9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – April 14th, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• Solving India’s idol theft problem
• Why time banking is a crucial tool to empower women

GS Paper 2

• Fortifying nutrition
• Beijing’s move, India’s turn
• The key phrase is ‘focus on the foetus, for the future’
• India is a nation without a national language. Let’s embrace this

GS Paper 3

• A milestone’s been spied for a switchover to EVs
• Hits and misses: India’s solar power energy targets

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Cabinet approves continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan(RGSA)
• Cabinet approves policy for use of land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957
• Expert Committee on Longevity Finance recommends setting up of Longevity Hub at GIFT-IFSC
• Govt. lays down norms for quota in promotions
• Union Minister inaugurates the valedictory session of e-Khel Pathshala
• Sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration saves water & increases farmer’s income
• Explained: Why lemons are so costly now
• UGC issues norms for students to do two programmes at once
• Explained: Mythology, politics behind Gujarat’s Madhavpur Mela, and why CMs from Northeast are visiting it
• Global wind energy sector needs four-fold higher growth to meet 2050 Net Zero goal: Report

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

Solving India’s idol theft problem

Context: Article, citing a CAG report, shines a light on the issue of the antiquities being stolen from monuments/sites and from Site Museums in India.

What were the findings of the CAG report?

The 2013 report on “Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Antiquities”, by the CAG found that 131 antiquities were stolen from monuments/sites and 37 antiquities from Site Museums from 1981 to 2012.

In similar situations, worldwide, organisations took effective steps including

– checking of catalogues of international auction house(s)

– posting news of such theft on websites

– posting information about theft in the International Art Loss Registry

– sending photographs of stolen objects electronically to dealers and auction houses and intimate scholars in the field.

On ASI’s role:

– ASI never participated or collected information on Indian antiquities put on sale at well-known international auction houses viz. Sotheby’s, Christie’s, etc. as there was no explicit provision in the AAT (Antiquities and Art Treasures) Act, 1972 for doing so.

– ASI was also a nodal agency to retrieve stolen or illegally exported art objects. From 1976 to 2001, 19 antiquities had been retrieved by the ASI from foreign countries. But after 2001, the ASI had not been able to achieve any success.

Has the situation improved over the last few years?

Yes.

Around 200-odd idols have been returned by the US, Britain, Canada and Australia. Credit largely goes to increased citizen awareness and to the initiatives & success of the India Pride Project (It is a group of art enthusiasts who uses social media to identify stolen religious artefacts from Indian temples and secure their return)

A stolen Buddha statue has also returned from Italy.

What is the way forward?

India should also sign the 1995 UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects.

India can take lessons from global best practices, like those followed by Italy –

a) A specific law on protecting cultural heritage, with enhanced penalties; (b) Centralised management before granting authorisation for archaeological research; (c) Specialisation in cultural heritage for public prosecutors; (d) An inter-ministerial committee for recovery and return of cultural objects; (e) MOUs and bilateral agreements with other countries and international organisations to prevent illegal trafficking; (f) Involvement of private organisations and individuals in protection; (g) A complete inventory of moveable and immoveable cultural heritage, with detailed catalogues; (h) Monitoring and inspection of cultural sites; and (i) Centralised granting of export requests.

Why time banking is a crucial tool to empower women

Context: Unpaid work is crucial for development of the society and economy, but is often invisible. Women perform 75% of the world’s unpaid care work.

The largest source of women’s unpaid labor is domestic work. These include household chores like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning as well as caregiving to the children, elderly and infirm.

What is time poverty?

Time poverty is defined as “not having enough time” to pursue interests beyond unpaid domestic/ care work.

Unpaid labour is often devalued by men and creates time poverty. The situation leads to emotional strain.

Time poverty has a direct bearing on the ability of women to contribute to or participate in the labour market and/or public or political life, leading to declining female labour force participation rate.

What is time banking?

Time banking can be viewed as an opportunity cost of an unpaid activity in terms of the time sacrificed. In time banks, one hour equals one time credit, regardless of the service being performed or the level of each person’s skill or gender.

Time-banking can benefit women, their families and their communities by alleviating time poverty through the system of exchange services through time credits.

For each hour of a service exchanged, the service provider receives one, time credit and the beneficiary pays one, time credit.

What are the benefits?

There are time banks operating in more than 30 countries in the Americas, Africa and Europe as well as in Russia and China. Time bank networks can be utilised for increasing political participation of women in the following ways:

• Directly: Through utilisation of time credits for campaigning for office
• Indirectly: By educating themselves or others on local issues or understanding their rights, accessing government programs and mobilising others.

