Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Why Pratap Bhanu Mehta is wrong about social justice politics and caste census

News– The article challenges the ideas represented by Pratap Bhanu Mehta Mehta in his article “Mirage of social justice” in Indian Express.

What are the P.B. Mehta arguments against social justice?

Social justice enhances “social divisions”. The social justice discourse has focused too much on the distribution of public resources based on caste identities.

He calls for recognising the ethical issues of discrimination and creating effective institutions to address caste inequities.

Mehta terms the Opposition uniting around social justice as a politically unwise idea. It may bring short-term gains but undermine long-term goals.

What are counterpoints to P.B. Mehta arguments against social justice?

Caste-based oppression creates material conditions. This materiality of caste inequality is produced in economic, socio-cultural and political areas through electoral-political machinations.

Social justice has relevance because of increasing poverty and disturbing trends of inequality. Marginalisation of groups neglected for hundreds of years can be a fulcrum for unity amongst opposition parties.

The most basic understanding of social justice is the struggle for equitable division of opportunities, privileges and larger representation in institutions.

The denial of social justice in India is largely a product of the ideology of Hindutva. It portrays caste as a troubling but natural aspect of Indian society. It is denied by policy neglect and political silence.

What is the dominant discourse on caste in India?

The dominant discourse on caste in India has been characterised by a reluctance to acknowledge the scale and severity of caste-based violence and discrimination. The failure to recognise caste injustice is a product of a wider culture of denial and impunity.

The dominant discourse on caste proposes that universal remedies like creating effective institutions can address caste injustices. Often, these remedies are proposed by voices that lack self-reflexivity on their own caste privilege.

Quotas and reservations that provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities are perceived as a form of reverse discrimination by members of dominant castes. It shows the lack of a sense of social justice and displays an exaggerated sense of entitlement.

How can the dominant discourse on caste be challenged?

Countering the dominant discourse on caste needs a sustained and concerted effort to raise awareness about the realities of oppression. There is a need to challenge the impunity of those who perpetrate caste-based violence and discrimination in various forms.

The political neglect of caste-based inequalities can only be countered by a recognition of its historical and political dimensions. Political commitment is necessary to challenge the structural barriers that create caste-based oppression.

Electoral politics is the arena where majoritarian politics has to be challenged, resisted and defeated.

There is a need to challenge the culture of members of dominant castes, who are often in positions of power and influence. They propose universal remedies and deride social justice as merely a slogan without acknowledging their own caste-based privilege.

As per a section of the ruling elite supported by the mainstream media, caste census shall lead to casteism. Such fear-mongering needs to be addressed philosophically and by citing the data.

Two-sided triangle – on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial summit

News: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial summit is going on in Delhi. India, Pakistan and China are its members among others.

The article discusses Comprehensive National Power (CNP) of each of the three countries post-2014 decade.

What is CNP?

CNP takes into account a combination of a lot of factors such as the size and growth of the economy, the strength and cohesion of society, and the firepower and quality of the military, to trade and soft power.

CNP is also defined by how a nation affects their friends, adversaries, and neighbours.

How is the CNP of Pakistan?

Pakistan is today the weakest it’s been since the eve of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The economy is bankrupt, and the growth rate for this year is only 0.5 percent.

The income gap between Pakistan and not just India, but all of the Subcontinent, is widening. It’s ruled by a coalition government.

Further, Pakistan’s support for Taliban and its ideological victory in Afghanistan has left it without any support from other countries.

Even, the Gulf Arabs have moved on from their commitment have no patience for Pakistan and its demands.

Due to this, Pakistan is now merely a vassal state of China. It now has to compete with other powerful vassal sate of China such as Russia.

Hence, Pakistan is left with only one card to play, i.e., India. It keeps the Indian military engaged along the western borders which is valuable to China.

How is the CNP of China compared to India?

China has witnessed growth in almost all the areas including technology, trade, military power, social cohesion and rising global stature.

This has enabled China to close the gap with the US and the larger Western power, and increase the gap with the rest, especially India. Further, the war in Ukraine has made Russia more dependent on China.

Whereas, India on no parameters of CNP have narrowed the gap with China.

