9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – February 17th, 2023
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GS PAPER - 2
The Express View: Keeping an eye on China
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “The Express View: Keeping an eye on China” published in the Indian Express on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS 2 – India and Neighbourhood relations.
Relevance: About Chinese threat along LAC.
News: The cabinet has approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Vibrant Villages Programme(VVP). The programme aims to improve infrastructure and provide livelihood opportunities along the Line of Actual Control.
The plan is to upgrade 633 villages in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
About Vibrant Villages Programme(VVP)
Read here: Cabinet approves Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 |
What is the present state of border areas along LAC?
Indian territory along the LAC had no established or limited human settlements. For instance, residents of Ladakh’s border villages have long demanded better facilities such as 4G telecommunication towers, better roads, schools with adequate facilities, and 24×7 electricity.
The government also neglected people’s complaints to surrender acres of traditional grazing land to China’s salami-slicing tactics. The attempted Chinese incursion in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh last year has underlined Chinese threats along the LAC.
What are the new developments planned and developed along LAC?
Infrastructure development:
-A new 4.1 km all-weather tunnel will connect Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh making troops movement easier.
-Tourism and sporting activities are being planned in these areas to provide livelihood opportunities for local people.
Increase in personnel: The government will spend Rs 1,800 crore to raise seven new battalions (9,000 personnel) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chiefly deployed along India’s borders with China alongside the Army.
Read more: Build, But Smartly – Infra along LAC is strategically vital. But Joshimath shows why projects must respect mountain ecology |
What is the present state of the Chinese threat along LAC?
China is effectively practising salami-slicing tactics on the border. For instance, the villages on the Chinese side are hybrid in nature with a mixture of civilian and military settlements. According to security analysts, they can be used as staging posts for incursions into India.
What India should do to address the Chinese threat along LAC?
At present, both sides are working on an idea to build permanent population settlements along the border to strengthen each side’s claim to the region under their control along the disputed sections of the LAC.
However, India does not have enough time to catch up with China. Hence, building “vibrant” villages and developing infrastructure on the border are important and convey China a message.
India should develop an integrated approach by making the Vibrant Villages Programme a part of a broader defence strategy with an all-of-government approach.
How data can empower MPs to serve people better
Contents
Source– The post is based on the article “How data can empower MPs to serve people better” published in The Indian Express on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions
Relevance– Data availability for governance
News– At present, timely and readily available data on critical issues related to population health and socioeconomic well-being is lacking at the Parliamentary Constituency (PC) level.
What are the various efforts for availability of data for governance?
The Government of India made a concerted effort to make a variety of data from current GOI schemes more accessible by launching National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDAP) in 2012.
In recent years, district-level data from GOI administrative data or independent surveys such as the National Family Health Surveys has emerged as a key input for policy deliberations.
A new interactive PC data tracker developed by the Geographic Insights Lab at Harvard University. For the first time, it has provided data on crucial population, health, and well-being estimates for each of the 543 PCs.
It includes a factsheet for each PC. The data underlying the PC dashboard comes from the NFHS-4 and NFHS-5.
Why does the availability of district-level data not help MPs?
District boundaries of India are not aligned in a straightforward manner with the 543 Parliamentary Constituencies of India. The districts and PC boundaries crisscross.
Even though there is substantial overlap in the names of districts and PCs, it doesn’t mean they have the same size and composition of population.
The lack of congruence of distinct and PCs populations makes it difficult for MPs to have access to accurate data related to important developmental indicators.
The Ministry of Rural Development issued an order in 2016 to all states and Union Territories to constitute a District Coordination and Monitoring Committee, chaired by district MPs.
It was charged with making the implementation and monitoring of central schemes more efficient. But the data still pertains to districts and not PCs.
What is the way forward for data accessibility for PCs?
Data-based monitoring and governance of populations is central to identifying priorities.
It is critical that MPs are empowered with appropriate data related to the populations they have to function effectively, efficiently, and independently without having to solely rely on the district administration.
A more durable solution would entail that all datasets be consistently geo-tagged for PC.
What is the importance of data accessibility at the level of PC?
Timely and accessible data at the PC-level can transform the work of MPs by highlighting the most critical issues and at-risk populations in need of targeted interventions.
It can also empower MPs to raise policy questions at multiple levels of governments, from the floor of Parliament to their frequent interactions with the district administrations.