Across the world, there are examples in our everyday life of intra- and inter-family examples of informal time-sharing. However, for tangible results on a community or economy scale, the concept needs scaling up and formalisation.

How to formalise time banking?

The most relevant case study on time banks is that of Senegal, where time banking was made a formal system and integrated into a vocational training centre for women. It allowed women to earn time credits by working at the centre or caring for members’ children and exchange them for classes and workshops.

To make time banks a formal set up, GRADES introduced a simple framework. Each member of the community identified needs that he or she can address. The community then translated the service performed by the individual into time credits which could be exchanged for hours beyond unpaid work.

Way forward:

Time banking, if made a formal arrangement, has the potential to act as the catalyst to women empowerment by formally recognising the economic value of unpaid labour and tapping the same across communities.

GS Paper 2

Fortifying nutrition

News: The government’s decision to supply fortified rice across the country in phases by 2024 is a welcome move to address malnutrition.

At present, fortified rice is being supplied through the Targeted public Distribution System (TPDS) in one district each of 11 states under a pilot project running since 2019.

Why fortification is essential?

Hunger and starvation deaths have come down, but undernourishment and imbalanced nutrition are still rampant and in fact growing.

As per the National Family Health Survey -5,

– the proportion of anaemic women in the 15-49 age group has gone up from 53% in 2015-16 to 57% in 2019-20.

– Under-five children suffering from the deficiency of iron and other essential nutrients has soared to 67.1% (an annual rise of almost 8 per cent during this period).

Such nutritional disorders affect the physical and mental growth of children, resulting in a high incidence of “stunting” (short height) and “wasting” (low weight).

Global Hunger Index 2021 ranked India 101st among 116 countries, placing it below its smaller neighbours like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

What are the potential benefits of the supply of the iron-fortified rice?

The scheme, to supply iron-fortified rice, is expected to reduce stunting and wasting among kids by 2 per cent and anaemia in teenage girls and pregnant women by 9 per cent a year.

Officials claim the scheme would help save about Rs 50,000 crore in health care expenses.

What are the concerns regarding the fortification scheme?

Nutrition experts are doubtful about the effectiveness of fortified rice in meeting the desired goal of eradicating anaemia and undernourishment.

– Their scepticism relates to absorption of iron in the human body.

– This vital nutrient, needed for growth and development, requires various other minerals and vitamins for its absorption in the blood to produce haemoglobin. The problem with most of the ongoing nutrition-oriented government programmes is that they are focused primarily on filling the bellies rather than providing wholesome and nourishing food.

What is the way forward?

Nutritionists of the Indian Council of Medical Research, as also of the Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition, believe that diversity in food intake holds the key to meet the requirement of micronutrients.

– This can be ensured by including in the diets readily available and more nutritious foods like coarse cereals and millets, such as bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), and ragi (finger millet), besides pulses, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits.

Further, India’s agricultural research network is developing inherently nutrient-rich bio-fortified varieties of various food crops by tweaking their genetic structure through conventional and modern plant-breeding techniques.

– The inclusion of these nutrition-enhanced grains in the food programmes would be the most practical and cost-effective means to alleviate malnutrition.

Beijing’s move, India’s turn

News: Recently, India refused to condemn Russia’s military invasion, and decided to continue trade with Russia. It has abstained from voting on United Nations resolutions.

In this context, a number of diplomats, officials, and ministers from across the globe visited India. This has raised India’s role in global politics. 

What are the ongoing challenges in India-China Relationship? 

India and America have seen convergence of interests based on the Chinese emergence and assertion.  

There is a relative power gap between the two Asian powers. For instance, China’s economy is nearly six times India’s size. 

Indo-China border disputes: 90,000 Indian and Chinese soldiers have been deployed in Ladakh for nearly two years now. Further, 15 rounds of negotiations have failed to result in de-escalation in certain border areas.  

India has been accommodative of Beijing’s sensitivities.

– For example, the Indian government had instructed the U.S. officials to neither mention the Chinese aggression in any joint statement nor raise it in a strong manner otherwise. India did not criticise China’s clampdown in Hong Kong, and mistreatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang. In addition, India has kept the activities of the Tibetan community (including Dalai Lama) in India within limits that do not provoke Beijing. 

However, China is unconcerned about Indian sensitivities.

– For example, China signed a provocative statement on Kashmir at the OIC meeting in Islamabad. In addition, China has allowed South Korean and Pakistani students to return to China. However, it has not been extended to India. 

In fact, India has remained defensive about the criticism of its own strong-arm policies in Kashmir.  

