Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• It’s time for India and Africa to deal with food and security issues together
• Not Old Habits in New House, please – on functioning of parliament
• 33% Fairer – Political returns on passing the women’s reservation bill look very good now
• India is at a pivotal moment in its health-care journey

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

It’s time for India and Africa to deal with food and security issues together

News: The author praises India’s leadership in the G20 and its inclusion of the African Union, making it G21. The article discusses the challenges of food and nutrition security faced by India and Africa due to climate change. The author suggests strategies like open trade, investment in climate adaptation, promoting women’s education, and improving sanitation to address these issues.

What are the challenges of food and nutrition security faced by India and Africa due to climate change?

High Undernourishment: India and Africa, with 36% of global population, are home to 69.4% (503 million) of the world’s undernourished people in 2020-22.

Child Malnutrition: The regions account for 67.0% and 75.8% of malnourished children under five, suffering from stunting and wasting.

Trade Decisions: India’s recent restrictions on rice and wheat exports can adversely affect global food security, particularly hurting African countries.

Climate Change Costs: Developing nations need $100 billion for loss and damage from climate change, crucial for mitigation and adaptation in these economies.

Rapid Population Growth: With Africa’s inclusion in G20, challenges intensify due to population growth, persistent poverty, and widespread undernourishment.

Nutritional Insecurity: High rates of malnutrition in both regions necessitate agriculture policies that are nutrition-sensitive.

What should be done?

Keep Borders Open: Ensure international borders remain open for agricultural trade. India exported 85 million tonnes of cereals in recent years, aiding global food security.

Financial Commitment: Developed countries should provide $100 billion for climate change-induced losses. This can support climate mitigation and adaptation in developing nations.

Private Investments: World Bank President Ajay Banga emphasized that private capital investments are crucial. Each dollar from developed nations should be matched by hybrid capital, potentially unlocking $6-7 billion for poorer countries over a decade.

South-South Collaboration: India and Africa should engage in a comparative analysis to share strategies for sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Bio-Fortification: Promote bio-fortification of staple crops. Examples include iron and zinc bio-fortified millet, rice, and beans, developed by CGIAR and ICAR.

Promote Women’s Education: Highlighted by ICRIER’s study, educated women lead to better nutritional outcomes. Increase female higher education by offering scholarships, which can help reduce dropouts.

WASH Initiatives: Invest in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs. Like India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which increased sanitation coverage, similar initiatives can help reduce malnutrition.

Not Old Habits in New House, please – on functioning of parliament

News: The special five-day Parliament session starting today will prioritize passing new laws and will not include a Question Hour.

What is the purpose of the special session of Parliament?

The government plans to seek Parliament’s approval for five bills, including three contentious ones on election commissioners, a new postal law, and press registration.

The session will also bid farewell to the old Parliament building. MPs will reflect on the Parliament’s 75-year history, identifying institutional changes for its future strengthening.

Moreover, legislatures are essential for shaping a country’s future through debate, as they are often called the “grand inquest of the nation.”

According to former Lok Sabha MP Somnath Chatterjee, Parliament’s true greatness lies in the quality of its debates, not its physical structure.

Thus, securing and enhancing the deliberative aspect of our Parliament requires both resources and constitutional changes.

What can be done to strengthen the nature of our Parliament?

Increasing the Budget: With the government’s budget at ₹45 lakh crore and Lok Sabha’s at just ₹850 crore, a substantial budget boost for both Houses is necessary to enhance the intellectual knowledge base for high-quality parliamentary debates.

Improving Research Quality: A 2019 parliamentary panel report highlighted a decline in research quality and the lack of proper research support for MPs. The report recommended hiring domain experts to support the work of parliamentary committees.

Improving the Functioning of the Parliamentary Committee: India’s parliamentary committee system needs to evolve from isolation.

The National Commission for Reviewing the Constitution, established during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, identified the need for a specialized parliamentary Committee on National Economy for major economic matters.

India should also consider creating specialized committees like those in Sweden and Finland, such as one dedicated to constitutional issues.

Finland has a unique “Committee for the Future” that deals with long-term challenges and opportunities. India should consider establishing a similar committee to plan for its future.

