Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

• How India can become a global maritime power by 2030
• The next Finance Commission will have a tough task
• Why approval for Elon Musk’s Neuralink for humans is a bad idea
• Fuelling a truly green transition
• We’re All Aam Aadmi – India’s not the biggest mango exporter but the fruit is at its sublime best here. Sad that output is hit by weather
• Tackling the waste problem

Prelims-Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Male-centric medicine is affecting women’s health

Source– The post is based on the article “Male-centric medicine is affecting women’s health” published in “The Hindu” on 15th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues related to development and management of health. GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance- Issues related to medicine field

News- The male model of medicine is thriving. There is the tendency of treating women as smaller men despite a growing body of research insisting on physiological differences.

What shows the prevalence of male model of medicine?

In India, the gender disparity in clinical trials has even bigger implications due to generic drug production and consumption. It has been demonstrated in various studies that women’s bodies respond differently to the components of generic drugs.

The recent inclusion of women in clinical trials for generic medicine shows the male model of medicine. Nearly one-fifth of medications showed a difference in the active dose between men and women. Women have been either overdosing or not getting enough for decades.

In testing and diagnosis, the specific concerns of women are not taken care of. Take the example of mental health mental health.

According to a study conducted in Tamil Nadu, 26% of men and 31% of women aged 61-70 have symptoms indicating a high likelihood of depression.

The study firmly notes that depression rates and the prevalence of anxiety are higher for women than for men worldwide in general.

Cardiac issues are now acknowledged as having a slightly more prevalence in women. Yet, they continue to be diagnosed and treated like ‘lesser men’.

Study after study demonstrates that women are less likely to receive appropriate medications, diagnostic tests and clinical procedures even in developed countries such as Canada and Sweden.

What are the impacts of domination of male model in medicine?

The exclusion of women from clinical trials and research projects addressing sex-agnostic critical illnesses has resulted in a limited understanding of sex-specific symptoms and responses to treatment.

In case of sex-specific illnesses such as breast or endometrial cancers, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and pregnancy-related issues, there are serious gaps in research.

United States-based studies show that the funding received for research in migraine, endometriosis and anxiety disorders is much lower in proportion to the burden of these illnesses.

WHO data from 2017 show that every day about 808 women die due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Almost all of these were preventable. Pregnant women are underrepresented in clinical trials and research.

What should be the priority of India in this matter?

It is time for policy intervention in the space of sex-specific research in medicine and the implementation of outcomes.

India’s G-20 presidency may be an opportune time to highlight this issue in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals on women’s health.

Why Delhi and Tamil Nadu colleges lead the way

Source– The post is based on the article “Why Delhi and Tamil Nadu colleges lead the way” published in “The Indian Express” on 15th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues related to development and management of education

Relevance- Issues related to ranking of educational institutions

News– The 2023 NIRF rankings have recently been announced.

What are the criteria used by NIRF rankings?

The NIRF uses five broad heads of teaching, learning and resources; research and professional practice; graduation outcomes; outreach and inclusivity and perception. There are variables under each head.

In the scores, if there is a significant difference between higher education institutions, tinkering with the methodology won’t change relative rankings. But yes, if the difference is slight, a change in methodology can make differences.

What are some key takeaways from the survey?

The ranking exercise for the year 2023 continues with the practice of providing a common ‘overall’ rank in addition to a separate rank for universities, research institutions, degree colleges, and discipline-specific ranks.

Agriculture and allied sectors and innovation are two verticals added to the ranking exercise from 2023 onward.

In the list of best-100 colleges, Miranda College in Delhi University tops the list, followed by Hindu College in the same university. Both are old colleges. Miranda was established in 1948, and Hindu in 1899.

PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, in Coimbatore is ranked fourth among colleges. This college was established in 1963.

The worst among the list of best-100 colleges is Scottish Church College, in Kolkata. The history of Scottish Church College goes back to 1830. The alumni include Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Subhas Chandra Bose.

Scottish Church College has a proud legacy. That’s no guarantee of a proud present.

The brilliant past is no guarantee of success. New entrants are challenging the old order.

In that list of top 100 colleges, there is a clear concentration in Delhi and Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore).

How can inclusion be interpreted with rising urbanisation?

It is not about establishing colleges in rural areas. Inclusion can be ensured by access for students in centres of higher education that have positive externalities.

