9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 10 April, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Climate crisis is not gender-neutral

Climate crisis is not gender-neutral

Source: The post climate crisis is not gender-neutral has been created, based on the article “The climate crisis is not gender neutral” published in “The Hindu” on 10th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Society-Role of women and women’s organization and GS. Paper3- environment-Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

News: This article explains how climate change impacts women and girls more, especially in poor and rural areas. It discusses the need for climate action that includes women, as they can offer important solutions and should be seen as agents of change, not just victims. Climate crisis is not gender-neutral

Why is climate crisis not gender-neutral?

Higher Risk in Disasters: Women and children are 14 times more likely to die in disasters, as noted by the UNDP. This shows gender disparities in vulnerability and mortality rates during climate crises.

Increased Domestic Burden: In India, climate-induced crop failures lead to increased workload for women in agriculture, alongside health issues and domestic violence. Men face social stigma from unpaid loans, but women bear the brunt of increased domestic responsibilities.

Gender-Based Violence: Studies link natural disasters to a rise in gender-based violence. Women living in disaster-prone areas experience more intimate partner violence and undernourishment.

Health Risks in Heatwaves: Women, especially pregnant ones, are more vulnerable to health risks during heatwaves. Prolonged heat exposure leads to higher risks of preterm birth and other health complications.

Water Scarcity Impacts: Climate change affecting water availability increases the burden on women, who typically manage water resources in households. This impacts their time for productive work and health care.

For information on Climate Change and Gendered Vulnerabilities read here

Why are women important in climate action?

Effective Agricultural Practices: When given the same resources as men, women can increase agricultural yields by 20-30%. This shows their potential in enhancing food security under changing climatic conditions.

Local Knowledge and Solutions: Women, particularly from tribal and rural areas, have been at the forefront of environmental conservation. Their involvement can lead to more effective, locally-relevant climate solutions.

Empowering Women Benefits All: Empowering women with knowledge, tools, and resources enables them to contribute significantly to climate action. This helps in creating sustainable, community-based solutions.

Gender-Specific Needs and Strengths: Recognizing the unique needs and strengths of women in climate action plans leads to more comprehensive and effective strategies. It ensures a gender-balanced approach to climate adaptation and resilience building.

For more information read here

What should be done?

Prioritize Vulnerable Groups in Heatwave Protection: Implement measures to protect groups like outdoor workers, pregnant women, infants, and the elderly from extreme heat, as cities experience excess deaths during heatwaves.

Enhance Water Resource Management: Revitalize traditional rainwater harvesting systems, as exemplified by the work in Tamil Nadu by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, to combat water scarcity.

Empower Local Communities: Enable village-level decision-making and action, particularly empowering women in panchayats and Self-help Groups, for effective local climate resilience.

Adopt Gender-Inclusive Climate Policies: Integrate a gender perspective in State Action Plans on Climate Change, moving beyond stereotypes and acknowledging women as key agents of change.

Urban Planning for Heat Mitigation: Adopt strategies like painting roofs with reflective paint, improving tree cover, and enhancing green spaces, as demonstrated by the Mahila Housing Trust in Udaipur, to reduce urban heat effects.

Question for practice:

Examine how climate change impacts women and girls differently, and why their inclusion is crucial in climate action efforts?

GS PAPER - 2

To be a doctor in “India”

To be a doctor in India

Source-This post on To be a doctor in “India” has been created based on the article “Express View on Ukraine-returned medical students” published in “The Indian Express” on 10 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context– Due to ongoing Russia- Ukraine war, countries in Central Asia, Eastern and Southeastern Europe have become the preferred destination for large number of repatriated medical students.

These countries are also attracting new batches of Indian students. These developments also highlight the deficits in the Indian medical education system. To be a doctor in India

What are the issues with Indias medical health system?

1) Inadequate number of medical seats-Around 2 million students appeared for NEET examination to get entry into MBBS courses. However,the available seats were around 1,07,950. In other words, the ratio of medical college seats to aspirants was about 20:1.

2) High fees in private colleges-Due to cutting throat competition, only the top 0.25 % students can get admission into government colleges. Remaining students have to apply for private colleges, which are costly.

