI team has been engaged in the development of the Shaped Antenna measurement of the background Radio Spectrum (SARAS) series of experiments for nearly a decade.
• SARAS seeks to detect the faint cosmological 21-cm signal from the Cosmic Dawn and the Epoch of Reionization, shedding light on the universe’s early stages.

Importance of Radio-Quiet Locations

• The success of SARAS experiments in India, conducted in radio-quiet locations like Ladakh and western Karnataka, underscores the significance of such environments for precision cosmological studies.
• However, the expansion of urbanization has limited these locations, necessitating the exploration of new, radio-quiet regions like Svalbard for deploying sensitive radio telescopes.

Technical Approach

• The expedition will utilize sensitive electronic instruments to analyse radio signals in the frequency range of 5 – 500 megahertz (MHz) at accessible sites near Himadri, India’s research station in the Arctic.
• The outcomes will provide critical insights into the radio quietness of the Arctic location, determining its suitability for the deployment of the SARAS radio telescope.
• It is anticipated that this survey will furnish essential information regarding the radio quietness of the Svalbard location, pivotal for deploying sensitive radio telescopes and conducting precise astronomical observations.

Conclusion

• RRI’s participation in the first winter Indian expedition to the Arctic signifies a crucial step in the pursuit of understanding the universe’s early stages.
• Through characterizing the radio frequency environment in the Arctic region, RRI aims to contribute significantly to the advancement of precision astronomy and cosmological studies, potentially unlocking new avenues for groundbreaking discoveries in the field.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rri-raman-research-institute-bengaluru-to-participate-in-first-winter-indian-expedition-to-arctic-region/article67650029.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: mRNA which has the capability to act as a versatile and customizable tool in protein production has revolutionized medicine.

EXPLANATION:

• From vaccines to potential therapies for various diseases, its adaptability, ease of customization, and potential for personalized treatments present a promising frontier in healthcare.
• It marks a paradigm shift toward more effective, tailored, and potentially low-risk treatments for a myriad of conditions.

Understanding mRNA and Its Role in Cells

• DNA and Protein Production:
  • DNA acts like a comprehensive cookbook containing various recipes (genes) to produce proteins, crucial for normal cellular functions.
  • When cells need to produce a protein, they don’t directly utilize the DNA; instead, they create a messenger RNA (mRNA), serving as a copy of the recipe.
  • This mRNA carries the instructions (coded in a language made of four nucleotide building blocks – A, U, C, G) necessary for protein synthesis.
  • Cells dedicate a significant amount of energy to maintain and utilize these proteins, recognizing, employing, and subsequently degrading mRNA once its function is fulfilled.
• Mutations and Disease:
  • Mutations in DNA can distort or eliminate specific mRNA recipes, resulting in errors in critical proteins, thereby causing diseases or disorders.

The Potential of mRNA as Medicine

• Customization:
  • Scientists can easily craft mRNA recipes for various proteins, either by creating entirely new recipes or modifying existing ones to produce slight protein variations, catering to individual patient needs.
• Scalability:
  • The process of producing mRNA in laboratories is scalable.
  • Once scientists understand the basic recipe creation, they can generate numerous variations efficiently.
• Adaptability and Adjustability:
  • mRNA drugs offer flexibility in dosing as they’re not permanent within cells, allowing for easy alterations in dosage according to the patient’s requirements.

mRNA Vaccines: Revolutionizing Disease Prevention

• COVID-19 Vaccines and Beyond:
  • The mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, such as those by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, marked a groundbreaking milestone.
  • These vaccines instruct cells to produce a spike protein from the virus, prompting the immune system to recognize and create antibodies against it.
  • The adaptability of mRNA allowed for swift adjustments in vaccine recipes to combat new viral variants.
• Expanding Vaccine Applications:
  • Ongoing clinical trials explore mRNA-based vaccines for various illnesses like seasonal flu, herpes, respiratory syncytial virus, norovirus, Lyme disease, Zika, and shingles.

mRNA Therapies in Disease Treatment

• Targeting Cancer:
  • mRNA treatments for cancer function akin to vaccines, training the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells.
  • These treatments involve mRNA recipes designed based on mutations commonly found in certain tumours.
  • Personalized medicine approaches involve tailoring mRNA treatments by sequencing a patient’s tumour genes, aiming for specificity and effectiveness.

The Future Potential of mRNA-Based Medicine

• Diverse Therapeutic Applications:
  • Scientists are investigating mRNA’s potential in treating a wide array of diseases beyond infectious illnesses and cancer.
  • These include heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, bone loss, and others.
  • The ability to deliver corrected mRNA recipes to cells offers promise in correcting protein-related issues causing various diseases.
• Promising Applications:
  • Early-stage studies hint at potential mRNA treatments for conditions like propionic acidaemia and diabetic wound healing, showing the capacity for mRNA to serve as a foundation for personalized, effective, and low side-effect therapies.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/mrna-vaccines-cancer-personalised-medicine/article67650001.ece/amp/

THE CONTEXT: The security breach in Parliament featuring a theatrical attempt by individuals to highlight an issue of public importance and the Union government’s response to it have been deeply problematic.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• The government has hindered any debate over this issue in Parliament which lead to an unprecedented high number of suspensions of Opposition legislators which disregard deliberative democracy.
• Over 90 opposition MPs suspended so far for causing ruckus and for disrupting parliamentary proceedings.
• Unlike in the two Lok Sabhas (2004-14), when even ruling party legislators, including rebels, were suspended for unruliness, this time only opposition members have been subject to suspension and also this is for far less severe offences since 2014.