India has grown phenomenally in many areas, but the inherited gap is too much with China, that even if India grows faster now, the distance between the two will increase.

China’s economy is more than five times India’s and even if Chinese growth slows down to less than half of India’s, the gap will still rise.

China has also stretched India’s militarily along both frontiers and India has no option except to deploy it military along the borders.

However, India’s CNP when compared to the previous years has improved. India’s is a remarkable success story of a country becoming so enormously powerful long before it became rich.

Must Read: SCO meet highlights China’s growing role in Inner Asia, India’s challenge

What is the way ahead for India?

India faces a strategic challenge of the triangulation between China and Pakistan. Therefore, India needs to take efforts to close its growing gap with China while defending itself from China and Pakistan.

The women’s reservation Bill cannot wait any longer

News- It is disheartening to witness that even 75 years after Independence, Parliament lacks substantial representation of women, with women holding just 14% of the seats.

What are the contributions of women in the field of politics?

Women played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence, by organising demonstrations, leading rallies, and raising awareness. There were numerous female representatives in the Constituent Assembly as well.

Just a decade ago, three of India’s largest States, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, were in the spotlight for being led by women Chief Ministers.

While Sushma Swaraj led the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi served as both President of the Congress Party and Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance. Also, India had its first woman President, Pratibha Patil around the same time.

What have been the major developments in India related to women representation in politics?

The discourse on women’s reservation in India originates from the pre­-Independence era. Several women’s organisations demanded political representation for women.

In 1955, a government appointed committee recommended that 10% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies should be reserved for women.

During the 1980s, the demand for women’s reservations gained momentum. The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommended that 30% of seats in all elected bodies should be reserved for women.

This recommendation was reiterated in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, which was adopted in 2001.

In 1993, the Panchayati Raj Act was amended to reserve 33% of all seats in local government bodies for women.

In 1996, the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill proposed to

reserve one third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative Assemblies for women. However, facing strong opposition from some political parties.

It gained more momentum again in the early 2000s. On March 9, 2010, the Bill was approved in the Rajya Sabha.

What are the global examples of women representation in politics?

Around the world, women leaders are outperforming their male counterparts.

The Scandinavian countries have implemented policies and governance structures that support

gender equality and women’s empowerment. It includes women’s representation in

political and leadership positions.

Moreover, countries led by women have best policies and governance practices. The deep scars in Rwanda, from the genocide, are being healed by a leadership that comprises women. This has also resulted in key social reforms.

Norway implemented a quota system in 2003 that required 40% of seats on corporate boards to

be occupied by women.

What is the way forward for proper representation of women in politics?

Babasaheb Ambedkar was of the opinion that the progress of a community can be measured by the degree of progress which women have achieved.

Women have been waiting for too long for their right to govern. Women’s leadership qualities are not hidden from anyone. So, the denial of opportunity for political representation represents grave injustice.

As India strives to become a Vishwa Guru, it can not overlook the pivotal role women can play in nation building and development. The women’s reservation Bill must be passed.

Mann Ki Baat: A conversation that millions of Indians look forward to

News– Pm Modi is going to address the 100th episode of Maan Ki Baat programme.

Why has the medium of radio been chosen by PM Modi for the exchange of his ideas?

Radio is an intimate story-telling medium. There cannot be a more potent instrument for exchange of ideas between the country’s Prime Minister and the people of his country.

AIR’s reach is also large, with about 600 channels carrying the programme.

Many world leaders have realised the power of radio — Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and other presidents of the United States of America.

What is the importance of the Maan Ki Baat programme?

Youth, especially students and lifestyle issues of our competitive times have been a regular focus of Mann Ki Baat. The Prime Minister had dedicated one complete episode in February 2016 to the topic of facing exams in a stress-free manner.

People who faced tremendous pressure themselves and excelled, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Viswanathan Anand and CNR Rao,  featured in this episode. They gave valuable, simple tips to students.

The Prime Minister went on to write the best-selling book, Exam Warriors, on the same topic. These turned into bestselling books for students.

From the girl child to student stress, from cleanliness to coming out of depression, the Prime Minister has often utilised Mann Ki Baat as a platform to make society speak to itself by speaking to him.