Changing the Rules of Lok Sabhya and Rajya Sabha: Rules in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha should be updated to address challenges like the Covid pandemic. Many national legislatures worldwide switched to electronic or hybrid modes to continue their work during pandemic restrictions.

Changing the Sessions of the Parliament: India’s Parliament is seen as part-time, with the government determining session schedules. However, given India’s size and governance challenges, there’s a rising demand for year-round parliamentary sessions.

This extended time would promote greater deliberation, consensus-building, and discussions on national issues.

Evaluating Role of MPs: MPs are viewed as part-time lawmakers and full-time problem solvers for their voters. However, the anti-defection law limits their ability to express independent views during legislative duties.

Hence, constitutional changes are essential to abolish this law and create an independent process for convening Parliament, enabling more debate time.

Must Read: The new Parliament House: More than a building and Functioning of Parliament: Challenges and way forward – Explained

What lies ahead?

MPs must acknowledge that our rich parliamentary history can guide the future.

While increased resources, rule adjustments, and constitutional changes can help, a fundamental shift in mindset is also crucial for transforming the parliamentary system.

33% Fairer – Political returns on passing the women’s reservation bill look very good now

News: The specific legislative agenda for the special Parliament session, which begins today, remains uncertain. However, one speculated item is a bill aiming to reserve one-third of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women.

What are the reasons for the Parliament to consider a bill that allocate one-third of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women?

The country and its women have made a lot of progress since the first attempt to pass such a law in 1996. The strong opposition that every government has faced in trying to pass this law has also died down.

Therefore, it is unlikely that there will be the same violent scenes of male MPs tearing up women’s reservation bills as seen in the past.

Further, the social and economic arguments for this reservation were strong even three decades ago. The main difference now is that there is more political support for it.

Even the current ruling party has pledged to pursue a constitutional amendment for this reservation in both its 2014 and 2019 manifestos.

What is the current status of women’s representation in legislative bodies in India?

There has been a shift in Indian politics regarding women’s reservation. This can be attributed to factors like the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where women voted in higher numbers than men, a trend also observed in various assembly polls.

Women are now the focal point of numerous welfare programs, and their issues are receiving greater attention.

However, despite these changes, women’s representation in legislatures remains low, ranging from 0% to 14%. 

Must Read: Women’s Representation in Legislature – Explained and On reservation for women in politics

What lies ahead?

The women’s reservation bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha in 2010, and that same year, the budget aimed for double-digit economic growth. However, double-digit growth has not been yet achieved.

Therefore, recognizing the connection between strong economic growth and women’s empowerment, policymakers should prioritize increasing women’s representation in legislatures.

A persistent discrimination against women imposes significant costs on India in both wealth and well-being.

India is at a pivotal moment in its health-care journey

News-The article explains the health challenges faced by India and achievement of India in the healthcare sector. It also explains the potential of AI in transforming the healthcare sector in India.

What are significant health challenges faced by India?

It is the world’s diabetes capital. Millions of people are suffering from conditions like hypertension.

India’s youth are increasingly affected by health issues like heart attacks, cancer, respiratory problems, and depression.

If these non-communicable diseases continue to go unchecked, it’s projected that the burden on India’s healthcare system will reach nearly $4 trillion by 2030.

This could result in a significant “age tax” on the country’s demographic dividend.

What are the achievements made by India in the healthcare sector since the 1980s?

Key health metrics have seen significant improvements. Infant mortality has decreased fourfold, and maternal mortality has decreased sevenfold. The average life expectancy of an Indian has increased by nearly 30%, from 55 years to over 70.

India boasts world-class healthcare infrastructure. It has exceptional clinical talent capable of delivering clinical outcomes on a massive scale and at a fraction of the global cost.

India’s expertise extends to highly specialised areas such as organ transplants, cardiology, oncology, and more.

India has emerged as a prominent global hub for Medical Value Travel, particularly in fields like oncology, orthopaedics, and robotic surgery.

A noteworthy achievement in this journey is the introduction of proton beam therapy technology. It has established India as a regional leader in cancer treatment.