It facilitates the MPs to independently initiate and sustain meaningful dialogue with civil society NGOs and other stakeholders to collaboratively address the issues most important to their constituents.
In a democratic set-up, the PCs offer a natural unit for policy deliberation and governance. Bringing timely and frequent data on issues related to population health and well-being to PCs can bring much symmetry and synergy between districts.
Wrong Answer, Govts – Repeated exam paper leaks should tell authorities that technology not punishment is the cure
Source: The post is based on the article “Wrong Answer, Govts – Repeated exam paper leaks should tell authorities that technology not punishment is the cure” published in The Times of India on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS 2 – Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.
Relevance: About government recruitment exams.
News: Recently, Uttarakhand witnessed protests against corruption in government recruitment exams. The government in response promulgated an ordinance for “control and prevention of unfair means in recruitment”.
Accordingly, the first case was registered under the new law, where offences are non-bailable, fines go up to Rs 10 crore, and jail terms up to life imprisonment.
What are the other issues with government recruitment exams?
Rajasthan: Last year, the state government promulgated a stricter bill to disincentivise corruption in government recruitment exams. However, the bill does not address the ineffectual surveillance to prevent paper leaks.
West Bengal: The malpractices in the state highlighted the demand-supply mismatch and exploitation in the government ecosystem.
Uttarakhand: The aspirants are complaining that irregularities have spread from exams conducted by the state’s Subordinate Services Selection Commission to those conducted by its Public Service Commission.
What are the reasons behind the issues in government recruitment exams?
The central challenge for the issues is a) Administrative challenges in long-identified people management across vast student populations and very porous channels, b) The pen-and-paper mode is too easy to sabotage through digital channels.
To stop irregularities in government recruitment exams, Governments need to work on upgrading exam technologies instead of formulating strict laws.
Reigning over the capital, from above
Contents
- 1 What are different legal opinions about the right of nominated members to vote for election of Mayor?
- 2 What is the larger picture behind the recent event related to the election of MCD Mayor?
- 3 What are the issues faced by municipalities in India?
- 4 What is the way forward for decentralised governance in urban areas?
Source– The post is based on the article “Reigning over the capital, from above” published in The Hindu on 16th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
Relevance– Municipal governance
News– It has been more than a month since the election results to the Delhi Municipal Corporation was declared. But the city still does not have a mayor. Election of the Mayor could not be held in three attempts.
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi had nominated 10 members to the Municipal Corporation just before the first session. AAP party approached Supreme Court against this decision.
What are different legal opinions about the right of nominated members to vote for election of Mayor?
The Supreme Court observed that “nominated members cannot go for election”.
Section 3(b) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 provides that 10 people who have “special knowledge or experience in municipal administration” are to be nominated to the Corporation. Such nominated persons “shall not have the right to vote in the meetings of the Corporation.”
Article 243R (2) provides that state legislation can include those with special knowledge of municipal administration to be represented in municipalities. But such persons shall not have the right to vote.
It is part of the Union government’s increasing attempts to gain control over Delhi’s governance. The Union government passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021.
It has affirmed the primacy of the elected government in Delhi. It has provided that on matters specified by the LG, the Council of Ministers must obtain the permission of the LG before taking any executive decision.
In April 2022, Parliament amended the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act to merge the North, South, and East Delhi Municipalities.
It was initiated by the Union government and passed by Parliament, undercutting the Legislative Assembly. The Union government used its plenary powers under Article 239AA of the Constitution to pass this law.
What are the issues faced by municipalities in India?
First, Local governments tend to function as administrative vessels of the State government, and not as an independent level of government.
Second, the 74th Amendment provides for devolution of 18 functions to municipal governments. But, many of these functions continue to be exercised by state government-controlled parastatal agencies such as development authorities.
Third, the executive powers of the municipality are often vested with the State government-appointed commissioners. It renders the mayor to a ceremonial role.
Fourth, Municipalities are vested with very few revenue generating powers. It keeps them reliant on grants and loans from the State and Union governments.
Fifth, more recently, national-level urban programmes such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and the Smart Cities Mission have given the Union government a larger role in driving urban development and governance.
What is the way forward for decentralised governance in urban areas?
There needs to be more clarity about the authority of each level of government.
Local autonomy is crucial. But, higher levels of government can also have a legitimate role in local issues to ensure regional coordination, reduce spatial inequality, or manage economic and environmental externalities.