Other Foreign Policy Challenges for India 

India is the centrepiece of the Joe Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy. In fact, India’s Quad partners (U.S., Japan, Australia) have imposed trade sanctions on Russia, and provided military aid to Ukraine. 

The U.S. has issued a warning of the consequences for India and other countries if they actively attempt to circumvent or backfill the US sanctions”. For example, India and Russia are exploring ways of conducting bilateral trade by bypassing the dollar-based financial system. 

China praised India for pursuing an independent foreign policy. It wishes India to move away from the Quad. It wants to reset its larger strategic interest with New Delhi. If there is any reset in India and China ties, it will alter New Delhi’s relationship with the U.S. Further, It will impact the effectiveness of Quad. 

Ways Forward 

India has stated that precondition for return to normalcy in China-India ties: (1) restoration of status quo ante of April 2020 in Ladakh; and (2) disengagement from remaining “friction points”. 

The Chinese minister offered to create a virtual G-2 in Asia. He proposed to protect India’s traditional role and collaborate on developmental projects as ‘China-India Plus’ in South Asia.  

China should pay heed to India’s limited preconditions for declaring the border crisis resolved.  

The key phrase is ‘focus on the foetus, for the future’

Context: In 2019, the government declared March 10, as “National Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Awareness Day”. It was declared on the birthday of Prof. Seshiah who was conferred the Padma Shri in the field of medicine (as a part of the Republic Day honours this year).

Further, the novel coronavirus pandemic has shifted focus on a silent ‘pandemic’ called as the Non-Communicable Disease (NCDs) which spans across the world over the last few decades. 

In general, the NCDs include diabetes and related conditions such as obesity, hypertension and heart disease. Women can have pre-existing diabetes (or ‘pre-gestational diabetes’) and Pregnancy-related diabetes (or ‘gestational diabetes’). Both of these diseases can be categorized as ‘Hyperglycemia-in-Pregnancy (HIP)’.  

How can diabetes become a pandemic in coming years?
In the year 2021, As per estimates of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 537 million people were infected with diabetes. However, there are chances that the tally may reach 783 million people by 2045.  

What are the reasons for increasing NCDs, especially Diabetes? 

These include an aging population, urbanisation, genetic predisposition, nutrition and lifestyle transition. 

In the 1980s, Prof. David Barker hypothesised that most of the adult disease can be traced to the foetus stage. Any adverse stimulus (say, an increased blood sugar level in mother) inside the woman’s womb, may permanently affects the structure, the functioning and the metabolism of the developing human body. It happens at the cellular and tissue levels. The borne children develop diabetes or pre-diabetes at this stage. He is also prone to other related NCDs such as hypertension and heart disease. 

In fact, the diabetes/HIP disease may even extend to next generations through unfavourable genetic and epigenetic effects from parent to the offspring. A baby girl is also prone to develop pregnancy-related diabetes. 

Ways Forward 

The health of offspring and of further generations depends upon the metabolic health of the pregnant woman.  

The ‘Diabetes-in-Pregnancy–Study Group of India’ (DIPSI) recommended ‘all pregnant women’ should be subjected to testing for diabetes in the ‘early weeks of pregnancy’.  

The diabetes and other NCDs can be checked well before conception. For example, A woman having pre-existing diabetes should maintain blood sugar level and a healthy weight.  

Targeting pregnancy-related diabetes can help in breaking the vicious cycle of transgenerational transmission. It can significantly bring down the expanding burden of diabetes and other NCDs. 

India is a nation without a national language. Let’s embrace this

News: Recently, the Home Minister of India specifically mentioned the use of Hindi language in the North-eastern states. He has announced to make Hindi compulsory in all North-eastern states.

Argument for and against promoting Hindi language in India  

– Idea of nationalism cannot be imagined without an indigenous national language of the country. 

Argument Against 

– In India, language is business-as-usual and is the symbol of competing interests of federal and centrist powers. 

– In fact, the constituent assembly debates on language were very long and extremely charged. It implies that deep sentiments are attached to language in India.  

Indians manage to communicate across linguistic divides. In fact, Both English and Hindi work as vehicular languages, sometimes one and sometimes the other. Therefore, there is no need to make Hindi lingua franca of India. 

The language is not simply about communication in India. It has the potential of being used as a weapon if one language is imposed upon others. For example, the 1st public immolation in independent India was on the issue of language. 

India has a unique history of being a nation without a national language. India has a different model.  

A language evolves slowly. The government cannot force it to grow. For example, Hindi language is the youngest language among the languages included in the 8th Schedule. However, other scheduled languages have a long history. They have abundance of historical literature than Hindi literature. 