Mann Ki Baat and Swachh Bharat are connected in more ways than one. Swachh Bharat was launched on October 2, 2014, and the first episode of Mann Ki Baat went on air the very next day, on October 3, 2014.

For PM, Mann Ki Baat has been one of the most important platforms in strengthening the cleanliness mission and making it a more people-driven movement.

How to make India pandemic proof

News– Covid19 has exposed the weaknesses in the world’s health systems.

What are the pandemic threats for the world?

Climate change is giving rise to new pathogens. Zoonotic diseases are spilling over from animals to humans, causing over a million deaths each year.

A silent pandemic is waiting to happen. It is antibiotic resistance.

What are steps taken by India to prepare itself for the next pandemic?

In October 2021, India launched its flagship programme to prevent, prepare and respond to pandemics. It is the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

It seeks to fill the gaps in health systems and institutions at both the national and state level. It will need to be overseen at the highest levels.

India has also brought several ministries — including health, animal husbandry, forests, and biotechnology — under the Principal Scientific Advisor. This was one of the major shortcomings during the pandemic.

More recently, the foundation for the National Institute for One Health in Nagpur was laid. The institute will identify hotspots for endemic and emerging zoonotic diseases.

India is now augmenting surveillance in 20 cities. Municipal corporations are mandated to identify the most vulnerable areas and provide early alerts.  India is also expanding its network of research laboratories to cover all respiratory viruses of unknown origin.

After the 2015 MERS outbreak, South Korea used mobile technology and Big Data to trace contacts and built a strong capacity for diagnosis. India has also begun these exercises.

The clinical trial network set up under the National Biopharma Mission is a positive step toward improving access to affordable new vaccines and drugs. Similarly, the ICMR’s initiative to establish a biorepository for clinical samples will be a national and global asset.

What is the way forward to counter the threat of future pandemic?

The need of the hour is a holistic “One Health” approach that addresses the health of people, animals and ecosystems together.

The rise of new pathogens has highlighted the importance of genomic surveillance. There is a need for wider testing of wastewater and samples from incoming ships and aircraft. These surveillance systems will also need to be extended to other South Asian countries.

Antibiotic resistance will have to be tracked and powerful awareness campaigns are needed to promote their rational use.

For surveillance, private hospitals and clinics will need to be brought under a common platform and data placed in the public domain. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission can facilitate this.

In villages, strong partnerships will be needed with communities, dairy cooperatives, and the poultry industry to identify new infections.

During the pandemic, Indian manufacturers produced vaccines, test kits, therapeutics, masks and other items at very competitive prices. The partnerships between research bodies and manufacturers will need to be sustained and enhanced.

None too soon: On Governor’s and the judiciary’s reminder on Bills

News: The Supreme Court has reminded Governors that the Constitution expects that a decision to return a Bill to the State Assembly for reconsideration should be made “as soon as possible”.

About the case

The Telangana Governor’s apparent inaction on several Bills made the State to approach the Court.

In the meantime, the Bills have been cleared by the Governor. Based on this, the Court disposed of the petition. But kept open questions that arose from the issue for consideration in an appropriate case.

About the SC’s remarks on the governor’s power to return a Bill

The expression ‘as soon as possible’ contains significant constitutional content and must be borne in mind by constitutional authorities.

This effectively means it would be constitutionally impermissible for Governors to hold on to Bills indefinitely without communicating their decision to the House.

The Court’s observation addresses the issue of delay, but it does not address the issue in granting assent.

What are the concerns associated with the powers of the Governor in India?

Note: The Governor have the discretionary power to withhold assent or return a Bill for reconsideration. In the Constituent Assembly, it was explicitly clarified that returning a Bill was to be done only on advice.

-There are three clear problems associated with Article 200, which deals with assent to Bills. Such as a) there is an absence of a time limit for acting on Bills, b) The scope for reserving a Bill for the President’s consideration against the advice of the Cabinet and c) The claim that the Governor can kill any Bill by declining assent.

–Article 163 (Discretionary power) evades the primary rule that the Governors function on the ‘aid and advice’ of the Cabinet. Further, there is also a clause that prohibits any inquiry into whether a particular matter fell within their discretion or not.

