9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 14th, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Widespread use of consulting firms in government departments – Work of consultancy firms
Source: The post widespread use of consulting firms by government has been created on the article “Work of consultancy firms with government must be regulated” published in “Indian express” on 14th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- polity- Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
News: The article discusses the widespread use of consulting firms by government ministries in India. These firms help with policy making and program execution. However, there are concerns about government dependence on these consultants and potential negative impacts on public policy and government skills.
Why do governments hire consulting firms?
Expertise in Diverse Fields: Governments hire consultants for their specialized knowledge in various sectors like agriculture, transport, and digital services.
Complex Challenges: The increasing complexity of projects, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and the cleaning of the Ganga River, requires skills beyond the government’s traditional scope.
Technological Advancement: Rapid digital transformation in public services, like the Direct Benefit Transfer programme, demands technical expertise that consultants provide.
Limited Internal Skills: Traditional methods of recruiting government officials often lead to a narrow range of internal capabilities, making consultants optimal for specific challenges.
What is the role of consulting firms in Indian government projects?
Policy Formulation and Major Project Support: Consulting firms, including McKinsey, BCG, and the Big 4 (EY, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte), are heavily involved in shaping government policies and executing key projects. Their involvement is evident in key projects like the Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Missions, as well as in efforts to clean the Ganga River.
Economic Growth Strategies: They assist in significant economic endeavors, such as supporting Uttar Pradesh’s aim to grow its economy to $1 trillion, showcasing their strategic role in regional development.
Strategic Vision Development: Consultants are tasked with creating foundational documents like the Vision 2047, indicating their deep involvement in long-term national planning and priority setting.
What are the concerns about the government’s dependence on consulting firms?
Weakening of Government Capabilities: Over-reliance on consultants for both routine and complex tasks risks eroding essential government skills, leading to a concerning level of dependency. This situation can result in “mission creep,” where consultants gain excessive influence over policy and decision-making processes.
Manipulation of Policy: Concerns exist that consulting firms might use their influence to tweak policy directions for their own benefit, as seen in some international corruption scandals.
‘Consultocracy’ and Reduced Public Servant Role: The term “consultocracy” highlights how deep consultant integration can diminish the traditional functions and capabilities of public servants, altering the fundamental dynamics of governance.
What should be done?
Regulate Consultant Engagement: Implement transparent and fair regulations for hiring consultants. This is crucial, considering the Indian government spent about Rs 5,000 million on these firms in the past five years.
Build Government Capabilities: Strengthen internal skills to reduce reliance on consultants, addressing concerns like the overdependence noted in routine tasks like file note preparation.
Ensure Accountability: Regularly review and assess consulting engagements for effectiveness, mirroring the finance ministry’s recent initiative in auditing consultancy fees and engagements.
Promote Knowledge Transfer: Establish clear protocols for consultants to transfer skills to government staff, mitigating the risk of ‘consultocracy’ and enhancing government self-sufficiency.
Question for practice:
Discuss the role of consulting firms in Indian government projects and the concerns associated with government dependence on these firms.
India’s evolving foreign policy, a new pointer to India’s changed world view
Source: The post India’s evolving foreign policy has been created on the article “Gaza, a new pointer to India’s changed world view” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
News: The article discusses India’s evolving foreign policy, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Historically non-aligned and supportive of Palestine, India is now closer to Israel, influenced by security concerns and relations with the US. This change also reflects India’s strategic response to China’s rise.
What was India’s historical stance on Israel-Palestine conflict?
What changed in India’s policy towards Israel-Palestine conflict?
Shift Due to Security and Terrorism Concerns: The rise of Pakistan-supported Islamic militancy against India led to a strategic shift towards Israel for enhanced security and intelligence cooperation.
Upgrading Diplomatic Relations: In 1992, India upgraded its relations with Israel to ambassadorial level, a significant move from its earlier policy of keeping relations at a consular level.
Recent Pro-Israeli Tendencies: India’s rapid support for Israel during conflicts and abstaining from certain UN resolutions indicate a more pro-Israeli stance compared to the past.
