9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 2 May, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Indian Ocean Warming and Its Impact

Source-This post on Indian Ocean Warming and Its Impact has been created based on the article “Sea also rises” published in “The Hindu” on 1 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-1– geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes & GS Paper-3-Disaster management.

Context-The article discusses the likely impact of increase in warming of Indian ocean on monsoon patterns, intensity of cyclones etc.

What does the recent study led by scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune predict?

The study predicts the impact of expected global carbon emission trends on the Indian Ocean. It highlights that the Indian Ocean has already warmed by 1.2° C and could further heat up by 1.7° C to 3.8° C from 2020 to 2100.

What are the potential consequences of this warming trend in the Indian Ocean?

1) Increase in Marine Heatwaves-The study warns of an increase in ‘marine heatwaves’, which could rise from an average of 20 days per year to 220–250 days per year.

2) Increase in thermal capacity of ocean– The ocean’s heat is rising, not just on the surface but also from the surface down to 2,000 meters below. Currently, it’s increasing at a rate of 4.5 zetta-joules per decade in that depth range. It’s expected to speed up to 16–22 zetta-joules per decade in the future.

NOTE– Joule is a unit of energy and 1 zetta joule is a billion-trillion joules (10^21).

3) Impact on biodiversity-This prolonged heating could lead to a near-permanent heatwave state in the tropical Indian Ocean, causing coral bleaching and harming the fisheries sector.

Read more- Impact of Climate Change on Monsoon

How does the warming of the Indian Ocean impact mainland India? 

1) The warming of the Indian Ocean can lead to an increase in severe cyclones and make the monsoon more erratic.

2) This could result in longer periods of drought followed by intense rainfall and flooding on the mainland.

What is the limitation of current global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions pose in addressing the warming of the Indian Ocean?

The current global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may not be able to significantly mitigate the warming of the Indian Ocean. This is because, unlike land, the oceans respond more slowly to changes in external inputs thus making it challenging to reverse the warming trend.

What should be the way forward?

India should partner with neighboring countries to gather more data, which is currently lacking compared to the Pacific. This data will help make better predictions and guide efforts to protect people and infrastructure.

Question for practice

Highlight the potential consequences of global warming trend in the Indian Ocean? How does the warming of the Indian Ocean impact mainland India?

GS PAPER - 2

Issues associated with rising Sugar content in food items

Source: The post Issues associated with rising Sugar content in food items has been created, based on the article “NOT SO SWEET ANYMORE” published in “Business standard” on 2nd May 2024.

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

Context: The article discusses how rising health awareness in India is leading to a decrease in sugar consumption, affecting companies that produce sugary foods and drinks. It highlights controversies and changes in product labeling and advertising regarding their health implications.

How are companies responding?

Reducing Sugar Content: Companies are actively reducing sugar in their products. For example, Mondelez reduced added sugars in Bournvita by 14.4% and introduced a variant with 50% less sugar. Similarly, Nestle India reported a reduction of added sugars by up to 30% across various products over five years.

Rebranding Products: Hindustan Unilever renamed its health food drinks category to “functional nutritional drinks,” moving brands like Horlicks and Boost under this new label to better reflect their nutritional profile and align with consumer health consciousness.

What controversies have arisen?

Bournvita’s Marketing Controversy: Bournvita faced criticism when a social media influencer questioned its classification as a “health drink” due to its high sugar content. This led to regulatory action, with the Ministry of Commerce and Industries directing e-commerce platforms to remove such products from their health drinks category.

Nestle’s Sugar Addition in Infant Food: Public Eye, an NGO, accused Nestle of adding sugar and honey to its infant milk and cereal products.

What legal and policy changes are being considered?

Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is contemplating the introduction of front-of-the-pack nutrition labels. This change aims to help consumers make more informed choices by clearly displaying nutritional information on product packages.

Indian Nutrition Rating System: In September 2022, FSSAI proposed an Indian Nutrition Rating system, a star rating method to assess the nutritional profile of packaged foods. This system could rate items from half a star to five stars, providing a quick and understandable assessment of food quality.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how the rising health awareness in India is impacting the strategies of food and beverage companies.

Public policy education in India

Source: The post public policy education in India has been created, based on the article “Public policy education in India deserves much greater attention” published in “Live mints” on 2nd May 2024.

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

Context: The article discusses the need to improve public policy education in India. It suggests making these programs more practical, relevant, and accessible to all students and professionals. This would help future leaders better address India’s social and economic challenges.