These provisions give abundant scope for conflict between the government and Governor’s office.

What should be done?

These rules should be changed, either by amending the Constitution or through an appropriate Supreme Court verdict. So that misuse of discretion can be kept in check.

Wrestling Injustice – Protests are integral to a democracy – and vital

News: The top national and international-level wrestlers are once again protesting to express their dissatisfaction with the sexual harassment complaints from women players.

About the issue

What does the wrestlers’ protest say about power and politics in India?

Are protests legal in India?

Protests are inherent to democracy. No grievance redressal mechanism can be perfect. In a democratic framework, a protest is the default option to express deep dissatisfaction.

A protest is a symptom of an underlying problem. It also acts as a pressure relief valve.

What should be done?

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, said that the wrestlers protesting in public are sullying the image of the country.

Protests don’t affect a country’s image. So, the IOA should make a sincere effort to understand wrestlers’ fear and address the issue.

GS Paper 3

Wrong Number: Life Isn’t Math

News: UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has proposed making the study of mathematics compulsory for all students in England up to the age of 18.

Why has the UK PM made mathematics compulsory?

There is a popular sentiment in the UK that says it is all right to be bad in mathematics. Therefore, he thinks that low skill in mathematics has kept his country from surging ahead.

However, his views that a strong hold in mathematics is required for a country’s growth is erroneous.

Why are the views of the UK PM regarding mathematics is incorrect?

Numeracy and prosperity don’t always go together. For instance, the world’s richest economy, the United States, ranks 38 globally in mathematics.

In terms of numeracy, the UK ranks above Germany but below China, yet Germany has a higher GDP per capita than Britain while China’s GDP per capita is lower.

Therefore, for a country to progress, there is also other factors responsible rather than having only numerical skills.

Moreover, as per John Maynard Keynes, a great economist, mathematical economies are a mixture of numbers that intend to hide the complexities of the real world.

What are the concerns with mathematical numbers in an economy?

Mathematics has done a lot of good in policy making but it has also created a profession where numbers matter more than lived experience.

For example, in measuring poverty, everything depends on what statistics tell us regardless of whether these figures reflect the real world.

For measuring poverty in India, it was decided to include the basket of consumption in the calculations of poverty.

However, there was a need to distinguish in the consumption basket between items that people earn and items they get as dole.

This is because a rise in the consumption level signifies poverty removal. However, a rise in the dole is also a relief for the poor but it does not get calculated.

Therefore, even if dole increases the numbers signifying poverty removal won’t change. This is how numbers play a role in calculation but does not represent the real world.

A similar concern with the number is that the National Sample Survey’s data on rural India is unhelpful for a farmer. 

As per NSS, a farmer is defined as “a person who possesses some land and is engaged in some agricultural activities on that land during the last 365 days”.

The word ‘during’ used in the definition not only keeps out the rural landless but also obscures the fact that most farmers rarely farm most of the time.

Such definitions make numerical data collecting easier, but they distort the picture of rural India by exaggerating the number of farmers and agricultural households.

What is the way ahead?

It is not wise to simply rely on the numerical data and propose numeracy as the only way to prosper for a country and the people. Real world experiences are more important than just numerical skills.

IPL, an opportunity to bat for climate action

News: The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has started. IPL has contributed significantly to India’s economy through sports tourism, employment generation, and infrastructure development. An event as big as the IPL also has a significant environmental footprint.

About the environmental footprint of IPL

Large­ scale sporting events such as the IPL have a complex and multifaceted impact on the environment.

Overall Emissions: For the IPL, studies estimate that a single match produces emissions in the range of 10,000 tCO2e to 14,000 tCO2e (or tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent). Over a season, this figure can reach up to 750k tCO2e to 900k tCO2e.

To contextualise these emissions, it would take tropical forests the size of Singapore over a whole year to absorb these emissions.

House emissions: Emissions assessments show that the emissions generated by sports venues only account for about 5% of their total. Whereas digital viewership during events such as the IPL contributes to more than three fourths of the total emissions footprint.

Other emissions: Data centres are the second most significant contributor to emissions during IPLs. Spectator travel, luxury accommodation, and backup generators round up the list of top five emitters.