Robotic surgery has also gained popularity. Indian hospitals have adopted robotic-assisted techniques for precision and quicker recovery.

What is the potential of AI in promoting the healthcare industry in India?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionising healthcare worldwide.

The country possesses a vast pool of talented data scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals who can drive innovation in AI-based healthcare solutions.

AI can have a significant impact in diagnostics. AI-powered tools can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnoses. It can lead to faster treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.

Additionally, AI can predict disease outbreaks, analyse healthcare data, and optimise treatment plans, expediting healthcare procedures and revolutionising drug discovery. This makes healthcare more personalised and effective.

Way forward-

India must continue to invest in research and development in AI in healthcare. It must facilitate collaborations between academia and industry and create an ecosystem that encourages innovation.

India must prioritise community health, promote public-private partnerships, and invest in innovation and research.

Public-private partnerships can create a favourable environment for Medical Value Tourism by jointly investing in infrastructure, promoting medical tourism, and establishing international healthcare accreditation bodies.

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How Basmati in India is reaping the rewards of research

News: The article discusses the evolution of basmati rice in India. Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute developed new varieties of basmati, boosting its quality and export value(from $200-250 million to $4.7-4.8 billion, in the past three decades). These varieties increased yield, resisted diseases, and matured faster. However, basmati farmers face market risks and export policies.

How did Basmati rice evolve in India?

Traditional Varieties: Until the late 1980s, farmers cultivated traditional basmati types that had tall plants, low yields, and required about 155-160 days to mature.

Pusa Basmati-1 (PB-1): Released in 1989, PB-1 increased yields to 25-26 quintals per acre and matured in 135-140 days. By the turn of the century, it accounted for roughly 60% of India’s basmati exports which reached 0.6-0.7 mt.

Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121): Introduced in 2003, its distinctive quality was the long grain that elongated significantly when cooked. Between 2001-02 and 2013-14, basmati rice exports surged from 0.7 mt to 3.7 mt, with PB-1121 contributing over 70%.

Pusa Basmati-1509 (PB-1509): Unveiled in 2013, it matured in just 115-120 days, allowing farmers to plant and harvest an additional crop within the year.

Disease Resistance: In recent years, IARI scientists developed varieties with in-built resistance against bacterial blight and rice blast fungal disease, reducing the need for chemical treatments and maintaining the premium value of Indian basmati in global markets.

How are scientists combatting diseases in Basmati?

Focus on Yield Preservation: IARI scientists are working on maintaining the yield gains of improved basmati varieties by infusing them with disease-resistant genes.

Combatting Bacterial Leaf Blight: PB-1121 became susceptible to bacterial leaf blight. Scientists are now transferring genes from resistant landrace cultivars and wild paddy relatives to control this.

Employing Marker-Assisted Selection: Through this method, disease-resistant genes are identified. This technique has been used to pinpoint genes that can combat bacterial blight and rice blast fungal disease.

Introduction of Resistant Varieties: In 2021, the IARI unveiled Pusa Basmati-1885 and Pusa Basmati-1847. These varieties are designed versions of PB-1121 and PB-1509 with in-built resistance to major diseases.

Use of Resistant Genes: These new strains incorporate genes (like Xa21, xa13, Pi2, and Pi54 ) from wild rice species and traditional indica landraces, ensuring protection against predominant diseases.

What challenges do Basmati growers face?

No Minimum Support Price: Unlike other crops, basmati paddy doesn’t have a fixed minimum support price (MSP).

Dependency on Exports: Most basmati rice is for export, with only a small portion directed towards the domestic market.

Fluctuating Market Prices: Basmati grain yields are about 25 quintals per acre, only slightly less than the 30 quintals for regular non-basmati varieties. Yet, basmati farmers sell at a market price of Rs 3,000/quintal, contrasting with the Rs 2,203 MSP for Grade A non-basmati paddy.

Government Policies: Basmati growers are heavily impacted by changes in government policies regarding exports. For instance, the recent restriction disallowing basmati shipments priced below $1,200 per tonne poses a new challenge.

Why is the government pushing for regulatory mechanisms for OTT services?