Freedom and the big freeze
Source: The post is based on the article “Freedom and the big freeze” published in Business Standard on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS 2 – Governance
Relevance: chilling effect and its impact
News: The article discusses the way the government is trying to curtail the freedom of media and NGOs.
What is the chilling effect and civic space?
The word has its roots in the McCarthyism that was developed in the United States throughout the 1960s. Similar to present India, people were labelled as traitors by elements in the state in U.S. at that time.
Chilling effect is defined as the curbing of free speech through government laws and actions that appear to target free expression.
In the real world, it is a situation where individual keep quiet even if one knows that there is something wrong with the government policy. It happens due to fear of cases, abuse and hatred, mob violence etc.
Civic space refers to the ability of organizations outside of government like NGOs to function freely.
These two words often come in the report due to the repeated raids/action taken by the government against some organisations.
What are highlights of different reports?
As per a report, Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation raids on the Lawyers’ Collective, Centre for Justice and Peace, and other groups have the intended chilling effect on the rest of civil society.
Another report said that the Indian government brings an environment of surveillance that results in a chilling effect on free speech and media freedoms.
Like these, there are various negative reports against government works that resulted into government action on the organization.
What are the impacts of chilling effects on India?
Chilling effects reduce the freedom of expression. It stops people from acting as dissenters. And when such freedom is curtailed by the government, it is a symbol of dictatorship.
Media houses in India are mostly owned by large corporations, they rely on the government for licenses and advertisement. Hence, it becomes difficult for them to dissent or speak against the majoritarian government.
Moreover, coverage by the mainstream media in India is attacking the victim of the raid. Whereas, in other democracies, other media companies support medias under attack.
These kinds of attacks on victims by the media have reduced the solidarity in India. Thus, further reducing the space to speak freely.
Furthermore, audience is unconcerned and ignored the shrinking spaces and chilling effects.
Issues with Mental Health and Mental Healthcare in India – Explained, pointwise
Contents
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Introduction
Mental disorders are now among the top leading causes of health burden worldwide, with no evidence of global reduction since 1990. Suicides rates in India are amongst the highest when compared to other countries at the same socio-economic level. The latest survey by India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) found that nearly 150 million Indians are in need of mental healthcare services, but fewer than 30 million are seeking care. This shows several issues with mental healthcare in India including access and social attitude to mental health. The Government has taken several initiatives to improve access to mental healthcare services in addition to gradually changing the discourse on mental health. However, as evident in the data, there is a need for further effort to address the issues.
What is the status of Mental Health in India?
The WHO defines Mental Health as, “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in“.
The WHO calls Mental health as a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.
According to the WHO, mental illness makes about 15% of the total disease conditions around the world. In 2019, India’s suicide rate was at 12.9 per 1,00,000 persons. This was higher than the regional average of 10.2 and the global average of 9.0. Suicide has become the leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 in India.
In 2017, an estimation of the burden of mental health conditions for the States across India revealed that as many as 197.3 million people (~14% of the population) required care for mental health conditions. This included around 45.7 million people with depressive disorders and 44.9 million people with anxiety disorders.
According to the National Mental Health Survey conducted by NIMHANS in 12 States, the prevalence of mental morbidity is high in urban metropolitan areas. Nearly 1 in 20 persons suffer from depression. 0.9 % of the surveyed population were at high risk of suicide.
According to the NCRB data, 1,64,033 people committed suicide in 2021, a 6.2% rise in comparison to 2020.
What are the harmful effects of poor Mental Health?
Impact on Physical Health: A study found that positive psychological well-being can reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke. On the other hand, poor mental status can lead to poor physical health or harmful behaviour. Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses. These illnesses include diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
Impact on Relationships: Mental-health conditions during adolescence and young adulthood can have a significantly negative impact on the development of safe and healthy relationships with peers, parents, teachers, colleagues and partners.
Impact on Productivity: It impacts a person’s ability to concentrate and engage in productive activities.
The WHO Report on Mental Health and Development (2010) highlighted the risks of a cyclical relationship between vulnerability and poor mental health, in which people with such conditions are a vulnerable group subject to stigma, discrimination, violence, marginalization and other violations of their human rights.
What are the reasons for poor status of Mental Health in India?
Lack of Awareness and Sensitivity: In India, mental health issues are not considered as healthcare issues. Any person suffering from mental issues is considered weak. Stigma and discrimination often undermine social support structures. Persons suffering from such issues are often tagged as ‘lunatics’ by the society. This leads to a vicious cycle of shame, suffering and isolation of the patients.