For details information on India needs public policy education read this Article here

What is the current state of public policy education in India?

Public policy education in India is primarily offered through postgraduate degree programs.

These programs often rely heavily on Western theoretical frameworks and case studies.

There is a lack of focus on the unique social, cultural, and political dynamics of India. The current educational approach does not effectively prepare students for the real-world complexities that policymakers in India face.

The education is typically isolated from practical scenarios, limiting students’ ability to apply learned concepts directly to Indian policy challenges.

What are the benefits of improved public policy education in India?

1.Enhanced public policy education can create more informed and engaged citizens who are better equipped to participate in policymaking processes.

2. A broader understanding of policy challenges among various professional sectors can lead to more effective decision-making and service delivery.
3. Entrepreneurs with policy knowledge can better navigate regulatory landscapes, promoting innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
4. Cross-disciplinary education can produce a generation of problem-solvers who understand complex societal issues and contribute to effective solutions.
5. Improved education can help build a robust pipeline of future leaders for public service, ready to tackle India’s most pressing challenges.

What should be done?

1. Integrate public policy education into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula across various disciplines to provide a foundational understanding of policy impacts.
2. Develop executive programs targeted at professionals in fields such as urban planning, healthcare, and education to improve their policy-related decision-making skills.
3. Include public policy courses in entrepreneurship programs to help business founders understand and navigate regulations effectively.
4. Implement innovative educational formats like immersive travel programs, hybrid models, and intensive summer schools to offer hands-on experience and facilitate cross-disciplinary learning.
5. Foster collaborations between students, policymakers, civil society leaders, and academics to enhance practical understanding and networking.

Question for practice:

Discuss the current state of public policy education in India and the proposed benefits and strategies for its improvement.

Existence of Article 31C in question

Source: The post existence of Article 31C in question has been created, based on the article “Article 31C: Why the SC is deciding if a fundamental right still exists in a case about private property?” published in “Indian Express” on 2nd May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Indian Constitution

News: The Supreme Court of India is determining if Article 31C still exists. This article protects laws that distribute wealth and resources under Article 39(b) and (c) of the Constitution, following earlier decisions that impacted property laws and raised questions about its ongoing validity.

For details information on Redistribution of wealth read this Article here

What is Article 31C?

Introduction of Article 31C: It was added to the Indian Constitution in 1971 via the 25th Amendment, primarily in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in the Bank Nationalisation Case. In this case the court had invalidated a government act to nationalize banks due to issues with the compensation offered.

Purpose of Article 31C: The article shields laws that implement the principles specified in Article 39(b) and (c)—ensuring the distribution of material resources to prevent wealth concentration—from being challenged on the grounds of violating rights to equality and freedoms under Article 14 and Article 19.

Why is the existence of Article 31C in question?

Legal Revisions and Challenges: The existence of Article 31C is in question due to its history of amendments and legal challenges. Notably in the Kesavananda Bharati case where parts of it were struck down, affecting its overall standing.

Impact of the Minerva Mills Ruling: In the Minerva Mills case, the Supreme Court limited Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. This cast doubt on the expansions made to Article 31C under the 42nd Amendment, specifically whether the original version of Article 31C survived these changes.

Current Supreme Court Review: Currently, the Supreme Court is examining Article 31C to address unresolved constitutional uncertainties. This includes its application in property laws such as the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act. The Act uses Article 39(b) to justify the redistribution of cessed properties, making this review crucial for determining the future application of Article 31C in socio-economic legislation.

What are the arguments regarding Article 31C?

Argument Against Automatic Revival: Senior Advocate Zal Andhyarujina argued that the original Article 31C was completely replaced by an expanded version in the 42nd Amendment. Therefore, when the new version was struck down in the Minerva Mills case, the original could not automatically revive. This argument is based on the legal principle that once replaced, the original provision ceases to exist unless explicitly reinstated.

Argument for Doctrine of Revival: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended that the original Article 31C should automatically be revived based on the doctrine of revival. This view is supported by precedents like the ruling on the National Judicial Appointments Commission, where struck-down amendments led to the revival of previous provisions, suggesting that the pre-amended Article 31C should resurface if the subsequent amendments are invalidated.

Question for practice:

Examine the arguments for and against the current validation of Article 31C in the Indian Constitution.

GS PAPER - 3

Fluctuations in global trade and India’s export performance

Source: The post fluctuations in global trade and India’s export performance has been created, based on the article “In an uncertain world, India’s trade push” published in “Indian Express” on 2nd May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Economy-growth and development

News: The article discusses the fluctuations in global trade and focuses on India’s export performance. It covers India’s struggles and improvements in export numbers, the impact of declining commodity prices, and specific sectors showing growth.