News: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is considering whether to regulate or ban certain online communication services like WhatsApp and Zoom. Telecom companies believe these services should pay for using their infrastructure, while others argue it goes against net neutrality principles.

What are the reasons for advocating the prohibition of OTT services?

Revenue Loss for Telecoms: OTT services reduce the need for traditional telecom services like voice calls and texts. For example, platforms like WhatsApp and Signal offer messaging and calls over the internet.

Free Use of Infrastructure: OTTs operate on infrastructure built by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) without contributing to its costs. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing giants like Jio and Airtel, highlights that OTTs don’t contribute to the exchequer or invest in network infrastructure like TSPs do.

Licensing and Regulation: If OTT services replace licensed services, they should also follow the rules of telecom licenses. The Internet Service Providers Association of India suggests that OTTs should be governed by the same regulations as telecom services.

Control and Blocking: TSP networks can selectively block OTT services. COAI suggests that if OTTs come under licenses, this blocking becomes easier, ensuring better control over these platforms.

What are the reasons opposing the ban on OTT services?

Double Charging: The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) argues that demanding cost-sharing from OTTs means charging twice. Consumers already pay Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for data, and additional OTT charges may raise internet usage costs.

Net Neutrality: The proposal goes against the principle of net neutrality. IAMAI emphasizes that networks should treat all transmitted information neutrally, without favoring or blocking particular sources.

Existing Regulations: The Broadband India Forum (BIF) believes OTT services are already regulated under laws like the IT Act, 2000 and Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Additional regulation is unnecessary.

Internet Freedom: The Internet Freedom Foundation expresses concern over the proposal to selectively ban OTT services, implying it could restrict free and open access to the internet for users.

Service Accessibility: IAMAI and BIF oppose any selective ban, emphasizing that OTTs play a crucial role in modern communication and should remain accessible.

Export bans and stocking limits: are they working?

News: The article discusses the Indian government’s measures to control rising food inflation, especially in rice and wheat, and how these actions, like export bans and duties, may have unintended effects, causing market uncertainty and impacting both farmers and consumers.

What is the current inflation situation in India?

Retail Inflation Rate: As of August 2023, India’s retail inflation stands at 6.83%. This figure is notably higher than the desired ceiling of 6%.

Significant Contributor: Food and beverages are pivotal in this scenario. They account for 57% of the retail inflation calculation in India.

Impact of Food Inflation: The food inflation rate, specifically, soared to 9.94%. Such a rapid increase in food prices severely affects the overall retail inflation.

What steps has the government taken?

Wheat Export Ban: In May 2022, the Indian government prohibited the export of wheat in an effort to control its prices.

Rice Export Restrictions:

In September 2022, exports of broken rice were halted.

By July 2023, an export ban was placed on non-basmati white rice.

Stocking Limits: In June 2023, the government introduced stocking limits for wheat traders and millers, ensuring that there weren’t excessive hoardings.

Rice Export Duties:

In July 2023, a 20% export duty was imposed on parboiled rice.

Additionally, in August 2023, a Minimum Export Price of $1,200 per tonne was set for basmati rice.

Export Duty on Onion: In August 2023, onions faced a substantial export duty of 40%.

What are the impacts of the export ban?

Surge in Wheat Inflation:

Post the wheat export ban in May 2022, wheat inflation increased from 9.22% to a high of 15.7% by August 2022.

It further accelerated to a concerning 25.4% by February 2023.

Market Uncertainty: The sudden bans led to unpredictability in the market, affecting both traders and consumers.

Rice Inflation Stagnation: Despite the non-basmati rice export ban in July 2023, when inflation was at 13%, it only slightly reduced to 12.5%.

Consumer Panic: The abrupt export ban of non-basmati rice alarmed not just local consumers but also the African and Indian diaspora in the U.S.

Implications for Farmers: These rapid government measures impacted farmers, who had to face the consequences of these policy decisions.

What should be done?

Well-Strategized Approach: Instead of “knee-jerk” reactions, a well-thought-out strategy is needed to address inflation effectively.

Rational Trade Policy: The policy should aim to balance both consumers’ and producers’ interests, ensuring fair prices without harming the farming community.

