9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 16th December, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

India’s Digital Growth and Women’s Safety Challenges

Source: The post India’s Digital Growth and Women’s Safety Challenges has been created, based on the article “The digital frontier of inequality” published in “The Hindu” on 16th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-Social empowerment

Context: The article discusses India’s progress in digital transformation and its challenges. It highlights tech-facilitated gender-based violence, government initiatives to combat it, and the need for stricter laws, digital literacy, tech industry collaboration, and survivor support systems for safer online spaces. India Digital Growth and Women Safety Challenges.

For detailed information on The stage has been set for gender equity in Digital India read this article here

What is the context of India’s digital revolution?

1. India is undergoing a digital revolution, recognized globally for its digital public infrastructure.

2. It has 1.18 billion mobile connections, 700 million Internet users, and 600 million smartphones. 3. Women hold 55.6% of Jan Dhan accounts, benefiting from digital services.
3. Rural India boasts 20% more Internet users than in urban areas (2021 Nielsen report)

What are the risks of digital transformation for women?

1. Digital transformation exposes women to tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
2. Urban women in public roles face harassment like cyberstalking and trolling.
3. Many rural women lack digital literacy and awareness of their rights, making them more vulnerable.
4. TFGBV includes cyberstalking, trolling, sharing intimate images without consent, and impersonation.

What steps has India taken to combat TFGBV?

1. Legal frameworks: The IT Act, 2000, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2024.
2. Reporting: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal enables anonymous complaints.
3. Awareness: Programmes like Digital Shakti educate women on online safety.
4. Support Systems: Helplines like TechSakhi provide information and assistance to survivors.
5. Campaigns: Launched “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” to address gender-based violence.
6. International commitment: India signed agreements like the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women to promote safe ICT environments.

What are the solutions to ensure safer online spaces?

1. Stricter laws and accountability: Enforce stronger penalties for online violence and hold social media platforms accountable.
2. Expand digital literacy: Educate rural women and integrate safe practices into school curriculums.
3. Community involvement: Conduct workshops to involve men and boys as allies.
4. Tech collaboration: Work with tech companies to enhance safety features and use AI for detecting abuse.
5. Support systems: Strengthen helplines like TechSakhi and offer counselling and legal aid for survivors.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges posed by India’s digital transformation for women and the measures taken to address tech-facilitated gender-based violence.

How caste system affects India’s social capital

Source: The post how caste system affects India’s social capital has been created, based on the article “Caste salience in Indian society must fall for social capital to rise” published in “Live mint” on 16th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society

Context: The article discusses India’s lack of social capital, linking it to the caste system, which creates divisions and distrust. It suggests promoting inter-dining, protecting inter-caste marriages, universal public schooling, and early childhood exposure to diversity as solutions. How caste system affects India social capital?

For detailed information on Caste based Inequalities in India read this article here

Why Does India Lack Social Capital?

1. Caste System: India’s caste system divides people into thousands of communities (jatis), preventing inter-marriage and inter-dining. As David Reich notes, India is “an extremely large number of small populations.” This creates trust within communities but distrust across them.
2. Fragmented Society: M.N. Srinivas observed that caste divisions strengthened through democratic politics, making social unity difficult. B.R. Ambedkar called castes “anti-national” and a barrier to nation-building.
3. Public Interest vs. Private Gains: Lack of shared community causes neglect of public spaces. Cities face problems like traffic congestion, leading to frustration and distrust.
4. Economic Barriers: Caste limits access to credit, keeping small businesses small.

What are the solutions?

1. Promote Inter-Dining: Establish common canteens in educational institutions and workplaces to encourage different communities to share meals. Introduce public food courts and communal feasts on national holidays to foster a sense of unity.
2. Support Inter-Caste Marriages: Protect inter-caste couples from societal coercion, emphasizing the state’s role in ensuring their safety.
3. Leverage Technology: Use digital payment systems and platforms like the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN) to provide fair financial opportunities, reducing economic disparities linked to caste.
4. Universal Public Schooling: Implement inclusive education from the kindergarten level to promote early exposure to diversity, aiming to instill egalitarian values in children.
5. Influence Parenting and Early Childhood Experiences: Encourage diverse, multicultural environments for raising children to develop comfort with various racial and ethnic backgrounds, reducing bias and fostering inclusivity from a young age.

Question for practice:

Discuss how India’s caste system impacts social capital and suggest solutions to overcome these challenges.

GS PAPER - 2

India’s mineral diplomacy

Source: The post India’s mineral diplomacy has been created, based on the article “India’s firmer attempts at mineral diplomacy” published in “The Hindu” on 16th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses India’s efforts to secure critical minerals for its manufacturing and technology sectors. It highlights India’s partnerships with other countries, government initiatives like KABIL, and the need for stronger private sector involvement, diplomatic capacity, and sustainable partnerships to improve mineral security. India’s mineral diplomacy

For detailed information on Critical Mineral Mission of India read this article here

Why are critical minerals important for India?

Critical minerals like lithium and cobalt are essential for manufacturing and technology sectors, especially for renewable energy and batteries. India imports most of its critical minerals, making it dependent on countries like China. This dependence raises strategic concerns.

