Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Welcome happening: Robust institutional mechanisms must be in place for human challenge studies
• Child, law, and consensual sex
• Moving away from the ‘take-make-dispose’ model
• C Raja Mohan writes: Why India may not be averse to UAE rescuing Pakistan’s economy

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Welcome happening: Robust institutional mechanisms must be in place for human challenge studies

Source: The post is based on the article “Welcome happening: Robust institutional mechanisms must be in place for human challenge studies” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education & GS4- compassion towards the weaker-sections.

News: The author discusses the need for strong institutional mechanisms and ethical considerations before conducting human challenge studies (CHIS) in India.

What are Human Challenge Studies (CHIS)?

Definition of CHIS: Human Challenge Studies (CHIS) involve intentionally exposing healthy volunteers to disease-causing microbes in a controlled environment for research purposes.

Purpose of CHIS: CHIS aims to study various facets of infections and diseases, test medical interventions, and accelerate vaccine development.

What are the benefits of CHIS?

Faster Vaccine Development: CHIS can accelerate vaccine development by providing critical data on immune responses and safety, reducing the need for large phase-3 trials.

Understanding Infections: CHIS helps researchers gain valuable insights into the various facets of infections and diseases, aiding in the development of effective treatments.

Controlled Environment: CHIS allows for the study of diseases in a controlled and monitored setting, minimizing risks to the wider population.

Cost-Effectiveness: CHIS can potentially reduce the cost and time required for vaccine development.

What are the challenges of CHIS?

Ethical Concerns: CHIS raises ethical issues related to the intentional exposure of healthy volunteers to disease-causing microbes.

Potential for Exploitation: Monetary incentives involved in CHIS may lead to the exploitation of volunteers.

Robust Institutional Mechanisms: Conducting CHIS requires well-trained personnel and strong institutional structures.

Previous Ethical Violations: Instances like the HPV vaccine trial in Andhra Pradesh (2010) highlight the importance of stringent oversight.

Limited Medical Intervention: CHIS may be unsuitable for studying novel diseases with limited medical interventions.

Child, law, and consensual sex

Source: The post is based on the article “Child, law, and consensual sex” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

News: The author discusses the recent High Court judgements related to the POCSO Act of 2012. It highlights issues with interpreting the age of consent in cases involving minors and suggests the need for clearer guidelines and potential amendments to the act.

About POCSO Act, 2012

Read here: What is the POCSO Act?

What is the issue with the recent High Court judgement related to the POCSO Act of 2012?

Ignoring Age of Consent: The High Courts, in certain cases, overlooked the set age of consent. For instance, the Delhi High Court released an accused citing the 15-year-old girl’s willful involvement.

Consent Complexity: Judgments have given weight to the “consent” argument, even when involved parties were minors, like the Bombay High Court quashing a conviction involving a 17-year-old.

Not Prioritizing Vulnerability: The courts didn’t emphasize the vulnerability of minors or the potential power imbalances in relationships with significant age gaps.

Overlooking Consequences: In some judgments, the repercussions faced by the minors, such as early pregnancies, weren’t adequately examined.

Potential Precedent Issues: These varied judgments might set diverse precedents, leading to inconsistency in future case rulings.

Contrary to POCSO’s Objective: Some rulings might soften the act’s primary objective, which is to protect children from sexual offenses.

What should be done?

Clarity from Supreme Court: There’s a need for a clear directive or guideline from the Supreme Court to ensure uniformity in judgments.

Re-evaluate Age of Consent: Consider recommendations on reducing the age of consent from 18 to 16 but ensure this doesn’t expose adolescents to potential harm.

Data-driven Approach: The Bureau of Police Research and Development should analyze cases of consensual sex across states to help the Central government make informed decisions.

Best Interest of Child: Prioritize the ‘best interest of the child’ in all judgments.

Balanced Punishments: Re-examine the severe punishments under POCSO, ensuring they are deterrents but not excessively harsh.

Educate Judiciary: Conduct regular training sessions for the judiciary on the nuances of the POCSO Act.

Moving away from the ‘take-make-dispose’ model

Source: The post is based on the article “Moving away from the ‘take-make-dispose’ model” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests & GS3- Economy and Environment conservation

News: India prioritizes the circular economy and resource efficiency during its G-20 presidency. They’ve introduced themes like circularity in the steel sector; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); circular bioeconomy and establishing an industry-led resource efficiency and circular economy industry coalition.

What are the needs of circular economy?

1. Circularity in the Steel Sector:

Reduction in Emissions: Steel production accounts for about 7% of global energy sector emissions. Adopting a circular model can drastically reduce this.

Resource Optimization: As the demand for steel rises, especially in growing economies like India, it’s essential to use steel efficiently to avoid wastage.

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

Waste Management: Over 20,000 Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners are registered under India’s EPR framework, managing over 3.07 million tons of waste.

Promotion of Recycling: EPR promotes the growth of recycling infrastructure and a streamlined waste collection system.

3. Circular Bioeconomy:

Addressing Biowaste: G-20 countries have seen 2.5 times increase in biowaste since 1970.

