9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 31st, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 3

On Air Quality Standard of India- Indians are choking on pollution. How can it be stopped?

Source: The post on Air Quality Standard of India is based on the article “Indians are choking on pollution. How can it be stopped?” published in “Indian express” on 31st October 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment- pollution (air)

News: The article discusses India’s severe air pollution problem. It highlights health risks, compares Indian air quality standards to WHO’s , and identifies major pollution sources. The article also suggests solutions and emphasizes the impact on life expectancy, especially in cities like Delhi.

What are the major causes of air pollution?

Ambient (Outdoor) Sources:

Vehicular Emissions: Cars, trucks, and buses release pollutants.

Industrial Emissions: Factories and power plants contribute significant pollutants.

Construction and Road Dust: Building activities and unpaved roads add particulate matter.

Stubble Burning: Seasonal agricultural residue burning worsens air quality.

Natural Events: Forest fires and volcanic eruptions release pollutants.

Waste Disposal Sites: Garbage dumps and sewage treatment plants emit harmful gases.

Household (Indoor) Sources:

Biomass Fuels: Using wood, crop waste, and animal dung for cooking releases smoke.

Open Fire-Cooking: Traditional stoves emit large amounts of particulate matter.

What are the different Air Quality Standards used?

India’s Air Quality Standards

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS):

  • Established by CPCB, applicable nationally.
  • Revised in 1982, 1994, 1998, and 2009.
  • Monitors 12 pollutants including PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

  • Launched in 2014 by CPCB, with IIT-Kanpur’s consultation
  • Tracks 8 major pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2.
  • The index ranges from ‘Good’ to ‘Severe’ across a 0-500 scale.

WHO Air Quality Standards:

  • WHO Tightened global standards in 2021.
  • The new annual limit for PM2.5 is 5 micrograms per cubic meter, down from 10.
  • 24-hour ceiling for PM2.5 reduced to 15 micrograms from 25.

How do Indian air standards differ from WHO standards?

PM 2.5 Levels: The WHO has a limit of 5 microns for PM 2.5, whereas India’s limit is much higher at 40 microns.

AQI Categories: India uses a six-category AQI system, ranging from “good” to “severe”. Even at an AQI of 126, Delhi’s air quality far exceeds both the national and WHO standards.

Health Impact: Health issues can arise even when the AQI is within what India considers “satisfactory”. This indicates that Indian standards are less protective of public health compared to the WHO’s guidelines.

How severe is the air pollution problem in India?

Life Expectancy Impact: Indians lose an average of 5.3 years of life due to air pollution. For Delhi residents, this number rises to 11.9 years.

World Rankings: Delhi often ranks at or near the top of the world’s most polluted cities. In a 2022 list by IQAir, out of the 50 most polluted cities globally, 39 are in India.

Rural Pollution: Even rural areas face pollution from dust, burnt biomass fuels, and vehicular emissions.

Pollutants: India monitors pollutants like PM 10, PM 2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and others. PM 2.5 levels in places like Delhi far exceed both national and WHO standards.

What are the health impacts of air pollution in India?

Immediate Effects: Acute symptoms include burning eyes, irritation of the nose and throat, cough, and a feeling of choked breath.

Cardiovascular Threats: Air pollution can provoke heart attacks and strokes, as pollutants disrupt atherosclerotic plaques, triggering blood clots.

Chronic Illnesses: Prolonged exposure results in hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, dementia, and cataracts.

Respiratory Issues: Pollution heightens the risks of chronic lung diseases and asthma.

Organ Damage: Air pollution-induced inflammation can damage various organs and lower immunity.

Reproductive Concerns: PM 2.5 particles have been found in maternal placentas and fetal brains. Pollution exposure during pregnancy heightens risks of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, low birth weight, and birth defects.

Children’s Health: Kids exposed to pollution suffer from respiratory infections, are more susceptible to asthma attacks, and can experience reduced learning and physical growth.

What should be done?