For details information On India’s Agricultural Export Sector read this Article here

What is the trend in Global Trade?

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the value of global merchandise trade has been decreasing, falling by 4.6% in 2023.

However, the first quarter of 2024 showed some signs of recovery in global trade.

Geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict in Europe that began in February 2022, caused a spike in commodity prices initially but these prices have been declining more recently, further impacting global trade values.

How has India performed in Exports?

India’s merchandise exports declined by 4.7% in 2023, slightly better than the average for developing Asia, which saw a 6.8% decrease.

In the financial year 2023-24, India’s exports were valued at $437.1 billion, down 3.1% from the previous year.

Exports of electronics surged by 24% due to incentives like the Production Linked Incentive scheme, highlighting a successful sector amid broader challenges.

Excluding petroleum and gems and jewellery, core non-energy exports from India saw a modest increase of 1.4%.

Agricultural Exports: While there were occasional bans on exports like non-basmati rice and wheat, agriculture and allied sectors still showed healthy growth. Categories like meat, poultry, spices, fruits and vegetables, and oil seeds contributed positively to export figures.

What are the key factors affecting India’s Exports?

Global Economic Climate: Uncertainties in the global economy, including impacts from COVID-19 and geopolitical conflicts, have influenced India’s export dynamics.

Commodity Prices: Lower international commodity prices have reduced the dollar value of exports. For instance, the sharp decline in crude oil prices significantly reduced India’s petroleum export bill by $13.3 billion.

Sector-Specific Growth: There has been notable growth in certain sectors, such as electronics, which saw a 24% increase in exports, largely driven by incentives like the Production Linked Incentive scheme.

Geopolitical Tensions: The ongoing conflict in Europe post-February 2022 initially spiked commodity prices, affecting export revenues before they began to decline.

What challenges and opportunities lie ahead?

Challenges

Decline in Labour-Intensive Sectors: Exports in sectors like gems and jewellery and textiles have significantly decreased, needing strategic focus to revive these industries.

Global Instability: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and uneven global economic growth pose risks to sustained export growth.

Opportunities

Global Economic Recovery: With global growth projected at 3.2% in 2024 by S&P Global, there is potential for increased demand for Indian exports.

Bilateral Trade Agreements: India’s ongoing negotiations and agreements with major economies can enhance export opportunities and drive growth in various sectors.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of geopolitical tensions and declining commodity prices on India’s export performance in 2023-24.

Climate Change and its Impact on Labor Productivity

Source-This post on Climate Change and its Impact on Labor Productivity has been created based on the article “Analysing labour on a warming planet” published in “The Hindu” on 1 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context– The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) has recently released a report, ‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’. The report highlights the need to ensure that labor becomes climate-proofed and to address the evolving work environment due to global warming.

What are the six key impacts of climate change on workers identified by the ILO?

The ILO identifies excessive heat, solar ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, workplace air pollution, vector-borne diseases, and agrochemicals as the key impacts of climate change on workers.

 What sectors are particularly affected by heat hazards according to the report?

1) Agriculture Sector– Globally, the informal farm labor sector is the most vulnerable to heat, especially in developing countries, where workers often lack adequate weather protection.

2) MSME sector– In India, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector employs about 21% of the total workforce, lacks proper oversight from State Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) departments due to its higher level of informalization. This leaves workers highly exposed to heat hazards.

3) Construction Sector-It employs 12% of India’s workforce. Construction workers deal with the urban heat island effect because construction is mostly concentrated in cities, where temperatures tend to be higher due to urbanization. Workers endure risks like physical injuries and health issues such as asthma due to air pollution, especially in highly polluted Indian cities.

4) Gig workers– Gig workers constitute around 1.5% of India’s total workforce, expected to rise to about 4.5% by 2030 according to Nasscom. They are also heat-susceptible.

Read more- Heat Action Plans

What are existing laws and regulations regarding workers’ safety?

India has more than 13 central laws regulating working conditions across sectors, including the Factories Act, 1948.These various laws have been consolidated into a single code that is Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code, 2020).

What are the shortcomings of these laws?

1) Concerns over new law implementation– Many unions are dissatisfied with the new code because as per them, it lowers safety and inspection standards. Further, the government hasn’t notified its enforcement. Because of this, unions and the courts still use the older laws to address issues and hold parties accountable.