Balanced Approach with Palestine: Even with closer ties to Israel, India continued supporting Palestine. For instance, India’s External Affairs Ministry voiced support for direct negotiations towards a sovereign Palestinian state, showing a balance in its stance.
What is the concern related to change in India policy towards Israel-Palestine?
Erosion of Non-Alignment Principle: The shift towards Israel marks a departure from India’s historical stance of non-alignment and balanced foreign policy.
Impact on India’s Muslim Population: India’s growing proximity to Israel raises concerns among its substantial Muslim population, who traditionally sympathize with the Palestinian cause.
Isolation from Global South: India’s abstention from the UN vote calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict contrasts with its role as a voice of the Global South.
Gandhian Principles at Stake: India’s reluctance to vote for peace in the UN General Assembly is seen as contrary to its Gandhian legacy of non-violence and peace advocacy.
How have global dynamics influenced India’s foreign policy?
China’s Rise and US Alignment: The increasing influence and territorial disputes with China have led India to strengthen its ties with the United States, especially after the Galwan clash in June 2020.
Engagement in Middle Eastern Affairs and Economic Strategies: India’s active involvement in Middle Eastern politics, evidenced by its participation in the I2U2 group and the Abraham Accords, demonstrates a strategic interest in the region. Additionally, economic initiatives like the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), announced at the G-20 summit, further highlight India’s expanding economic engagement in the Middle East.
Reorientation from Traditional Allies: With Russia’s diminishing influence in global politics and China’s assertiveness, India is visibly shifting its foreign policy, moving away from its traditional reliance on Russia.
Question for practice:
Examine the factors that led to India’s shift in policy towards the Israel-Palestine conflict.
GS PAPER - 3
India’s informal sector
Source: This post on India’s informal sector has been created based on the article “India’s informal sector could be adding more value than we know” published in “Live Mint” on 14th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Issues relating to growth, development and employment.
News: The article discusses the procedure for calculating the contribution of the informal sector to the GDP. It cites the PLFS Data to argue that the contribution of the informal sector in the economy is not declining.
Some experts have highlighted that since a GDP base revision (updating the reference year used for calculating and comparing the country’s economic output) is long overdue, the recently released second-quarter GDP estimates are unreliable. It is argued that as they do not adequately capture the informal sector, the GDP estimates are also consequently over-estimated.
Why do experts think it is?
The argument being given for the above is that the country’s informal sector, after both demonetization and COVID, has seen a large decline in its ability to contribute to economic value addition.
But since GDP calculation estimates the contribution of the informal sector indirectly (by measurements drawn from the formal sector), the size and contribution of the sector is overstated.
What are the flaws in the argument?
- Informal Sector assessment not completely indirect: The assessment of the informal sector’s contribution to the GDP is not entirely indirect.
For instance, agriculture (which is almost 40% of informal sector GVA) is assessed through direct estimates of production. The construction sector, which is the second major component of this sector, is also assessed through the production of key inputs like cement, steel, etc. - Growth in value-added due to trade is inferred from data on tax collections.
Thus, these significant components of informal sector activity are calculated from data elements that are performing well.
What does the PLFS data reveal about the status of the informal sector?
Source: LiveMint.
Rise in Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Between 2017-18 and 2022-23, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for all ages (rural+urban) rose significantly from 34.7% to 41.1%. This rise, combined with the rise in India’s population over the same period implies a substantial increase in the number of informal enterprises. Thus, in size terms, the informal sector has not declined.
Rise in the Share of Self-Employed: It has also increased from 52.2% to 57.3%.
Rise in Gross Earnings: PLFS data also reveals that average gross earnings for self-employed people shows that the growth in earnings post July 2020 is almost 6.5% per year.
Initially we witness a stagnation in earnings as a consequence of GST implementation and COVID-lockdowns. Subsequently, there has been a revival which can be explained by the momentum gained in financial inclusion and credit outreach aimed at the informal sector.
Thus, there does not appear to be a case that the contribution of the informal sector has declined.
Question for practice:
What is the current status of the informal sector in India? What are the challenges ailing it?