A Geographic centre should not be interpreted as an individual HEI alone, but as a cluster of HEIs. That is probably happening in and around Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

Strengthening the ICDS Scheme

Source: The post is based on the article “Strengthening the ICDS Scheme” published in The Hindu on 15th June 2023

Syllabus: GS 2 – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.

Relevance: About the performance of ICDS.

News: India’s high prevalence of stunting, wasting, and anaemia continues to pose public health risks for children and women. So, India must strengthen its existing social sector schemes, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

What is Integrated Child Development Services?

The ICDS targets children aged 0-6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers; addresses non-formal preschool education; and breaks the cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality.

What are the findings of various studies on the performance of ICDS?

Various studies have shown that a) Interventions focusing on nutrition, education, and health during early childhood like ICDS can significantly improve human capital, particularly in developing countries, b) The ICDS have a positive impact on cognitive achievements, especially among girls and those from economically disadvantaged families, c) Children who were exposed to ICDS during the first three years of life completed 0.1-0.3 more grades of schooling than those who were not, d) Adolescents aged 13-18, who born in villages with proper ICDS implementation, showed a 7.8% increased likelihood of school enrolment and completed an average of 0.8 additional grades compared to their peers who did not have access to the ICDS.

Why ICDS needs a relook?

Despite four decades of persistent efforts, a) The ICDS still faces the herculean task of ameliorating the nutritional and health outcomes for children aged 0-6 years, b) Anganwadi workers are frequently stretched beyond their limits. For instance, their roles vary widely from employing modern technology, like smartphones and applications, to practical tasks such as delivering health education, managing feeding programmes, and intermediate with auxiliary nurse midwives and other healthcare professionals, c) There is a significant variation in the implementation of the ICDS and the level of skills of Anganwadi workers, and d) Anganwadi worker recruitment falls under the jurisdiction of State governments.

Why India should empower Anganwadi workers to strengthen ICDS?

India should take efforts to empower Anganwadi workers because a) It would lead to better health and educational outcomes: For example, a study from Tamil Nadu shows that the addition of a half-time worker effectively doubled the net preschool instructional time, which led to improvements in math and language test scores for children enrolled in the programme, b) Children can exhibit reduced rates of child stunting and severe malnutrition, c) It is easy to implement and have significant benefits, d) New Anganwadi worker can be given the responsibility of concentrating only on preschool and early childhood education, This would allow existing workers to dedicate more time to child health and nutrition, and e) It will create job opportunities for local residents, particularly women (can create 1.3 million new jobs for women).

To unlock the ICDS’ full potential, revisiting and re-evaluating its strategies and implementation is essential. Empowering Anganwadi workers is just a start.

GS Paper 3

How India can become a global maritime power by 2030

Source– The post is based on the article “How India can become a global maritime power by 2030” published in the “The Hindu” on 15th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Infrastructure

News– In the recently released World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index Report 2023, India has moved up to 22nd rank in the global rankings on the “International Shipments” category from the 44th position in 2014.

What are the reasons behind the improved performance in logistics?

There is a substantial reduction in the dwell time at Indian ports. It is the amount of time vessels spend in port actively loading or unloading cargo.

This has reached an optimum level of about three days as compared to four days in countries like the UAE and South Africa, seven days in the US and 10 days in Germany.

India has done well in another parameter that measures port operational efficiency. The country’s average turnaround time of only 0.9 days is amongst the best in the world.

In Belgium, Germany, the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland, Indonesia and New Zealand it is 1.4 days, in the US 1.5 days.

What are various achievements in the ports and shipping sector in the past few years?

There has been a consistent focus on improvements in port efficiency and productivity. This is achieved by reforms, induction of new technologies, a greater thrust on public-private partnership and commitment to the ease of doing business.

The capacity at 12 major ports in the country has increased from 871 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2015 to 1,617 MMT in 2023.

There has also been a nearly 150% increase in the value of operationalisation of PPP projects in the major ports. These PPP projects have contributed significantly to the increased operational efficiencies while adding nearly 300 MMT extra capacity.

The focus on decarbonisation in the maritime sector along with the Panchamrit commitments of the government has reflected in the port sector: There has been a 14-fold increase in the use of renewable energy in major ports over the last eight years.

The Harit Sagar Green Port guidelines issued by the government is another important step further in this direction. It aims to bring about a paradigm shift towards safe, efficient and sustainable ports.