3) Procedural Impediments-Students who have done their MBBS from foreign institutes are subjected to rigorous test before allowing them to practice in India.

What steps can be taken by the government to address this issue?

1) As per the recommendation of Niti Aayog, private colleges should be linked to district hospitals to serve underserved areas.

2) Skill sets of paramedics and nurses can be enhanced to cater to non-specialist demands of the medical sector. This will address the issue of paucity of doctors in rural areas.

3) India, like European countries, can allow transferring credits which will make it easier for migrant students to transition into hospital internships.

Question for practice

Highlight the issue with Indias medical health system? Suggest steps that can be taken to improve the situation.

Laws for better climate

Laws for better climate

Source-This post on Laws for better climate has been created based on the article “Why Supreme Court ruling on climate change isn’t enough” published in “The Indian Express” on 10 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments and GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Context-The Supreme Court has recognized that there is no single legislation in India that relates to climate change and associated concerns. Laws for better climate

What are the limitations of Indian Constitutions understanding of environment and climate change?

1) Human centric worldview-Colonial rulers had an anthropocentric worldview of the environment. This view considers human beings as the most significant entity of the universe. Unfortunately, this narrow view, is reflected in the Indian Constitution. For example, Entry 17 of the State List outlines the legislative power of states regarding “water”. However, the understanding of “water” is limited only to water supplies, irrigation, water storage, etc.

2) Lack of explicit power- Indian laws do not have the explicit or clearly expressed power to protect the environment in a holistic manner.

3) Fragmented legislative power– The Constitution perceives the environment just in terms of air, water, and soil. This limited view contributes to fragmented legislative power where there are separate laws for air water and forests. However, there is no centralized authority empowered to protect the environment comprehensively or mitigate the effects of climate change.

What is the importance of enhanced state participation in dealing with climate change challenges?

1) States in India vary significantly in their vulnerability to environmental crises, and empowering local decision-making can mitigate harm.

2) Climate change affects different regions differently, sometimes even within the same state or district. A recent example is from Karnataka, where Bijapur experienced a drought while nearby Belgaum faced floods. In this context,decentralisation of policy formulation and decision making assumes great importance.

What should be the way forward?

1) Introduction of new entry in concurrent list– There is a need to introduce “environment” as an entry in the Concurrent List. Both the center and states can legislate on matters related to the environment. The states will take the primary role and the center will have a specific role in case of climate emergencies. This is also in consonance with the spirit of decentralization and enhanced cooperative federalism.

2) Reimagining Indian Federalism– In the backdrop of potentially catastrophic effects of climate change on society, the need of the hour is to re-imagine Indian federalism. This is also in consonance with the principle of subsidiarity.

Question for practice

What are the limitations of Indian Constitution’s understanding of environment and climate change?

Parental consent before using a child’s personal data: Aadhaar-based age tokens can solve a privacy problem

Source: The post parental consent before using a child’s personal data has been created, based on the article “Aadhaar-based age tokens can solve a privacy problem” published in “Live mints” on 10th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

News: The article discusses India’s DPDP Act of 2023, specifically Section 9, which requires companies to get parental consent before using a child’s personal data, aiming to protect children’s privacy online. It suggests using zero-knowledge proofs with Aadhaar, India’s digital ID system, to verify age without revealing personal information, making the internet safer for kids.

For details information on Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, read here

What are the issues with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023?

Mandatory Age Verification: The DPDP Act requires businesses to confirm if users are children. This means verifying the age of every user, which is complex and intrusive.

Increased Friction in Online Experience: Age verification adds steps to browsing, disrupting the seamless experience of moving between websites.

Potential for Increased Data Collection: The act could unintentionally give businesses a reason to collect more personal data, under the guise of complying with the law.

Global Precedents: Similar laws, like the UK’s Children Online Harms Act, also impose age-gating, suggesting this approach is gaining traction globally.

What is the proposed solution?

The proposed solution to the challenges posed by India’s DPDP Act is the use of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in combination with Aadhaar, India’s digital identity system.

This method allows age verification without disclosing other personal information. By generating a digital token through Aadhaar, users can prove their age anonymously when accessing websites.