The lack of reliable data on carbon emissions hinders the ability to plan and execute effective policies.

What are the impacts of climate change on cricket?

The impact of climate change is being felt across multiple aspects of cricket.

Changing weather patterns are affecting players, spectators, and ground conditions. For example, a 2019 report by the World Cricket Committee found that climate change is altering the sport’s landscape, impacting the length of the cricket season, and disrupting the playability of pitches.

Impact of heat waves: Increasing intensity of heat waves and worsening air quality in India have raised concerns for player safety during some of the matches.

Note: In 2018, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) signed an agreement to implement the concept of ‘zero waste’ or ‘green protocol’ to reduce wastage from cricket stadiums.

Why India should focus on IPL to reduce its environmental footprint?

a) The IPL’s broad social platform can influence attitudes towards sustainability and reach out to people from all backgrounds and areas, b) By promoting education and awareness around environmental issues, the IPL can encourage a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, c) An event as big as the IPL is an opportunity to build awareness about the Net Zero transition, expanding on existing efforts and accelerating the journey to Net Zero.

What more India should do to reduce the environmental footprint of sports events?

Properly measure the emissions and track its reduction: India should adopt climate tech and leverage existing tech advancements should be used to properly measure the environmental footprint of sports events. This data can be used to set targets, track progress, and select cost-effective alternatives.

Change the data centre: A transition to renewable energy sources for the data centres and data streaming infrastructure can reduce the IPL’s carbon emissions by over 10%.

Encourage public transportation: The government and sports authorities should incentivise and use of public transport to and from stadiums. This can help reduce travel emissions by as much as 85% in sports events.

Change at the domestic level: Simple changes such as replacing LCD screens in homes with energy­ efficient LED displays can reduce the emission from each TV screen by 35%­ to 40%. This will result in as much as a 20% reduction in the overall carbon footprint of such highly televised sports tournaments.

Renewable targets outstrip policy enablers

News: Indian renewable energy project developers are facing progressively higher hurdles each year. This raises the question of whether India needs new targets or supportive policies.

About India’s previous renewable energy targets

India set a previous target in 2015 for variable renewable energy installations (VRE) of 175 gigawatts (GW) by 2022. This included 100 GW from solar power, 60 GW from wind power, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from small hydro power.

What is the performance of India on previous renewable energy targets?

According to the government, at the last count, VRE capacity totalled around 122GW, or 30% of the 412 GW of installed power capacity in the country.

Another research points out that only around 68% of the 175 GW target was achieved. Nearly 24 GW of solar and hybrid tenders were issued between 2020 and 2021 but only 13-15 GW of capacities were installed in 2022.

About India’s updated renewable energy targets

India set a new tendering target of 250 GW of renewable energy by the financial year 2027-28. This is over twice the yearly bids that have been called for in the past to set up solar facilities and wind farms.

Most of the record 50 GW of renewable tendering annually over five years will comprise solar, with an all-time high of 10 GW allocated for wind capacity.

Note: India has around 82 GW of renewable capacity addition at various stages of implementation and about 41 GW under tendering stage. This includes 64 GW of solar, 42 GW of wind power and around 11 GW of biomass power.

What are the present challenges associated with renewable energy generation?

-Variable renewable energy tenders issued annually in India have fallen by 30% since 2019.

-There are high import taxes and other barriers such as mandating domestic sourcing of solar panels.

-Lower supply of modules from China, and slow installations indicate the imposition of the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) regime and basic Customs duty of 40% on modules and 25% on cells.

-High taxes have also impacted capital costs. For instance, there is a rise in module prices by 10-15% last financial year from a year earlier and increases capital costs higher by 20-25%.

-Distressed discoms will not be able to absorb such high tariffs in a price-sensitive market such as India.

-The long-term benefits of manufacturing most things locally are also debatable. The programme focus on import barriers and local sourcing rather than on innovation and productivity.

-India’s targets are also colliding with a volatile global environment, higher financing costs and supply chain issues.

If India is trying to get to net zero by 2070, and generate half of its electricity from non-fossil fuels, then the 50 GW a year of tendering goal needs to be supported by policy measures. \

What should be done to bring renewables back on track?