Transportation Reforms:

Adopt electric vehicles for cleaner transport.

Promote public transport over personal vehicle use.

Energy and Construction Management:

Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources quickly.

Follow environmentally friendly construction practices and efficiently manage debris.

Household Improvements:

Substitute biomass fuels with cleaner alternatives like natural gas.

Ensure better ventilation in kitchens to reduce indoor pollution.

Waste Management:

Prohibit practices like stubble and garbage burning.

Personal Protective Measures:

Use high-quality masks (like N95) and air purifiers.

Breathing exercises can help maintain lung function.

Reduce or avoid outdoor activities during high pollution times.

Question to practice:

How does prolonged exposure to air pollution in cities like Delhi impact the health of its residents, and what measures can be taken to mitigate these effects?

On NITI Aayog’s Vision @2047 – India in 2047

Source: The post On NITI Aayog’s Vision @2047 is based on the article “India in 2047- Policy adjustments can enable higher growth” published in “Business standard” on 31st October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian economy – Issues relating to Growth and Development.

News: This article discusses the NITI Aayog’s goal for India’s economy to hit $30 trillion by 2047, requiring a 9% yearly growth. It also highlights the major challenges in achieving this target, and the importance of investing in education and renewable energy.

What is India’s vision@2047?

India’s Vision@2047:

Amrit Kaal: Period between 75th and 100th independence anniversaries symbolizing transformative growth.

Viksit Bharat@2047: Aim to become a developed nation by 2047 through a collective ‘Team India’ approach.

Balanced Economic Growth: Focus on both macro-economic growth and micro-level welfare.

Technological Advancements: Promote digital economy, fintech, and technology-enabled development.

Environmental Commitment: Prioritize energy transition and proactive climate action.

Investment Strategy: Public capital investment to stimulate private investments.

Saptarishi Principles:

1) Ensure Inclusive Development.

2) Benefit even the most remote areas.

3) Develop infrastructure and encourage investment.

4) Tap into national strengths.

Advocate for sustainable, green growth.

  1. Empower the youth.
  2. Strengthen the financial sector.

What will NITI Aayog’s Vision @2047 document include?

Based on India’s vision for 2047, Niti Aayog is preparing a document to ensure that India can achieve their goal within the given time.

Economic Target: Aim to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047 with a per capita income between $18,000-20,000.

Sectoral Focus: It includes 10 sectors like rural and agriculture, infrastructure, technology, and governance.

Structural Changes: Highlight reforms to achieve the economic target and address overlaps in roles of different ministries and departments.

Global Engagement: Details of India’s role in global trade, investment, technology, research, and development will be included.

Indian Companies: Identify potential Indian businesses that could become global leaders and strategize their growth ecosystem.

Human Capital: Insights on developing human resources and leveraging India’s market size.

Addressing Disparities: Strategies to address regional economic disparities.

Milestones: Provide a roadmap detailing India’s positions in 2030 and 2047.

Governance: Recommendations to modernize bureaucracy, emphasizing strategic ideation over traditional paperwork.

What challenges lie ahead in achieving a $30 trillion economy by 2047?

Global Economic Factors: Global growth is expected to remain below average. Additionally, some economists predict higher U.S. interest rates for longer durations due to structural factors.

Manufacturing Constraints: Despite numerous attempts, India hasn’t achieved the desired manufacturing output levels. This limitation affects quality job creation, essential for boosting consumption and sustaining growth.

Trade Hurdles: India’s trade strategy, characterized by higher tariffs with fiscal incentives for big producers, might be ineffective in the long run. There’s an anticipated trade deficit of over $3 trillion by 2047.

Infrastructure and Finance: The government’s increased post-pandemic capital expenditure is improving infrastructure but delaying fiscal consolidation. Such continuous high budget deficits and public debt could restrict government interventions.

What should be done?

Review Growth Strategy: Policymakers should conduct regular reviews and make necessary adjustments to achieve the 9% annual growth target.