2) Lack of Government Oversight for Unregistered MSMEs -Most of India’s 64 million MSMEs are not registered under this law, so they are not subject to government inspections.

3) Outdated Regulations– The rules under the Factories Act, framed decades ago, lack adequate provisions for thermal comfort based on the level of activity and do not mention air conditioning or other cooling alternatives.

4) Updating existing regulations– Regulations need updating to handle how effluents and byproducts are disposed of. This is because their effects on human health can change with temperature fluctuations.

5) Regulatory Gaps in Silica Exposure Management – The existing rule doesn’t mandate silica removal technologies in quarries or mines. This is deeply concerning in the backdrop of the rise in coal production and the expansion of mines that could lead to an increase in silicosis cases, a fatal and incurable pulmonary disease caused by fine particulate matter exposure.

6) Bypassing workers concern– Unions and workers face pressure from corporate management and state bureaucracy, who prioritize attracting industries over addressing worker concerns related to heat hazards.

Way forward– A universally recognized regulatory framework is required to ensure that work and workers are resilient to climate changes. This is because the connection between labor productivity, human health, and climate change is often overlooked.

Question for practice

Highlight the sectors that are particularly affected by heat hazards according to the report?  What are existing laws and regulations regarding workers’ safety?

Need of stricter Animal Protection Law

Source-This post on need of stricter animal protection Bill has been created based on the article “An animal protection Bill that must be moved in June” published in “The Hindu” on 1 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

News– The killing of a dog named Jai in Mumbai caused outrage in India, leading to calls for stricter punishments for animal cruelty in Indian law. The #JusticeForJai campaign spread rapidly on social media, with people organizing prayer meetings and candlelight vigils.

Context– Countries worldwide are revising their animal cruelty laws, imposing stricter penalties for acts of cruelty against animals. The article reiterates this demand in context of India too.

What are the inadequacies of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 in India?

The PCA Act, 1960, which criminalizes various forms of animal cruelty in India, has several shortcomings-

A) Enforcement is weak, and penalties are minimal, failing to effectively prevent animal cruelty.

B) Most offenses are bailable and non-cognizable, hampering immediate police action.

C) Fines are negligible, some as low as ₹10, and haven’t been updated since the 1890 Act.

D) Courts can choose between imprisonment or a fine for offenders, often resulting in lenient sentences.

E) There’s a lack of provisions for rehabilitative punishments like community service at animal shelters.

Read more- WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972

 What improvements does the Draft PCA (Amendment) Bill, 2022 propose?

The Draft PCA (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was published by the Department of Animal Husbandry. It has introduced significant enhancements, including-

A) Incorporating the five fundamental freedoms for animals.

B) Increasing punishments and fines for various offenses.

C) Introducing new cognizable offenses.

What are the limitations of the proposed Draft PCA (Amendment) Bill, 2022?

For certain serious offenses, such as extreme cruelty and killing animals, the draft Bill still allows for either imprisonment or fines. This could allow offenders to avoid imprisonment by paying fines.

What should be the way forward?

1) Upholding the value of Ahimsa(non-violence)-Since India has been a strong advocate of non-violence since ancient times, it is morally incumbent upon India to demonstrate an example in showing kindness towards animals.

2) Enactment of draft bill-The government should ensure that the amendments to the PCA Act (1960) are enforced. This would be a significant stride towards enhancing animal protection laws in India.

Question for practice

Highlight the inadequacies of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 in India? How can the proposed Draft PCA (Amendment) Bill overcome these inadequacies?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system

Source- This post on Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system is based on the article “DRDO successfully tests missile-assisted torpedo release system” published in “The Indian Express” on 1st May 2024.

Why in the news?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently tested a Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system. This signifies a leap forward in India’s defense technology.

It has been tested from a ground-based mobile launcher positioned at the launching complex 4 of Abdul Kalam Island.

About Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system

1. About: SMART is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system.

2. Developed by: It has been designed and developed by the DRDO. 

3. Aim: It aims to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy.

4. Features: It has several features which distinguish it with conventional range of lightweight torpedo.

a) It can be launched from both coasts and warship.

b) It is canister-based missile system which consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc.

Note: The system is canister-based means that it is housed within a sealed container that can be easily transported and launched.

c) The system carries advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with parachute-based release system.

d) It also consists of several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control.

5. Significance: The SMART would enhance the Navy’s strength and will revolutionize underwater warfare capabilities of India. It also serves as testament of India’s advancements in indigenous defence research and development.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence)

Phishing Attacks in India

Source- This post on phishing is based on the article “India one of the key geographies affected by phishing attacks: Verizon” published in “The Hindu” on 1st May 2024.