ISSUES:

• Denial of legislative debate: Denial of legislative debate further affects the democratic processes in the country. Legislative business and parliamentary work have been often given short time while one-upmanship through the use of suspensions, have dominated proceedings.
• Underutilising parliamentary committee: Over the course of recent parliamentary sessions, there have been multiple attempts at oppressing the opposition. There have been attempts at getting Bills passed without adequate discussion and under-utilising standing and parliamentary committees.
• Targeting dissenters: One of the issue arising is misuse of the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to indiscriminately target dissenters, such as the protesters who threw canisters and raised slogans in Parliament. It has also fallen into the recent pattern of a deliberate equation of dissent with terror.
• International image: Such actions in parliament in India have compelled global democracy reports by research institutions such as V-Dem Institute to characterise India’s democracy as an “electoral autocracy”. Also, this has led the U.S.-based Freedom House, that measures civil and political liberties, to declare India as “partially free”.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Code of conduct of MPs and MLAs: There must be strict adherence to the code of conduct for MPs and MLAs so that there is least disruption of proceedings in parliament.
• Strong legislative oversight: A strong legislative oversight system ensures accountable government and the realization of the welfare state’s promise. For an effective parliamentary democracy, strict parliamentary supervision is a must.
• Effective discussion: The hallmark of a functioning democracy is deliberation, where elected legislators debate and discuss issues of public importance. A thorough deliberation can be done by efficient utilisation of parliamentary and standing committees to delve into the proposed legislation.
• Regulating suspension of parliamentarians: Parliament can amend its rules to give MPs more power when confronting the government and enable its committees to play a larger role in the legislative process. The Speaker’s adjudicating power over anti-defection legislation could be handed to the other agencies like Election Commission of India for impartial decision of suspensions.

THE CONCLUSION:

Parliament is regarded as the highest institutions in the country in which representative democracy is implemented. However, the recent actions by the government contribute to the backsliding of democracy in India, making it a matter of serious concern. There is a need for further strengthening the Parliament to prevent disruption of its proceedings and to deepen its role as the forum for deliberation on critical national issues.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of the Indian Parliament? (2023)

Q.2 Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (2023)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 The functioning of Parliament has deteriorated over time, which is not a good sign for a healthy democracy. Comment.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/legislative-decline-the-hindu-editorial-on-governments-actions-and-a-disregard-for-deliberative-democracy/article67651320.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Despite reaching an all-time high in production this year, global coal demand is expected to decline by 2026 as per a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

CURRENT STATE OF GLOBAL COAL DEMAND

• Production vs. Projected Decline in Demand
  • Despite reaching an all-time high in production, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a decline in global coal demand by 2026.
  • The report attributes this anticipated reduction to a shift towards renewable energy sources and a saturation of demand from China, while highlighting India’s pivotal role in sustaining coal demand until 2026.
• Regional Disparities in Demand
  • The forecasted decline in coal demand conceals regional differences.
  • While the European Union and the United States are expected to witness a significant drop in demand by 20% each, India and China are projected to experience an increase in demand by 8% and 5%, respectively.
  • It is primarily due to electricity needs and reduced hydropower generation.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DECLINE IN COAL DEMAND

• Renewable Energy Expansion
  • The anticipated decrease in coal demand is underpinned by the burgeoning capacity of renewable energy sources.
  • The report emphasizes the substantial deployment of low-cost solar photovoltaic systems and the projected increase in nuclear energy generation, especially in China, India, and the European Union.
• Climate and Weather Conditions
  • The IEA report correlates the decline in coal demand with climate factors.
  • It anticipates the transition from El Nino to La Nina, potentially leading to improved rainfall in Asia during 2024-2026, thereby augmenting hydropower generation and reducing the reliance on coal.

COAL’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

• CO2 Emissions and Climate Targets
  • Coal remains a dominant energy source but is also the largest contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
  • The report highlights the necessity of reducing ‘unabated’ coal use to meet international climate targets, emphasizing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s agreement to decrease coal emissions by nearly 95% between 2020-2050 to limit global temperature rise.
• Shift in Climate Policy
  • The IEA underscores the significance of global climate policy in steering away from unabated coal usage.
  • Efforts to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C by the end of the century mandate a substantial reduction in coal emissions, signalling a pivotal moment for renewable energy expansion.

GLOBAL COAL PRODUCTION TRENDS

• Production Records and Major Producers
  • China, India, and Indonesia, the world’s three largest coal producers, are expected to set production records in 2023, collectively contributing over 70% of global coal production.
  • Despite rising production levels, the report highlights the divergence between production surges and the projected decline in demand.