Circular economy
Source: This post on Circular economy has been created based on the article “Circular economy” published in “Business Standard” on 14th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
News: The article discusses the importance of adopting Circular Economy for India in the context of the recently released National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF).
A detailed article on Circular Economy can be read here.
Background:
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently brought out the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF). It aims to provide a blueprint for India’s shift towards a circular economy.
What is circular economy?
The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.
Source: InfoDiagram.com
What is the importance of adopting Circular Economy for India?
Mitigate Environmental Impacts: As manufacturing grows and consumption habits evolve, there’s a likelihood of generating more jobs and higher individual incomes. However, this rise in production and consumption can have adverse impacts on the environment.
Offset the Lack of Natural Resources: India, possessing just 2% of global land area and 4% of freshwater resources, would face limitations in its manufacturing and broader economy if it follows a linear economic model of “Take-Make-Dispose”
Tackle Poor Waste Management: India ranks 4th on the Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI) which highlights the country’s poor ability to manage plastic waste (India recycles only 12.3% of its plastic waste).
Secure Green Investment: By applying circular economy in their applications, the private sector can get an advantage in securing green investment.
Reduce Compliance Costs in Exports: India must adopt circular-economy models to reduce compliance costs (in light of instruments such as EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism which places higher tariffs on import of carbon-intensive products) and mitigate scope-3 emissions.
Note: Scope 3 emissions are those not produced by the company itself, but by those up and down its value chain that the company is indirectly responsible for.
In this regard, the circular economy can be a powerful strategy to minimise dependence on natural resources, curtail waste, and encourage sustainable design practices.
What are the highlights of the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF)?
- It focuses on areas like municipal solid and liquid waste, electronic waste, toxic and hazardous industrial waste, faecal sludge, plastics, and construction material.
- It aims to reduce reliance on imported resources, decouple economic growth from resource consumption, reduce resource consumption and pollution, enhance resource security, improve competitiveness, and attract investment.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: CII also stressed that by 2050, the sector is likely to contribute $2 trillion to the domestic economy and create close to 10 million additional jobs.
What should be the way forward?
Collaboration between Companies: It should help in the exchange of byproducts across the value chain. Rather than discarding byproducts as waste, collaboration allows for their efficient utilization at different stages of production among companies.
Investing in Waste-Management Techniques: India must invest in waste-management policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) (which holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including proper disposal or recycling). By this, India can effectively manage waste and promote the reuse of resources.
Question for practice:
What is the importance of adopting Circular Economy for India? Elaborate.
HC decision on Sri Lankan refugees -End the uncertainty
Source: The post HC decision on Sri Lankan refugees has been created on the article “End the uncertainty-Centre’s proactive approach to resolve issues of Sri Lankan repatriates is must” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- security- internal security
News: The article discusses a court decision in India granting citizenship to T. Ganesan, a long-time Sri Lankan refugee. It highlights the broader issue of many refugees in similar situations and the government’s role. The article suggests steps for helping eligible refugees gain citizenship or return to Sri Lanka voluntarily.
What is the Madras High Court’s position on Sri Lankan refugees?
The Madras High Court has taken a proactive and compassionate stance towards refugees, particularly those from Sri Lanka seeking refuge in India. A notable example of this is the case of T. Ganesan.
The court has been actively involved in similar cases, as evidenced by the approximately 5,130 citizenship applications from Indian Origin Tamils that it has acknowledged.
These efforts by the Madras High Court are significant, considering the larger context of around 91,000 refugees in Tamil Nadu, with close to 58,000 residing in camps.
This approach showcases the court’s understanding and responsive attitude towards the challenges faced by refugees in India.
What is the government’s position on Sri Lankan refugees?
Generally, refugees are considered illegal migrants, but they are still entitled to certain benefits.
The government follows the principle of non-refoulement, ensuring that refugees are not forced to return to places where they might face serious threats.
While the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 excluded Sri Lankan refugees, the government shows a preference for voluntary repatriation of these refugees back to Sri Lanka.
What is the legal framework for refugees in India?