Invest in Education and Health: Allocate more resources to education and health sectors. A skilled workforce is key for long-term growth.

Focus on Renewable Energy: Increase investments in renewable energy. This will reduce import dependence and make growth sustainable.

Monitor Fiscal Consolidation: While post-pandemic capital expenditure is crucial, there’s a need to balance it with fiscal consolidation to manage deficits and public debt.

Question for practice:

Critically examine the feasibility of India’s Vision@2047 in light of global economic challenges, manufacturing constraints, and its current trade strategy.

On India’s disinvestment policy- Learnings from LIC must guide PSU stake selloffs

Source: The post on India’s disinvestment policy is based on the article “Learnings from LIC must guide PSU stake selloffs” published in “Live mint” on 31st October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Mobilization of resources (Disinvestment)

News: The article discusses LIC’s share price drop after its initial sale. It highlights the shortcomings in the government’s actions and suggests reforms to tackle these challenges.

What is India’s disinvestment Policy?

India’s disinvestment policy has evolved over the years, reflecting the changing economic landscape and priorities of successive governments.

Outline of India’s disinvestment policy:

Objective of Disinvestment: The primary goal of disinvestment is to promote efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and to generate funds for priority sectors such as infrastructure development and social programs.

Authority: The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) oversees the disinvestment process, operating under the Ministry of Finance.

National Investment Fund (NIF): Established in 2005, this fund is where the proceeds from disinvestment of Central Public Sector Enterprises are directed.

Disinvestment target for 2023-24: ₹51,000 crore.
1) This target represents a nearly 21% reduction from the budget estimate of the previous year (2022-23) and is marginally higher (by ₹1,000 crore) than the revised estimate for 2022-23. It is the lowest disinvestment target set by the government in the last seven years.

Why did LIC’s share value decrease?

Initial Pricing: The shares were initially priced at Rs 949 apiece. Later, they dropped to Rs 605 on the BSE, indicating a possible overvaluation at the outset.

Investor Trust: Many investors have trust in government enterprises. With LIC’s dominant position in India’s insurance sector, this might have led them to overlook the high valuation during the initial share sale.

Government’s Role: The government might have aimed for a higher valuation to increase its disinvestment revenue. This could have contributed to the overpricing of the issue.

What are the issues with the government’s disinvestment strategy?

Disinvestment Goals: For the fiscal year 2023-24, there’s a concern about meeting the disinvestment target. As of now, only Rs 8,000 crore has been achieved, which is just 15% of the yearly goal.

Timing of Sales: The government has been waiting for stock market highs to sell shares, which might not be the best strategy.

Public Perception: After instances like the LIC share price drop, there’s a risk that investors may become wary of government stake issues, affecting trust and future investments.

What should the government do now?

Re-evaluate Pricing Strategy: Focus on offering well-priced shares, rather than maximizing immediate revenue, as seen with LIC’s initial share sale at Rs 949 apiece which later dropped to Rs 605.

Avoid Market Timing: Instead of waiting for stock market highs, the government should consider selling shares irrespective of market conditions.

Public Perception: A change of track in their approach is needed to show that they prioritize investor value over filling their coffers.

Value and Awareness: The government should prioritize selling equity at true value and launch campaigns emphasizing valuations based on a company’s earnings, ensuring both immediate revenue and long-term investor trust.

Terminology used:

Initial pricing: Initial pricing is the price at which a company sells its shares to the public for the first time during an IPO or Initial Public Offering. It’s set by the company and an investment bank, based on factors like demand and the company’s value. It impacts the funds raised and investor returns.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact of LIC’s share price decline on the government’s disinvestment strategy and investor confidence.

Putting the ‘70-hour work week’ idea into perspective; Narayana Murthy just gave some very bad advice

Source: This post has been created based on the articles “Putting the ‘70-hour work week’ idea into perspective” published in The Hindu and “Narayana Murthy just gave some very bad advice” published in The Indian Express on 31st October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Indian Economy and issues relating to employment.

