9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – June 15th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

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?

Read here: Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

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.

Must read: Child Mortality in India: Status, Challenges and Way Forward – Explained, pointwise

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.

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.

GS PAPER - 3

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.

Read more: Farmer develops mango variety that bears fruits round the year

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.

Read more: GI certified “Jardalu mangoes” from Bihar exported to the UK

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?

Read here: 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.

Read more: Solid Waste Management in India-An Overview

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.

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.

Transgenic Crops in India: Need and Challenges – Explained, pointwise

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Introduction

Transgenic crops are subject of significant debate in India. Despite their potential to combat agricultural challenges, they raise concerns regarding their impact on the environment and human health.

Recently, three Indian states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana – have delayed testing a new transgenic cotton seed, approved by the Centre’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). This situation highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding the acceptance and implementation of transgenic crops in India.  

What are transgenic crops?

Transgenic crops, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are plants that have had their DNA altered using genetic engineering techniques. This process involves inserting one or more genes from a different species into the plant’s genome to confer certain advantageous traits that aren’t naturally present in the species.  

An example of a transgenic crop is Bt cotton, which is widely grown in several countries, including India. 

Transgenic crops like these are developed to improve crop yield, enhance nutritional value, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and increase resistance to environmental stressors like drought or frost. However, the use of GMOs also raises concerns related to potential health risks, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.  

About the transgenic crops permitted in India and in other countries

Transgenic crops in India  

Bt cotton: In India, the major transgenic crop that has been commercialized is Bt cotton. Bt cotton is genetically modified cotton that expresses a toxin derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which provides resistance against destructive pests such as the bollworm.  

GM mustard: In addition, India is also considering the commercial release of genetically modified mustard known as Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11). This GM mustard has genes from a soil bacterium that enhance hybridization, potentially leading to a yield increase of 25-30%. As of now, this crop has received approval from the GEAC but is yet to receive final clearance from the Ministry of Environment.  

Other transgenic crops which are under developmental phases in India

GE banana: The National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali is developing fungus-resistant varieties and exploring the fortification of bananas with iron. They are also working on increasing the amount of provitamin A in the fruit.  

GE potato: The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla has received permission to conduct research on the GE potato hybrid KJ66, derived from the wild Mexican potato, aimed at combating the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans.  

GE maize: Rallis India Limited has received conditional approval from GEAC to conduct trials on GE maize, aimed at improving its resistance to the moth Spodoptera frugiperda and tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate.  

GE rubber: The Rubber Research Institute in Kottayam has been granted permission for trials of two GE rubber lines expressing an ‘osmotin’ gene, which is expected to confer resilience to the plants under a range of adverse conditions.  

Transgenic crops in other countries

Soybeans: In the United States, one of the first and most widespread transgenic crops is the Roundup Ready soybean. These soybeans are engineered to be resistant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup.  

Bt maize: Another common transgenic crop is Bt maize (or corn), which like Bt cotton, contains a gene from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium. This allows the maize to produce a protein that is toxic to certain types of pests, notably the European corn borer.  

Golden rice: In some parts of Asia, a genetically modified version of rice known as Golden Rice has been developed. This rice is modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice plant. This is intended to combat vitamin A deficiency, a significant public health problem in many developing countries.

Must read: GM Crops in India: Issues and challenges – Explained, pointwise

How India is regulating transgenic crops?

India has a well-established regulatory framework in place to control and supervise the introduction and cultivation of GM crops. This is governed by various rules, regulations, and guidelines set by different ministries and departments.  

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): The committee reviews proposals related to the release of GM organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials.  

Environment Protection Act: The GEAC or people authorised by it have the power to take punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act.  

Role of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR): The ICAR plays a crucial role in supervising the development of new GM varieties and hybrids. For example, the recent approval for GM mustard allows for the environmental release of two genetically engineered mustard varieties under the supervision of the ICAR.  

Assessment of Risks: The regulatory framework also requires the evaluation of potential risks to human health, animal health, and biodiversity. This involves rigorous testing under laboratory and field conditions to ensure the safety and efficacy of GM crops.  