What should be done?
The Union government should identify eligible refugees and confirm the consent of these refugees for citizenship, respecting their choice and circumstances.
Issue passports to those recognized as Indian citizens, following the Madras High Court’s lead in cases like T. Ganesan’s.
Allowing eligible refugees to pursue higher education or work abroad, provided they have no criminal record.
Engage in discussions with the Sri Lankan government to arrange voluntary repatriation.
Adopt a proactive approach to ensure refugees lead a life of dignity, reflecting the Madras High Court’s empathetic stance.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the role of the Madras High Court and the Indian government in addressing the issue of Sri Lankan refugees.
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
7 PM EditorialArticles List Covered
COP28 summit calls for ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels
COP28: What were the most important decisions, where they fell short
CoP-28’s finale averted a cop-out on fossil fuels
Unexpected progress - COP28 agrees to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels [BS]
7 PM Article - COP 28 Outcomes and Shortcomings- Explained Pointwise+ Infographics
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): NITI Aayog releases the 1st Delta Ranking of ABP
Source: The post is based on the article “Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): NITI Aayog releases the 1st Delta Ranking of ABP” published in “PIB” on 7th December 2023
Why in the News?
NITI Aayog has released the first Delta Ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
Note- It has also released the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) rankings for the month of October, 2023. Rayagada (Odisha) and Jamui (Bihar) have achieved the first and second ranks respectively.
What is the Delta Ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?
1) The Delta Ranking is a core strategy of the Programme based on the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism.
2) It is calculated on the basis of performance of blocks and progress achieved in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
3) Tiriyani Block in Telangana has secured the top position and Kaushambi Block in Uttar Pradesh ranked second.
4) The top rankers of ABP and ADP will be displayed on the Wall of Fame at NITI Aayog. It will display the projects undertaken by the blocks and districts to improve their indicators.
What is the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?
| Specifications | Details |
| Launched in | January, 2023 |
| Launched by | NITI Aayog |
| Inspired from | Aspirational District Programme |
| Purpose | The programme focuses on improving governance to enhance the quality of life of citizens and service delivery in the remotest and less developed blocks of India. |
| Blocks covered | 500 blocks from 329 districts in 27 states and 4 Union Territories. |
| Themes | Each block will be monitored based on following themes: 1) Health and Nutrition 2) Education 3) Agriculture and Allied Services 4) Basic Infrastructure and 5) Social Development. |
| Implementation strategy | The program strategy is based on three levels: 1) Convergence (of Central & State Schemes) 2) Collaboration (of NITI Aayog, Central Ministries and Departments, State Governments and District and Block Administration) and 3) Competition among blocks driven by a spirit of mass Movement. |
| Nodal Officers | 1) Block Officials are identified as Leaders of Change. They will be equipped with skills to drive transformation in blocks. 2) They will work under the guidance of their respective state and district administrations. |
| Rankings | NITI Aayog in partnership with the states will release a quarterly ranking of these blocks. |
What is the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)?
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes in News
Lok Sabha Rules for Visitors’ Entry
Source: The post is based on the article “What helped two men dodge layers of security inside Parliament House” published in “Indian Express” on 14th December 2023
Why in the News?
Recently, two persons visiting the Parliament jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitor’s gallery and opened canisters that emitted yellow smoke.
What does the Lok Sabha Rules say on the entry of visitors in Lok Sabha?
Visitors admission, withdrawal and removal is governed by Rule 386 and 387 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
1) Rule 386: It states that the admission of strangers during the sittings of the House to those portions of the House which are not reserved for the exclusive use of members shall be regulated in accordance with orders made by the Speaker.
2) Rule 387: It gives the Speaker the power to withdraw “strangers” from any part of the House if he/she deems it fit.
What is the process of entry of strangers in Lok Sabha?
1) Visitors such as academics, students, and members of the general public are frequently admitted in the Parliament. They ask MPs for passes so they can observe how laws are made.
2) MPs requesting visitor passes must give a declaration that they know the guest personally and take full responsibility for him or her.
3) Visitor cards are typically issued for a particular day and fixed hours. In special cases, two cards may be issued.