Consider Farmers: While making policy decisions, the implications on farmers, who bear the brunt of abrupt actions, must be factored in.

Avoid Sudden Bans: Rather than sudden export bans, which create market panic, a gradual approach, like phased export duties, might be more effective.

Study Impacts: Before implementing new policies, their potential impacts on inflation and the overall market should be closely examined.

Growth needs more electricity

News– The article explains the issues related to the electricity sector in India.

What are the challenges faced by the electricity sector in India?

The growth of thermal electricity capacity has come to a halt. Data from the Central Electricity Authority indicates that thermal capacity increased from 100 GW in 2005 to 300 GW in 2018 but has since stagnated.

The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data on capital expenditure projects also shows a similar stagnation since 2019.

Obtaining funding for new thermal power plants is no longer feasible. The ESG revolution has closed off avenues for financing new carbon-intensive electricity generation projects worldwide.

India is at a critical juncture where all capacity growth in the electricity sector must come from renewable sources.

There is growth in solar and wind capacity. The CMIE capex data shows that identifiable projects completed between 2015 and 2023 amount to approximately 4 GW per year for solar and 2 GW per year for wind.

This raises concerns about whether the electricity sector is aligning with the requirements for robust economic growth.

The existing electricity sector infrastructure is tailored to the old paradigm of thermal dominance. This presents challenges.

There is substantial variation among Indian states. States like Gujarat and Rajasthan have made significant progress in adding solar capacity. Other important consumption states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have not performed as well.

In several Indian states, electricity policy doesn’t receive the necessary attention, as there are more fundamental challenges to tackle.

Overhaul of the grid to achieve decarbonization also presents a challenge. Renewables pose challenges to the conventional electricity grid and market structures. Many grid operators are not enthusiastic about incorporating more renewables.

Another issue is the level of trust from private investors. A power generation project necessitates a trusted and predictable environment over a 20-year span.

The Indian electricity sector faces significant government failure like unpaid bills, contract breaches, and interference in private professional transactions, such as restrictions on “open access.”

The Indian private sector is willing to invest in renewables in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, it remains cautious in most other states.

What should be done?

Economic policymakers in each Indian state must outline a clear plan for the transformation of distribution, transmission, and market structures required for renewables

Without addressing the fundamentals of distribution and electricity market structure, the grid won’t be prepared for decarbonization. A substantial amount of policy work and financial investment is needed for this one-time transition.

Significant changes in distribution and market structure are necessary. It involves solutions like transitioning to private distribution companies for urban regions.

Market mechanisms should be designed to encourage private-to-private contracts. Private generators prefer dealing with industrial buyers or private distribution companies rather than relying on long-term power purchase agreements.

Implementing market mechanisms with time-of-day pricing can incentivize storage and demand-side responses.

Distribution companies operate as monopolies. It requires regulation to prevent monopolistic pricing.

Establishing regulatory capacity is crucial. A weak regulatory framework will lead to private sector demands for higher risk premiums.

Clean aviation will take more than just biofuels

News– Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently said that the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) could turn India into a major producer and exporter of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Why adoption of sustainable biofuels is the best option for the aviation industry to achieve carbon neutrality?

In 2022, aviation was responsible for 2% of all carbon emissions. It will increase rapidly unless the aviation industry discovers a way to reduce its carbon footprint.

Developing electric planes on the scale of commercial jetliners remains a technological challenge. These planes would require exceptionally lightweight batteries. Creating an airframe design capable of taking off solely on electric power is a significant hurdle.

Therefore, the industry’s current best option for achieving carbon neutrality is the widespread adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), coupled with carbon capture technologies.

What are challenges in achieving carbon neutrality through Sustainable Aviation Fuels?

One of the critical concerns is the capacity to supply SAFs. Traditional biofuels often rely on large quantities of agricultural produce, such as crops like sugarcane and corn,

These crops are diverted from primary agricultural purposes like food production. As a result, there are limitations on the available output.

There are alternative biomass sources for SAFs, including bio-waste like used cooking oil, forest residue, agricultural waste, and municipal refuse. However, ensuring an adequate supply of feedstock will still be a challenging endeavour.