The industry needs policy enablers, grid upgrades and incentives for green financing rather than a focus on installations.

Instead of announcing new goals, the government should study the reasons behind India’s missing targets and the reason for the slowdown in renewable additions.

The government needs to ramp up grid infrastructure to enable the evacuation of high renewable capacity.

India should include streamlining procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles such as using e-tendering platforms and reaching out to more local and international companies.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

What the latest National Health Account figures say about India’s healthcare sector

Source: The post is based on the article “What the latest National Health Account figures say about India’s healthcare sector” published in Indian Express on 29th April 2023

What is the News?

National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates for India for 2019-20 has been released.

What are National Health Account (NHA) estimates?

The National Health Account (NHA) estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive NHA estimates report prepared by NHSRC, designated as National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat (NHATS) in 2014 by the Union Health Ministry.

The NHA estimates are prepared by using an accounting framework based on the internationally accepted standard of System of Health Accounts, 2011, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

What are the key findings of the National Health Account (NHA) estimates?

Government spending on healthcare has been on the rise: The money spent by the government on healthcare as a percentage of GDP has increased from 1.13% in FY 2015 to 1.35% in FY 2020.

– Although the number is still far from the target of 2.5% investment in healthcare by 2025, the number is likely to shoot up in next year’s report, with the increased government spending during the pandemic getting reflected.

Money spent by people from their own pocket on healthcare has been going down: The share of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in total Health Expenditure (THE) declined from 62.6% to 47.1%. The continuous decline in the OOPE in the overall health spending show progress towards ensuring financial protection and Universal Health Coverage for citizens.

Major chunk of the government’s health spend was in the primary sector: Out of the total spending by the government on healthcare in FY 2020, 55.9% went to primary care, 29.6% went to secondary care, and 6.4% went to tertiary care.

There has been a consistent increase in social security expenditure by the government: It increased from 5.7% of the total spending on health in FY 2015 to 9.3% in FY 2020.

Increased spending on Insurance: There has been an increase in spending on privately purchased health insurance as well.Privately purchased health insurance made up for only 3.9% of the total health expenditure in FY 2015, which increased to 7.72% in FY 2020. 

– The government financed health insurance spending also went up from 3.8% of the total money spent on healthcare in FY 2015 to 6.37% in FY 2020.

Health spending by States: National Health Policy 2017 says that 8% of states’ budget should go towards healthcare.

– As per report, only two big states and three of the smaller ones have crossed the 8% target in FY 2020 – Delhi (contributing 18.7% of its total spending on health), Kerala (8%), Puducherry (10.5%), Meghalaya (8.9%), and Goa (8.7%).

What are seamounts?

Source: The post is based on the article “What are seamounts?” published in The Hindu on 28th April 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have reported finding 19,325 new seamounts after poring through new high-resolution data. A 2011 census had already mapped 24,000 seamounts across the world’s oceans.

What are Seamounts?

A seamount is an underwater mountain. They are formed through volcanic activity and scientists recognise them as hotspots for marine life. Like volcanoes on land, seamounts can be active, extinct or dormant volcanoes.

Formation: Most seamounts are formed near mid-ocean ridges, where the earth’s tectonic plates are moving apart, allowing molten rock to rise to the seafloor. The planet’s two most-studied mid-ocean ridges are the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise.

– Some seamounts have also been found near intraplate hotspots – regions of heavy volcanic activity within a plate – and oceanic island chains with a volcanic and seismic activity called island arcs.

Surveyors map seamounts using one of two modes: 1) echo sounders or multibeam sonar on ships for topographic mapping or 2) using satellite altimetry for gravity-field mapping.

What is the importance of Seamounts?

Firstly, since seamounts are formed when the molten rock comes up from below the tectonic plates, they provide information about the mantle’s composition and about how tectonic plates evolve.

Secondly, oceanographers also study seamounts to understand their influence on how water circulates and absorbs heat and carbon dioxide.

Thirdly, seamounts are home to diverse biological communities. They are good places for life because they can cause localized ocean upwelling – the process by which nutrient-rich water from deep within the ocean moves up to the surface.

What is India’s contribution to mapping Seamounts?