4) The visitor is also mandated to carry a photo identification.
4) Lok Sabha has 2 types of galleries– public and Speaker’s. Members can facilitate entry for four in the public and two in the Speaker’s gallery. The Speaker’s gallery entries need Speaker’s approval.
5) Members are accountable for any incidents related to the cardholders and are advised to be cautious while recommending visitors.
6) Similar rules are in force for visitor entry into the Rajya Sabha.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity
New Delhi Declaration on Artificial Intelligence Adopted
Source: The post is based on the article “New Delhi Declaration on Artificial Intelligence adopted” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023
Why in the News?
The New Delhi Declaration has been adopted at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit. It is being hosted by India at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
What is Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)?
1) GPAI is a multi-stakeholder effort aimed at steering the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence.
2) Members- 29 member countries.
3) India will be the lead chair for 2024.
What are the Key Highlights of the New Delhi Declaration?
1) Responsible AI development and deployment: This includes ensuring transparency, accountability, fairness, and non-discrimination in AI systems.
2) Global framework on AI: It states that such a framework should be rooted in democratic values and human rights, safeguarding dignity and well-being as well as ensuring personal data protection.
3) Inclusive AI: Ensuring equitable access to the benefits of AI for all countries and people.
4) Address concerns around AI: The declaration commits countries to work on addressing concerns around AI such as unemployment, lack of transparency and fairness, protection of intellectual property and personal data and threats to human rights and democratic values.
5) Diverse membership: GPAI will pursue a diverse membership with a particular focus on low and middle-income countries to ensure a broad range of expertise, national and regional views and experiences based on our shared values.
6) Agriculture as a priority: The declaration acknowledges India’s contribution in making agriculture a part of the AI agenda.
UPSC Syllabus: International Organizations
WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 – Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop
Source: The post is based on the article “Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023: Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023
Why in the News?
Recently, the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 has been released.
What is the Global Status Report on Road Safety?
Released by: World Health Organization (WHO)
Aim: To detail the scale of global road traffic deaths and progress in advancing laws, strategies and policies to reduce them around the world.
Key Findings of the report:
1) Global Decline in Road Traffic Deaths: Between 2010 and 2021, road traffic deaths worldwide dropped by 5% to 1.19 million annually.
2) Countries making progress: Around 108 UN member countries reported a decrease in road traffic deaths. 10 countries achieved above 50% reduction in deaths. 35 countries reduced fatalities by 30-50%.
3) India: India, on the other hand, saw a 15% increase in road traffic fatalities rising from 1.34 lakh in 2010 to 1.54 lakh in 2021.
3) Impact on age groups: Road crashes remain a major cause of death among youth (5-29 years) and the 12th leading cause of deaths among all age groups.
4) Population Growth vs Road Fatalities: In the last decade, the global population increased by about 14 billion or 13% but road traffic deaths decreased by 5%. Therefore, the road fatality rate per 100,000 people has seen a reduction.
5) Vehicle Growth Impact: The global motor vehicle fleet increased by 160%. Therefore, the annual fatality rates per 1 lakh vehicles dropped from 79 deaths to 47 deaths marking a 41% reduction.
6) Higher road deaths in Low and Middle Income Countries: Nine in 10 deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries which is disproportionately higher when set against the number of vehicles and roads they have.
UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News
Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) Launched at COP28
Source- This post is based on the article “NMCG Launches Global River Cities Alliance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai” published in “PIB” on 12th December 2023.
Why in the News?
The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), led by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), was launched at COP28 in Dubai.
What is Global River Cities Alliance?
| What is it? | 1) The GRCA is a unique alliance to propagate river-sensitive development in cities around the world. 2) It extends the River Cities Alliance, initially established by NMCG in 2021. |
| Aim | To foster global collaboration for river conservation and sustainable water management. |
| Members | Includes over 275 river-cities worldwide across 11 countries (India, Australia, Japan, Bhutan, Egypt, etc), along with international funding agencies (World Bank, AIIB, ADB)
Note- River cities of Den Haag, from the Netherlands, Adelaide from Australia, and Szolnok of Hungary joined the GRCA. |
What is River Cities Alliance?