A survey conducted in 2018 showed that while 87% of the respondents showed some awareness of mental illness, 71% also used terms associated with stigma.
Lack of Mental Healthcare Personnel: There is a severe shortage of mental healthcare workforce in India. According to the WHO, in 2011, there were 0.301 psychiatrists and 0.047 psychologists for every 100,000 patients suffering from a mental health disorder in India. In contrast, the ratio in most developed countries is in excess of 10.
Gap in Treatment: At present, only 20-30% of people with mental illnesses receive adequate treatment. One major reason for such a wide treatment gap is the problem of inadequate resources.
Low budget Allocation: Developed countries allocate 5-18% of their annual healthcare budget on mental healthcare, while India allocates roughly 0.05% (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2014) of its healthcare budget. This is the lowest among all G20 countries. Despite a rise in mental illness issues, the Union Ministry of Health allocated less than 1% of its budget to directly deal with psychological illnesses in 2022.
Changed Lifestyle: Increased use of certain kinds of social media is exacerbating stress and mental illness, especially among the young people. Social media detracts from face-to-face relationships, which are healthier, and reduces investment in meaningful activities. More importantly, it erodes self-esteem through unfavourable social comparison. In addition, some experts contend that the shift to nuclear families has reduced the avenues of relieving one’s anxieties as family members are not emotionally available at most crucial times.
Income Inequalities: Mental issues are closely linked with poverty. People living in poverty are at greater risk of experiencing mental health conditions. On the other hand, people experiencing severe mental health conditions are more likely to fall into poverty through loss of employment and increased health expenditure.
What steps have been taken to improve Mental Health in India?
Legal Measures
The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: The Act makes several provisions to improve the state of mental health in India. The Act rescinds the Mental Healthcare Act, 1987 which was criticised for failing to recognise the rights and agency of those with mental illness. The Act seeks to ensure rights of the person with mental illness to receive care and to live a life with dignity. It provides the Right to Access to Healthcare: Every person shall have a right to access mental health care and treatment from mental health services run or funded by the appropriate Government. It also empowers person with mental illness to make an advance directive that states how he/she wants to be treated for the illness.
The Act decriminalised suicide stating that whoever attempts suicide will be presumed to be under severe stress, and shall not be punished for it.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017: The Act acknowledges mental illness as a disability and seeks to enhance the Rights and Entitlements of the Disabled and provide an effective mechanism for ensuring their empowerment and inclusion in society.
Schemes and Initiatives
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Keeping with the WHO’s recommendations, the programme was introduced in 1982 to provide mental health services as part of the general healthcare system. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 704 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission.
Facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc. In addition to above services there is a provision of 10 bedded in-patient facility at the District level.
Generating Awareness: To generate awareness among masses about mental illnesses Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are an integral part of the NMHP. At the District level, sufficient funds are provided to each District under the DMHP (under the Non-communicable Diseases flexi-pool of National Health Mission) for IEC and awareness generation activities in the community, schools, workplaces, with community involvement.
Under the DMHP various IEC activities such as awareness messages in local newspapers and radio, street plays, wall paintings are undertaken by the States/UTs.
National Tele Mental Health Programme: The Government has announced a National Tele Mental Health Programme in the Budget of 2022-23, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
Kiran: A 24/7 toll-free helpline called Kiran was established by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020 to offer support to those dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, suicide thoughts, and other mental issues.
Manodarpan: Students will receive psychosocial help as part of an effort under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, with the goal of improving the students’ mental health and overall well-being. Its components include Advisory Guidelines for students, teachers and faculty of School systems and Universities along with families; National level database and directory of counsellors; Toll-free helpline; Handbook on Psychosocial Support etc.
Issuance of Guidelines/Advisories: Guidelines/ advisories on management of mental illness have been issued by the Government. All the guidelines, advisories and advocacy material can be accessed on the website of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under ‘Behavioural Health – Psychosocial Helpline’.
What steps can be taken further?
There is a need of an urgent and well-resourced ‘whole-of-society’ approach to protect, promote and care for the mental health of people. This should be based on the following pillars.
First, there is a need to address the deep stigma surrounding such issues which prevents patients from seeking timely treatment and makes them feel shameful, isolated and weak.