The efficiency of ports has received a boost with the launch of the National Logistics Portal (Marine). It is a single-window digital platform for all stakeholders like cargo services, carrier services, banking and financial services, and government and regulatory agencies.

This along with the Sagar Setu app facilitates seamless movement of goods and services in ports while substantially enhancing the ease of doing business.

The Centre has also undertaken several key policy and legislative reforms to boost the port sector. This includes the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 which grants greater autonomy to major ports.

The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 provides for increased safety and efficiency in vessel traffic services and training and certification at par with international standards.

The Indian Vessels Act, 2021 brings uniformity in law and standardised provisions across all inland waterways in the country.

The government is also in the process of replacing the Indian Ports Act, 1908 with a piece of legislation that is in tune with present-day requirements.

The next Finance Commission will have a tough task

Source– The post is based on the article “The next Finance Commission will have a tough task” published in “The Hindu” on 15th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Government budgeting

Relevance– Issues related to taxation laws

News- The government will appoint a Finance Commission in the next few months to determine how much of the Centre’s tax revenue should be given away to States and how to distribute that among States.

What are issues related to horizontal distribution by the Finance Commission?

Terms of reference– Finance Commission in 2017, considered the 2011 population figures in determining the expenditure needs of a State. This was a departure from the standard practice of using the 1971 population numbers.

States which had done well in stabilising population growth rates protested against this change in the base year. They called it a ‘penalty for good performance’.

Revenue deficit– The rationale for revenue deficit grants is that every State should be able to provide a minimum level of service to its residents even if it involves cross-subsidisation.

This has become a perverse incentive for states. States do not make efforts to raise revenues on their own because the Finance Commission compensates them.

Finance Commissions have struggled to determine how much a state’s deficit is due to its fiscal incapacity and how much is due to fiscal irresponsibility.

Division among states– These fault lines across States have deepened in recent years along political, economic and fiscal dimensions.

Southern States of the country are doing better in terms of infrastructure, private investment, social indicators and the rule of law. It has widened the north-south gap.

The nature of horizontal distribution is such that richer States compensate poorer States. There is a need to ensure that this happens without deepening the divide. It creates a challenge for the government in defining the terms of reference of the Finance Commission.

What should be the focus area of the next Finance Commission?

Cess and Surcharges– Centre is increasingly resorting to a levy of cesses and surcharges rather than raising taxes. Proportion of cesses and surcharges in the Centre’s total tax revenue had nearly doubled from 10.4% in 2011-12 to 20.2% in 2019-20.

The Constitution was amended in the year 2000, it gave States a share in the Centre’s total tax pool. The implicit understanding was that the Centre will resort only sparingly to cesses and surcharges, and not as a matter of routine.

As a result of this breach, States have felt cheated out of their legitimate share of national tax revenue.

The next Finance Commission should lay down guidelines for when cesses and surcharges might be levied. It should suggest a formula to cap the amount that can be raised.

Freebies– The Finance Commission should look at the government spending on freebies. All political parties are guilty on this count.

The restraints imposed by the FRBM Act should have acted as a check on such populist spending. But, governments have found ways of raising debt without it appearing in the budget books.

The next Finance Commission should lay down guidelines on the spending on freebies.

Why approval for Elon Musk’s Neuralink for humans is a bad idea

Source: The post is based on the article “Why approval for Elon Musk’s Neuralink for humans is a bad idea” published in The Indian Express on 15^th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science and Technology

Relevance: About Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

News: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to Neuralink, a neurotech startup co-founded by Elon Musk, to conduct clinical trials on a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) implant for humans.

About Neuralink’s BCI

Neuralink aims to address brain disorders and eventually merge human consciousness with artificial intelligence (AI).

The company hopes to build a surgically implantable chip containing several electrodes that allows the brain to convey intent of movement to a device connected via Bluetooth and then the device decodes the neural data and converts intent to action.

Despite the claims made by Neuralink about its Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, it lacks transparency and concrete evidence to support its claims.

Moreover, there are several major safety and viability concerns with Neuralink.

What are the concerns with Neuralink’s device?

Lack of Reliable Data: One of the major problems with Neuralink is the lack of published data supporting its technology.

Only one article has been published by the company which described the chip and the surgical implantation process, accompanied by a single image of a rodent with the implant.