1) Purpose: It is a dedicated platform for river cities in India to ideate, discuss and exchange information for the sustainable management of urban rivers.
2) Launched by: NMCG in association with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
What is National Mission for Clean Ganga?
UPSC Syllabus- Environment
AKTOCYTE tablets – Revolutionizing Cancer Care + Infographic
Source– This post is based on the article “Breakthrough Nutraceutical ‘AKTOCYTE’ by the Department of Atomic Energy Set to Transform Cancer Care” published in “PIB” on 13th December 2023.
Why in the News?
AKTOCYTE tablets have been granted approval by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
What are AKTOCYTE tablets?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it? | Its a tablet used during cancer treatment to minimize the side effects of radiotherapy. |
| Developed by | Department of Atomic Energy and M/s. IDRS Labs Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru |
| Characteristics | 1) Impressive Recovery in Pelvic Cancer: AKTOCYTE Tablets show promise in pelvic cancer patients suffering from radiotherapy-induced Cystitis (Blood in urine). 2) Versatile AKTOCYTE Tablets: Beyond a supplement, they serve as an adjuvant to cancer radiotherapy, a regenerative nutraceutical, an immunomodulator, and an antioxidant, highlighting their diverse applications in cancer care. 3) Safe: AKTOCYTE has received approval from the FSSAI. |
| Market Entry | AKTOCYTE Tablets, set to debut in January 2024, promise to revolutionize cancer treatment protocols. |
What is FSSAI?
1) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
2) FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
| For more information on FSSAI Click Here to Read |
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Vulnerability to climate change induced health issues
Source– This post is based on the article “Indians vulnerable to climate change-induced health issues” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023.
Why in the News?
Recently, a research paper has highlighted the vulnerability of Indians to climate change-induced health issues.
What are the Findings of the Study?
The study focused on measuring district-level exposures, sensitivities, adaptive capacities (ACs) and health vulnerabilities for all the 640 districts of India (Census 2011) and used 50 indicators.
1) Around 56% of India’s population, residing in 344 districts, confront elevated health vulnerability attributed to climate change.
2) 298 districts exhibit high or very high levels of exposure, accounting for approximately 52% of India’s population.
3) Almost 30% of India’s population living in 184 districts are faced with very high and high sensitivity.
4) In 153 districts, housing one-fifth of India’s population, adaptive capacities are assessed to be moderate and low.
5) In select districts with high infant mortality rates and poor child health indicators, underdeveloped primary healthcare is a significant contributor to heightened vulnerability.
What are the Measures Suggested?
1) Effective primary healthcare systems can address the rising burden of both non-communicable and communicable diseases exacerbated by climate change.
2) Addressing inequalities in the distribution of various social determinants of health could reduce health vulnerability such as sustainable livelihoods, improving working conditions, providing social safety nets, etc.
3) Ensuring a robust and dynamic health system data architecture to ensure evidence-based policy making.
4) Engaging institutions of local self-governance with the climate and health agenda to localise adaptation and mitigation efforts and strategies.
UPSC Syllabus- Environment
RBI’s Cloud Facility for Financial Sector
Source – This post is based on the article “RBI to offer cloud storage services as part of digital public infrastructure” published in “The Indian Express” on 8th December 2023.
Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on establishing a cloud facility for the financial sector in India.
What is the Cloud Centre for Financial Data?
1) It aims to provide a structured, scalable data storage and data processing facility.
2) It will be part of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
3) The facility will be set up and initially operated by the Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI. Eventually, the cloud facility will be transferred to a separate entity owned by the financial sector participants.
What is the Significance of the move?
1) Enhance the security, integrity and privacy of financial sector data.
2) Alternative to similar services offered by American companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
3) For smaller organizations such as cooperative banks, this offers significant efficiency in scaling since maintaining individual databases for each one could require substantial investments and specialized skills.
5) It will empower the financial sector to utilise next-generation technologies, including AI, platform automation, etc.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