Second, mental health should be made an integral part of the public health programme to reduce stress, promote a healthy lifestyle, screen and identify high-risk groups and strengthen interventions like counselling services. Special emphasis should be given to schools. In addition, special focus should be on groups that are highly vulnerable to mental health issues such as victims of domestic or sexual violence, unemployed youth, marginal farmers, armed forces personnel and personnel working under difficult conditions.
Third, Infrastructure should be improved for mental health care and treatment. Innovative models are required to deepen the penetration of services and staff. ASHAs can be trained for this purpose. Community health workers (ASHAs) can not only educate and sensitize women and children about mental diseases but also guide them to reach the right expert in their locality.
Fourth, The above interventions will require enhanced allocation to mental healthcare in the Budget. Substantial investment will be needed to address the wide treatment gap in the health infrastructure and human resources.
Fifth, Careful mapping and research needs to be undertaken to produce quality data, that is essential to understand the size of the problem. This in turn should be utilised to implement a comprehensive approach, supported by heightened political commitment, scientific understanding and a citizen driven movement.
Sixth, the WHO has recommended Three Paths to transformation towards better Mental Health.
Source: WHO
Conclusion
The status with respect to mental issues has worsened since COVID-19 pandemic. The mental healthcare system in India is under-equipped to deal with the crisis. Urgent interventions, in terms of enhanced budget, increased workforce, and improved awareness are necessary to address the challenge.
Syllabus: GS II, Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Source: Indian Express, Indian Express, Economic Times, PIB
GS PAPER - 3
Fasten Your Seatbelt, India – Air India’s huge order has multiple implications, for the airline, for civil aviation, for policy and for manufacturing. Here’s a deep dive
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Fasten Your Seatbelt, India – Air India’s huge order has multiple implications, for the airline, for civil aviation, for policy and for manufacturing. Here’s a deep dive” published in The Times of India on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Relevance: About the Indian aviation market.
News: Recently, the Tata Group, which acquired Air India, has placed an order for 470 new aircraft. This is the largest ever deal in aviation in India.
About the new deal for Air India
Read here: Modi, Macron, Biden announce: 470 Airbus, Boeing planes for Air India |
Where does the deal offer Air India?
Domestic significance: Locally, Air India faces a formidable competitor from IndiGo which flies a fleet of 308 aircraft and has more than 55% of the market locked up.
There’s also a fast-growing competitor in Akasa, which has captured more than 2% of the market in five months since its launch.
Air India after combining four entities (the others are Air India Express, AIX Connect and Vistara) has a fleet of 220 aircraft with 26% of the market. Hence, the deal will enable Air India to engage in a complete fleet renewal coupled with significant expansion.
International significance: The deal will a) Match features of international airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Lufthansa and b) Enable Air India to enter, capture traffic flows and build foundations in markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and SAARC nations.
What does the deal offer for the Indian aviation market?
Over time, the Tata Group aims to bring commercial aircraft manufacturing into the country. If it was for Airbus, then the set-up of an assembly line will be their second assembly line in Asia after China. This would pave the way for boosting manufacturing and technology transfer agreements with Indian firms.
Note: Boeing already has an existing joint venture with Boeing on the defence side.
The deal will also help India to a) Forecast Indian aviation sector growth at a global level, b) Improve India’s economic growth prospects and geopolitical dynamics, and c) Help in leveraging geopolitical dynamics to provide a competitive edge for India’s international relations.
What should be done to improve the Indian aviation market?
The Indian aviation industry has two major challenges. a) India has a complex fleet infrastructure which challenges the seamless induction and deployment of mammoth aircraft orders, b) The deal does not provide adequate returns on capital unless there is a smooth deployment of aircraft.
To overcome that, India needs policy changes to develop airports as hubs, ensure proper air-traffic management, presence of adequate maintenance facilities and trained manpower.
Shuffling feet: On foreign trade and policy responses
Source: The post is based on an article “Shuffling feet: On foreign trade and policy responses” published in The Hindu on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy
Relevance: changes in exports and imports
News: The article discusses the changing trends of export and import in India.
How has export and import been in India for 2023?
The exports from India got a disappointing start in 2023. Merchandise shipments fell 6.6% in January.
Engineering exports fell 10%; pharma products lost momentum along with 14 other products.
However, with the exports, even imports are also falling down.
If this trend continues, India’s current account deficit for 2022-23 will be lower than the projected CAD by most of the agencies.
What are the reasons behind slowing export and import?
The drop in imports suggests that domestic demand growth is decreasing while the decline in export is due to the global economic slowdown.