SARAL, a satellite that India and France developed together for oceanographic studies made a significant contribution by further reducing radar noise and enabling the expansion of the seamount catalogue.

Call to protect historically significant structures at Thirunelly temple

Source: The post is based on the article “Call to protect historically significant structures at Thirunelly temple” published in The Hindu on 27th April 2023

What is the News?

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the historically significant structures, including the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, at Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelly in Wayanad,Kerala.

What is Thirunelly Temple?

Thirunelly Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the Lord Maha Vishnu.

Located in: It is located on the sides of Brahmagiri Hill, a part of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges in the Wayanad district of Kerala.

It is also known as the Sahyamala Kshetram and Kashi of the South.

Architecture: The temple is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture.

– The inner sanctum is surrounded by a tile-roofed structure and there is an open courtyard around the sanctorum. 

– Along the outer wall of the temple is a cloister made of granite pillars cut in cubical style. This part of the temple architecture is slightly unusual for a Kerala temple. 

Significance: Thirunelli is also the only temple in the world where devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and life after death.

– The rituals in this temple are performed on the banks of stream Papanashini, which originates from the Brahmagiri hills.

– There is also a sacred rock near the river called Pinnappara where ritual offerings to the spirits of the departed are made (known as bali).

Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery: 100 delegates visit monasteries in Ladakh for pre-G20 meeting

Source: The post is based on the article “100 delegates visit monasteries in Ladakh for pre-G20 meeting” published in TOI on 27th April 2023

What is the News?

More than 100 delegates from 30 countries as part of the pre-G20 meeting have visited the Hemis and Thiksey monasteries.

What is Hemis Monastery?

Hemis Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Ladakh. It is situated on the western banks of the Indus River. 

It belongs to the Red Hat Sect or Drukpa lineage of Buddhism. 

The monastery is famous for its 2-day religious ceremony known as the Hemis Festival.

What is Thiksey Monastery?

The Thiksey monastery is located in Thiksey at Ladakh. The monastery is affiliated with the Gelugpa sect or Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism

The monastery is notable for its resemblance to the Potala palace in Lhasa, Tibet and its annual Gustor Festival

The Maitreya Temple is one of the most popular attractions in the monastery. The temple houses a tall statue of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha).

Bluewashing: Report flags how corporates have wormed their way into global food governance

Source: The post is based on the article “Bluewashing: Report flags how corporates have wormed their way into global food governance” published in Down To Earth on 28th April 2023

What is the News?

The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems has released a report titled “Who’s tipping the scales”.

The report has highlighted the visible manner in which corporate takeover of food governance systems is taking place.

According to the report, partnerships between corporates and intergovernmental bodies like the UN creates conflicts of interest and allows the corporates to blue-wash or social-wash their reputations.

What is Bluewashing?

Bluewashing refers to a deceptive form of marketing in which an enterprise uses deceptive marketing techniques to overstate its commitment to responsible social practices. 

It can be used interchangeably with the term greenwashing but has a greater focus on economic and community factors rather than the environment.

What is the origin of the term bluewashing?

The term bluewashing was first used to refer to companies who signed the United Nations Global Compact and its principles but did not make any actual policy reforms. 

Referring to the colour of the United Nations flag, bluewashing came to mean that some participating companies were using the Global Compact to improve the public perception of their values, social programs, and governance practices without introducing any real changes or reforms.

Govt. moots star rating system for water taps, sanitary fixtures

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt. moots star rating system for water taps, sanitary fixtures” published in The Hindu on 29th April 2023

What is the News?

The Central Government is in the process of bringing in a star rating system for water fixtures similar to the ratings of electrical appliances.

About Star Rating system for water fixtures

The Star Rating system for water taps, sanitary fixtures will be similar to the ratings of electrical appliances.

The rating system would have 3, 4 and 5-star water fixtures based on their water efficiency and this rating system would come under the Bharat Tap Initiative.

What is the Bharat Tap initiative?

Bharat Tap initiative aims to provide low-flow, sanitary ware at scale, and thereby reduce water consumption at the source considerably.

It is estimated that this initiative will save approximately 40% of water. This will in turn result in water saving and energy saving due to less water and energy will be required for pumping, transporting, and purification.