English is the global lingua franca. Furthermore, Mandarin is the world’s 2nd most spoken language. It is the language of China which is the rising superpower. And, Hindi ranks third among the languages. 

India’s economic growth has been driven by booming IT and IT-enabled services business in India. These services were driven by India’s English-knowing population.  

As per 2011 Census, around 69 crore Indians remain non-Hindi speakers. Thus, Hindi language does not form a majority language of India.  

What are the issues in the growth story of Hindi language? 

India’s Census data is not realistic. The data is collected for the combined Hindi language group instead of Hindi language alone. For example, it includes Bhojpuri, and other languages of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand. 

In fact, the strength of Hindi speakers would have gone down, if the Census had not included the other languages under the Hindi group.  

The Hindi/Hindu majoritarianism is leading to present language policy changes which aimed at making Hindi compulsory.  

International investors prefer the English language. For example, Vietnam is a more attractive destination than India. 50% of the Vietnamese population can speak English. In India, this share is 10% only. 

Lack of focus on English can lead to loss of economic opportunity for the young Indians in the emerging knowledge economy. For example, West Bengal witnessed this when English was dropped in the 1990s. 

The big power of the world acquired their global dominance without any meaningful knowledge of English. For example, less than 10% of the Chinese population speak English. 

Way Forward 

The rest of the world needs to learn from the unique model of India. India should not imitate the one-language-one-nation model. 

The Parliamentary Committee for the promotion of Hindi should consider the declining trend of other Indian languages. It should make the Census data for Hindi more realistic than unrealistic one. It should understand the realism linked to India’s multilingualism, the federal structure of India and the issue of language sensitivity across the states. 

The cinema and related industry can promote languages. For example, the Hindi language and Bhojpuri has seen high visibility in cinema, literature, newspapers, songs, theatre and publication industry 

English should be made compulsory as a first language in state schools. Further, the students should be allowed to choose a second language from a list of Indian and foreign languages (Mandarin should be one).  

GS Paper 3

A milestone’s been spied for a switchover to EVs

Context: The government has expressed confidence that electric vehicles (EVs) will achieve parity with conventional petrol burners in India within two years.

What is the cost trend estimate of EVs?

By Crisil Research report estimates, all vehicles get increasingly economical with greater use. But EVs are seen to do this better, the gap would close sooner for covering long distances.

This is good news from a climate perspective. However, electricity generation also needs to be clean.

What are the challenges faced in promotion of  EV?

Crude is also getting dearer over the years. But recent war-driven disruptions to the assembly of fossil cars could impact EVs too. For example – the price of Nickel, a key battery input, has soared.

China’s dominance of battery-making is another source of anxiety for the global EV industry.

In India, while talk of battery swapping for energy refill has been in the air, it is still a long way to go.

Also, charging networks would have to prove their reliability on ease of access and the speed of recharge. The pace of spreading of EV stations matters too.

Safety concern – as currently been probed by the Centre after a sting of fire mishaps.

Way forward:

There is a need for state incentives to plug cost-of-ownership gaps in India. Need for fixing quality bugs to enable EV market takeoff.

Hits and misses: India’s solar power energy targets

News: A report prepared by JMK Research and Analytics and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis states that India is likely to miss the 2022 target of installing 100 GW of solar power capacity. This is because rooftop solar lagging behind.

What is India’s solar policy?

The National Solar Mission, 2010 started promotion and development of solar power in India. Since 2011, the solar sector has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 59% from 0.5 GW in 2011 to 55 GW in 2021.

India currently ranks 5th after China, U.S, Japan and Germany in terms of installed solar power capacity. As of December 2021, solar installed capacity is 55GW, which is 14% of all power generation capacity of India. In this, 77% are grid connected utility-scale projects.

What does the report say?

As of April, only 50% of the 100 GW target has been met. A 25GW shortfall in the 40GW rooftop solar target is expected. Thus, it is in rooftop solar that the challenges of India’s solar-adoption policy stick out.

What are the reasons for rooftop solar adoption not meeting targets?

In early years, it was held back by the lack of consumer awareness, inconsistent policy frameworks of the Centre/State governments and financing.

Recently, there has been a sharp rise in rooftop solar installations due to falling technology costs, increasing grid tariffs, rising consumer awareness and the growing need for cutting energy costs.

Factors impeding include 1.) pandemic-induced supply chain disruption to policy restrictions, 2.) regulatory roadblocks; 3.)limits to net metering; 4.) taxes on imported cells and modules, 5.) unsigned power supply agreements (PSAs) and banking restrictions; 6.) financing issues plus delays or rejection of open access approval grants.