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY

• It is an autonomous inter-governmental organisation within the OECD framework.
• It works with governments and industry to shape a secure and sustainable energy future for all.
• It was founded in 1974 to ensure the security of oil supplies.
• It was created in response to the 1973-1974 oil crisis when an oil embargo by major producers pushed prices to historic levels and exposed the vulnerability of industrialised countries to dependency on oil imports.
• It consists of 31 member countries and eleven association countries.
• A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• India joined this organization in 2017 as an Associate member.

CONCLUSION: THE TRANSITION AWAY FROM COAL

• The IEA report points to a transformative period marked by a structural decline in coal demand, driven by sustained expansion in renewable energy technologies.
• It emphasizes the pivotal role of Asia’s renewable energy expansion in determining the pace of coal’s phase-out.
• However, meeting international climate targets necessitates accelerated efforts towards reducing coal emissions.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/global-coal-demand-expected-to-decline-by-2026-iea-report/article67647691.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The recent approvals by regulatory agencies in the UK and the US for CRISPR-based therapies targeting sickle-cell disease and β-thalassemia mark a transformative era in medicine.

EXPLANATION:

• These inherited blood disorders affect millions globally, and the approvals signify a shift towards addressing their molecular basis rather than just symptom management.

THE EVOLUTION OF CRISPR TECHNOLOGY

• Origins of CRISPR
  • CRISPR, an acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, originated from the discovery of DNA elements in 1993 by Spanish researchers.
  • These elements were found in archaea and later in bacterial genomes.
  • Initially thought to be a part of the bacterial immune system against viruses, it was revealed that CRISPR, combined with CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas), functioned as an antiviral defense mechanism.
• Milestone Discoveries
  • The groundbreaking work of Emmanuelle Charpentier, Jennifer Doudna, and Virginijus Siksnys led to key discoveries.
  • In 2010, it was demonstrated that CRISPR, specifically with Cas9 proteins, could cut DNA at precise points.
  • The identification of RNA molecules guiding Cas9 to specific genomic positions further revolutionized its potential.
  • This work culminated in the development of a programmable ‘molecular scissor’ capable of editing DNA accurately.
• CRISPR-Cas9 Advancements
  • Subsequent research by Feng Zhang and George Church showcased CRISPR-Cas9’s ability to edit the genomes of eukaryotic organisms.
  • This innovation expanded its applications, ranging from genetic therapies to agricultural advancements.

CRISPR IN MEDICINE: CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

• First-Generation Technologies
  • The approved CRISPR-based therapeutics represent first-generation technologies.
  • Though groundbreaking, they are continuously evolving to become more efficient and effective.
  • Novel approaches like base editing and prime editing hold immense promise for precise genome editing at the nucleotide level, addressing diseases like familial hypercholesterolemia.
• Emerging Techniques and Challenges
  • Techniques like base editing and prime editing are showing potential, yet safety and accuracy issues persist.
  • Off-target events, where CRISPR systems inaccurately edit unintended parts of the genome, pose risks.
  • Balancing short-term benefits with long-term risks remains critical, especially as these therapies are still in early developmental stages.

THE FUTURE LANDSCAPE AND CONSIDERATIONS

• Potential and Caution
  • While celebrating the transformative potential of CRISPR-based therapies like Casgevy, it’s essential to acknowledge potential risks.
  • Continued scrutiny and surveillance are imperative to identify and address unforeseen side effects.
  • The enormous promise of these technologies must be cautiously balanced with potential risks to ensure patient safety and ethical considerations.
• Moving Forward
  • CRISPR technology has opened doors to a future where the correction of genetic anomalies is a reality.
  • The ongoing advancements in CRISPR-based therapies signify a promising era in medicine, holding immense potential to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by genetic diseases.

CONCLUSION

• The approval of CRISPR-based therapies represents a significant leap in medical science, offering hope to patients with genetic disorders.
• While these treatments mark a milestone, continuous research, vigilance, and technological advancements are crucial to maximize benefits while minimizing risks associated with genome editing technologies.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/crispr-casgevy-sickle-cell-disease-genetic-therapeutics-explained/article67641478.ece

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court of India recently unanimously upheld the actions of the Indian government.  Though, abrogation of Article 370 can be held politically correct, concern arises as it lets the Centre get away with violating the constitution and federal principles.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• The decision has been upheld, in three judgments, one main and two concurring of the Constitution Bench of five judges of the Supreme Court which has facilitated a complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union of India.
• The unanimous judgment would have been welcomed but this is not all that happened as is facing criticism because of below mentioned reasons.