Register FIRs against hate speech even in absence of complaints, Supreme Court directs States

Source: The post is based on the article “Register FIRs against hate speech even in absence of complaints, Supreme Court directs States” published in The Hindu on 29th April 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has directed all States to suo motu register FIRs on hate speech incidents and proceed against offenders without waiting for someone to lodge a complaint.

What was the case about?

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction to all States to register cases against those delivering hate speeches.

What did the Supreme Court rule?

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to register cases against those making hate speeches even if no complaint has been made.

The court said any hesitation to act in accordance with this direction will be viewed as contempt of court and appropriate action shall be taken against the erring officers.

The court even highlighted the specific penal provisions under which hate speech offenders ought to be booked. 

They are Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on the ground of religion), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), 505 (public mischief), and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Government mulls unified airport security akin to Transportation Security Administration in U.S.

Source: The post is based on the article “Government mulls unified airport security akin to Transportation Security Administration in U.S.” published in The Hindu on 29th April 2023

What is the News?

The Government of India is considering the creation of a unified security force for all airports in the country — along the lines of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. 

What is the Transportation Security Administration(TSA)?

TSA was formed in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack in the U.S.

It oversees security for all modes of transportation, such as air travel, passenger rail and intercity bus travel.

Why is there a need for a unified security force for all airports in India?

Currently, the control of the airport security system in India is fragmented. For example, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security which is the security watchdog for civil aviation, falls under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 

The Central Industrial Security Force which guards the airports, falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Bureau of Immigration, which is responsible for immigration checks at airports, sea ports and land borders works under the Intelligence Bureau of the Union Home Ministry.

The Customs Department falls under the Finance Ministry.

Due to this, the coordination between multiple agencies becomes difficult.

Hence, that’s why the government is considering the creation of a unified security force for all airports in the country. 

What is the significance of this proposal of a unified security force for all airports in India?

This proposal comes at a time when India is pegged to be the third-largest aviation market in the world by 2024 and is already the third-largest domestic aviation market after the U.S. and China.

India is also the world’s fastest-growing market at 9%, though it accounts for only 2% of the global passenger traffic — a statistic which is often cited to demonstrate the potential for further expansion in the country. 

The total number of airports in the country is also targeted to grow from the current 148 to 220 by 2025, and airlines have more than 1,000 aircraft on order.

120% gain in income for Indians going abroad to work, says WDR

Source: The post is based on the article “120% gain in income for Indians going abroad to work, says WDR” published in TOI on 27th April 2023

What is the News?

The World Bank has published the World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees & Societies.

What are the key findings of the report?

Migrants: ​​There are currently 184 million migrants globally, which is 2.3% of the population, including 37 million refugees.

– It said there are four types of migrants: 1) economic migrants with strong skill match (Indian IT professionals in the US or construction workers in GCC nations), 2) refugees with skills in demand at destination (Syrian entrepreneur refugees in Türkiye) 3) distressed migrants (some poorly skilled migrants at the US southern border) and 4) refugees (Rohingya in Bangladesh). 

– India-US, India-Bangladesh and India-GCC have been considered among the top migrant corridors.

Increase in Remittances: The remittances have increased to some of the countries with a large migrant population, including India, Mexico, China and the Philippines.

– It is estimated that an Indian migrant worker in the UAE, for instance, sends nearly 70% of his/her income to the family, with women likely to remit a higher amount. 

Income gain for Indians who migrate to another country: The report estimated a 120% income gain for Indians who migrate to another country for work, compared to a 40% rise in the case of internal migration.

– Under-skilled Indian citizens migrating to the US noticed a hike in their income of nearly 500%, followed by the UAE by almost 300%.

– Those migrating to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations other than UAE stand to gain less.

What are the recommendations given by the report?

The report proposes an integrated framework to maximize the development impacts of cross-border movements on both destination and origin countries and on migrants and refugees themselves. 

The framework rests on a “match and motive” matrix that focuses on two factors: how closely migrants’ skills and attributes match the needs of destination countries and what motives underlie their movements. 

This approach enables policy makers to distinguish between different types of movements and to design migration policies for each. International cooperation will be critical to the effective management of migration.