Alternative Resources: India uses biowaste as raw materials, turning agricultural residue into bioethanol. This reduces the extraction of virgin resources.

4. Industry-led Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Coalition:

Collaborative Effort: Industries play a pivotal role in advancing the circular economy.

Technological Advancement: This coalition focuses on technological collaboration and finance mobilization.

Engaging Private Sector: By involving the private sector, the transition to a circular economy can be accelerated.

What are the government initiatives towards circular economy?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

India boasts a large Extended Producer Responsibility system.

Over 20,000 entities registered, managing 3.07 million tons of waste.

Bioeconomy and Biofuels:

Launched the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to support bio-ethanol projects using waste like crop residues.

Mandated power plants to blend 5% biomass pellets with coal.

GOBAR Dhan Scheme:

Converts cattle dung and organic waste into compost, biogas, and biofuels.

Over 500 functional biogas plants were established.

Alternative Fuels:

SATAT Scheme launched in 2018 promotes Compressed BioGas (CBG) as green transportation fuel.

Helps in infrastructure development for CBG production and distribution.

C Raja Mohan writes: Why India may not be averse to UAE rescuing Pakistan’s economy

Source– The post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Why India may not be averse to UAE rescuing Pakistan’s economy” published in “The Indian Express” on 26th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance:  triangular dynamics between Middle east, India and Pakistan

News- According to media reports, the United Arab Emirates has offered to bring significant new investments that could help pull Pakistan out of its unending cycle of economic crises and bailout packages.

How has the relationship between Pakistan and the Gulf evolved over time?

The Arab Gulf enjoyed closer partnership with Pakistan. It was based on religious solidarity, regular economic assistance, concessional oil facilities, as well as cooperation on regional security.

Due to being a major Islamic nation, Pakistan enjoyed much goodwill in the Gulf. The Gulf rulers enjoyed exclusive privileges in sovereign Pakistan.

The balance between Pakistan and the Gulf has altered in the 21st century. The Gulf has become richer and Pakistan is becoming poorer by the day.

Pakistan’s per capita GDP today is less than that of Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s continuing relative economic decline has expanded the Gulf’s leverage over Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Why is there scepticism that the current round of reforms advocated by the IMF will not be implemented by Pakistan?

Pakistan has a lack of political will for structural transformation of its economy. The Pakistani elite is not interested in economic reform. This is because of their confidence in extracting geopolitical rent from the US, China, and the Gulf.

The rental value of Pakistan is coming down. Pakistan is less important for Washington after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

China remains deeply invested in Pakistan. But, Islamabad is no longer in a strong position to keep a check on India. It has never been as generous as Washington.

The Gulf is not interested in giving freebies to Pakistan. It wants substantive return.

Why is it not possible for Pakistan to continue with its business as usual approach?

The US, in the past, persuaded international financial institutions to have a soft approach towards Pakistan. But, this time it wants the IMF to apply maximum pressure.

The Gulf states and China want Pakistan to get support from the IMF before they can provide financial assistance. Pakistan had no option but to submit to the IMF conditions.

The IMF wanted to ensure it had solid reform commitments from Islamabad.

How is the Gulf capital becoming important?

UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have emerged as powerful financial actors in the region due to oil wealth.

It has increased the political and strategic influence of the gulf across the Greater Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean and beyond.

South Asia is no exception. Emirati and Saudi capital is flowing into India. UAE and Saudi Arabia at the top of India’s most valued strategic partners.

What is the current status of the triangular relationship between India, Pakistan and the Gulf?

There has been significant change in the triangular dynamic involving India, Pakistan, and the Gulf countries.

In the past, Pakistan held stronger ties with the Gulf nations compared to India. However, the current scenario shows a shift in favour of India. India’s engagement with the UAE and Saudi Arabia has gained prominence. It has overshadowed Pakistan’s influence.

Despite Pakistan’s objections, the UAE invited India’s Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj to address a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in March 2019.

Moreover, the UAE has refrained from criticising India’s decision to change the constitutional status of Kashmir in August 2019.

The UAE seems to have played a role in facilitating back-channel dialogues between India and Pakistan. It led to a ceasefire agreement in February 2021.

GS Paper 3

Oppenheimer’s project should inspire climate action urgency

Source: The post is based on the article “Oppenheimer’s project should inspire climate action urgency” published in Live Mint on 26^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment

Relevance: measures needed to tackle climate change

News: The article explains different models that can be adopted to tackle climate change.

What are the different models present that can be replicated for climate change?

Oppenheimer/Manhattan model: Robert J. Oppenheimer led the Manhattan Project during World War II to build an atomic bomb. The project was completed under the given deadline.

This highlights that when the social return on an investment is higher than the private return, the government can run focused projects better than the private companies.

Hence, given the urgency of climate change, there are questions about whether the success of the Manhattan Project could be replicated in tackling this global emergency.

Apollo Programme: It was a successful US government initiative to send astronauts into space during the 1960s before the Soviet Union. NASA received funds an equivalent of 0.7% of GDP in the 1960s and employed 400,000 people to achieve the mission before the Soviet Union could.