The production process for sustainable biofuels is lengthy and complex. It makes them more expensive than traditional jet fuel.

SAFs have a lower energy density. It means that larger volumes are required to refuel aircraft. Similar to battery technology, these factors present significant hurdles to the widespread adoption of SAFs.

The true test of SAFs will materialize when carbon trading gains significance. At that point, comprehensive track records will emerge

Many questions the validity of SAFs’ assertion of an 80% reduction in emissions, even under the best-case scenario.

What more should be done?

The strategy is to begin with a small proportion of biofuel, perhaps as low as 1%. It should be mixed with regular jet fuel. There should be a gradual increase in bio-content as aircraft adapted for SAFs become more prevalent.

The adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) will necessitate robust regulatory measures. This process has already commenced globally.

Carbon offsets have gradually become a part of the equation through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation established by the UN’s leading authority in this sector.

Indian airlines operating international flights will be required to adhere to these norms within the next five years.

India’s tea industry needs policy liberalization for rejuvenation

News– The article explains the status of the tea industry in India and issues faced by it.

What are some statistics related to the tea industry?

The Indian tea industry holds a significant position on the global stage. It ranks as the second-largest tea producer worldwide.

The annual production of tea is 1.3 million tonnes. India is the third-largest exporter. It is generating approximately $1 billion in revenue each year.

What are the issues faced by the tea industry?

Approximately 85% of the tea produced is consumed domestically. India’s per capita tea consumption is around 800 grams per year. It is one of the lowest in the world.

India does not produce some of the newer tea categories, such as Kenyan yellow tea, which has gained popularity as a recent trend.

Exports of tea have remained stagnant. The tea industry has faced downward price pressures.

The number and acreage of large, regulated tea growers have either remained static or declined. Their market share has decreased from 60% to below 50% at present.

The current highly regulated Tea Growers (RTG) model is outdated. Statutory requirements mandating labour housing, schooling, and various other facilities on the tea estate are no longer necessary or cost-effective.

The existing tea auction model compels the transportation of tea to a limited number of auction centres and involves multiple cumbersome processes.

This model not only consumes time but also adds an unnecessary cost of approximately ₹7-10 per kilogram to the tea sold. It results in a significant volume of unsold stocks. Only about 40% of the total tea production is sold through tea auctions.

Way forward for tea industry

Standardization and Classification: There is a pressing need for standardization and classification of tea in India. Currently, there are reportedly around 800 types of tea manufactured or sold in the country.

Promoting Tea as a Health Drink: Rather than focusing solely on supply, there should be a concerted effort to promote tea as a healthy beverage.

Conversion of the Tea Board: The Tea Board should undergo a transformation into an entity dedicated to promoting tea consumption and exports. There is a need to relinquish its regulatory powers.

Industry-Managed Voluntary Tea Auction Centers: The existing tea auction houses can be reimagined as voluntary tea auction centres managed by the industry. Tea producers interested in selling their products can do so voluntarily by paying a fee.

Establishment of Standardization Agencies: There is a need for establishment of agencies tasked with developing and standardizing norms for the tea industry, following the model of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI).

These agencies should also handle promotion and certification, like the functions of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Diverse Marketing Channels: Indian tea should be permitted to be marketed freely through various global channels, including direct sales, e-commerce, tea auction houses, commodity exchanges, and more.

Other reforms: There is a need to modernize the RTG Tea-Estate Model and revamp the Tea Auction Model.

It is now opportune to transform the Indian Tea Act of 1954, shifting its focus from regulation to a developmental and facilitative approach.

All the existing mandates, such as compulsory labour housing and the mandatory requirement of selling 50% of tea through auction houses, should be eliminated.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change celebrates 29th World Ozone Day

Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change celebrates 29th World Ozone Day”  published in PIB on 17th September 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has celebrated the 29th World Ozone Day.

What is World Ozone Day?

World Ozone Day is celebrated on 16th September each year to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol. 

Aim; To spread awareness among people about the depletion of Ozone Layer and the measures taken/ to be taken to preserve it. 

Theme: “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change”.

What is an Ozone Layer?