What is India’s strategy for mineral security?

India is adopting mineral diplomacy with two key pillars:

1. Bilateral engagement with resource-rich countries: Building partnerships with countries like Australia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and the U.S. India formed Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) in 2019 to secure mineral supplies.
2. Global cooperative engagements: Collaborating with multilateral groups like the Quad, G-7, and the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP). Aligning with global best practices for critical mineral supply chains.

What are India’s achievements in mineral diplomacy?

1. Australia Partnership: Signed a critical mineral investment partnership in 2022, identifying two lithium and three cobalt projects.
2. Latin America Engagement: In 2024, signed a $24 million lithium exploration agreement with Argentina for five lithium brine blocks; exploring assets in Bolivia and Chile.
3. Kazakhstan Collaboration: Formed IREUK Titanium Limited, a joint venture to produce titanium slag, marking the first collaboration with Central Asia.
4. Private Sector Involvement: Altmin Private Limited partnered with Bolivia’s YLB to secure lithium-ion battery materials.
5. Global Engagement: Signed an MoU with the International Energy Agency to align policies with global standards.

What are the challenges in India’s mineral diplomacy?

1. Limited private sector involvement: No clear roadmap for private companies to participate in the critical mineral supply chain.
2. Weak diplomatic capacity: Lack of a dedicated division for mineral diplomacy in the Ministry of External Affairs.
3. Lack of sustainable partnerships: India’s partnerships with EU, South Korea, and Quad nations need strengthening to leverage technological and diplomatic support.

What steps can strengthen India’s mineral security?

1. Involve private sector: Develop a critical mineral supply chain strategy that includes private companies.
2. Enhance diplomatic capacity: Create a dedicated mineral diplomacy division within the Ministry of External Affairs.
3. Forge trusted partnerships: Collaborate more with technologically advanced countries like South Korea and the EU.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by India in ensuring mineral security and the steps needed to overcome them.

GS PAPER - 3

How Carbon Markets Work and Their Challenges

Source: The post How Carbon Markets Work and Their Challenges has been created, based on the article “How would a carbon market function?” published in “The Hindu” on 16th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment

Context: The article explains carbon markets, where businesses buy and sell the right to emit carbon. It highlights how these markets help reduce pollution by making companies pay for emissions. It also discusses potential problems, like governments increasing credits or firms cheating emissions. How Carbon Markets Work and Their Challenges?

For detailed information on Carbon Markets: Benefits and Challenges read this article here

What is a Carbon Market?

Carbon markets allow businesses to buy and sell permissions to emit carbon dioxide. Each permission, called a carbon credit, equals 1,000 kilograms of CO2. By controlling the number of credits, governments can manage how much carbon is released into the air. This system started in the U.S. in the 1990s to control sulfur dioxide emissions.

For detailed information on Carbon markets and its significance read this article here

Why are Carbon Markets Useful?

1. Regulation of Emissions: They regulate carbon emissions by issuing carbon credits, with one credit allowing the emission of 1,000 kilograms of CO2. This mechanism helps governments control overall emissions effectively.
2. Economic Incentive: Companies have to buy carbon credits to emit, which economically incentivizes them to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Market Efficiency: Trading carbon credits in a market allows companies that need more credits to buy from those who need less, promoting efficient distribution of emissions allowances.
4. Encourages Technological Advancements: As companies seek to minimize carbon costs, there’s an incentive for innovation in carbon tracking and reduction technologies.
5. Large Company Support: Major corporations, such as ExxonMobil and General Motors, advocate for carbon markets as they provide flexibility and market-based solutions for managing emissions, unlike direct regulatory interventions.

What Challenges Do Carbon Markets Face?

1. Oversupply of Carbon Credits: Governments that are not serious about reducing emissions may issue too many carbon credits. This can lower the price of credits, making it ineffective in reducing emissions.
2. Cheating and Illegal Emissions: Some governments may allow firms to cheat by illegally emitting more carbon than their credits permit, reducing the credibility of the system.
3. Voluntary Reporting Preferred by Corporations: Large firms like ExxonMobil and General Motors prefer voluntary emission reporting, such as the Carbon Disclosure Project. They oppose strict government-imposed limits, arguing it may lead to higher costs and production restrictions.
4. Economic Growth Concerns: Critics worry that strict caps on carbon credits could unnecessarily slow economic growth. Politicians might impose restrictions without bearing personal economic consequences.
5. Effectiveness of Carbon Offsets: Firms often purchase carbon offsets for public relations rather than ensuring genuine emission reductions. This raises doubts about the actual environmental impact of offsets.
6. Challenges for Small Businesses: Small businesses, particularly in developing countries, face difficulties in monitoring and reporting emissions. Limited access to advanced tracking tools, like real-time energy sector data, hampers their participation.

Question for practice:

Examine the usefulness and challenges of carbon markets in regulating emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)

News: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has recently upgraded its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT).

About Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)

• It was launched in 2016 by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the Make in India program.
• It facilitates search and rescue operations at sea by quickly locating individuals or vessels in distress.
• Key Features and Working:
  • Advanced Modeling: The tool uses ensemble modeling to account for uncertainties in the initial location and time of the missing object. Movements are tracked based on ocean currents and winds.
  • Technology Backbone: It relies on high-resolution Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) data, operationally run on High-Performance Computers at INCOIS.
  • Customizable Options: Users can choose from up to 60 types of missing objects (categorized by shape and buoyancy) and pinpoint the last known location using an interactive map or input distance and direction.
  • Results and Communication: The tool generates an interactive map showing the probable search area, with results also sent via text and email. Localized languages are supported to aid fishermen in distress.
• Improvements in SARAT Version 2:
  • The starting position for the search is now accurately set to the last known location.
  • Enhanced visualizations include color-coded search regions, improved clarity of probable search areas, and a marker to identify the last known position.

Potti Sriramulu

News: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a Telugu University named after Potti Sriramulu.

About Potti Sriramulu

• He was an Indian freedom fighter known for his pivotal role in the creation of Andhra State.
• He was bestowed with the title ‘Amarajeevi‘ for his supreme sacrifice for the cause of the people of Andhra.
• He was born on March 16, 1901, in the Madras Presidency, now part of Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
• He is remembered for his commitment to social justice and the upliftment of Dalits.
• Freedom struggle contribution:
  • He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to join the freedom struggle.
  • He was actively participated in significant movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), Salt Satyagraha (1930), and Individual Satyagraha (1941-42).
  • He was arrested by the British during the Quit India Movement in 1942 and jailed along with Gandhiji.
• Post independence:
  • He began a hunger strike on October 19, 1952, demanding Andhra Pradesh’s formation from the Madras Presidency.
  • After 58 days of fasting, he died on December 15, 1952, in Mylapore.
  • His sacrifice led to the announcement of Andhra Pradesh on December 19, 1952, with statehood granted on November 1, 1956.
• Socio-religious activities:
  • He was involved in the village reconstruction programmes at Rajkot in Gujarat.
  • He also joined Gandhi ashram (established by Yerneni Subrahmanyam) in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
  • He undertook three fasts to support Dalit (Harijan) entry rights to holy places including Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Moolapeta, and Nellore.

Kerch Strait

News: Two Russian oil tankers sustained significant damage during a storm in the Kerch Strait. The damage caused oil to spill and triggered an emergency rescue operation.

About Kerch Strait

• It is a strait in Eastern Europe.
• It connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
• It separates the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea in the west from the Taman Peninsula of Russia’s Krasnodar Krai in the east.
• Historical significance:
  • The primary harbor, the Crimean city of Kerch, gives the strait its name.
  • It was previously known as the Cimmerian Bosporus or the Straits of Taman and has also been referred to as the Straits of Yenikale.
• Strategic significance– It is the only direct link between Russia and Crimea. It plays a crucial role in supplying fuel, food, and other essential goods to Crimea, which is home to the port of Sevastopol – the historic base of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

Jalvahak Scheme

News: The Union government has launched the Jalvahak scheme to promote long-haul cargo transportation via inland waterways.

About Jalvahak Scheme

• It is a cargo promotion scheme designed to incentivize the movement of long-haul cargo through India’s national waterways.
• Nodal Ministry– Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW)
• Implementing Agency– It is jointly implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd (ICSL), a subsidiary of the Shipping Corporation of India.
• Aim– To harness the trade potential of inland waterways while reducing logistics costs and decongesting road and rail networks.
• National Waterways Covered:
  • NW1: River Ganga.
  • NW2: River Brahmaputra.
  • NW16: River Barak.
• Incentive: The scheme offers cargo owners up to 35% reimbursement on operating costs for transporting goods over distances of more than 300 km via waterways.
• Scheduled Service: Fixed-day Scheduled sailings between key locations like Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi, and Pandu (Assam).
• Validity: Initially valid for three years.
• Model Shift– Schemes aim at Incentivising Modal Shift of 800 Million Tonnes KMs with an investment of ₹95.4 crores by 2027.

Santa Ana Winds

News: Santa Ana winds-driven wildfires have burned over 4,000 acres and impacted approximately 22,000 people in the coastal town of Malibu, California.

About Santa Ana Winds

• Definition– Santa Ana winds are dry and warm (often hot) winds in the Southern California area that blow in from the desert — which includes the Great Basin of the western United States, incorporating Nevada and part of Utah.
• Seasonal Occurrence– Santa Ana conditions can occur whenever the Great Basin is cooler than Southern California, usually between September and May. However, they are most notable in October, as Southern California’s climate during autumn increases the risk of wildfires.
• Formation and effect:
  • Santa Ana winds occur when high pressure forms over the Great Basin, located between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, while low pressure develops along California’s coast.
  • This pressure difference drives strong winds from the inland deserts of the Basin, east and north of Southern California, over the mountains toward the Pacific Ocean.
  • As the winds move down the mountains, they compress and heat up, causing their humidity to drop, often below 20% and sometimes even below 10%.
  • The resulting dry conditions turn vegetation into highly flammable material, which contributed to fueling the flames in Malibu.