As per the findings of research, the investment made by the government and technological assistance, increased productivity in US counties that already had relevant technology capabilities.

However, the impact on overall productivity across the entire US economy was limited.

Hence, a key takeaway from the study is that directing focused spending towards particular sectors to achieve specific geopolitical or climate objectives can potentially lead to enhanced productivity in those specific sectors.

However, its effect on the entire economy remains uncertain.

Can these two models be adopted for green transition?

A common objective in both the models was the need to accomplish a massive task under time pressure, requiring a substantial push, which is also required for green transition.

However, the government was the sole user of the new technology in both the models. Whereas the green transition requires a much broader adoption of new technologies across society, involving firms, cities, and citizens.

This presents challenges on both the demand and supply sides.

Must Read: Financing the Green transition: initiative and challenges – Explained

What can be the way ahead for green transition?

The practical approach to the green transition will involve targeted investments in new areas, a combination of subsidies and a carbon tax to encourage technology adoption, requiring efforts from both the state and the market.

However, there may also be a need to replace capital more quickly than normal, which carries risks. One such risk is governments’ ability to select technology more effectively through industrial policy than through market forces.

Hence, urgent action is needed to tackle climate change while taking all the factors into consideration.

What has flipped the forex reserve Decline of India?

Source: The post is based on the article “What has flipped the forex reserve Decline of India?” published in Live Mint on 26^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy – Growth & Development

Relevance: About India’s forex reserves

News: As of March 2023, India’s forex reserves stood at $578.4 billion, showing a decrease of over $28 billion since March 2022.

What has caused a decline in the forex reserves?

The decline in reserves was driven by the appreciation of the US dollar following the US Federal Reserve’s rate hikes, as well as India’s balance of payment (BoP), which experienced a reduction in net capital inflows.

However, this trend reversed after the dollar index peaked in October, and there has been an overall increase in the forex reserves this year compared to the last year.

What has caused an increase in the forex reserves this year?

The increase in forex reserves this year was primarily driven by revaluation gains due to a weaker dollar and higher capital inflows. 

Additionally, the settlement of oil imports from Russia are not made in dollars, has also helped the reserves to increase.

Can India maintain these levels of foreign exchange reserves?

The US Federal Reserve’s rate hikes have resulted in foreign investments flowing into the US treasury and a simultaneous outflow of capital from India.

However, the US Fed has already raised rates by 75 basis points and it is expected to raise interest rates further by 25 basis points. This could potentially lead to increased capital inflows into emerging markets like India.

Moreover, India’s BoP has significantly improved, and the projected current account deficit is less than 2% of GDP. Equity capital flows have also revived, with India drawing the most of these flows among its fellow emerging market nations.

Hence, it is expected that India can maintain these levels of foreign exchange reserves.

What is the global status of India’s foreign exchange reserves?

India holds the fourth-highest forex reserves globally, with China, Japan, and Switzerland occupying the top three positions, respectively.

Unlike many countries that achieve a large current account surplus through competitive exports, India, Brazil, and the US have built their forex reserves mainly through capital flows, not relying heavily on current account surpluses.

How are forex reserves measured?

Read Here: India’s forex reserves rise $6.30 bn to $584.75 bn and Explained: Forex reserves at all-time high

The value of these reserves can change each week based on exchange rates and gold prices.

When the US dollar goes down or gold prices rise, the reserves increase in value. However, if the US dollar becomes strong or gold prices drop, the value of the reserves goes down.

What is the RBI’s strategy for diversifying its forex reserves?

The RBI aims to reduce reliance on foreign currencies by internationalizing the Indian rupee.

It is exploring the use of currencies from Asian Clearing Union member states, including the rupee, for payment and settlement between these countries.

Additionally, the RBI and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have agreed to designate the rupee as a foreign currency, facilitating trade and enabling Indian tourists in Sri Lanka to use the rupee for transactions.

More capex for states

Source: The post is based on the article “More capex for states: Higher Central funds for states’ capital outlay are welcome, but these should lead to additionality” published in Business standard on 26th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy – resource mobilization

News: In this article author discusses how India’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has increased government’s capital expenditure over the years. However, some Indian states are not increasing their spending as much as expected, despite receiving more money from the central government. The author suggests this might be because states are using the extra money for other expenses, not for new projects.

About Government’s Capital Expenditure

Central Government’s Capital Expenditure

Steady rise over years: 1.67% of GDP in 2019-20 to 3.3% in the current year.

Last time it was over 3% of GDP was in 2004-05.

Aim: Upgrade infrastructure and boost private sector investment.

State Governments’ Capital Expenditure

Received ₹10,000 crore in 2021-22, by way of 50-year interest-free loan for capex, subject to the fulfilment of certain economic policy reforms by the state governments.

2022-23: States got ₹1 trillion of the total ₹7.5 trillion Central capex.

2023-24: States allocated ₹1.3 trillion out of ₹10 trillion.

Despite more funds, capital expenditure by states rose only 12% in 2022-23.