News: This article discusses the arguments in favour and against increasing the number of working hours in India.

Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy recently said that young Indians must work for 70 hours a week. Assuming a 6-day work week, this means that Indians would have to work 11.5 hours of work a day.

More on this issue here.

How many hours does an average young Indian work at present?

According to the Time Use Survey conducted in India in 2019:

1) A person aged 15-29 spends over 7.2 hours a day in employment and related activities in rural areas.

2) A person aged 15-29 spends around 8.5 hours a day in employment and related activities in urban areas.

What are the merits in increasing the number of working hours?

1) Nation-building and economic growth: Nation building is hard work, and it requires discipline and determination.

2) India’s work productivity is one of the lowest in the world: Raising this will be required to compete with those countries that have made tremendous progress.

3) Negative perception of low number of working hours: Most Asian countries, including India, equate flexible work hours or an employee’s need for work-life balance as a sign of lower commitment and competence.

What are the arguments against increasing the number of working hours?

1) Struggling workforce: Issues such as high stress, low income and lower work-life balance may increase. It also impacts mental health. Longer work hours also mean less time for sports and leisure.

2) More hours do not necessarily mean more productivity: On the contrary, as labour productivity increased in Germany and Japan, the average working hours reduced drastically.

3) Lack of sound data: It is difficult to accurately measure labour productivity given that 89% of the workforce is engaged in informal employment.

4) Negative Impact on women: The importance given to time spent at the workplace negatively impacts the female workforce, as discussed below.

Why are women at a disadvantage due to higher working hours?

For women, there is little to no free time, in contrast to men. There is a lack of support system to share the burden of work, such as the one that men enjoy.

For a young woman, there is a disproportionate responsibility of smaller tasks due to the assumption that they have less of other commitments.

For older women, the responsibility of household work leads to fatigue, guilt and anxiety.

Question for practice:

‘Increasing the number of working hours can propel economic growth in India, just like it did for Germany and Japan post-World War II.’ Critically analyse.

On the rising risks of urban flooding – The expansion of settlements into flood-prone areas

Source: This post on the rising risks of urban flooding has been created based on the article “The expansion of settlements into flood-prone areas” published in The Hindu on 31st October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster and disaster management.

News: This article discusses the recent findings of a World Bank Report highlighting the rising flooding risks due to expansion of settlements in flood-prone areas. It highlights the associated challenges and suggests steps to tackle them.

India’s urban areas have been flooding more and more often, destroying lives and livelihoods.

What is the current situation of floods in India?

India is highly vulnerable to floods. Out of the total geographical area of 329 million hectares (mha), more than 40 mha (~12%) is flood prone.

Flood-prone areas in India. Source: NDMA

What does a recent study by the World Bank say about flood risks?

According to the study, flood risk in many cities is rising because they are expanding into flood-prone areas. Since 1985, human settlements in flood-prone areas have more than doubled.

The study also found that middle-income countries like India have more urban settlements in flood-prone zones than low- and high-income countries.

This highlights the risk of unsustainable urbanization in India.

What is the situation of urban flood risk in India?

1) India is the 3rd highest contributor to global settlements exposed to flood hazards.

2) India is also 3rd in countries with new settlements expanding into flood-prone areas.

This means India is at significant risk of flood-related problems.

Who is the most vulnerable to this risk?

The risks are disproportionately higher for those living in informal structures.

Informal housing in cities is on land that is vacant and less desirable, so that they are not immediately driven off. So, they often lie in “low-lying, flood-prone areas”.

What are the reasons for the growth in human settlements in flood-prone areas?

1) Lack of environmental regulations: Environmental regulations are often applied only to big infrastructure projects and not to medium- and small-scale localities.

2) Violation of regulations: People violate existing government regulations. For instance, a rise in eco-tourism resorts on forest land and the construction of large structures on rivers’ floodplains.