Ozone Layer exists in the Stratosphere, between 10 KM and 40 KM above the Earth’s surface.

Ozone formed in the stratosphere called stratospheric ozone or good Ozone.Without the Ozone layer, radiation from the sun would reach earth directly, having ill effects on human health, i.e., eye cataract, skin cancer, etc., and adverse impacts on agriculture, forestry and marine life.

Man Made chemicals containing chlorine and bromine reach the stratosphere and undergo a complex series of catalytic reactions, leading to destruction of ozone. These chemicals are called Ozone Depleting Substances.

What is the Vienna Convention?

Vienna Convention is an international treaty on the protection of the Ozone Layer.It came into force in 1985. 

Under this convention, the Montreal Protocol came into force in 1987 to repair the ozone layer to protect the earth’s Ozone Layer by phasing out production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances for end applications.

What is the Montreal Protocol?

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What are India’s achievements in implementation of Montreal Protocol?

India has been successfully implementing the Montreal Protocol and its ozone depleting substances phase out projects and activities in line with the phase out schedule of the Protocol. 

India has phased out Chlorofluorocarbons, Carbon tetrachloride, Halons, Methyl Bromide and Methyl Chloroform for controlled uses is in line with the Montreal Protocol phase out schedule. 

Currently Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are being phased out as per the accelerated schedule of the Montreal Protocol.  

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage-I has been successfully implemented from 2012 to 2016 and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage- II is currently under implementation from 2017 and will be completed by the end of 2024. 

What is the Kigali Agreement?

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India has ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

India will complete its phase down of production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) for controlled uses in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047.

What is the India Cooling Action Plan(ICAP)?

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Tagore’s home Santiniketan added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Source: The post is based on the article “Tagore’s home Santiniketan added to UNESCO World Heritage List”  published in Indian Express on 18th September 2023

What is the News?

Santiniketan, the home of late Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites list.

What is Santiniketan?

Santiniketan is a town located in West Bengal’s Birbhum district.

The name of the city literally means the ‘abode of peace’.It was named after a local dacoit Bhuban and was earlier called ‘Bhubandanga’.

Established by: It was originally an ashram built by Debendranath Tagore (father of Rabindranath Tagore) where anyone, irrespective of caste and creed, could come and spend time meditating on the one Supreme God.

– Later, Rabindranath Tagore envisioned it as a university town and established a school.It was called Brahmachary Ashram, and was later expanded into the Visva-Bharati University.

Features: Distinct from the prevailing British colonial architectural orientations of the early 20th century and of European modernism, Santiniketan represents approaches toward a pan-Asian modernity, drawing on ancient, medieval and folk traditions from across the region.

– Santiniketan is also adorned with splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose (one of the pioneers of modern Indian art) and Ramkinkar Baij (master sculptor and painter) among others.

Significance: Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan is Bengal’s only central university.The Prime Minister is the chancellor of the varsity.

Commemorating one year of successful implementation of Project Cheetah in India

Source: The post is based on the article “Commemorating one year of successful implementation of Project Cheetah in India”  published in PIB on 17th September 2023

What is the News?

September 17th,2023 marked the first anniversary of the Project Cheetah.

What is Project Cheetah?

Project Cheetah is an initiative in India aimed at relocating cheetahs.It was the first intercontinental transfer of wild cats into India since independence. 

The project plans to bring 12-14 cheetahs from South Africa/Namibia/ other African Countries, annually for the next 5 years and after that, as and when required.

What is the status of the project?

In total, 20 adult African cheetahs have been imported so far.The first batch of eight cheetahs arrived and another batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa arrived.

Recently, one of the females gave birth to a litter of four cubs which were conceived in India.

Six of the cheetahs which came from Africa have died.Four while still in captivity and two in the wild.

How has Project Cheetah performed according to the government?

In 2022, Government of India had released Cheetah Action Plan that lists six short-term success criteria such as 1) 50% survival of the introduced cheetahs for the first year 2) establishment of home ranges in Kuno National Park 3) successful cheetah reproduction in the wild 4) survival of wild-born cheetah cubs past one year 5) successful F1 generation breeding and 6) cheetah-based revenues contributing to community livelihoods.F1 stands for the first generation of offspring.