Public Consultation: In some cases, public consultation is also part of the process before a final decision is made about the commercialization of a GM crop. This allows stakeholders, including the public, to voice their concerns and opinions.

Read more: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee approves commercial cultivation of genetically modified mustard yet again

What are the arguments supporting the introduction of transgenic crops in India?

Addressing food security: One of the main arguments supporting the introduction of transgenic crops in India is the potential to enhance food security. With India’s population continually growing, transgenic crops offer a promising solution to increase agricultural yield and meet the escalating food demand.  

Improved crop characteristics: Transgenic crops can be engineered to have desired traits such as drought resistance, pest resistance, and improved nutritional content. These modifications can lead to healthier, more resilient crops that are better suited to varying climatic conditions and can contribute to higher yields.  

Economic benefits for farmers: Transgenic crops can provide economic advantages to farmers. The use of crops genetically engineered to resist pests, for instance, can reduce the need for expensive pesticides. The GEAC’s recent approval of GM mustard is a prime example of this, with the potential to boost yield and subsequently increase farmers’ income.  

Potential environmental benefits: By reducing the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, transgenic crops may also help decrease environmental pollution. Furthermore, certain GM crops may require less water, contributing to more sustainable water use.  

Enhanced crop diversity: Transgenic technology can facilitate the development of new crop varieties, enhancing agricultural biodiversity. This could offer farmers a greater choice of crops to cultivate, potentially leading to more diverse farming systems.  

What are the arguments against the introduction of transgenic crops in India?

Health concerns: Some groups argue that the consumption of genetically modified crops could potentially lead to health issues. There are concerns about allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, and the overall safety of consuming foods derived from GMOs.  

Impact on biodiversity: Critics also argue that the introduction of transgenic crops could negatively impact biodiversity. There are concerns that the proliferation of GM crops could lead to the genetic contamination of wild relatives of the modified crops. The increased use of herbicide-resistant crops could harm non-target organisms and beneficial insects.  

Potential socio-economic implications: There are also socioeconomic considerations. For instance, small farmers might face difficulties if they cannot afford the often higher-priced GM seeds, potentially exacerbating economic inequalities in rural communities.  

Dependence on multinational companies: Many GM seeds are patented by multinational corporations. Farmers using these seeds would be dependent on these companies for their supply, potentially leading to monopolistic practices and loss of control over their own agricultural practices.  

Ethical and cultural concerns: For some, the genetic modification of crops raises ethical questions about human intervention in nature. These can be especially potent in countries like India with rich cultural and religious traditions tied to natural processes.  

What should be done?

Enhanced research and development: To address concerns related to transgenic crops, further research and development should be undertaken. This should focus on comprehensive risk assessment, long-term impact studies, and the development of techniques to prevent cross-contamination.  

Rigorous regulatory framework: The regulatory framework for the approval and monitoring of transgenic crops in India needs to be rigorous. This can help ensure that only those GM crops that are safe for human health and the environment are permitted.  

Capacity building in biotechnology: India needs to enhance its capacity in the field of biotechnology. This involves training scientists in advanced techniques, and creating world-class laboratories that can undertake cutting-edge research in this field.  

Public awareness and engagement: Transparent, evidence-based information on GM crops should be shared with the public to address concerns and misconceptions. This could involve engaging with communities through public consultations before the introduction of GM crops.  

Protecting farmers’ interests: Policies should be in place to protect farmers from potential exploitation by multinational companies selling GM seeds. This includes ensuring farmers have access to a variety of seeds, including non-GM options.  

Monitoring environmental impact: After the introduction, transgenic crops should be continuously monitored to assess their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. In particular, the potential for gene flow to non-target species should be rigorously evaluated.  

International collaboration: India can benefit from international collaboration in this field, learning from the experiences of other countries that have successfully adopted transgenic crops, and working together to address shared challenges.

Sources: Indian Express (Article 1, Article 2 and Article 3), The Hindu (Article 1, Article 2 and Article 3), Counter view, The Print, India Today, Weather, DTE and The Hindu Businessline

Syllabus: GS 3: Science and Technology: Awareness in the field of biotechnology.

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