ISSUES:

• Against constitution and federal principles: Actions taken by the Centre was neither according to the provisions of the Constitution, nor in accordance with well-settled principles of federalism which is a basic feature of the Constitution.
• Diminution without consent of state assembly: Under Article 370 of the Constitution, Article 3 was applied to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. It came with a condition that its area would not be diminished by the executive nor by Parliament, without the consent of the J&K State Assembly. However, contrary to this assurance, a very substantial diminution of the area of the State of J&K held without the consent of the inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Change of status quo: Recent judgments led not only diminution of the area of the state of Jammu and Kashmir but its status too was unilaterally altered from state to Union Territory a situation not justified by any provision in the Constitution.
• Threat to Federalism: The powers of the Union government with respect to states seem to be enhanced by the verdict, which could be politically unstable. As it could lead to threat to federal principles.
• Concerns of Parliamentary Sovereignty: There are concerns that the  Union can impose the President’s Rule first and then substitute parliamentary approval in place of the Assembly even for highly divisive issues like the splitting of a state.
• Powers of the President under Article 370(1) (d): The President’s power under the Article was not a “constituent power” but merely a power to apply provisions with “modifications and exceptions.”  Thus, abrogation of Article 370 without the consent of State’s Constituent Assembly is not right.
• Violating constituent assembly: Another important safeguard for the state of Jammu & Kashmir had been set out in Article 370 (3) itself as enacted in1950. It states power of the President under Article 370 to declare the entire Article 370 inoperative can come into effect only if the precondition was fulfilled the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Disregarding this,
• Wrong interpretation by the court: The conclusion of the Court that the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly is not binding on the President was based on the Court’s erroneous interpretation of Article 370 (3) as being in two separate parts. The court wrongly states that the power under Article 370 (3) did not cease to exist upon the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Revisit judgment: SC should act proactively and revisit its judgment of upholding the abrogation of Article 370 by the centre which was done without consulting state legislature.
• Restoring normalcy: There is a need of restoring normalcy in the region for trust-building. It can be done by fostering dialogue and engaging local leaders for peaceful conduction of democratic elections and restoration of the statehood of J&K.
• Ensuring Governance: There is a need for inclusive governance for addressing diverse aspirations of the region.
• Economic development: The imminent focus of the government must be on promoting inclusive economic development of the region by effective implementation of the affirmative policies of the government.
• Establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Justice Kaul, in his concurring opinion, suggested the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Jammu and Kashmir. This commission would be tasked with acknowledging and addressing alleged rights violations in the region, indicating a commitment to justice and reconciliation. It should be established as soon as possible.

THE CONCLUSION:

The present decision of the Supreme Court upholding the centre’s decision is not constitutionally correct. It undermines federalism and democratic processes in the region. There should be a collective action to ensure good governance in the region upholding the constitutional provisions.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (2016)

Q.2 The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over- ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs inassisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Critically examine the constitutional implications of the SC judgement upholding the centre’s decision of abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/supreme-court-verdict-on-article-370-fali-s-nariman-abbrogation-of-article-370-jammu-and-kashmir-9072109/

TAG: GS 2 POLITY

CONTEXT:  The Supreme Court (SC) in its recent judgment has ruled that its October 3 judgment, requiring the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide a copy of the grounds of arrest at the time of an accused being arrested under money laundering charges, does not apply retrospectively. This new judgement, pronounced by the bench led by J.Bela Trivedi has restricted the scope of Bansal verdict.

EXPLANATION

• Several petitions have been filed across courts, alleging illegal arrests by the ED on grounds that it only orally intimated grounds of arrest to the accused.
• The Bench held that non-furnishing of grounds of arrest till the date of pronouncement in Pankaj Bansal case cannot be held to be illegal.
• The apex court Bench further said that the accused need to be informed of the grounds of the arrest in writing within 24 hours and not necessarily at the time of arrest. But, oral communication is necessary.
• This, in effect, dilutes its earlier dictum.
• Provision of written communication about the grounds of arrest within 24 hours of arrest is in compliance with Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and also with Article 22 (1) of the Indian constitution.

ED AND ITS POWERS

• The Directorate of Enforcement is a multi-disciplinary organisation mandated with investigation of offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.

The statutory functions of the ED are:

• The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA):
• Under this, the ED has been given the responsibility to enforce the provisions of the PMLA by conducting investigation to trace the assets derived from proceeds of crime, to provisionally attach the property and to ensure prosecution of the offenders and confiscation of the property by the Special court.
• The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA):
• Under this, the ED conducts investigation into suspected contraventions of foreign exchange laws and regulations, to adjudicate and impose penalties on those adjudged to have contravened the law.
• The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA):
• The Directorate is mandated to attach the properties of the fugitive economic offenders who have escaped from the India warranting arrest and provide for the confiscation of their properties to the Central Government.

OUTCOMES OF THE CLARIFICATION

• After the October 3 judgment, several PMLA undertrials had challenged their arrests based on Bansal’s three principles – first, the non-supply of written grounds; second, the absence of grounds other than mere “evasiveness”; and third, the presence of mala fides.
• Now, since the judgment cannot be applied retrospectively, those cases will no longer be valid.

CONCLUSION: The Pankaj Bansal judgment was a valuable step in terms of setting institutional accountability of the ED. But the current judgment by the SC seems to dilute the safeguard provided by Bansal case and hence requires reconsideration.