3) Market forces: Market forces, such as cost of land, tend to increase expansion into flood-prone areas.

What should be done?

1) Recognition of the problem: Recognising that we are actually expanding into flood-prone areas is the first step towards sustainable urban planning.

2) Preventing disproportionate harm to the poor: There is a need to differentiate between low-income residents and unauthorised structures erected for the elite.

3) Scientific mapping: Every city needs to do a proper scientific mapping of the flood prone areas.

4) Resilient infrastructure: Urban governments need to make housing in such areas more flood-resilient and protect low-income housing.
For example, riverside settlements that use stilt houses used by the Mishing and the Miyah communities along the Brahmaputra.

Question for practice:

‘India’s rapid pace of urbanization is not without its challenges’. Discuss in light of the rising phenomenon of urban flooding in India.

On increasing Indian Railways’ revenue – Easing the transport of cargo by Railways

Source: This post on increasing Indian Railways’ share in cargo has been created based on the article “Easing the transport of cargo by Railways” published in The Hindu on 31st October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

News: This article discusses the actions taken by Indian Railways (IR) to increase its share in moving bulk cargo. It also suggests steps that IR can take in order to achieve this.

What policy actions have been taken to improve Railways infrastructure?

1) PM GatiShakti (PMGS) policy for a National Master Plan (NMP): The PMGS aims to bring synergy to create a seamless multi-modal transport network with the NMP employing technology tools for coordinated planning.

2) National Logistics Policy (NLP): The NLP focuses on building a national logistics portal and integrating platforms of various ministries.

3) Integration of postal and railway networks.

4) One station – one product.

5) Introduction of 400 Vande Bharat trains.

What is the modal share of freight (cargo) in India?

India’s modal share of cargo movement:

Source: Automotive World.

The Railways is one of the cheaper modes of transportation for moving bulk cargo. However, it only has a ~30% share.

What is the distribution of Indian Railways’ revenue?

1) Earnings from goods traffic: Out of Indian Railways’ ₹2.4 lakh crore revenue that it earned in the financial year 2022-23, the freight revenue was ₹1.62 lakh crore (~67.5%).

2) Earnings from passenger traffic: Its passenger revenue reached ₹63,300 crore in 2022-23 (~26%).

3) Other earnings: These include earnings from rents from retiring rooms, rest houses etc, land leasing, bridge tolls, receipts from catering department, etc.

What are the initiatives for increasing bulk cargo?

The IR has taken some initiatives in the bulk cargo arena:

1) Relaxation of rake movement rules: It provides a facility to load from/to multiple locations, permitted mini rakes and introduced private freight terminals (PFTs).

2) Gati Shakti Terminal (GCT) policy: It will lead to all PFTs and private sidings being converted into GCTs.
A private siding is a railway line that is owned by a company and is connected to a railway.

3) Partnership with private freight operators: IR has encouraged them to invest in wagons thus helping in the induction of privately-owned wagons to facilitate specialised traffic like automobiles and fly ash.

What should IR do?

1) Reducing barriers: IR should reduce non-price barriers to entry of private players.

2) Developing common-user facilities at cargo aggregation and dispersal points: Especially in mining clusters, industrial clusters and large cities.

3) Collaboration with State governments: The knowledge of these clusters rests with the States, and thus collaboration with State governments is necessary.

4) Transport new commodities as well: For instance, fly ash.

5) Wagon-design reforms: IR should encourage and liberalise the design of new wagons amenable to higher and efficient loading.

6) Parity in environmental regulation: Absence of stringent environmental regulations in road sector has led to some users moving cargo by road. There should be no such disparity in regulation between modes of transport.

Question for practice:

Increasing Indian Railways’ share in cargo transportation is essential for India to reduce its logistics costs. Discuss the challenges associated with increasing Indian Railways’ share in cargo transportation and suggest reforms to tackle the same.