However, before a device is approved for use in humans, its feasibility and safety parameters need in-depth pre-clinical assessment in more mammals such as pigs, sheep and monkeys.

Dependence on the Existing Technology: Most of Neuralink’s work depends upon existing research in the field.

For instance, it has increased data collection, by implanting 3,000+ electrodes in comparison with 256 electrodes that have been done previously.

This may provide the desired increase in speed and accuracy comparable to real-time movement.

Safety of Materials: The safety of the materials used in the implants is a major concern, considering the invasive surgical procedure.

Further, it is crucial to ensure the materials are truly inert and stable, even with surface coatings. It is also required to investigate any potential leaching of harmful chemicals into the brain over time.

Another concern is the use of thin wires, which may result in higher resistance and susceptibility to heat generation.

The thinness of the wires raises questions about their ability to stay in place within a freely moving human. The movement of the wires and their impact on the surrounding brain tissue are also important factors to consider.

Animal Welfare: Neuralink has faced significant scrutiny and legal challenges due to violations of animal welfare in its invasive implant surgeries, specifically involving monkeys.

The animal ethics group’s lawsuit has also provided on high mortality rates among animals, primarily caused by surgery-related infections and other complications.

Overall, the available information to the public regarding the procedure’s safety and the implant’s effectiveness is limited and lacks comprehensive quantitative data.

Like these there are many concerns with the Neuralink devices. However, it tends to hide those concerns by showing off the coolness of its device.

What lies ahead?

While the concept of Neuralink’s interface holds potential, there are numerous steps required before it can genuinely benefit patients in need.

It is crucial to remain attentive because history has shown instances in the US medical field where profit was prioritized over patient safety, and regulatory oversight failed to effectively address such practices.

Fuelling a truly green transition

Source: The post is based on the article “Fuelling a truly green transition” published in Business Standard on 15^th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment

Relevance: challenges with green hydrogen mission

News: The government in January this year released its Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM).

About the Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM)

Click Here to Read

What are the different types of hydrogen and how are they obtained?

Click Here to Read

However, carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) is a very costly technology. It has proved viable only where there are depleted oil and gas wells available for large scale storage of CO2 emissions.

What are the advantages of green hydrogen?

Read Here: Green Hydrogen: Potential, Issues and Solutions – Explained

Hydrogen may also be liquefied and transported through pipes or in tanks via roads, rail and ships.

It may be converted to fuel cells to generate electricity or for heating and it may also be used in long distance transportation.

What are the challenges associated with green hydrogen?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the majority (95%) of hydrogen production currently relies on fossil fuels.

The Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM) in India aims to develop a green hydrogen capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes per year by 2030.

This will require an associated addition of 125MW of renewable energy capacity and an investment of approximately 8 trillion. 

The GHM intends to utilize high-performance electrolysers and decentralized renewable power sources like rooftop solar, micro-hydel plants, and biomass to provide clean and affordable power for electrolysis.

The mission also mentions the potential use of waste water in these processes. However, specific plans with detailed numbers are yet to be formulated.

Read More: Green Hydrogen: Potential, Issues and Solutions – Explained

What can be the way ahead?

Hydrogen has the potential to become a clean and abundant source of energy in the future, but it is not currently a fully viable alternative.

However, advancements in technology and lowering costs are continuously improving its prospects.

Moreover, several advanced countries, including Japan, are making significant technological advancements in promoting hydrogen as a fuel source.

India, through its Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM), should consider forging closer collaborations and take the lead in establishing an International Hydrogen Alliance.  

This alliance would facilitate the pooling of technological and financial resources to promote the hydrogen economy on a global scale.

The upcoming G20 summit presents a favorable opportunity for India to announce such an initiative and demonstrate its commitment to advancing the use of hydrogen as a clean energy solution.

We’re All Aam Aadmi – India’s not the biggest mango exporter but the fruit is at its sublime best here. Sad that output is hit by weather

Source: The post is based on the article “We’re All Aam Aadmi – India’s not the biggest mango exporter but the fruit is at its sublime best here. Sad that output is hit by weather” published in The Times of India on 15th June 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints.

Relevance: About India’s Mango Production.

News: Unseasonal weather has drastically reduced the expected mango yields this year.

How weather patterns destroyed Mango production?

Due to fluctuations in weather patterns, UP, the largest mango-growing state’s, yield may damage 30-40% of this year’s crop.