Source : https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/ed-can-give-reasons-in-writing-to-accused-within-24-hrs-of-arrest-pankaj-bansal-judgment-doesnt-apply-retrospectively-supreme-court-244662

TAG: GS 3 ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

CONTEXT: Despite India’s push to increasing green capacity in line with its nationally determined contributions (NDC), the policymakers in India have realised that unless viable energy storage options are available, green energy addition will not make any sense. In view of this, the COP28’s decision to stick to ‘transitioning away from fossil fuel’, and not the complete ‘phase-out’, has come as a breather for India.

EXPLANATION

• There was a strong pushback by India and countries like China to a proposal stipulating that no new coal-fired power plants can be commissioned without an in-built carbon capture and storage facility.
• Their opposition, ultimately, led to the omission of the clause from the final climate deal of
• Recently, the Union Power Ministry has decided to step up its coal-powered generation capacity, with plans to add at least 80 gigawatts (GW, where 1 GW is equal to 1,000 megawatts or MW) by 2031-32.

IS RENEWABLES’ PUSH WANING?

• As part of its emission-reduction resolve, the government stepped up renewable capacity addition over the last decade.
• Now, more than 40% of installed electricity capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources. Solar and wind capacity is now more than 30%.
• With this, the grid is increasingly powered by renewables now, which creates the problem of intermittency, a significant challenge from a grid management perspective.

WHAT IS ‘INTERMITTENCY’ IN RENEWABLES

• Renewable energy cannot always consistently produce energy at all hours of the day. Energy production fluctuates with renewable energy. This is termed as Electricity is generated only when the sun shines or when the wind blows, which is not always in sync with the demand cycle.
• On the other hand, power output generated by fossil fuel-based power plants using coal or natural gas is constant. This has often been referred to as base-load energy.
• Hence, to counter the problem with renewables, power utilities are forced to keep old thermal units on standby — but that involves high fixed costs payouts.

INDIA’S NEW COAL THRUST

• Although the plan to increase coal-based capacity is broadly in line with the National Electricity Plan for 2022-27, the new blueprint for the country’s power sector marks a discernible pivot and a policy reversal from earlier years.
• It underscores the country’s resolve to revert to coal for desperately-needed baseload capacity.

STORAGE CONUNDRUMS

• Without storage, incremental renewable power capacity poses problems for grid managers.
• Renewables are not always a viable option for procurers such as state-owned distribution companies (discoms), due to vagaries in the generation trends.
• It means they have to depend on thermal or nuclear generation to meet the base load demand.
• Storage is expensive currently, and the Lithium-ion storage battery option for grid application is being ruled out as unviable.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT?

• Hydrogen and hybrid generation models blended with off-stream pumped storage are being cited as two alternatives.
• The government is also looking to mandate renewable energy projects with more than 5-megawatt (MW) capacity to install energy storage systems (ESS).
• However, there is a recognition that coal-fired capacity needs to stay as base load for the time being.
• More steps are required to be taken at the policy and regulatory levels for ensuring an enabling ecosystem for storage systems.

CONCLUSION: While cutting down on fossil fuel usage is imperative to meet the Paris Climate Agreement goals, access to viable storage technology is equally important. The breather may have been given, but the developed countries need to accelerate their mitigation efforts to allow a fair share of remaining carbon space to be available to developing countries.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/india-coal-renewable-energy-storage-9069676/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The 2023 summer in the Arctic was the warmest on record and the region has been warming nearly four times faster than the global average since 1979. This has been highlighted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual Arctic Report Card, a peer-reviewed analysis conducted by 82 scientists from 13 countries.

EXPLANATION:

The report has highlighted 5 major consequences of the rising temperatures in the Arctic region:

1. Thawing Of Subsea Permafrost
2. Food Insecurity
3. Raging Wildfires
4. Severe Flooding
5. Greenland Ice Sheet Melting

THAWING OF SUBSEA PERMAFROST

As subsea permafrost thaws, the organic matter within it begins to decay. This decomposition process releases large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide into the surrounding water and atmosphere.

Impact

• Global Warming: The released greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the ongoing trend of global warming.
• Ocean Acidification: Carbon dioxide also leads to ocean acidification, lowering the pH of the ocean. This can have detrimental effects on marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and certain plankton species.

FOOD INSECURITY

Salmon is a crucial part of the traditional diet in many Indigenous cultures, providing essential nutrients and serving as a staple food source.

Impact

• Food crisis: The reduced numbers and size of Chinook and chum salmon represent a significant threat to the food security of Indigenous communities.
• Cultural impact: The decline in salmon populations disrupts the cultural fabric of these communities, impacting their way of life and connection to the land.
• Increase in conflicts: This can also result in conflicts over access to dwindling salmon resources, further straining the relationships between different user groups.

RAGING WILDFIRES

High temperatures and below-average rainfall created favorable conditions for increased instances of wildfires. Canada experienced its worst wildfire season, with over 10 million acres burned in the Northwest Territories.