What are Particle Accelerators? A particle accelerator is a machine that accelerates elementary particles, such as electrons or protons, to very high energies. The particle accelerators produce beams of charged particles that can be used for a variety of purposes such as fundamental research in particle physics, medical treatments, and industrial applications. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Union Finance Minister inaugurates the first Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi

Source: The post is based on the articleUnion Finance Minister inaugurates the first Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhipublished in “PIB” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

The Union Minister for Finance has inaugurated the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi.

What is the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM)?

Specification Details
Hosted by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in consultation with World Customs Organisation (WCO).
Aim To facilitate sharing of insights, best practices and to serve as a catalyst for enhancing collaboration with Indian Customs’ partner Administrations. 
Theme ‘It takes a Network to fight a Network’

What is the World Customs Organisation (WCO)?

Specification Details
Type An intergovernmental organization.
Established in 1952
Aim To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. 
Members 185 Customs administrations that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium
Significance It is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters
Initiatives 1.SAFE Framework of Standards.
2.Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomenclature.

UPSC Syllabus: Economy

Researchers activate world’s tiniest coin-sized particle accelerator

Source: The post is based on the article “Researchers activate world’s tiniest coin-sized particle accelerator published in “TOI” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

Researchers have activated the world’s smallest particle accelerator called Nanophotonic electron accelerator(NEA).

What are Particle Accelerators?

A particle accelerator is a machine that accelerates elementary particles, such as electrons or protons, to very high energies.

The particle accelerators produce beams of charged particles that can be used for a variety of purposes such as fundamental research in particle physics, medical treatments, and industrial applications.

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.

What is a Nanophotonic electron accelerator(NEA)?

NEA is a particle accelerator approximately the size of a small coin

Key Features of NEA:

1.Size: The NEA is incredibly small, approximately the size of a small coin, setting it apart from large accelerators like the LHC.

2.Operation: Unlike traditional accelerators, the NEA uses miniature laser beams directed at thousands of tiny pillars on a microchip to accelerate electrons.

3.Energy Field: NEA doesn’t produce as strong an energy field as larger accelerators such as the LHC but its smaller size offers potential for improvements.

4.Medical Applications: The NEA shows promise for medical uses, particularly in precise radiotherapy, due to its compact design.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

Three dead during ‘Banni’ festival at Devaragattu in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district

Source: The post is based on the article “Three dead during ‘Banni’ festival at Devaragattu in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district” published in “The Hindu” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

Three people died during the celebration of the Banni Festival in Andhra Pradesh.

What is the Banni Festival?

Banni Festival

Specification Details
Type It is a traditional stick fight celebration.
Celebrated during  Night of Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Purpose To mark the victory of Lord Shiva (Mala Malleswara Swamy) and Goddess Parvati (Malamma) over demons Mani and Mallasura who used to trouble people at Devaragattu region.
Origin Since the times of Vijayanagara Empire.
Participation Devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka participate as the Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple is located on the border of these states.
Rituals Devotees visit the temple with weapons like long sticks or lathis for hitting each other with these sticks on the head to get hold of ceremonial idols of local deities.
While one group of devotees make attempts to hijack the idols, the other group try to defend themselves along with protecting the deities.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and Culture/Festivals

Why the Lewis Model on labour and industrialisation has worked in China, not in India

Source: The post is based on the article “Why the Lewis Model on labour and industrialisation has worked in China, not in India” published in “Indian Express” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

The Lewis Model which expected a shift of surplus labor from agriculture to manufacturing hasn’t occurred as anticipated in India.

What is the Lewis Model in Economic Development?

The Lewis Model in Economic Development has been developed by British economist Arthur Lewis.

Aim: To provide a framework for understanding how relatively poor countries can develop economically.