How critical is solar power to India’s commitment to mitigate climate change?

Solar power is a major prong to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. India also has a target to reach a non-fossil fuel energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030.

Way forward: Given the challenge of variable renewable energy, most of the RE capacity to be installed in this decade is likely to be based on wind solar hybrid, RE-plus-storage and round-the-clock RE projects rather than traditional solar/wind projects.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Cabinet approves continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan(RGSA)

Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan(RGSA)” published in PIB on 13th April 2022.

What is the News?

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for implementation during the period from 2022 to 2026.

What is Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Launched in: The scheme was first approved in 2018 for implementation from 2018-19 to 2021-22.

Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme 

Aim: To improve the governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Funding: It will comprise Central and State components. The Central Components will be fully funded by the Government of India. The funding pattern for State Components will be in the ratio of 60:40 for Center and States respectively, 90:10 for NE, Hilly States and Union Territory (UT) of J&K and 100% for UTs.

Coverage: The scheme will extend to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.

Implementation of the Scheme

The scheme will be implemented in a demand-driven mode. The State Government will formulate their Annual Action Plans for seeking assistance from the Central Government as per their priorities and requirements. 

The implementation will broadly be aligned with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Further, no permanent posts would be created under the scheme, but need-based contractual human resources may be provisioned for overseeing the implementation of the scheme and providing technical support to States/UTs.

The scheme will also converge capacity building initiatives of other Ministries/ Departments for the attainment of SDGs. 

Significance of the Scheme

Firstly, the scheme will help more than 2.78 lakh Rural Local Bodies including Traditional Bodies across the country to develop governance capabilities. This will help them to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with a focus on optimum utilization of available resources. 

Secondly, as Panchayats have representation of Schedule Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women, and are institutions closest to the grassroots, strengthening Panchayats. Hence, the scheme will promote equity and inclusiveness along with Social Justice and economic development of the community. 

Thirdly, increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency.

Cabinet approves policy for use of land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957

Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves policy for use of land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957” published in PIB on 13th April 2022.

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the policy for use of land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957 [CBA Act]. 

What is the purpose of the Coal Bearing Areas Act,1957?

The Act provides for the acquisition of coal-bearing lands and their vesting in a government company, free from any encumbrance. 

What are the policy changes proposed under the Coal Bearing Areas Act,1957?

The objective of the Policy: To facilitate the utilization of lands that are mined out or are practically unsuitable for coal mining and for increasing investment and job creation in the coal sector.

Key Provisions of the Policy

Framework for Utilisation of Land: The policy provides a clear policy framework for the utilisation of the following types of lands acquired under the CBA Act: 1) Lands no longer suitable or economically viable for coal mining activities or 2) Lands from which coal has been mined out / de-coaled and such land has been reclaimed.

Owners of these Lands: State-run companies such as Coal India Ltd.(CIL) and its subsidiaries will remain owners of these lands acquired under the CBA Act.

Leasing of Land: The Government company which owns the land would lease such land for specific purposes only. The entities for leasing shall be selected through a transparent, fair and competitive bid process and mechanism in order to achieve optimal value.

Specific purposes for which Land can be leased out: The lands will be considered for activities such as:  

– To set up Coal Washeries or Conveyor Systems or Coal Handling Plants or thermal and renewable power projects;

– To set up coal development-related infrastructure, including compensatory afforestation;

– To construct Railway Sidings and to provide Right of Way;

– For Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Project Affected Families due to acquisition of land under the CBA Act or other land acquisition law;

– To set up Coal gasification and coal to chemical plants; and

– To set up or provide for energy-related infrastructure.

What are the expected benefits of this policy?

Generates Employment: The establishment of various coal and energy-related infrastructure, without transfer of ownership from Government companies, would lead to the generation of a large number of direct and indirect employment.

Reduce Cost of Operations: The unlocking of non-minable land for other purposes will help CIL in reducing its cost of operations, as it will be able to set up coal-related infrastructure and other projects in partnership with the private sector.  

Help Obtain Local Support: The proposal to utilize the land for rehabilitation purposes will help in obtaining local support for coal projects. Further, it also provides land to the State Government for afforestation in lieu of forest land diverted to coal mining.

Encourage Domestic Manufacturing: The Policy will help in realizing the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence.

Expert Committee on Longevity Finance recommends setting up of Longevity Hub at GIFT-IFSC

Source: This post is based on the article “Expert Committee on Longevity Finance recommends setting up of Longevity Hub at GIFT-IFSC” published in PIB on 13th April 2022.