Impact

• Destruction of Ecosystems: Wildfires lead to the rapid destruction of vegetation and ecosystems which have long-lasting effects on the local flora and fauna.
• Air Quality: The smoke produced by wildfires can travel over long distances, affecting air quality. This poses serious health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Evacuations and Displacement: The need to evacuate two-thirds of the population in the affected territories disrupts communities and places a strain on emergency services.

SEVERE FLOODING

Glacier meltwater caused floods, leading to property damage, and highlighting the tangible consequences of glacial retreat.

Impact

• Property Damage: Flooding, especially when caused by the meltwater from glaciers, can lead to severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses.
• Risk to Lives: Flooding poses a direct threat to human lives. The sudden release of water from a glacial lake can lead to flash floods, putting communities at risk.
• Displacement and Community Disruption: Flooding can force communities to evacuate temporarily or permanently which can weaken the strong community bonding.

GREENLAND ICE SHEET MELTING

The melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet has far-reaching consequences, affecting both local and global environments.

Impact

• Sea Level Rise: The Greenland Ice Sheet continues to lose mass, contributing to rising sea levels. Sea level rise poses a global threat to coastal communities and ecosystems.
• Global Climate System: The melting of large ice sheets can disrupt ocean currents and impact global climate systems.
• Local Environmental Changes: The melting of ice alters the local environment in Greenland. This includes changes in the availability of freshwater, affecting ecosystems and wildlife.

CONCLUSION

• Arctic’s vulnerability underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to combat climate change.
• The report highlights the far-reaching consequences of global warming, urging society to take collective action to mitigate these impacts and build resilience in the face of a changing climate.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/arctic-hottest-summer-climate-change-9069590/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The three Bills introduced by the Union government in the Lok Sabha in August 2023 to replace respectively the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Evidence Act were unexpectedly withdrawn on December 9, 2023. They were replaced by revised second drafts which were tabled by the Union home minister on December 12, 2023 in the Lok Sabha. 
EXPLANATION:

BACKGROUND:

• The August 2023 first drafts of the three Bills had drawn wide public outrage as an assault on our democracy.
• These were reviewed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, reflecting the extremely poor quality and the alarming nature of the Bills, it was constrained to recommend a slew of changes. The Committee went to the extent of cautiously expressing mild concern about the vagueness of crucial definitions in the drafts
• In their second drafts too, the character of the Bills remains fundamentally anti-democratic. The fundamental objection to the first draft of the Bills is not removed by the second draft.

Key Modifications proposed in drafts are:

1. The most important change which will replace the Indian Penal Code, is that the government has entirely pulled back from the first draft’s expansion of the crime of terrorism beyond the existing definition in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

• The UAPA defines as terrorist any act “with intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, security economic security, or sovereignty of India or with intent to strike terror or likely to strike terror in the people or any section of the people in India or in any foreign country”.
• Definition in the first BNS draft included as terrorism extremely vague acts such as “intimidating the general public or a segment thereof”, “disturbing public order”, “creating an atmosphere or spreading a message of fear”; “destabilising or destroying the political, economic, or social structures of the country”, or “creating a public emergency or undermining public safety”.
• Under the first BNS draft, these acts would be terrorist acts even if they are in the form of mere non-violent speech that does not involve the commission of any crime. Each of these vague formulations has the potential to be abused to lock up virtually anyone by converting legitimate public discourse into ‘terrorism’.
• The second draft of BNS withdraws the definition of a terrorist act in the first draft and entirely adopts the UAPA definition. There is one exception UAPA includes in terrorism the “production or smuggling or circulation only of high quality counterfeit Indian paper currency, coin or of any other material”. Whereas the second BNS draft widens this definition to cover the same activities with respect to any counterfeit Indian paper currency, coin or of any other material.
• The second draft of BNS also changes the punishment for ‘terrorism which results in death’ from life imprisonment without parole to life imprisonment as provided in UAPA (i.e., without ruling out parole).

Criticism:

• Double-barrelled weapon: While the modifications to the BNS definition of terrorism are welcome, it is disappointing that the government refused to drop the terrorism offence altogether from BNS as it is already covered under UAPA.  With this new BNS provision, the government will now have a double-barrelled weapon to prosecute and imprison terrorism under two statutes – a special law (UAPA) and the other a general law (BNS).
• Extraordinary police discretion: Given that one statute (UAPA) has some safeguards and a special court and the other (BNS) does not, this in itself creates an opportunity for potential rent-seeking and corruption on the exercise of this extraordinary police discretion. No justification has been provided for the need to maintain the offence of terrorism in two separate statutes.

2. Another potent weapon to be misused against non-violent dissent lay in the vague definition of “petty organised crime” in the first BNS draft. Under which any crime that causes general feelings of insecurity among citizens relating to thirteen enumerated acts and “other common forms of organised crime committed by organised criminal groups or gangs” was criminalised.