Key Elements of Lewis Model:

Specifications Details
Unlimited Supply of Labor In less developed economies, there is typically an abundance of labor in the agricultural sector.
This labor force is considered underemployed or surplus due to low agricultural productivity.
Move towards Industrialization As industrialization begins, the surplus labor from agriculture moves to the industrial sector leading to increased output and industrial growth.
This transfer of labor and capital accumulation helps drive economic development.
Wage Rate Dynamics Initially, wages in the industrial sector may remain low due to the surplus labor force. However, as this labor is absorbed, wages may rise, and the economy’s productive capacity increases.
Transformation of the Economy Over time, as the industrial sector grows and labor moves away from agriculture, the economy transforms from primarily agrarian to more industrialized and modern.

Why did the Lewis Model work in China and not in India?

China’s success with the Lewis Model: China succeeded with the Lewis Model by absorbing a significant surplus of rural labor into its industrial sector, becoming a global manufacturing hub.

– This successful implementation turned China into the “world’s factory” due to its ability to use surplus labor for industrial growth.

India faced challenges in implementing Lewis Model: In India, agricultural workforce declined from about two-thirds to nearly half between 1993-94 and 2011-12.

But the expected rise in manufacturing employment didn’t occur significantly during the same period. 

In fact, manufacturing’s share increased marginally and the recent years have seen a decline.

Hence, the virtuous structural transformation i.e from farm-to-factory proposed by Lewis hasn’t happened in India.

Instead, the movement of labour has been largely happening within the “subsistence” sectors (low-paid services and construction).

What is Niti Aayog’s approach on this?

NITI Aayog is developing a new economic model focusing on job creation in and around agriculture. 

They aim to create employment opportunities by expanding activities related to agriculture such as aggregation, grading, processing, packaging, warehousing, transportation, and retailing.

There is also a focus on biofuel production from crop stubble and residue, which could generate more jobs. 

UPSC Syllabus: Economy

Lorrainosaurus: Ancient sea monster remains reveal oldest mega-predatory pliosaur

Source: The post is based on the articleLorrainosaurus: Ancient sea monster remains reveal oldest mega-predatory pliosaur” published in “ScienceDaily” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

Researchers have discovered the oldest-known mega-predatory pliosaur called Lorrainosaurus in northeastern France. 

What is Lorrainosaurus?

Lorrainosaurus

Lorrainosaurus is the oldest large-bodied pliosaur.The fossils of Lorrainosaurus were discovered in 1983.

What is Pliosaur?

Specifications Details
What are they Marine Reptiles
Lived during  early Middle Jurassic period (200 million years ago)
Characteristics 1.Short necks, large conical teeth and massive skulls.
2.Evolved into major marine predators of their time similar to today’s Killer whales
Significance They were one of the largest aquatic carnivorous reptiles that have ever lived and were often referred to as sea monsters.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

The act of photocopying: its origins, working and wide-ranging impact

Source: The post is based on the article “The act of photocopying: its origins, working and wide-ranging impact” published in “The Hindu” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

Photocopying technology has revolutionized the way we copy, print and distribute textual material.

What is Photocopying?

Photocopying is a process used to duplicate printed or written material by various techniques, primarily involving light. 

The modern and most commonly recognized form of photocopying refers to xerography, which is widely utilized in offices and print centers.

How does Xerography work?

1.Photoconductive Surface: A surface coated with a photoconductive material that allows the flow of electrons when exposed to light but blocks them in darkness.

2.Charging the Surface: The photoconductive surface is negatively charged using a wire with high voltage placed next to it.

3.Paper Illumination: The sheet of paper to be copied is illuminated by a bright light. The areas with print or ink appear darker and don’t reflect light, while unmarked areas reflect light.

4.Reflection on Photoconductive Surface: The reflected light from the paper falls on the photoconductive surface through lenses and mirrors.

5.Electron Dissipation: Light-exposed areas on the surface allow the photoconductive material to become conductive, enabling the dissipation of electrons.

6.Toner Application and Transfer: A powdery substance called toner, positively charged, is applied to the surface. It settles on the negatively charged areas.The surface then transfers the toner pattern to a sheet of paper, attracted by its stronger negative charge.