Why in the News?

A report from Verizon Business has emphasized the rising incidence of phishing in India. Cybercriminals are resorting to new and sophisticated methods to deceive unsuspecting users into opening malicious emails or clicking on harmful links.

As a result, there is an increased risk of users experiencing financial losses and the compromise of their personal data.

Highlights of the study:

a) The report highlighted that there has been improvement in reporting practices of such incidents of phishing in India. However only 20% of users now identify and report phishing during simulation tests.

b) Another Report of the company reveals that espionage attacks dominate the cyber security landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, including India.

c) In the Asia-Pacific region, 25% of cyberattacks stem from espionage, a stark contrast to the 6% and % in Europe and North America, respectively. The Asia-Pacific region saw a 180% growth in vulnerability exploitation.

d) System intrusion, social engineering, and basic web application attacks represent 95% of breaches in Asian Pacific region.

e) The study also found that the most common types of data compromised are credentials (69%), internal (37%), and secrets (24%).

About Phishing

1. About Phishing: It refers to an attempt to steal sensitive information in the form of usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information or other important data to utilize or sell the stolen information.

2. How Phishing is done:

a) In a phishing attack, the sender pretends to someone trustworthy to the recipient, such as a family member, the CEO of their company, or a well-known figure offering giveaways.

b) The message prompts immediate action, often with a sense of urgency and directing the recipient to a fake website resembling a legitimate one.

c) They are asked to input their login credentials which are then stolen by the attacker for identity theft, financial fraud, or selling personal information. The phishing email’s destination URL closely resembles the legitimate one.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Video surveillance system and related threats

Source- This post on Threats of Video Surveillance systems is based on the article “Centre asks States to not procure CCTVs from suppliers with history of security, data breaches” published in “The Hindu” on 1st May 2024.

Why in the news?

Due to security concerns, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and government departments to avoid procuring CCTVs and related hardware from suppliers with a history of security breaches.

This move comes in response to growing concerns about the security implications associated with CCTVs and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

About the guidelines:

1. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has outlined guidelines for safeguarding the overall security and integrity of CCTV cameras and IoT devices.

2. These guidelines include procuring cameras made in India or equipment certified in accordance with norms set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

3. The goal is to mitigate risks such as data security breaches, privacy violations, hacking, and cyberattacks associated with surveillance technologies.

4. Earlier, amendments have been made to the public procurement order for CCTVs and video surveillance systems, as well as the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, to strengthen regulations.

About video surveillance system and related threats

1. About video surveillance system: A video surveillance system, also known as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system is a collection of cameras and other related equipment used to monitor and record activities in a specific area commonly used for security and surveillance purposes.

2. Components of a video surveillance system: Key components of a video surveillance system typically include cameras, Video Management System (VMS) Software, Storage (Network Video Recorders (NVRs) or Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)), Power Supply etc.

3. Concerns associated with CCTV System: Some of the growing risks associated with CCTV systems include data security, privacy breach, hacking and cyber-attack etc. Various incidents have also been reported due to security flaw in the surveillance cameras.

4. Measures suggested by the ministry: Following measures are advised to minimize the risk associated with CCTV surveillance system:

i) Government Ministries/Departments should adhere to comprehensive security guidelines for CCTV cameras.

ii) Entities need to follow applicable rules and regulations, such as the Public Procurement Order (Make in India) and the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.

iii) BIS has formulated Blank Detail Specification (BDS) for IS 16910 for performance requirements of CCTVs. The procuring government agency can stipulate their own technical requirements for the parameters listed in the BDS and the testing can be done as per the test methods prescribed in the standard.

iv) The procurement of Video Surveillance System should be done from the brand having history of security breaches and data leakages should be avoided.

v) For the Hardware Security testing of CCTV cameras, the government agencies should use the testing infrastructure available with Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Laboratory or any other agency notified by MeitY from time to time for testing the CCTVs as per the Essential Requirement(s) notified under the PPO for CCTV.

vi) The general cyber security practices for installation and monitoring should also be adopted.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance, science and technology

Election Commission Directives on EVM and SLU Handling and Storage

Source- This post on Election Commission Directives on EVM and SLU Handling and Storage is based on the article “EC brings out protocol on symbol loading units as mandated by top court” published in “The Hindu” on 1st May 2024.

Why in the news?

The Election Commission released a revised protocol for handling and storing symbol loading units, complying with the supreme court directive.