States with Increased Capital Expenditure:

Bihar: 29%, Chhattisgarh: 27%, Gujarat: 27%, Haryana: 17%, Jharkhand: 49%, Kerala: 13%, Maharashtra: 32%, Odisha: 45%, Tripura: 48%, Uttar Pradesh: 31%, West Bengal: 26%

States with Decreased Capital Expenditure:

Andhra Pradesh: 55%, Punjab: 17%, Rajasthan: 17%, Telangana: 38%, Assam: 20%, Nagaland: 18%

Singal digit growth in capital outlay – Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand

Why did some states not spend more?

Covid pandemic reduced: States didn’t see the need for more capital projects to create jobs.

Shortage: Some states might have lacked executable projects or couldn’t handle more funds.

Misuse: Central support of ₹1 trillion might have been diverted. Instead of capital projects, states might have used it for other revenue schemes.

Financial strategy: States could use Central funds for capex targets and save their own resources for other plans. Example: Andhra Pradesh reduced capex by 55%.

What’s the concern for the future?

Slow Growth: Despite Central support, states’ capex growth was slow in 2021-22.

Unrealistic Projections: States project 37% growth in 2023-24, but past performance raises doubts.

Absorptive Capacity: States might lack the ability to effectively implement capital projects quickly.

Financial Jugglery: States might misuse Central funds, diverting them from capital projects to other schemes.

Express View: India’s road to 2047

Source– The post is based on the article “Express View: India’s road to 2047” published in “The Indian Express” on 26th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy and growth

Relevance: Development model for high growth

News-  In his Independence Day speech last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid out his vision for India to achieve developed country status by the 100th year of its independence.

A recent study by economists at the Reserve Bank of India provides some clues on the growth trajectory needed to hit the target.

What are the prospects of India achieving the status of high income country?

India has a per capita income of $2,388 in 2022. It is currently classified by the World Bank as a lower middle income country.

As per IMF, the country’s per capita income is expected to rise to $3,720 by 2028. So, it is unlikely to achieve upper middle income status by the end of this decade.

Recent Reserve Bank of India study– Presently, the World Bank classifies countries with per capita incomes surpassing $13,025 as high income countries.

If inflationary effects are taken into account over the next few decades, a country’s per capita income would need to exceed $21,664 by 2047 to maintain high-income classification.

To reach this objective, the nominal per capita GDP in USD needs to increase at a yearly rate of 9.1 percent during this timeframe, which translates to 7.6 percent in real GDP terms.

However, achieving these growth rates poses a challenge. The study highlights that even during India’s most favourable 25-year period between 1993-94 and 2017-18, such growth rates were not achieved.

Way forward-

Countries that have achieved high income status have taken a conscious decision to industrialise and focus on external trade.

This is a challenge for the Indian economy. The level of merchandise exports has not reached the levels envisaged.

Manufacturing’s share should increase to 25% of value added. A business as usual approach is not sufficient.

The RBI study advocates for the urgent need to increase investments in the economy, reduce logistics costs, focus on skilling the labour force, investing more in health and education, and scaling up R&D.

Himachal floods: a man-made disaster?

Source– The post is based on the article “Himachal floods: a man-made disaster?” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster management. GS1- Geography

Relevance: Floods in mountains

News- Flash floods during this year’s monsoon season have caused unprecedented damage to both lives and assets in Himachal Pradesh.

How climate change is contributing to disaster?

As per IPCC VI report, the impact of climate change on Himalayas and coastal regions of India will be high. In the Himalayas, there is a noticeable pattern of increased precipitation occurring in shorter periods of time.

How anthropogenic factors have also significantly contributed to the disaster?

The State implemented its own development model after 1971.The focus of the model was land reforms, robust state-led investment in social welfare, and a strong emphasis on human resources.

However, things changed after liberalisation. Central government advocated for stringent fiscal reforms. It forced the mountain States to generate their own resources for fiscal management.

This led to the rapid construction of hydropower projects, widening of roads without proper geological and engineering assessments, expansion of cement plants, and a shift in agricultural practices to cash crop economies.

What are the impacts of hydropower generation?

Prior to 2000, multilateral agencies were opposed to financing large hydropower projects. But,they started providing funding for such ventures, making finance readily available for these projects.

These hydropower projects are one of the main reasons for the devastating impact of floods in the region.

The dams are based on “run of the river” technology. Water is diverted through tunnels burrowed into the mountains. The excavated material is disposed of along the riverbed

During periods of higher precipitation or cloudbursts, the water returns to the river. The dumped material is carried along with it.

Moreover, long tunnels have been commissioned on the Sutlej river. These are responsible for significant harm to the entire ecosystem.

Currently, there are 168 hydropower projects in operation. As per projections; by 2030, 1,088 hydropower projects will be commissioned to harness 22,640 MW of energy.

What are the impacts of tourism?

The development-driven road expansion is aimed at promoting tourism.

This development model follows a PPP approach. There is focus on completing these projects rapidly. Essential geological studies and mountain engineering skills are bypassed.