For example, Malihabad, home of the Dussehri variety, was on its way to a bumper crop until mid-March but then unexpected showers destroyed flowers before they could become fruit. This will reduce the yield up to 80%. Last year, it was extreme heat that did the damage.

Alphonso in Maharashtra and Kesar in Gujarat also face a shortage in yield, thereby increasing the prices. But, there’s a bumper yield in Malda, Bengal.

About India’s Mango production and exports

India grows around 1,500 mango varieties. The unique and complex flavours of different desi mangoes set India apart from bigger exporters like Mexico and Thailand.

Exports have remained below potential. This is because, a) Domestic demand has remained very high, b) This diversity-friendliness has a challenge too. For example, the mango’s fruition is so dependent on specific temperatures at specific times.

Mangoes need to have two qualities, they need to be sweet and there needs to be plenty. Not all varieties can get impacted by climate change. India should capitalise on that.

Tackling the waste problem

Source: The post is based on the article “Tackling the waste problem” published in the Business Standard on 15th June 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – Pollution

Relevance: About the Solid Waste Management.

News: A recent report by World Bank, “What a Waste: A Global Review of Solid Waste Management”, stated that 2.9 billion people lived in metropolitan areas 10 years ago, producing 0.64 kg of Municipal solid waste (MSW) per person daily. However, around 3 billion people live in cities today, producing as much as 1.2 kg of municipal solid waste per person per day.

What is Solid Waste Management?

What are the key findings of the World Bank report on Solid Waste?

-Over 200 million metric tonnes of municipal waste are produced worldwide each year by the United States and China.

-Daily per capita waste generation in high-income nations is estimated to climb by 19% by 2050, while in low and middle-income countries it is projected to rise by around 40% or more.

-In terms of total waste production, the East Asia and Pacific region produces the most waste (23%), and West Asia and North Africa produce the least (6%).

-Currently, more than half of the waste is openly dumped in these areas.

Why solid waste management is essential?

Municipal waste management is not only paramount but a necessary function of city governance, especially in a post-pandemic world. This is because a) Poorly managed waste typically results in expenses that are higher in the long run than it would have been to manage the waste effectively in the first place, b) Poor waste management has a significant detrimental effect on health, the environment both locally and globally, and the economy, and c) Municipal waste plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions.

About India’s solid waste generation and management

According to the Task Force on Waste to Energy Report, 62 million tonnes of MSW waste are produced annually by 377 million people in India’s urban areas in 2017.

Residents of urban areas generate nearly twice as much waste as those in rural areas. The level of industrialisation, socialisation, and regional climate all impact MSW generation rates. Unsanitary, unscientific and poor disposal of solid waste could further result in environmental deterioration and health issues.

The lack of proactive governance mechanisms in cities to manage waste sustainably and the consumption patterns and behaviour of citizens will lead to tremendous amounts of waste generation.

What should be done to ensure better solid waste management in India?

Integrated strategy for waste management: It involves the planning, funding, construction, and operation of facilities for the segregation, collection, transportation, recycling, treatment, and final disposal of waste. This should be taken into consideration to manage the present issues of urban waste management.

Focus on sustainability: Urban local bodies should increase their operation and maintenance of solid waste management systems sustainably. This requires a) significant capital investment, b) the introduction of cutting-edge, cost-effective technologies, c) public-private partnerships in waste management, as well as d) the introduction of appropriate waste management practices.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

W20 Summit Women-Led Development; Transform, Thrive and Transcend

Source: The post is based on the article “W20 Summit Women-Led Development; Transform, Thrive and Transcend” published in PIB on 15th June 2023

What is the News?

The Women 20 Summit is set to take place in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

What is the Women 20 Summit?

The Women 20 (W20) is the official G20 engagement group.

Created in: It was created in 2015 under Turkey’s Presidency of G20, with the objective of focusing on gender equity. 

Objective: The primary objective of W20 is women’s empowerment and advocating for women’s rights, raising women’s voices in society. 

Theme of W20 Summit: Women-Led Development- Transform, Thrive and Transcend’.

Key Priorities: India’s W20 agenda focuses on five key priorities: Women’s Entrepreneurship, Grassroots Women’s Leadership, Bridging the Gender Digital Divide, Education and Skill Development, and Climate Change.

What is the massive grain storage plan the govt has unveiled, how it’ll help farmers

Source: The post is based on the article “What is the massive grain storage plan the govt has unveiled, how it’ll help farmers” published in The Hindu on 15th June 2023

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to facilitate the world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector. 