What is the News?

International Finance Services Centers Authority(IFSCA) had constituted an Expert Committee on Longevity Finance. It was co-chaired by Ms. Kaku Nakhate and Mr. Gopalan Srinivasan. The committee has now submitted its final report to IFSCA.

What is Longevity?

Longevity has no set definition and means different things for different people. To some, it means a long life while for others, the term is more philosophical. 

Today, older people account for one-fifth of the population in 17 countries. It is projected that by the year 2100, older people will account for one-fifth of the total population in 155 countries, comprising 61% of the world population. 

In the Indian context, senior citizens(60 years and above) account for approximately 8.2% of the population. 

Why was the Committee on Longevity Finance setup?

Global estimates suggest that there are one billion people in the silver generation (a global cohort of individuals aged 60 and older) with a combined spending power of $15 trillion and the size is ever-expanding.

Development in medicinal science and technology will support extending the lifespan and longevity of the silver generation. 

It is estimated that by 2040, there will be more members of the silver generation than people under 20. This demographic change will throw open new challenges and opportunities, especially in the areas of wealth management, health, insurance, and other investment products.

This has prompted the IFSCA to set up an expert committee.

What are the committee’s views on Longevity Finance?

The committee has recommended the setting up of the first Global Longevity Hub(GLH) in the GIFT-IFSC.

The hub should focus on developing the longevity economy by offering various longevity finance solutions in coordination with leading corporates and financial institutions such as Banks, Pension Funds, Asset Management Funds, Insurance Companies etc.

Benefits: The long-term vision of building a longevity finance hub at IFSC can open-up opportunities in wealth management, insurance, pension, silver entrepreneurship and medical tourism. This will also help GIFT IFSC emerge as a global leader in longevity finance.

Govt. lays down norms for quota in promotions

Source: This post is based on the article “Govt. lays down norms for quota in promotions” published in The Hindu on 14th April 2022.

What is the News?

The Department of Personnel and Training(DoPT) has issued a memorandum laying down norms for implementing the policy of reservation in promotion in government offices.

What are the norms issued by DoPT about the policy of reservation in promotion in government offices?

Firstly, all Union government departments should collect data on inadequate representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes before implementing the policy of reservation in promotion in government offices.

Secondly, based on the Supreme Court Judgment, three conditions have to be met while implementing the policy of reservation in promotions. These conditions are:

– Collection of quantifiable data regarding the inadequacy of representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; 

– application of this data to each cadre separately; and 

– if a roster exists, the unit for operation of the roster would be the cadre or the quantifiable data would have to be collected and applied in regard to the filling up of the vacancies in the roster.

Thirdly, to ensure the maintenance of efficiency of administration, the promotion committee shall assess the suitability of the officers considered for promotion.

What is the significance of these norms?

This move is likely to benefit Central Secretariat Service(CSS) officials who have not been promoted for the past six years. The CSS comprises middle to senior management rank officials in various Ministries.

Union Minister inaugurates the valedictory session of e-Khel Pathshala

Source: This post is based on the article “Union Minister inaugurates the valedictory session of e-Khel Pathshala” published in PIB on 13th April 2022.

What is the News?

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports has virtually inaugurated the valedictory session of E-Khel Pathshala.

What is E-Khel Pathshala?

E-Khel Pathshala is a programme conceptualized by Sports Authority of India(SAI).

It is organized in association with the Ministry of Education, Khelo India and Fit India.

Aim: To develop the competencies of Grassroots/Community Coaches and Physical Education (PE) teachers through the provisioning of physical & online training, enabling them to subsequently provide standardized coaching.

Objective: To make sports-related knowledge accessible to all parts of the country, regardless of geographical constraints.

Under the programme, a professionally designed curriculum has been developed in consultation with National Sports Federations, eminent coaches, athletes and experts. 

Moreover, SAI has also created an online sports learning program that would act as a catalyst to revolutionize sports delivery at the grassroots level. This will provide a standardized level-based quality coaching programme across the country. 

What are the benefits of the E-Khel Pathshala Programme?

Firstly, e-khel pathshala would educate PE teachers and coaches and equip them with the right set of knowledge and skills to conduct physical education classes across the country. 

Secondly, it would help in identifying budding talents for the next generation in various sports disciplines and will further enable them to rise to higher levels of excellence in sports.

Sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration saves water & increases farmer’s income

Source: This post is based on the article “Sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration saves water & increases farmer’s income” published in PIB on 13th April 2022.

What is the News?

A sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration technology and controlled via Web/Mobile app has been installed at Sal River near Navelim and Nauta lake at Cortalim, Goa.

What is the Sensor-Based Irrigation System developed?

Developed by: The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology(NIT), Goa has developed a Sensor-based irrigation system with the support of the Department of Science and Technology’s(DST) Water Technology Initiative.

Technology Used: This irrigation system uses River Bank Filtration(RBF) technology for providing contamination-free water to farmers.

– RBF operates by extracting water from wells located near rivers or lakes. As the river water infiltrates into and passes through the riverbed sediments, contaminants like bacteria and toxic metals are removed by overlapping biological, physical, and chemical processes. 

Controlled via Mobile/Web App: The system is controlled by a mobile app in a manner that the moisture level provided by the sensors starts the water motor only when there is an actual need for water and turns it off when the moisture level reaches the maximum value. 

– This process prevents water erosion and maintains the soil quality throughout the field. The system has also saved time, especially for the daily wage farmers, giving them freedom and flexibility to sell their harvest in the market.

What is the Water Technology Initiative?

Launched by: the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2007

Aim: To promote R&D activities aimed at providing safe drinking water at affordable cost and in adequate quantity using appropriate Science and Technology interventions evolved through indigenous efforts. 

Explained: Why lemons are so costly now

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: Why lemons are so costly now” published in Indian Express on 14th April 2022.

What is the News?

Over the last few weeks, the price of lemon has touched unprecedented highs, with a single lemon selling between Rs 10 and Rs 15 in most markets. 

What is Lemon(Nimbu)?

In India, Nimbu comes under two broad categories: lemon and lime. The small, round and thin-skinned kaagzi is the most commonly grown variety in the country. On the other hand, Lime refers to the dark green fruits that are grown commercially in North India and the Northeast.

Suitable Climate: A warm, moderately dry and moist climate is the most suitable for the lemon.

The method used for planting: Plants are grown through grafting, with the Nagpur-headquartered ICAR Central Citrus Research Institute(CCRI) and various state agricultural institutes maintaining quality rootstocks.

– Note: Grafting is the act of placing a portion of one plant (bud or scion) into or on a stem, root, or branch of another (stock) in such a way that a union will be formed, and the partners will continue to grow. 

Lemon Production in India: Annually, India produces over 37 lakh tonnes of lemon which is consumed domestically. The fruit is neither exported nor imported.

Lemon Growing State: Andhra Pradesh is the largest lemon-growing state, with 45,000 hectares under the fruit. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha and Tamil Nadu are the other major lemon-growing states.

Lemon Fruit Cycle: Farmers supply the fruit round the year by inducing flowering through what is known as the ‘bahar treatment’.

– In bahar treatment, farmers withhold irrigation and spray chemicals, prune the orchards and then resume fertilizer treatment and irrigation which subsequently leads to flowering and thus to fruit formation.

– Lemon growers take three bahars in a year — known as Ambe, Mrig and Hasta and named based on the season when the flowering is induced. These bahars overlap, and thus farmers have fruit around the year to market.

Why are Lemon prices high currently?

Exceptionally Heavy Rains: There was exceptionally heavy rain during the months of September and October. Lemon orchards are extremely sensitive to excess moisture and thus, due to the heavy rainfall, the bahar treatment failed and flowering did not happen. 

Soaring Temperatures: Since the end of February, soaring temperatures have hit the crop, causing the younger fruits to drop off.

High Demand: In the summer months, lemons are already in high demand, owing to which there is already a rise in prices.

Hike in Petrol and Diesel prices: The hike in petrol, diesel and CNG prices has resulted in increased transportation costs which have been one of the main factors for price rise.

UGC issues norms for students to do two programmes at once

Source: This post is based on the article “UGC issues norms for students to do two programmes at once” published in The Hindu on 14th April 2022.

What is the News?

The University Grants Commission(UGC) has issued guidelines to allow students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously at higher education institutes recognised by it or statutory councils or the Government of India.

What is the UGC Dual Degree Programme?

The UGC Dual Degree Programmes allow students to pursue two physical degrees from two different universities or institutions at the same time.

What is the aim behind this Programme?

The rationale behind the decision is to help students gain diverse skills. It is also aimed at translating the New Education Policy(NEP) vision of breaking down interdisciplinary separations. 

Applicability of the Programme

The Dual Degree Programme will be allowed for physical degrees, online degrees and even diploma programmes. It will be applicable for all academic programmes other than PhD.

But the students cannot claim the retrospective benefits of the programme.