On completion of one year of Project Cheetah, the Government released a report which said that the project has achieved four of these criteria which are – 50% survival of the introduced cheetahs, establishment of home ranges, birth of cubs in Kuno National Park, and direct revenue contributions to local communities through the engagement of cheetah trackers and indirect appreciation of land value in surrounding areas.

What are the future plans under Project Cheetah?

Other alternative sites for cheetah introductions are being prepared at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and also at Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Prime Minister launches ‘PM Vishwakarma’ Scheme for traditional artisans and craftspeople on occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti

Source: The post is based on the article “Prime Minister launches ‘PM Vishwakarma’ Scheme for traditional artisans and craftspeople on occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti”  published in PIB on 17th September 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has launched ‘PM Vishwakarma Scheme’ for traditional artisans and craftspeople on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti.

What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise.

– The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, would provide active support for implementation of the scheme for the wellbeing of the Vishwakarmas.

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Aim: To enhance the accessibility and quality of products and services offered by traditional artisans and craftsmen.

Coverage: The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas across India.Initially, 18 traditional trades will be covered.

Benefits under the scheme: Under the scheme, the Vishwakarma workers will be registered for free through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.

– They will then be provided recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, given skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support.

What does Vishwakarma means?

Vishwakarma, in Hindu mythology, is seen as the architect of the gods and was the divine carpenter and master craftsman who fashioned the weapons of the gods and built their cities and chariots.

Some legends say he was the architect of the mythical city Lanka mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana and is also said to have made the great image of Jagannatha at Puri in Odisha.He is considered the patron deity of workers, artisans, and artists.

Seating capacity of 11,000 persons, largest LED media facade: Here is what state-of-the-art convention centre Yashobhoomi will offer

Source: The post is based on the article “Seating capacity of 11,000 persons, largest LED media facade: Here is what state-of-the-art convention centre Yashobhoomi will offer”  published in Indian Express on 18th September 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has announced that he will inaugurate a state-of-the-art convention centre —‘Yashobhoomi’.

What is Yashobhoomi?

Yashobhoomi is India’s new world-class convention center.It is located in Dwarka, New Delhi.

The facility consists of a Convention Centre, multiple exhibition halls and other facilities. 

The Convention Centre, built across more than 73,000 square metres of area, comprises 15 convention rooms, including the main auditorium, the grand ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms with a capacity of holding 11,000 delegates.

The convention centre has the largest LED media facade in the country.The plenary hall in the convention centre is equipped with a seating capacity of around 6,000 guests. 

The auditorium has an innovative automated seating system which allows the floor to be a flat floor or an auditorium style tiered seating for different configurations along with wooden floors and acoustic wall panels.

The centre has one of the world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities.

The centre also offers some of the largest exhibition halls in the world.These halls will be utilized for hosting exhibitions, trade fairs, and business events, and are connected to a grand foyer space designed with copper ceiling which filters light in the space through various skylights.

Significance: Yashobhoomi is the second convention centre with world-class infrastructure for exhibitions and conferences after the Bharat Mandapam, which played host to world leaders at the recently concluded G20 Summit. 

Odisha hit by two major disease outbreaks. All you need to know about Scrub Typhus, Leptospirosis

Source: The post is based on the article “Odisha hit by two major disease outbreaks. All you need to know about Scrub Typhus, Leptospirosis”  published in Livemint on 18th September 2023

What is the News?

Odisha has been impacted from two disease outbreaks –Scrub Typhus and Leptospirosis–which have killed six people in the state so far.

What is Scrub Typhus?

Scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi. 

Scrub typhus is spread to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). 

People who frequently visit farmlands or forests are vulnerable to the infection. 

Some of the common symptoms of scrub typhus include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes rash.Symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days of being bitten. 

No vaccine is available to prevent scrub typhus.

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.

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

Symptoms: High fever, headache, chills, vomiting, red eyes, abdominal pain, rashes, and diarrhea.

– Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: Project Cheetah – Challenges and Significance – Explained Pointwise