Recently, SC directed that the Symbol loading units should be sealed and secured in a container and stored in a strongroom along with the EVMs at least for 45 days post the declaration of results.

Supreme Court Directive on EVM Handling and Storage:

1. Seal and Storage SLUs: The Supreme Court mandated the sealing and storage of symbol loading units (SLUs) along with electronic voting machines (EVMs) in a container within a strongroom for a minimum of 45 days post-result declaration.

Note:  SLUs are responsible for uploading the names and symbols of candidates onto Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) or paper trail machines.

2. Provision for verification by Candidates- As per the court’s directions, candidates ranked second and third in the elections can request verification of micro-controllers embedded in EVMs.

Election Commission Directives:

1. New protocol: As per the new protocol, the machines should be sealed and secured in a container and stored in a strongroom along with the EVMs for at least 45 days after the declaration of the results.

2. Infrastructure Creation: The Election Commission instructed State Chief Electoral Officers to establish appropriate infrastructure for handling and storing SLUs within EVMs in line with the updated protocols.

3. Container Preparation: EC also directed that adequate SLU containers, typically two to four per Assembly constituency should be prepared beforehand as per anticipated requirements.

4. Implementation Date: The revised protocols are effective for all symbol loading processes in VVPATs conducted on or after 1st May 24.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation

Balanced fertilisation

Source- This post on Balanced fertilisation is based on the article “How the next government will push ‘balanced fertilisation” published in “Indian Express” on 1st May 2024.

Why in the News?

The promotion of Balanced fertilisation will be a crucial agricultural priority for the incoming government post Lok Sabha elections. Balanced fertilisation discourages farmers from applying excessive of fertilisers having only primary nutrients in high concentrations, such as urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) or muriate of potash (MOP).

About Balanced fertilisation

1. About Balanced fertilization- Balanced fertilization refers to the process of supplying essential nutrients to crops in the right proportion. The nutrients are supplied taking into consideration the soil type and the specific requirements of the crop at different growth stages.

2. Essential Nutrients Supplied-
a. Primary nutrients which include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)
b. Secondary nutrients which include Sulfur (S), calcium, and magnesium.
c. Micronutrients which include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, and molybdenum.

Challenges related to Balanced fertilisation

1. Price Controls leading to lower prices of single nutrient rich fertlisers- Restoration of price controls on non-urea fertilizers like the Diammonium phosphate (DAP) has led to lowering of its prices as compared to other nutrient balanced complex fertilisers like 10:26:26:0 and 12:32:16:0 NPKS complex fertilisers.

2. Vague fixing of prices- The fertiliser prices are vaguely fixed without considering the market demand and supply. For ex- The Muriate of Potassium (MOP) price is not feasible either for the farmers for direct application in the field nor to the fertiliser firms to make complex fertiliser. Hence, it is not being used in the farms, leading to potassium deficiencies.

Steps which can be taken to promote Balanced fertilisation

1. Rationalization of DAP and MOP prices- The recent reduction in landed prices of imported urea, DAP, and MOP due to present geopolitical situation such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should be used by the government to rationalize MRPs of fertilizers domestically and promote balanced plant nutrition.

2. Bringing Urea under NBS Scheme- The government can leverage lower international prices to encourage balanced plant nutrition by potentially bringing urea under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme. 

3. Crop-specific usage of fertiliser- The fertiliser usage must be restricted to particular crops. For ex- DAP usage should be restricted to rice and wheat. 

4. Granular form of fertiliser- The fertilisers must be marketed in granular forms as it prevents adulteration and ensure slower release of nutrients. (SSP in granular form slows release of Phosphorous)

Scheme launched by the Govt to promote Balanced Fertilization

The Government launched the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme to promote balanced fertilization in the country.

1. About NBS: The nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) system was instituted in April 2010 to promote balanced fertilization.

2. Provision: Under it, the government fixed a per-kg subsidy for N, P, K and S.

3. Aim of the NBS: This system aimed to encourage product innovation and steer farmers towards using complex fertilizers that contain a balanced mix of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and other nutrients in appropriate proportions.

4. Impact of NBS: Between 2009-10 and 2011-12, there was a decline in the consumption of DAP and MOP fertilizers, while there was an increase in the usage of NPKS complexes and single super phosphate (SSP).

5. Reason for failure: The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme failed due to its exclusion of urea. Despite the introduction of NBS, urea consumption continued to rise steadily as its maximum retail price remained controlled with only marginal increase.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian economy (Agriculture)