Moreover, the time schedule for classes and other academic activities for both degree programmes do not clash with each other. 

This means that if a student is pursuing B.Tech from IIT Delhi in the morning or regular session, he can opt for a BA in Sanskrit from Delhi University, provided it is offered in the evening session.

What is the criticism against this decision?

Increase Burden on Universities: This decision will increase the load on universities. It also doesn’t increase the number of students enrolling in universities because the same student will study two courses. So, the gross enrolment ratio [GER] in higher education will not go up.

– Note: According to the All India Survey on Higher Education(AISHE) 2019-20, GER for higher education is at 27.1%. The NEP has set the target of raising this to 50% by 2035.

More Demand for Teachers: It will also lead to a demand for more teachers in universities when thousands of vacancies for current needs haven’t been filled. 

Explained: Mythology, politics behind Gujarat’s Madhavpur Mela, and why CMs from Northeast are visiting it

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: Mythology, politics behind Gujarat’s Madhavpur Mela, and why CMs from Northeast are visiting it” published in Indian Express on 14th April 2022.

What is the News?

The President has inaugurated the annual Madhavpur Mela in Gujarat and said that the cultural fair is a “festival of uniting people of the country through feelings”.

What is Madhavpur Mela?

Madhavpur Mela is a religio-cultural fair taking place every year in Madhavpur, a village on the Porbandar coast in Gujarat.

Madhavpur village has temples of Madhavraiji or Lord Krishna and his consort Rukmini, believed to have been built in the 15th century.

Purpose: The fair celebrates the marriage of Lord Krishna with Rukmini around 4,000 years ago, as per Hindu mythology.

The fair begins on Ram Navami, Lord Rama’s birth anniversary falling on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar and culminates on Tryodashi, the 13th day of the month.

How is the Madhavpur Mela connected to the Northeast?

The Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat shares its connection with the Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. 

The Mishmi Tribe traces its ancestry to the legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and Lord Krishna. 

The festival celebrates the immortal journey which Rukmini undertook from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat with Lord Krishna. Bhismaknagar, located near Rolling in the Lower Dibang Valley district also finds mentioned in Kalika Purana.

Global wind energy sector needs four-fold higher growth to meet 2050 Net Zero goal: Report

Source: This post is based on the article “Global wind energy sector needs four-fold higher growth to meet 2050 Net Zero goal: Report” published in Indian Express on 14th April 2022.

What is the News?

The Global Wind Report for 2022 has been released by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

What are the Key Findings of the Global Wind Report 2022?

Wind Industry: The global wind industry had its second-best year in 2021 with almost 94 GW of capacity added globally, trailing behind the 2020s record growth by only 1.8%. However, wind energy installations every year across the world must quadruple from the 94 GW installed in 2021 within this decade to meet the global climate targets.

Onshore Wind Installations: Onshore wind energy refers to turbines that are located on land and use the wind to generate electricity.

– The total onshore wind installations in 2021 were still 18% lower than the previous year. The decline was driven primarily by the slow-down of onshore wind growth in the world’s two largest wind power markets, China and the US.

Offshore Wind Capacity: Offshore wind energy is the energy generated from the wind at sea.

– China made up 80% of offshore wind capacity added worldwide in 2021 bringing its cumulative offshore wind installations to 27.7 GW. This is an astounding level of growth, as it took three decades for Europe to bring its total offshore wind capacity to a similar level.

Scope of Wind Energy Sector in India

In India, more than 1.4 GW of wind was installed in 2021 exceeding the 1.1 GW of installations during the previous year.

The Government has set a target of installing 5 GW of offshore capacity by 2022 and 30 GW by 2030.

India can generate 127 GW of offshore wind energy with its 7,600 km of coastline. However, India is yet to develop its offshore wind energy facility.

The Indian wind market outlook for 2022 and 2023 is projected at 3.2 GW and 4.1 GW of onshore wind installations, respectively.

What are the challenges faced by the Wind Energy Sector?

The wind energy sector continues to face considerable barriers to growth. These barriers include: 

– Inconsistent policy environments focused on short-term political aims.

– Badly designed markets that do not enable bankable renewable energy projects.

– Infrastructure and transmission bottlenecks.

– A lack of adequate industrial and trade policies related to renewable technologies Hostile political or misinformation campaigns.

What are the suggestions given by the report?

Governments need to tackle issues such as planning barriers and grid connection challenges.

Workforce planning for large-scale renewables deployment should be an early policy priority, and investment in grids must treble from current levels through to 2030.

There is also a need for greater public-private cooperation to confront the new geopolitics of the wind supply chain.