The government has pulled back on this open-ended definition and replaced it in the second draft with a more circumscribed definition: “Whoever, being a member of a group or gang, either singly or jointly, commits any act of theft, snatching, cheating, unauthorised selling of tickets, unauthorised betting or gambling, selling of public examination question papers or any other similar criminal act, is said to commit petty organised crime.”

3. Punishments

• In the second BNS draft, the government dropped the earlier proposal that life imprisonment in all cases shall be “imprisonment for remainder of a person’s natural life”.
• The second BNS draft clarifies punishment for ‘culpable homicide not amounting to murder’ which had not been clearly drafted in the first draft.
• Under the revised version, causing death by any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide will be punishable by five years’ imprisonment, reduced from seven years.

4. Mental unsoundness 

• The first drafts of the Bills wrongly substituted the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act concept of “mental unsoundness” with the term “mental illness” without noticing the critical distinction between these two concepts.
• This error has been rectified in the second draft of all three Bills.

5. Use of electronic technology

• The draft Bills clearly indicate a lack of clarity and understanding about the use of electronic means in criminal justice.
• The second BNSS draft deletes various proceedings that were authorised to be conducted electronically in the first draft without explaining the need for the change.

Some key recommendations not accepted

• The Standing Committee’s recommendations that
• non-consensual sexual acts covered by IPC Section 377 should continue to be criminalized
• grounds must be provided by the Executive for commutation of sentences
• a special provision be included to protect healthcare workers
• adultery be maintained as a gender-neutral crime.

Criticisms of the Bills:

• The Bills weaponise the police and the criminal justice system to give the political leadership at all levels centre, state and local. It gives greater opportunity to abuse the criminal justice system for political gain through selective, targeted and politically biased prosecution against ideological and political rivals.
• The Bills create and maintain high-sounding but vaguely worded and easily abused offences such as “terrorism”; “organised crime”; endangering “sovereignty, unity and integrity of India”; and what we may call “sedition plus”.
• The Bills scale up police powers and discretion in a number of areas to be used for prosecuting these vague crimes. Violating well-established judicial standards, the Bills dilute the legal obligation of the police to file FIRs and register cases by providing police the option to conduct a preliminary inquiry before registering an FIR in certain cases.
• To expand the surveillance state, the Bills mandate the provision of biometrics by those who are not accused but are arrested in a case enhancing the incentive for arresting a person who is sought to be surveilled.
• There is no real effort in the Bills to enhance police accountability to the people. At a time when the judiciary is unable to protect citizens from malicious and selective prosecution. These Bills enhance repression in our country.

CONCLUSION: Rather than strengthening criminal justice administration, the Bills primarily serve political aims.  Like many other historic pieces of legislation, these three pivotal laws that will deeply affect the lives of all Indians will also be rushed through parliament with the explicit aim of avoiding any meaningful debate or genuine discussion on them.

Source: https://thewire.in/government/second-avatar-criminal-law-bills-has-anything-changed

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Maldives government has decided to not renew an agreement with India that allowed India to conduct hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters.

EXPLANATION:

• The agreement was signed in 2019 during Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the islands. Various MoUs were signed during the visit, including one for Cooperation in the Field of Hydrography between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
• The new government of Maldives had earlier requested that India should pull out its military personnel deployed in the country.

Hydrographic survey:

• Hydrographic surveys are carried out by ships, which use methods such as sonar to understand the various features of a water body.
• According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these surveys help

1. Map out water depth
2. Shape of the seafloor and coastline
3. Location of possible obstructions
4. Physical features of water bodies to ensure the efficiency and safety of maritime transportation.

Hydrographic survey pact:

• The first meeting of the Joint Commission on Hydrography was held in the Maldives in September 2019.
• So far, three joint hydrographic surveys have been undertaken – in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Darshak carried out the first Joint Hydrographic survey in February and March of 2021.
• The second Joint Hydrographic survey was carried out by the INS Sutlej from April 18 to May 24, 2022. During the period, the ship surveyed Northern Maldives and the Male area including Thilafushi, Hulhumale and Male port on the request of the Government of Maldives.
• Multi-beam echo sounders were used. The surveys were done to generate updated Navigational Charts/ Electronic Navigational Charts of the areas, which would help sectors such as Tourism, Fisheries, Agriculture, etc.
• Training was also imparted to MNDF personnel on the use of survey equipment. India said it would train more MNDF personnel at its Hydrographic Institute in Goa.
• The third survey was conducted between January and February 2023, by INS Investigator. It identified 52 new shoals, which are emerging ridge-like natural structures in the sea, within the Ihavandhippolhu atoll.

Water survey pacts with other countries:

• India’s oldest Hydrographic Survey ship, INS Sandhayak, was decommissioned in 2021.

It undertook more than 200 major hydrographic surveys along the Western and Eastern coasts of the Indian peninsula, and the Andaman Sea, as well as surveys in neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

• The government has previously cited a UN study that says approximately 50 per cent of coastal states have no hydrographic capability and another 25 per cent have only limited capabilities. Only the remaining 25 per cent, including India, have adequate hydrographic capabilities.
• National Hydrographic Office’s website states “There is, immense scope for international co-operation in hydrography, particularly, in Asia and Africa, where 36% and 64% of the waters respectively, are yet to be surveyed systematically.
• It says Indian survey ships have assisted Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Maldives, Oman, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania in the past.

So why does Maldives want to end the pact?

• Change of regime: There is change in regime in the country following the upcoming elections. Earlier President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), who was in power from 2018 to 2023, was seen as being more favourable to India, but his successor of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) is being seen as more pro-China.
• China’s influence: While the Maldives has traditionally been a part of India’s sphere of influence. In recent decades China has sought to project its power aggressively in the Indian Ocean, including through massive investments in infrastructure projects as Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Self interest: Maldivian administration believes it is “best for national security to improve the Maldivian military’s capacity to conduct such surveys, and protect such sensitive information”.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/maldives-survey-pact-india-hydrographic-explained-9069657/

THE CONTEXT: There is resurgence in headline retail inflation in November which was totally unexpected after the RBI just predicted a  small increase. It is a stark reminder of the risks volatile food prices pose.

INFLATION TREND ANALYSIS

• National Statistical Office’s provisional reading of headline inflation shows the Consumer Price Index rose by 5.55% year-on-year to a three-month high, from October’s 4.87%.
• Food price gains measured by the Consumer Food Price Index accelerated by a steep 209 basis points to 8.7% last month. Cereals and vegetables surged 10.3% and 17.7% inflation, respectively.
• Vegetable price’s rate surging by almost 15 percentage points from October’s 2.8%. Only potato prices, which continued to remain in deflationary territory, offered some respite.
• Pulses and sugar are other areas of concern, with the first witnessing more than 20% inflation and the sweetener also experiencing an uptick in the pace of price gains to 6.55%.
• With the RBI having opted to refrain from raising rates for now, the onus lies on the government to help temper inflation.

ABOUT INFLATION:

• Inflation is defined by the International Monetary Fund as the rate of increase in prices over a given period, encompassing a broad measure of overall price increase or for specific goods and services.
• It reflects the rising cost of living and indicates how much more expensive a set of goods or services has become over a specified period, usually a year.

Headline Inflation

• Headline inflation is the raw inflation figure reported through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) that is released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Headline inflation is not adjusted to remove highly volatile figures, including those that can shift regardless of economic conditions.

Core Inflation

• Core inflation is the change in the costs of goods and services but does not include those from the food and energy sectors.
• It is most often calculated using the consumer price index (CPI), which is a measure of prices for goods and services.

CAUSES OF INFLATION:

• Supply Shocks: Inflation is caused due to sudden and unexpected disruption to the supply of goods and services. Some of the reasons for reduction in supply are Natural disasters, geopolitical events, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Demand-Pull Inflation: It occurs when the demand for goods and services exceeds their supply. When the overall demand in the economy is high, consumers are willing to pay more for the available goods and services that leads to a general rise in prices.
• Cost-Push Inflation: It is driven by an increase in the production costs for goods and services. This can be caused by factors such as increased incomes, increased costs of raw materials, or disruptions in the supply chain.
• Increase in the money supply in an economy: When there is more money in circulation, consumers have more purchasing power, which can drive up demand and prices.

CONCERNS RELATED TO INFLATION:

• Decreased Purchasing Power: Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money, meaning that with the same amount of money, individuals can buy fewer goods and services.
• Uncertainty and Planning Challenges: High inflation can create uncertainty in the economy. It becomes challenging to plan for the future when prices are constantly changing. Long- planning term becomes difficult, and uncertainty can lead to hesitancy in making investment decisions. This forces the government to spur the investments and leads to crowding-out effects.
• Reduces overall demand: The eventual fallout of reduced purchasing power is that consumers demand fewer goods and services.
• Worsens the exchange rate: High inflation means the rupee is losing its power. Investors will take away their capital because of reduced returns. Thus, high inflation can lead to worsening of exchange rate.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Monetary Policy: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s central bank, plays a crucial role in controlling inflation through monetary policy. The RBI adjusts key interest rates, such as the repo rate, to influence money supply and credit in the economy. These monetary measures can help in tackling inflation.
• Fiscal Policy Measures: The government uses fiscal policies like taxation and public spending to manage inflation. Appropriate fiscal measures can help in curbing demand and controlling inflationary pressures. Higher taxes can reduce disposable income, curbing spending and inflation.
• Food Price Management: Given that food prices often contribute significantly to inflation in India, the government needs to implement initiatives to manage food supplies and prices. For examples, there is need to strengthening Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the Public Distribution System (PDS). To prevent artificial scarcity and price manipulation, the government need to conduct regular checks  against hoarding and black marketing.

THE CONCLUSION:

There is a need to address the high commodity prices and shortages of raw materials to support the consumption in the country by preserving macro-financial stability.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.(2019)

Q.2 It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement.(2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 How does inflation affect the consumption and economic growth in the country?. Suggest measures to tackle high inflation in India.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/acceleration-foretold-on-volatile-food-prices/article67642176.ece