India’s weaker trade balance for the fiscal year 2022-23 was due to the two reasons- a) a slowing world economy hurting exports and b) resilient domestic demand shoring up imports.
However, these reasons seem to be diminishing.
What is the way ahead?
Economic growth is expected to increase in the major economies.
For example, U.S. retail sales grew faster than expected in January and the U.K.-based trading businesses now expect an increase int the turnover this March.
These will bring opportunities for India’s export markets. Therefore, industry bodies and the government must work together to help exporters and export grow by capturing these global opportunities.
Use a clear compass to navigate our challenges and opportunities
Contents
Source– The post is based on the article “Use a clear compass to navigate our challenges and opportunities” published in Live mint on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy
Relevance: Socio-economic development
News- The article emphasizes the need to analyse the economic and geopolitical conditions affecting the world.
What is the present macroeconomic scenario around the world?
According to World Bank projections, the share of trade as a percentage of global GDP climbed from roughly 25% in 1970 to 52% in 2020.
Global value chains (GVCs) have grown and spread across the globe. Asia is expected to generate $22 trillion in new wealth between 2020 and 2025.
In 2023, emerging markets will grow more than twice as quickly as developed markets, predicts the IMF.
What are the other events that have impacted the world?
Climate change is yet another phenomenon that has had an impact on not just the world economy, but also our entire society. The decade from 2011 to 2020 has been the warmest on record.
It has become essential for nations to include climate change in all policy deliberations.
Digitalization has also strongly influenced all aspects of society which picked up steam after the pandemic struck.
How can India push for its interests in this situation?
Strategic integration with GVCs is one option. It can increase production by transferring information, investing in them and using international best practices.
India can benefit from investing in climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure. According to a World Bank analysis, investing in more resilient infrastructure would produce an average net benefit of $4.2 trillion.
The country has an opportunity to continuously expand their own digital infrastructure.
A significant digital payment platform in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has enrolled 376 banks and facilitated 7.3 billion transactions, with a total value of ₹11.9 trillion.
What is the way forward?
India will soon have to deal with many of the same issues affecting the rest of the world, such as rising debt levels, inflation, food and energy crises, and geopolitical conflicts.
Overcoming obstacles in a changing external environment necessitates deliberate action across all socioeconomic domains.
It also necessitates a mentality change that accepts the certainty of change.
Deep sea fish conservation must not go adrift
Contents
Source– The post is based on the article “Deep sea fish conservation must not go adrift” published in The Hindu on 17th February 2023.
Syllabus: GS3 – Environment
Relevance: Conservation related issues
News- The article explains the need of deep sea fish conservation.
What is the judgement of SC on fishing in the high seas?
The Supreme Court of India has given permission to fishermen for using purse seine fishing gear to fish beyond territorial waters and within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Tamil Nadu. But, they have to observe certain restrictions.
It seems to be more concerned about regulating fishing with administrative and transparency measures than about the conservation measures and obligations which a coastal state owes in its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Under Articles 56.1(a) and 56.1(b)(iii) of UNCLOS, coastal states have sovereign rights to ensure that the living and non-living resources of the EEZ are used, conserved and managed. But, they should not be subject to overexploitation.
Access to the zone by foreign fleets is also solely within the coastal state’s discretion and subject to its laws and regulations.
In order to prevent overexploitation, coastal States must determine the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in the EEZ in light of the best scientific evidence available.
Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna 1993 is another instrument. It focuses onTAC and distribution of allocations among the parties to the SBT. TAC and the catch quotas are aimed at putting sustainable use into practice among fishermen.
What are the international legal efforts in this regard?
There are several regional organisations that either prohibit the use of large drift nets or at least call for their prohibition. The examples are the 1989 Tarawa Declaration of the South Pacific Forum.
The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolutions 44/225 (1989) and 46/215 (1991) supported and strengthened this development, calling for a moratorium on all large-scale pelagic drift net fishing vessels in high seas.
What needs to be looked by higher courts on fishing in the high seas?
The top court should seek guidance from the obligations arising from the multilateral and regional conventions which are meant to bring in sustainable fishing practices.
The Court’s final judgement needs to look into non-selective fishing methods by purse seiners. It results in the by-catch of other marine living species which could include endangered species.
The guidance from the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna 1993 (SBT) could have also been sourced by the top court to enable recovery of depleted fishing stocks.
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