7.Fusing and Output: The toner, once transferred to the paper, is heated to melt and fuse with the paper.The completed copy exits the machine within seconds.

How did xerography change the world?

Counterfeiting Prevention: Xerography played a role in preventing counterfeiting by incorporating unique markings, like the Orion constellation’s star-like rings, on banknotes. 

– This anti-photocopying feature deterred counterfeiters from duplicating or printing currency notes using xerographic machines.

Impact on Art and Creativity: The spread of copy machines in the 1970s fostered a vibrant arts scene in New York, allowing artists, writers, and musicians to utilize low-cost reproduction methods. 

– It enabled self-publishing of books facilitating the distribution of artistic work beyond galleries and museums.This empowered creative individuals to promote their work independently.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

11 Countries Sign Declaration for Global Protection of River Dolphins by 2030

Source: The post is based on the article “11 Countries Sign Declaration for Global Protection of River Dolphins by 2030” published in “WWF” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

Eleven Asian and South American countries have signed a Global Declaration for Protection of River Dolphins.

What is the Global Declaration for Protection of River Dolphins?

Specification Details
Signed by 11 countries (Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Venezuela)
Aim To halt the decline of all river dolphin species by 2030
Measures to be taken Improve water quality in the dolphins’ habitat, create protected areas, tackle overfishing and involve Indigenous communities in the affected regions in protecting the animals.

What are River Dolphins?

River dolphins are a group of fully aquatic mammals that reside exclusively in freshwater or brackish water. 

The six surviving river dolphins species are: Amazon, Indus, Ganges, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi and Yangtze finless porpoise. A seventh species, the Chinese river dolphin or baiji, was declared extinct in 2007.

Since the 1980s, river dolphin populations have declined by 73% due to several threats like unsustainable fishing practices, hydropower dams, pollution from agriculture, industry and mining, and habitat loss.

Specifications Details
Amazon River Dolphin It is the largest species of river dolphin.It is exclusively found in South America.
IUCN Status: Endangered
Ganges River Dolphin Found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers
IUCN Status: Endangered
Indus River Dolphin Found in Pakistan and River Beas, a tributary of the Indus River in Punjab, India.
IUCN Status: Endangered
Irrawaddy Dolphin Found in brackish water near coasts, river mouths and estuaries in South and Southeast Asia.
IUCN Status: Endangered
Tucuxi Dolphins Found in the rivers of Amazon Basin
IUCN Status: Endangered
Yangtze Finless Porpoise Endemic to the Yangtze River in China
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

India begins producing ‘reference’ fuel, joins select league of nations

Source: The post is based on the article India begins producing ‘reference’ fuel, joins select league of nationspublished in “Economic Times” on 30th October 2023

Why in the News?

India has started the production of ‘reference’ grade petrol and diesel. 

What is Reference Fuel?

‘Reference’ fuels are highly specialized fuels.They are used for testing vehicles by automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and institutions engaged in automotive testing and certification.

Who has indigenously produced Reference Fuel?

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has indigenously developed ‘reference’ grade petrol at its Paradip refinery in Odisha and diesel at its Panipat unit in Haryana.

Reference gasoline (petrol) fuels will be available in E0, E5, E10, E20, E85, E100.

Reference diesel fuel shall be available in B7 grade.

What are the benefits of using Reference Fuel?

1.Self Reliance: India has historically depended on imports to fulfill the need for reference fuel. Now it has been produced ndigenously.This will reduce dependency on imports of reference fuel.

2.High Octane Number: Reference’ fuel has higher octane numbers (97) compared to regular (87) and premium (91) fuels, crucial for accurate vehicle testing.

– Note: Octane number is a unit to measure the ignition quality of petrol or diesel.

3.Cost Advantage: Regular petrol and diesel cost around Rs 90-96 per litre while imported ‘reference’ fuel is priced at Rs 800-850.Producing it domestically will lower the cost to about Rs 450 per litre.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

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