Why does India need a grain storage plan?

India accounts for 18% (1.4 billion) of the global population (7.9 billion). However, it accounts for only 11% (160 million hectare) of the arable land (1,380 million hectare) in the world. 

India also runs the world’s largest food programme under the National Food Security Act, 2013, which covers about 81 crore people.

At present, India has a foodgrain storage capacity of 145 million metric tonnes (MMT) against the total food production of 311 MMT—leaving a gap of 166 MMT. 

In the absence of sufficient storage facilities, food grains are sometimes stored in the open, which results in damage.

Therefore, to ensure the food security of a billion-plus population, a robust network of foodgrain storage facilities becomes essential.

What is the ‘world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector’?

At present, multiple government agencies, like the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehouse Corporation, Warehouse Development Regulatory Authority, Railways, and the civil supply departments of states are involved in grain management. However, that has not yielded the desired results.

Under the new plan, the Ministry of Cooperation aims to set up a network of integrated grain storage facilities through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across the country. According to the ministry, there are more than 1,00,000 PACS spread across the country with a huge member base of more than 13 crore farmers.

What is the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and what are the benefits of grain storage plan?

Why did the govt. impose a ceiling on wheat stocks?

Source: The post is based on the article “Why did the govt. impose a ceiling on wheat stocks?” published in The Hindu on 14th June 2023

What is the News?

The Union Government has imposed limits on the stock of wheat that can be held by traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers and processors.The objective is to stabilize the price of the essential commodity by steadying supply.

What are the orders issued by the government on wheat stocks?

The government has imposed limits on the stock of wheat that can be held by traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers and processors.

The mentioned entities are expected to declare their stock positions and update them regularly on the Department of Food and Public Distribution’s portal.

If the stock held by them is higher than the limit, they will have 30 days from the day of issue of notification to bring the same under the prescribed limits.

The government has also decided to offload 15 lakh tonnes of wheat from the central pool via the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) to flour mills, private traders, bulk buyers, and manufacturers of wheat products through e-auction. The idea is to control the retail prices of wheat.

Why has the government issued these orders on wheat stocks?

These orders have been issued in the backdrop of rising concerns about the overall wheat output taking a hit after the unseasonal rains and hailstorms towards the end of March and early April alongside hotter temperatures in February.

Lower production leads to higher prices for the crop. This could in turn create conditions for local prices exceeding the government’s purchase prices and thus, bothering the latter’s endeavour to stock up supplies.

Mizoram’s Chite Lui River is crying for help

Source: The post is based on the article “Mizoram’s Chite Lui River is crying for help” published in Down To Earth on 15th June 2023

What is the News?

Chite Lui River in Mizoram is in danger as it has been turned into a dumping ground.

What is the Chite Lui River?

Chite Lui River is situated in Aizawl, Mizoram. It is situated in an alluvial valley at an altitude of about 1,000 metres.

Origin: The river starts its journey from Bawngkawn range in north Aizawl and flows for around 20 km in eastern Aizawl before joining River Tuirial at the southern end of the city. 

Significance: The river is close to the heart of the local population. Stories and songs about the river are popular in Mizoram and even among the Mizo tribes in Myanmar.

What are the major threats faced by the Chite Lui River?

The rapid growth of Aizawl City has led to unplanned construction activities on the banks and even on the river bed of Chite Lui River.

Many houses, shops, garages, eateries and other establishments have encroached upon the river’s space and reduced its width and depth.

The river also suffers from loss of natural vegetation and soil erosion due to deforestation and land use change.

Moreover, the river has also become a dumping ground for various kinds of waste generated by the urban population. This affects the aquatic life, biodiversity and health of the river.

What are the efforts made to save the Chite Lui River?

Zoram Research Foundation, a non-profit organization working for traditional water management in Mizoram, began an initiative to save the river in 2007. 

Slowly the local people began to understand the importance of the river and the necessity to keep it clean.

The volunteers of the organization along with local residents began periodic campaigns to clean the river banks and found that 80 percent of the waste comprised plastic. 

A plastic road — the first in the state — was also constructed last year from the polythene waste retrieved from the river.

The Prime Minister also praised the citizens’ efforts to save the river. In the 90th edition of his Mann ki Baat, he mentioned the Save Chite Lui action plan to save the river that had been turned into a landfill.