Traditionally, mountainous regions are not cut with vertical slits. They are terraced. It minimises  the damage to the environment.

Unfortunately, vertical cutting of mountains has been done in case of four-lane projects in Manali and Shimla. It is leading to massive landslides and damage to existing roads.

How change in crop patterns is contributing to disasters?

Many farmers are now opting for cash crops instead of traditional cereal farming. It poses challenges in transporting these perishable crops to markets.

In response to this demand, roads are being hastily constructed without considering necessary factors like land cutting and gradient requirements.

Modern excavators are used in the construction process, but proper drainage systems and designated areas for muck disposal are not created.

It is important to note that while the total designated road length in the state is approximately 1,753 km, the total length of all roads, including link and village roads, exceeds 40,000 km.

Way forward-

An Inquiry Commission should be established to engage the main stakeholders for addressing both policy framework shortcomings and specific aspects of the undertaken projects.

A new approach is necessary to empower local communities and grant them control over their assets.

Losses incurred in culverts, village drains, small bridges, schools, and other social infrastructure must be compensated. It can be achieved through insuring the assets and entrusting their care to local communities.

It is essential for humans to take responsible actions in infrastructure planning to prevent the disasters witnessed by the State since June.

Arvind Datar writes: With high GST on online games, death by taxes

Source– The post is based on the article “Arvind Datar writes: With high GST on online games, death by taxes” published in the “mint” on 25th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Mobilisation of resources

Relevance: Issues related to taxation

News- The 50th GST Council has decided to levy 28% tax on the gross amount involved in online games.

What are the legal aspects related to games of skill and games of chance?

The law clearly distinguishes between games of skill and games of chance.

Games of chance, like roulette or lotteries, rely solely on luck or pure chance to determine the winner. These games are considered forms of gambling or wagering.

According to section 30 of the Contract Act, 1872, legal proceedings cannot be used to recover amounts due from such games.

Section 12 of the Public Gambling Act, 1867 states that games of skill do not fall under the category of gambling. In these games, the player’s skill plays a significant role, and luck or chance has little to no influence on the outcome.

What are issues related to the government ‘s move to levy 28% tax on gross amount involved in online games?

In the world of online games, taxes are not imposed on the entire pooled money. Instead, it is levied on the amount charged for the service provided.

The estimated annual GST collection from online games is around Rs 2,000 crore, which is only a fraction of the total annual GST collection of Rs 15 lakh crore.

The Revenue Secretary claims that the new rates will result in an increased collection of Rs 17,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore. This would require online games worth over Rs 60,000 crore to be played. It seems highly unlikely.

Increasing tax rates does not guarantee a proportional increase in tax collected. The current taxation system focuses excessively on revenue maximisation.

While the GST collection from the gaming industry might seem modest, it employs a significant number of people directly and indirectly. These employees will pay GST on the goods and services they consume, which should not be ignored.

Implementing such a high GST rate is likely to benefit offshore gaming platforms with illegal activities. It could lead to the downfall of the gaming industry and substantial loss of employment without a significant increase in revenue

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Social Security of Elders

Source: The post is based on the article “Social Security of Elders”  published in PIB on 25th July 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed Lok Sabha about the social security measures taken for elders.

Elderly Population in India:

According to the 2011 Census, the population of senior citizens is 10.38 crore amounting to 8.6% of the total population of the country. 

The National Commission on Population’s Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections (2011-2036) for India and States released in 2020 states that the population of senior citizens in 2036 will be 22.7 crore ie.15% of the total population of India.

What are the Social Security measures taken for elderly population?

Umbrella Scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): It is being run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. It includes components to provide financial security, healthcare, nutrition, shelter, welfare etc. for senior citizens. Important components of the scheme:

– Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Under this, grant-in-Aid is given to Implementing Agencies for running and maintenance of Senior Citizens Homes where basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, entertainment opportunities etc are provided free of cost to indigent senior citizens.

– Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojna (RVY): Under this, assisted living devices are distributed free of cost, in camp mode, to senior citizens belonging to the families living below the poverty line or having Rs. 15000/- as monthly income and suffering from age related disabilities.

– Elderline/National Helpline for Senior Citizens (NHSC): It provides free information, guidance, emotional support and field intervention in cases of abuse and rescues in order to improve the quality of life of senior citizens.

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): It is a part of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Department of Rural Development.

– It provides a monthly pension at the rate of Rs.200/- per month per beneficiary to elderly persons in the age group of 60-79 years belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The rate of pension is increased to Rs.500/- per month per beneficiary on reaching the age of 80 years. 

National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly(NPHCE): It was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2010-11 with a view to provide dedicated healthcare services to senior citizens at various level of State Health Care delivery system i.e., at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary health care, including outreach services.

Lok Sabha passes contentious Biological Diversity Bill amid din

Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha passes contentious Biological Diversity Bill amid din”  published in The Hindu on 26th July 2023

What is the News?

Lok Sabha has passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

What is the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021?

The Bill amends the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to simplify compliance requirements for domestic companies.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

The Bill exempts registered AYUSH medical practitioners and people accessing codified traditional knowledge among others from giving prior intimation to State biodiversity Boards to access biological resources for certain purposes.

The Bill removes research and bio-survey activities from the purview of benefit sharing requirements.

Benefit sharing will be based on terms agreed between the user and the local management committee represented by the National Authority.

The bill decriminalizes a range of offences under the Act and substitutes them with monetary penalties.

What are the concerns with the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021?

Firstly, the term codified traditional knowledge has not been defined. A broad interpretation might exempt all local traditional knowledge from benefit sharing requirements.

Secondly,  Environmental organizations such as Legal Initiative for Forests and Environment (LIFE) have said that the amendments were made to “solely benefit” AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) firms and would pave the way for “bio piracy”.

Thirdly, the Bill decriminalizes offences under the Act and instead provides for a wide range of penalties. Further, the Bill empowers government officials to hold inquiries and determine penalties. It may be questioned whether it is appropriate to confer such discretion to government officials.

Centre withdraws DNA Bill: What it says, and what are the objections against it

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre withdraws DNA Bill: What it says, and what are the objections against it”  published in Indian Express on 26th July 2023.

What is the News?

Government has withdrawn The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019 from the Lok Sabha.

What is DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019?

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha in 2019. 

The Bill provides for the regulation of use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons.

The Bill was referred to the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology. The committee submitted its report in 2021 recommending several changes in the draft.

What are the key provisions of the Bill?

Click Here to read

What are the key concerns with the bill?

Lack of privacy and dignity: Privacy concerns were paramount, especially with the establishment of DNA data banks and the possibility of misuse or mishandling of sensitive personal information.

Data storage and security: Clear guidelines were required for the secure storage of DNA data, particularly in medical or research laboratories.

Inadequate consent requirements: The absence of explicit consent protocols for civil cases undermined individual agency and rights.

Misuse of DNA profiling: The potential linkage with surveillance systems raised concerns about possible misuse of DNA profiling data for caste-based or community profiling.

Lack of clarity on data storage: The scope of data that may be stored in the umbrella database required clearer guidelines to ensure data privacy and protection.

Insufficient guidelines for combining DNA technology with other Tools: The bill needed specific guidelines on the appropriate use of DNA technology in conjunction with other tools in the justice system to prevent potential miscarriages of justice.

Why has the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 been withdrawn now?

The Bill has been withdrawn as the main provisions of the Bill have already been enacted as part of another law, the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act that was passed by both houses of Parliament in 2022.

New algorithm to quantify terrestrial RFI in space for earth orbiting radio astronomy experiments

Source: The post is based on the article “New algorithm to quantify terrestrial RFI in space for earth orbiting radio astronomy experiments”  published in PIB on 25th July 2023.

What is the News?

Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have developed an algorithm called STARFIRE  to estimate the Radio Frequency Interference(RFI) emitted by FM radio stations, WiFi networks and others.

Background:

In order to study the early Universe and its evolution, astronomers tune their radio antennas within the 40 to 200 MegaHertz (MHz) range in search of the 21-cm hydrogen line, believed to contain some of the unknown secrets about the cosmos. 

However, given their faint and weak strength, detecting these signals is extremely challenging. In addition, the fast-advancing technologies and expanding areas of human settlements have led to an increased number of sources emitting Radio Frequency Interference(RFI) constraining the efforts for recording astronomical observations on land.

What have the researchers developed to estimate this Radio Frequency Interference(RFI)?

Scientists have developed an algorithm called STARFIRE.

This algorithm can estimate the Radio Frequency Interference(RFI) emitted by FM radio stations, WiFi networks, mobile towers, radar, satellites, and communication devices.

This calculation can be used for designing and fine-tuning the antennas and other instrument components of missions like India’s Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen (PRATUSH). 

Note: PRATUSH is one of the several mission opportunities in space contemplated to address the growing RFI on land, to study the birth of the first stars and galaxies in the Universe using the 21-cm hydrogen line obtained from the far side of the moon.

Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers

Source: The post is based on the article “Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers”  published in PIB on 25th July 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed Lok Sabha about the measures taken to rehabilitate Manual Scavengers.

What are the measures taken by the government of India to rehabilitate Manual Scavengers?

Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavenger and their Rehabilitation Act 2013: It bans manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

Swachhta Udyami Yojana: It was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2014.

– Under the scheme, National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC) provides concessional loans to safai karamcharis, manual scavengers & their dependents and the Urban Local Bodies & other agencies responsible for cleaning for procurement of sanitation related instruments/vehicles for complete mechanization of all cleaning operations.

Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS): It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE). The scheme was introduced in y 2007 and was subsequently revised in November 2013 and in 2020-2021.

– The objective of SRMS is to provide assistance to the identified manual scavengers and their dependents for their rehabilitation in alternative occupations.

The following rehabilitation benefits have been provided under the SRMS Scheme:

– One-time Cash Assistance of Rs. 40,000/- per family has been provided to all identified and eligible 58098 manual scavengers.

– Capital Subsidy upto Rs. 5,00,000/- has been provided to 2313 identified manual scavengers and their dependents to take up alternate self employment projects.

– Skill Development Training has been provided to 22294 identified manual scavengers and their dependents with stipend @ Rs. 3,000/- per month during the training period.

– Health Insurance under Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to the families of all the identified manual scavengers

Workshops are organized in municipalities with the officers, engineers, contractors, sanitation workers etc. of urban local bodies to sensitize them about safe and healthy cleaning practices and mechanized cleaning of sewers & septic tanks.

National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem(NAMASTE)

Geneva HIV patient cured? Can stem cell transplant help?

Source: The post is based on the article “Geneva HIV patient cured? Can stem cell transplant help?”  published in Indian Express on 25th July 2023

What is the News?

A sixth person with HIV, being referred to as the Geneva patient has likely been cured of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant for leukemia. 

What is Stem Cell Transplant?

Stem cells are special human cells that are able to develop into many different cell types. 

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) , sometimes referred to as bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a procedure in which a patient receives healthy stem cells to replace damaged stem cells.

How was Stem Cell Transplant used in Geneva HIV patient?

The Geneva patient had been living with HIV since the 1990s and underwent a stem cell transplant in 2018 for an aggressive form of leukemia. 

One month after the transplant, his doctors found that there was a significant reduction in the number of HIV-infected cells.

Twenty months later, his tests did not find any viral particles, latent reservoirs of the infection, or elevated immune response against the HIV virus.

However, unlike the five previous cases of remission, the Geneva patient’s cells continue to be susceptible to HIV. 

Which genetic mutation is associated with lower risk of HIV?

People who inherit CCR5 delta 32 mutation are associated with lower risk of HIV (CCR5 delta 32 mutation mainly occurs in Caucasians).

This is because HIV lowers immunity in infected individuals by attacking the CD4 immune cells. However, to gain entry into these cells, it needs receptors on the surface. 

But people who inherit the CCR5 delta 32 mutation from both sets of parents do not form these receptors, essentially locking the virus out of the cells. Even those who inherit the mutation from one of the parents have fewer receptors and are also less likely to get the infection.

Can stem cell transplant become routine treatment for HIV?

It is highly unlikely. There are 38.4 million people living with HIV currently and it would be impossible to find a matching donor for all of them.

Besides, stem cell transplantation is a major procedure and comes with its own risks including the risk of the patient rejecting the donor cells. Even with the transplants, the virus may learn to infect cells through other mechanisms.

Instead, treatment of HIV across the world depends on effective antiretroviral therapy. This therapy suppresses the replication of the virus within the body, allowing the number of CD4 immune cells to bounce back. It also reduces the viral particles to undetectable levels, meaning the person can no longer transmit the infection to others. However, the anti-retroviral therapy needs to be taken for life.

Moon missions offer tough tests – landers, the toughest

Source: The post is based on the article “Moon missions offer tough tests – landers, the toughest”  published in The Hindu on 26th July 2023.

What is the News?

According to the data, historically 40% of moon missions have failed and 60% of lander missions have been unsuccessful.

What is the data on the success rate of Moon Missions?

Moon Missions: Historically, over 40% of moon missions have failed. 

– If we consider only those missions which involved a robotic lander (a spacecraft performing a controlled landing on the lunar surface), the failure rate sharply increases to over 60%. 

– The failure rate of ‘sample return’ missions, which collect samples from the moon and bring them back to the earth is even higher at 67% as such missions are complex and riskier.

– Impactor missions, in which a spacecraft or a part of it is deliberately made to collide with the moon in order to study the resulting crater or dust plume, also have a high failure rate of 56.3%. 

Chandrayaan 2 Mission: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chandrayaan 2 mission was launched in 2019.The lander of Chandrayaan 2 ‘Vikram’ lost contact with the earth and went blank minutes before lunar touchdown. The mission of the lander and the rover ‘Pragyan’ was declared a failure. The orbiter mission was a success as the orbiter was placed in the intended orbit.

Total number of lunar missions completed by decade: The 1950s had a very high failure rate across mission types. All the orbiter missions failed. The overall failure rate was 84.6%. 

– The 1960s saw the highest number of moon missions (74) for any decade thus far. But the overall failure rate remained relatively high at 62.2%.

– The 1970s were much better with 40 missions and just a 25% failure rate. In general, the number of moon missions dropped in the following decades. 

– The 2000s stood out as all the missions succeeded. The 2010s also had a much lower failure rate of 22% But the number of unsuccessful missions went up again in the following decade and the overall failure rate rose to 47.1%.

Full-reserve banking: where banks act solely as custodians of customers’ money

Source: The post is based on the article “Full-reserve banking: where banks act solely as custodians of customers’ money”  published in The Hindu on 26th July 2023.

What is the News?

This article talks about the Full-reserve banking system.

What is Full-reserve banking?

Full-reserve banking also known as 100% reserve banking refers to a system of banking where banks are not allowed to lend out money that they receive from customers in the form of demand deposits. 

The banks can only lend money that they receive as time deposits from their customers.

Hence, in this case, banks simply act as custodians to depositors’ money and may charge a fee from depositors for the service of safekeeping that they offer to the depositors.This is in contrast to today’s banking system in which banks pay interest to customers on their demand deposits. 

This is done to ensure that banks can successfully meet redemption demands from depositors, and thus avoid a run on the bank even if all depositors someday decide to come asking for their money at the same time.

Note: Demand deposits are deposits that customers can withdraw from the bank at any point in time without any prior notice. 

– Time deposits are deposits that customers can withdraw from the bank only after a certain period of time that is agreed upon between the bank and its customers.

What is the type of banking system that exists in most of the countries currently?

The banking system that exists today is known as the fractional-reserve banking system.

Fractional-reserve banking is the banking system under which banks that take deposits from the public are required to hold a proportion of their deposit liabilities in liquid assets as a reserve, and are at liberty to lend the remainder to borrowers.

Bank reserves are held as cash in the bank or as balances in the bank’s account at the central bank. 

The country’s central bank determines the minimum amount that banks must hold in liquid assets, called the “reserve requirement” or “reserve ratio”.

What are the experts’ views on the Full reserve and Friction reserve banking system?

Supporters of fractional-reserve banking believe that full-reserve banking unnecessarily restricts bank lending. They believe that allowing banks to create loans without the necessary savings to back these loans can help spur investment and economic growth.

However, proponents of full-reserve banking argue that it is the only natural form of banking and that it can prevent the various crises that affect today’s fractional-reserve banking system.

The full-reserve banking supporters also argue that since banks will not be able to create money out of thin air in a full-reserve banking system, their influence on the economy’s money supply will become severely restricted. This will prevent artificial economic booms and busts that are said to be the consequence of changes in money supply.

Safety limits to flying

Source: The post is based on the article “Safety limits to flying”  published in Indian Express on 26th July 2023

What is the News?

Recently, around 100 passengers were stranded in Rajkot after their Air India flight to Delhi was cancelled. 

The pilot had refused to take off because the permitted duty hours of the crew were over, and operating the flight would have violated the flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms laid down by India’s aviation safety regulator.

What are Flight duty time limitation(FDTL) norms?

Source: Indian Express

Click Here to read

Which airports usually face the problem of Flight duty time limitation(FDTL)?

Smaller airports are usually more susceptible to FDTL-related disruptions because they are unlikely to have standby crew, and it is difficult to mobilize them at short notice. 

What are the challenges Indian air carriers are expected to face in the coming years?

Shortage of Pilots: Given the volume of traffic, India does not see many FDTL-related disruptions currently.

But this could change in the coming years as Indian carriers expand their fleet and networks and a steady supply of additional pilots is required. 

This could put pressure on the existing pool of pilots. In the worst case, airlines could face a major impediment to their growth plans even as demand surges.

For instance, India currently is estimated to have around 9,000 pilots for a fleet of some 700 aircraft currently. 

Almost 2,000 additional pilots may be needed every year over the next few years to keep up with the expected pace of fleet expansion. This is more than double the number of commercial pilot licenses that the DGCA currently issues annually.

Moreover, the most acute shortage is expected to be of the experienced pilots or captains who lead the crew and are in charge of the flight. It takes a few years for a pilot to be promoted as captain and it is estimated that the existing Indian airline ecosystem produces fewer than 200 captains a year

Scientists unveil method to power devices using air humidity

Source: The post is based on the article “Scientists unveil method to power devices using air humidity”  published in The Week on 20th July 2023

What is the News?

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have successfully developed a technology called Hygroelectricity.

What is Hygroelectricity?

Hydroelectricity is a technology that can harvest electricity from nothing but humid air.

This technology was first explored by  physicist Nikola Tesla and has been the subject of scientific inquiry for decades.

How does Hygroelectricity works?

The key to harvesting electricity from humid air lies in a tiny device comprising two electrodes and a thin layer of material filled with nanopores. 

These nanopores, each less than 100 nanometres in diameter, allow water molecules from the air to pass through the device.

As these molecules move from an upper chamber to a lower chamber, they interact with the edges of the nanopores, leading to a buildup of electric charge imbalances between the chambers. 

This process effectively transforms the device into a miniature battery, generating continuous electricity.

What are the advantages of Hygroelectricity?

The advantage of Hygroelectricity is its versatility. Unlike other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, air humidity is continuously available making it a sustainable reservoir of energy. 

Moreover, this technology can be applied to a wide range of materials including wood and silicon, as long as they possess the required nanopores. This breakthrough dramatically increases its potential for broad deployment and scalability.

What are the challenges to Hygroelectricity?

The concept of generating electricity from air humidity is both promising and fascinating.

But some challenges lie ahead such as the nanopore device used by scientists can only produce electricity equivalent to a fraction of a volt. Hence, scaling up the technology to meet practical energy demands is a significant hurdle.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

7 PM Editorial of the day: Resurgence of Inflation: Explained, pointwise