This approach aims to maintain privacy while complying with the age verification requirements of the law. addresses the friction and privacy concerns by providing a streamlined and secure method for age verification, leveraging India’s existing digital identity infrastructure.

This method, while based on India’s Aadhaar system, offers a framework that could be adapted worldwide for online age verification.

Questions for practice:

Discuss how zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) with Aadhaar could address the challenges posed by India’s DPDP Act of 2023 regarding age verification and online privacy protection for children.

India’s struggle with TB drug shortages: Gross mismanagement

India's struggle with TB Drug Shortages

Source: The post India’s struggle with TB drug shortages has been created, based on the article “Gross mismanagement: India is falling behind in efforts to control tuberculosis” published in “The Hindu” on 10th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

News: The article discusses India’s struggle with TB drug shortages. Despite plans to eliminate TB by 2025, there are ongoing issues with drug availability. The government’s management of the TB program is criticized, and the burden on patients to obtain medicines is highlighted. India’s struggle with TB Drug Shortages

For details information on Eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in India by 2025 read here

What is the current situation with TB in India?

India is facing a TB drug shortage, affecting both drug-sensitive and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

India’s TB drug supply disruption started in 2022 with drug-sensitive medicines and escalated to include MDR-TB drugs, lasting nearly a year.

For example, a severe shortage of critical MDR-TB drugs occurred seven months ago. In September 2021, India experienced a stockout of the MDR-TB drug Delamanid.

Despite being a significant producer of these drugs, India’s management of the TB program has been inadequate.

How has the government responded?

The government renamed the National TB Control Programme to the National TB Elimination Programme, aligning with the goal to eliminate TB by 2025.

Despite the renaming, fundamental issues like drug availability haven’t been effectively addressed.

A Health Ministry circular dated March 18, 2024, acknowledged potential delays in drug supply due to “unforeseen and extraneous circumstances.”

States have been permitted to procure TB drugs locally as a temporary measure for three months.

In cases where district health facilities can’t provide free drugs, patients may be reimbursed for medicines they purchase, indicating a reliance on patients to manage their own treatment in emergencies.

What are the challenges for patients?

The frequent drug shortages force patients to either wait for medication or buy it themselves. Many TB patients in India come from poor socioeconomic backgrounds, making it hard to afford medicines.

The government’s solution of reimbursing patients who buy their own drugs is problematic, as it assumes patients can initially afford the drugs. This approach adds financial strain to patients already struggling with health issues.

Questions for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Indian government’s response to the TB drug shortage crisis and its impact on patients.

GS PAPER - 3

Globalisation of Indian rupee

Globalisation of Indian rupee

Source-This post on Convertibility of Indian rupee has been created based on the article “Can the rupee go global without convertibility?” published in “Live Mint” on 10 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

Context– Prime Minister has recently asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to prepare a 10-year strategy to make the Indian rupee a globally “accessible and acceptable” currency. Globalisation of Indian rupee

What are the advantages of globalized currency?

1) The overseas demand for globalized currency for trade and reserves would cheapen credit within the country.

2) After attaining global currency status, there would be more demand for rupee denominated bonds. This will push their yields down, which will ensure availability of funds at lower rates.

What are the hurdles in the globalization of Indian currency?

1) Lack of full rupee convertibility– India will have to turn the rupee fully convertible to make it a global currency.Currently,Indian currency is partially convertible.

2) Asian currency crisis– Policymakers were worried after the Asian currency crisis of 1997. Many open economies suffered from capital flight. Since then, India has maintained restrictions on converting rupees into foreign currencies. There’s an annual limit on conversion and specific channels for settling commercial trades.

What steps can be taken to make to ensure globalization of Indian currency?

1) Fiscal discipline– It is important to ensure that India’s currency doesn’t lose its value due to inflation. This requires maintaining fiscal discipline.

2) Robust banking system-India needs a strong banking system that can withstand shocks. This requires transparency and efficiency throughout the financial sector.

3) External balance stability-There should be stable external balances to ensure sustainability. India must prevent its trade gap from widening due to unforeseen events

4) Role of RBI-It is important that the market sets the external value of the rupee, with the RBI playing a non-distortive role.

What should be the way forward?

1) Leveraging Technology-Technology may give RBI’s e-rupee an advantage as a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for global use. It should be designed not only for low costs but also for ensuring maximum privacy.

2) Expansion of e-rupee usage– Indian diaspora should be encouraged to use e-rupee for making low-cost cross-border transfers. However, it is important to ensure that this expansion is not affected by geopolitical sanctions.

3) Ease of programming of e-rupee– It is directly issued by RBI and doesn’t involve intermediary risks.Thus,it may attract international users if it is able to offers users an easy way to program it.For ex-for making routine payments. This is indeed one of the unique features of CBDC software.

Currently, the e-rupee is only an experiment, with online bank-to-bank UPI transfers being given too much importance.However,it’s also RBI’s best bet for a global play.

Question for practice

Highlight the significance of globalized currency? What steps can India take to make its currency a global currency?

India’s solar energy capacity: The ‘import restrictions’ on solar PV cells

India’s solar energy capacity

Source: The post India’s solar energy capacity has been created, based on the article “The ‘import restrictions’ on solar PV cells” published in “The Hindu” on 10th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-infrastructure- renewable energy

News: The article discusses India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy re-introducing the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALMM). This list encourages the use of locally made solar equipment in government projects to reduce dependence on imports and support India’s solar industry. India’s solar energy capacity

What is the status of India’s solar energy capacity?

India’s solar energy capacity is growing, aiming for 500 GW from non-fossil fuels by 2030.

India heavily relies on imports to meet its solar energy needs, particularly from China and Vietnam.

China is a major supplier, contributing to 53% of India’s solar cell imports and 63% of solar PV modules.

In the past five years, India’s solar import value reached approximately $11.17 billion.

China’s dominance in the sector is further highlighted by its 80% share in global manufacturing capacity for key solar components.

For details information on India’s solar energy status read here

Why is China a leading exporter?

1.Lower costs of power supplied to the industry play a significant role, as electricity is a major part of production costs. For instance, electricity accounts for over 40% of the costs in making polysilicon and around 20% for ingots and wafers.

2.The Chinese government has strategically prioritized solar PV as a key sector, supporting it through policies.
For details information on Challenges faced by local solar panel manufacturers read here

What incentives has the Indian government taken to improve its solar energy capacity?

1.Reintroduced ALMM: The Indian government reintroduced the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to prioritize domestic solar products in government projects. The ALMM list aims to support local manufacturers and was reactivated as part of India’s strategy to reduce import dependence and boost local manufacturing in the solar energy sector.
For details information on ALMM read Article 1, Article 2

2.The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, with an allocation of ₹19,500 crore, is aimed at scaling up the entire solar manufacturing chain in India.

3.Customs duties of 40% on solar PV modules and 25% on solar cells were introduced to reduce dependency on imports. However, these duties were later halved due to slow solar capacity additions and pressure from low-cost imports.

What is the future of India’s solar energy capacity?

Government Ambitions: India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, emphasizing solar power.

Rapid Demand Growth: India is experiencing the fastest growth in electricity demand among major economies, partly driven by efforts to combat extreme weather.

Vast Potential: With an estimated solar potential of 748.99 GW, India has a significant opportunity to harness solar energy.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of China’s dominance in supplying solar equipment to India and the measures taken by the Indian government to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependency in the solar energy sector.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Girl Empowerment Mission

Source– This post on “Girl Empowerment Mission” is based on the article “NTPC launched a new edition of Girl Empowerment Mission” published in “PIB” on 10th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, NTPC launched a new edition of the Girl Empowerment Mission.

About Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)

Girl Empowerment Mission
Source: PIB

1. It is the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

2. The program aligns with the Government of India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative.

3. It aims to tackle gender inequality by nurturing girls’ imaginations and fostering their ability to explore opportunities.

4. GEM facilitates empowerment by conducting a one-month workshop for young girls over the summer break, providing a platform for their comprehensive development and empowerment.

5. The Mission is dedicated to empowering girls by identifying and fostering their leadership skills to prepare them for the future. It includes interventions that focus on health, hygiene, safety, fitness, sports, and yoga.

6. Success of the initiative: The GEM Mission has grown into a national movement. Despite COVID-19 setbacks in 2020 and 2021, it has continued to expand, benefiting 7,424 girls to date.

In 2023, the program reached 2,707 girls across 40 NTPC locations in 16 Indian states.

Read more: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programs

IPEF’s Clean Economy Investor Forum

Source– This post on IPEF’s Clean Economy Investor Forum  is based on the article “Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to organise Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore” published in “PIB” on 10th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the IPEF organized a Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore.

About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum

1. The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is one of the initiatives under the IPEF. The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.

2. It brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs.

3. Managed by: Invest India (India’s National Investment Promotion Agency).

What are opportunities for the Indian industry?

The Forum will have opportunity for the Indian industry in the two following track:

a) Climate Tech Track: This track is open for top climate tech companies and startups from member countries, including India, to present their innovations to global investors. It focuses on recognizing leading enterprises in climate technology.

b) Infrastructure Track: This track highlights ready-to-invest sustainable projects in energy (solar, wind, hydrogen), transport (EVs, charging stations), and waste management, to be showcased at the 2024 Forum in India.

About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). highlights of PM ...
Source: My gov

1. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative launched by U.S.A President Joe Biden in 2022.

2. Objective: It provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region.

3. Members: It has 14 partners – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, U.S.A and Vietnam.

4. Nodal agency: Department of Commerce for the IPEF engagements

5. The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation namely: Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy and Fair Economy.

Read more: IPEF agreement

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

EU-India start-up collaboration on Recycling of E-Vehicles Batteries

Source– This post on “EU-India start-up collaboration on Recycling of E-Vehicles Batteries” is based on the article “EU-India join forces to promote start-up collaboration on Recycling of E-Vehicles Batteries under Trade and Technology Council” published in “PIB” on 10th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the European Union (EU) and India launched an Expression of Interest (EoI) for startups working in Battery Recycling Technologies for Electric Vehicles (EVs) for a matchmaking event.

About the EU-India Battery Recycling Technologies Matchmaking Event

1. About: It is a short-term action under Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies.

a) This initiative was announced by India and the European Commission in 2022. The event is scheduled for June 2024.

b) Twelve innovators (six from India, six from the EU) will pitch their solutions.

c) Six finalists (three from each region) will be selected for further opportunities, including visits to India and the EU.

2. Co-chaired: It is being co-chaired from the Indian side by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and from the EU side by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

3. Purpose: To enhance cooperation between EU and Indian SMEs and startups in clean and green technologies, focusing on battery recycling for EVs.

4. Objectives:

a) Identifying and promoting startups/SMEs specializing in EV battery recycling technologies.

b) To facilitate cooperation, deepen customer relations, and explore trade and investment avenues.

5. Significance for India and the EU:

a) Sustainable Development: The initiative is aligned with global efforts towards sustainability and the efficient use of resources through advanced recycling technologies.

b) Economic Relations: The initiative strengthens economic ties between India and the EU through collaborative innovation and shared technological advancements.

c) Circular Economy: It also enhances the lifecycle of rare materials and supports both regions’ transitions towards carbon neutrality.

About the Trade and Technology Council

1. The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was officially set up on February 6, 2023 by India and the EU.

2. The TTC stands as a principal forum for strengthening the strategic alliance between India and the EU, particularly in trade and technology.

3. The India-EU TTC is organized into three main Working Groups:

(i) Working Group 1: It focuses on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity.

(ii) Working Group 2: It is dedicated to Green and Clean Energy Technologies.

(iii) Working Group 3: It targets Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains.

UPSC Syllabus: International relations

SC ruling on candidate’s right to privacy from voters

Source– This post on SC ruling on candidate’s right to privacy from voters is based on the article “Candidates have a right to privacy from voters, rules SC” published in “The Hindu” on 10th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that electoral candidates have a right to privacy, asserting that they are not obligated to disclose every detail of their personal and financial history for public scrutiny.

About the judgement

1. It has been held that a candidate’s decision to keep private those details which do not pertain to or affect their suitability for public office should not be considered a ‘corrupt practice’ under Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951. Such non-disclosure would not amount to a “defect of a substantial nature” under Section 36(4) of the 1951 Act.

2. The Supreme Court observed that it is not necessary for a candidate to declare every item of movable property that he or his dependent family members owns.

3. Items which constitute a sizeable asset in itself or reflects upon the candidature, in terms of his lifestyle, must be disclosed.

4. The Court also highlighted that candidates must declare their assets to enhance democratic participation and ensure voters have the necessary information to make informed choices.

5. It recognized the voters’ right to essential information about candidates but also noted the importance of balancing this with the candidates’ privacy rights, suggesting that disclosure of every personal detail is not necessary.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation

Botswana threatening to send 20,000 elephants to Germany

Source– This post on Botswana threatening to send 20,000 elephants to Germany is based on the article “Why Botswana threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany” published in “The Indian Express” on 10th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. The statement came after Germany proposed to enact stricter limits on the import of trophies from hunting animals.

Why there are so many elephants in Botswana?

ChobeRiverMap
Source: Indian express

1. The country’s political stability and low human population facilitate effective wildlife management.

2. Following a surge in poaching due to conflict in Namibia and Angola, elephants ceased to cross the Chobe River, opting to remain within the safer confines of Botswana instead.

3. Botswana has implemented stringent anti-poaching measures, including a ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy initiated in 2013 against suspected poachers, and a ban on trophy hunting introduced in 2014.

4. The country also imposed a ban on trophy hunting that previously took place under an official government license.

Human animal conflict

1. Elephants are causing problems in rural areas by damaging homes, eating crops, drinking from water pipes, and occasionally killing people and livestock.

2. Their large numbers also threaten other wildlife species, leading to loss of biodiversity and environmental damage as they destroy trees and consume a lot of water, reducing resources available for other animals.

3. Steps Taken to Manage Elephant Populations:

a) Botswana has been relocating elephants to other nations. For instance, Botswana transferred about 8,000 elephants to Angola and, in 2022, sent 500 elephants to Mozambique.

b) Botswana reinstated trophy hunting in 2019 after a previous ban.

c) Reintroducing trophy hunting not only helps control the elephant population but also significantly benefits the local economy by attracting international hunters.

d)  Trophy hunting annually contributes approximately $250 million to South Africa’s economy and sustains 17,000 jobs.

4. Dilemma associated with trophy hunting:

a)  Western countries and animal rights activists argue that trophy hunting is unethical and contributes to the decline of already endangered species.

b) Critics contend that the economic benefits of trophy hunting are overstated and that much of the revenue does not reach the local communities due to corruption.

5. Benefits of Trophy Hunting:

a) Regulated trophy hunting is advocated by some as beneficial to the targeted species themselves.

b) The funds from affluent hunters are used for conservation purposes and are also shared with local communities, helping to prevent habitat destruction and enhance animal protection.

c) Trophy hunting accounts for up to 0.03% of the GDP in eight critical African countries.

About Botswana

1. Botswana is a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, is predominantly covered by the Kalahari Desert, which spans about 70% of its territory.

2. The country hosts the largest population of elephants in the world, with an estimated 130,000 elephants.

3. It is Africa’s oldest continuous democracy.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Peace Clause at WTO

Source-This post on Peace Clause at WTO has been created based on the article “Fifth time in a row: India invokes the peace clause for rice in WTO” published in “Business Standard” on 8 April 2024.

Why in the news?

India has invoked the peace clause at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the fifth consecutive time. This is because India has breached the prescribed subsidy limit for rice offered to its farmers.

About Peace Clause

Peace Clause
Source-Business standard

Introduction-At the Bali ministerial meeting in December 2013, WTO members agreed to temporarily implement a mechanism known as the Peace Clause. They also pledged to work on a permanent solution through negotiations.

Description- According to global trade rules, a WTO member country’s food subsidy bill shouldn’t exceed 10% of the value of production, based on the reference price of 1986-88. Subsidies over and above the prescribed ceiling are seen as trade-distorting.

Concerns- India has been complaining that 10 per cent subsidy ceiling is calculated on the basis of the reference price of 1986-88. This reference price has become outdated long ago.

Note-De minimis-This is the minimal amounts of domestic support that is allowed, even though it may distort trade. In case of developed countries, the de minimis limit or ceiling is up to 5 % of value of production and 10 % in case of developing nation.

Read moreWTO Reforms and India

UPSC Syllabus-International Organizations

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