Researchers Discover 20 New Species of Sea Lettuce in the Baltic Sea Region

Source: The post is based on the article “Researchers Discover 20 New Species of Sea Lettuce in the Baltic Sea Region” published in ANI on 14th June 2023

What is the News?

Researchers have recently discovered 20 new species of Sea lettuce along the Baltic and Scandinavian coasts.

What is Sea Lettuce?

Sea Lettuce is a prominent species of green macroalgae. It belongs to the genus Ulva.

Sea Lettuce grows naturally all over the world. It grows in both littoral and sublittoral waters in depths of up to 75 meters, although it needs a lot of sunlight to flourish. 

It is perennial, and grows all year, although the largest blooms occur during the summer.

Sea lettuce usually grows attached by a small discoid holdfast to rocks and shells, but it can also grow in a free-floating, non-attached form, sometimes in prolific masses.

Large masses of sea lettuce are often an indicator of nutrient pollution in the water.

Sea Lettuce has a high protein content, advantageous polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, and valuable biochemical components, making it particularly nutritive.

In some parts of the world, people eat sea lettuce in soups and salads.

U.S., U.K. forge ‘Atlantic Declaration’ to boost ties

Source: The post is based on the article “U.S., U.K. forge ‘Atlantic Declaration’ to boost ties” published in The Hindu on 15th June 2023

What is the News?

The United States and the United Kingdom have announced the Atlantic Declaration for a Twenty-First Century U.S.-UK Economic Partnership.

What is the Atlantic Declaration?

Signed between: US and UK

Aim: To adapt, reinforce, and reimagine the longstanding alliance between the two nations to effectively address the challenges of the current era.

– To enhance industry collaboration in defence and renewable energy sectors in response to China’s growing competition.

The declaration also includes a commitment to a “new UK-US Data Bridge” which would allow UK firms to transfer data freely to certified US organizations without paying a levy.

Pillars: The declaration is built on five pillars: 

– Ensuring the leadership of the United States and the United Kingdom in critical and emerging technologies. 

– Advancing closer cooperation on tech protection, economic security toolkits and supply chains.

– Partnering on an inclusive and responsible digital transformation.

– Building the clean energy economy of the future.

– Strengthening alliance across defence, health security and space. 

Kari Ishad mango of Ankola in Uttar Karnataka gets GI tag

Source: The post is based on the article “Kari Ishad mango of Ankola in Uttar Karnataka gets GI tag” published in The Hindu on 15th June 2023

What is the News?

The Kari Ishad mango has bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

What is Kari Ishad Mango?

The Kari Ishad mango is grown in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.

It is accepted as one of the finest quality mangoes due to its unique aroma, luscious taste, high amount of pulp, shape, and size.

They are large and oblique to oval shape. Each panicle usually bears one fruit. A well-grown tree produces/bears up to 2,000 fruits in a season. The fruit has a short shelf life of about five days.

It has two variants — Kari Ishad, which has thin skin, more pulp and is sweeter, and Bili Ishad, which has thick skin and less pulp and sweetness

Explained | Leptospirosis, a disease that surges in the monsoon months

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | Leptospirosis, a disease that surges in the monsoon months” published in The Hindu on 14th June 2023

What is the News?

Leptospirosis has emerged as an important infectious disease in the world which tends to have large outbreaks after heavy rainfall or flooding.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease.

Caused by: The disease is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans, or Leptospira.

Vulnerable areas: The disease is more prevalent in warm, humid countries and in both urban and rural areas. It affects an estimated 1.03 million people every year, killing around 60,000.

Transmission: The carriers of the disease can be either wild or domestic animals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs.

– The cycle of disease transmission begins with the shedding of Leptospira, usually in the urine of infected animals.

– According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, infected animals can continue to excrete the bacteria into their surroundings for a few months, but sometimes up to several years.

– Humans become part of the cycle when they come in direct contact with this urine or indirectly, through soil and water that contain leptospira bacteria. A person is more likely to contract leptospirosis if they have cuts or abrasions on their skin.

Symptoms: The severity of a leptospirosis infection ranges from a mild flu-like illness to being life-threatening.

Prevention: Leptospirosis control can benefit from a ‘One Health’ approach. ‘One Health’ is an interdisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnections between the health of humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment.