9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 20th July, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

The controversial Karnataka employment reservation bill

Source: The post the controversial Karnataka employment reservation bill has been created, based on the article “Wrongheaded policy: The Karnataka Bill on reserving jobs for locals is self-defeating” published in “The Hindu” on 20th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

Context: The article talks about Karnataka’s draft “State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024,” which aimed to reserve jobs for locals but faced legal and industry backlash. It argues that fair labor practices for all workers, not just local ones, are a better solution.

For detailed information on Local Reservation in Private Job read this article here

Why is the Proposed Karnataka Bill Controversial?

1. Local Reservation Requirement: The proposed Karnataka Bill mandates that 50% of management and 70% of non-management positions in industries be reserved for local candidates. This is seen as restrictive by businesses.
2. Legal Precedents: Similar laws in other states like Haryana and Andhra Pradesh have faced legal challenges. The Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed Haryana’s law, citing violations of constitutional rights to equality (Article 14) and freedom (Article 19).
3. Industry Opposition: The Bill was “temporarily withheld” after significant pushback from industry heads and trade bodies, indicating strong resistance from the business community.
4. Comparative Examples: Andhra Pradesh’s similar law is still under judicial review, and Jharkhand’s has not been implemented, suggesting ongoing controversy and legal complications with such initiatives.

What Should be Done?

1. Enforce Labor Rights: Ensure fair treatment and protect all workers, including migrants, from exploitation.
2. Address Exploitative Practices: Employers should not make migrant workers work longer hours for lower pay without benefits.
3. Create a Level Playing Field: Provide equal opportunities for local and migrant workers by curbing unfair labor practices.
4. Avoid Protectionism: Job protectionism for local workers is not a solution.
5. Legal Compliance: Follow constitutional provisions like Article 16(3), which limits reservation based on residence to public employment and requires Parliament’s approval.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the main reasons for the controversy surrounding Karnataka’s draft “State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024.

Issues with Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

Source-This post on Issues with Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has been created based on the article “Menaka Guruswamy writes: In new criminal codes, fundamental rights are in danger” published in “The Indian Express” on 20 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Context- The article discusses a major change in India’s criminal procedure law with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The most worrying change is the possible increase in police custody from a maximum of 15 days under the old CrPC to up to 90 days under the new law. This raises serious constitutional and human rights issues.

CrPC is called the “Accuseds’ Constitution,” providing vital protections during detention and interrogation. Thus, no law is more crucial than the CrPC in supporting any accused.

What are the different types of Custody?

Police custody: Police have principal control and physical custody. This is generally considered the harshest experience for the accused.

Judicial custody: Accused are placed in jail with institutional rules. It allows gegulated visiting hours, police access, mealtimes, and sleep time

What are the Changes in Custody Duration Under BNSS?

CrPC-Section 167 of the CrPC allowed custody for up to 60 or 90 days, depending on the severity of the punishment, with police custody limited to 15 days unless extended by the Magistrate. The aim was to curb police custody abuse and ensure it did not surpass 15 days.

BNSS-Section 187 of the BNSS diverges by retaining the 60 or 90-day timelines and default bail concept while eliminating the 15-day police custody limit. This allows Magistrates to authorize police custody exceeding 15 days.

A detailed article on Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita- Significance and Concerns can be read here.

What are the issues with these changes?

1) Infringement of Article 21– Extended police custody raises concerns about potential violations of the right to life, health, and fair trial. This also increases the risk of custodial violence and torture.

2)  Violation of Supreme Court judgments: The D K Basu v State of West Bengal case emphasizes that Article 21 ensures the right to live with dignity, protects against torture and assault by state officials, and extends these rights to convicts, undertrials, and detainees. The provisions of BNSS appear to contradict the Supreme Court’s stance on custodial rights. V.

3) Safeguards against police excesses: BNSS removes existing protections in CrPC, exposing accused individuals to potential abuse.

4) Impact on fair trial -Extended police custody can undermine the accused’s defense preparation and increase the risk of coerced confessions or statements.

5) Comparison with Harsh laws: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) restricts police custody to 30 days and mandates an affidavit for extending police custody beyond judicial custody. In contrast, the BNSS permits a three-fold increase in police custody compared to the UAPA.

Question for practice

What are the changes in custody duration under BNSS? What concerns arise from these modifications?

GS PAPER - 3

India is facing three macroeconomic puzzles

Source: The post India is facing three macroeconomic puzzles has been created, based on the article “Three macro puzzles and policy implications” published in “Business standard” on 20th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-growth, development, and employment

Context: The article discusses three main issues: weak consumption, low employment growth, and low core inflation. It suggests that actual economic growth is modest. It recommends no tax cuts, privatizing PSUs, and lowering interest rates to improve the economy.

For detailed information on India’s Economic Growth and challenges read this article here

What are the three macroeconomic puzzles facing India?

1. Soft Consumption: Despite a reported GDP growth of around 7% to 9% annually over the past three years, consumption growth is only 4%. This is half the rate of overall GDP growth. Data on industrial capacity utilization, corporate sales, FMCG, and two-wheeler sales support this weak consumption. Household savings have declined, with net financial saving at 5.7% of GDP in 2023-24, down from 7.6% before COVID-19.
2. Weak Employment Growth: Official numbers show good growth, but the reality on the ground indicates underwhelming employment opportunities. This contradiction suggests that reported high GDP growth isn’t translating into job creation.
3. Low Core Inflation: Core inflation, excluding food and fuel, is around 3%. This suggests weak aggregate demand. Low core inflation is inconsistent with the reported high GDP growth rates of 9.7%, 7.2%, and 8.6% over the past three years.

What should be the policy response?

1. No Tax Cuts: Tax cuts would benefit only the top 10-20% of the population. GST revenues are just recovering to pre-GST levels; cuts would harm public finances.
2. Privatization of PSUs: Implementing a program of privatization, particularly for PSUs like MTNL. This could encourage investment and modernization by new private sector owners, as seen with the Tata’s modernization of Air India.
3. Lower Interest Rates and Weaker Exchange Rates: Reducing interest rates could help improve export competitiveness, as the rupee has been exceptionally strong compared to other emerging market currencies, affecting Indian exporters’ competitiveness.

Question for practice:

Examine the three macroeconomic puzzles India is facing and the proposed solutions for them.

Parametric Insurance

Source: The post parametric insurance has been created, based on the article “The promise of parametric insurance” published in “The Hindu” on 20th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Disasters management

Context: The article discusses the need for parametric insurance to cover losses from extreme weather events. Parametric insurance provides payouts based on predefined weather conditions without physical damage assessment. This approach helps in quickly supporting affected populations and reducing financial burdens. Parametric Insurance.

What was the impact of natural disasters in 2023?

1. 2023 was the warmest year on record.
2. Losses from natural disasters amounted to $280 billion.
3. Only about $100 billion of these losses were insured.
4. The gap in insurance coverage was especially wide between developed and developing economies. Enhancing disaster resilience through alternative insurance methods is crucial.

What is parametric insurance, and how is it different from indemnity-based insurance?

Parametric insurance makes payouts based on predefined weather conditions like rain levels or wind speeds, allowing quicker responses without physical damage assessment. For instance, Morocco received $275 million after a 6.8 earthquake in 2023.
In contrast, indemnity-based insurance requires physical assessment to verify losses, which can be difficult in large-scale disasters, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

How is Parametric Insurance Used in India?

1. India uses parametric policies for crop insurance. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana verifies loss; the Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme uses threshold limits.
2. Nagaland: Purchased parametric insurance for extreme rainfall in 2021, with the policy details based on weather data for precise locations.
3. Kerala: The Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation uses it for dairy farmers to cover heat stress.
4. Non-profits and Micro-finance Institutions in India: Implement daily payouts for workers affected by excessive heat.

How can parametric insurance be improved?

1. Experience Sharing: Governments should share lessons and strategies to refine parametric insurance models.
2. Transparent Bidding: Implement transparent bidding processes for premium rates to foster competition and lower costs.
3. Retail Payout System: Develop a widespread payout system, leveraging technology like India’s Aadhaar-based payment system for efficient distribution.
4. Encourage Household Premiums: Motivate households, especially in poorer regions, to participate in premium payment schemes for long-term resilience.

Question for practice:

Discuss how parametric insurance differs from indemnity-based insurance and its application in India.

The conflicting reports on job creation in India

Source: The post the conflicting reports on job creation in India has been created, based on the article “Living in denial about unemployment” published in “The Hindu” on 20th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-employment

Context: The article discusses the conflicting reports on job creation in India. Prime Minister Modi cites a report suggesting significant job growth, which contrasts with other reports showing high unemployment. It highlights the challenges of accurately measuring employment due to outdated and incomplete data.

For details information on India’s labor market and employment situation read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

What Are the Different Reports Saying About Employment in India?

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited an RBI report claiming 8 crore jobs have been created recently, aiming to counter the opposition’s unemployment narrative.
2. State Bank of India (SBI) supported Modi’s claims with data showing 8.9 crore jobs in manufacturing and services from FY14-FY23.
3. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reported an increase in unemployment rate to 9.2% in June 2024, the highest in eight months, contradicting the government’s claims of significant employment growth.

Why Are There Conflicting Data on Employment?

1. Different Data Sources: Employment figures vary due to different sources like the RBI’s KLEMS data and the SBI report, which both use existing government surveys, versus CMIE’s independent assessments.
2. Definitions of Employment: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) counts individuals involved in any work activity as employed, while CMIE uses stricter criteria, considering only those earning an income.
3. Large Unorganized Sector: Accurate data collection is hindered by India’s vast unorganized sector, employing 94% of the workforce, where consistent and reliable data are hard to obtain.
4. Economic Shocks: Events like demonetization and the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted the economy, making previous data sets unreliable for current conditions.

What Does the Ground Reality Suggest?

1. High Competition for Government Jobs: About 47 lakh applicants competed for 60,000 police positions in Uttar Pradesh, illustrating intense job scarcity.
2. Massive Number of Applicants for Few Positions: 1.25 crore aspirants applied for the Railway Recruitment Board exams, highlighting the desperation among job seekers.

3 Public Protests Over Employment Schemes: Protests in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states when the Agnipath scheme was announced in 2022 illustrate public dissatisfaction and concern regarding new employment policies.

What Should Be Done?

1. Acknowledge Data Gaps: The government should recognize and address the discrepancies in employment data, as suggested by the differences between PLFS and CMIE reports.
2. Update and Regularize Data Collection: It’s crucial to conduct more frequent and updated surveys, like the ASUSE survey annually, especially post-major economic events to ensure relevance.
3. Enhance Data Quality in the Unorganized Sector: Implementing systematic and continuous data collection methods for the vast unorganized sector could improve the accuracy of employment statistics.
4. Transparent Communication: Officials should transparently present employment data and its limitations, avoiding misinterpretations and misuse in policy making and public discussions.

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons behind the conflicting reports on employment data in India.

The Upcoming Union Budget

Source-This post on The Upcoming Union Budget has been created based on the article “Will a changed political landscape affect the budget?” published in “The Indian Express” on 20 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Government Budgeting.

Context- The article discusses how the upcoming Union Budget must navigate between political pressures and economic challenges. In uncertain electoral times, governments may prioritize new welfare programs and increase spending on social sectors.

Key considerations for the government in the upcoming budget include balancing multiple pulls and pressures, deciding between welfare spending, capital expenditure, or deficit reduction. The government may pursue a bold policy agenda in response to the changed political scenario.

What are the various challenges faced by the Indian economy?

1) Growth Concerns– The 8% growth figure raises questions about the economy. Growth may not be as strong as claimed, and distribution issues may be even worse. The 5.6% fiscal deficit of the Centre highlights that government spending remains a crucial driver of the economy.

2) Employment issues– More people are becoming self-employed in small roadside businesses and doing unpaid household work. Many unemployed and underemployed youth are turning to trading and gaming for income.

3) Limits of welfarism: Recent election results have raised doubts about the effectiveness of welfare programs. Providing public goods does not always influence voters as expected.

4) Manufacturing Sector and Trade Policy – Using a mix of tariffs and subsidies through schemes like PLI (Performance Linked Incentives) has shown limited success beyond mobile phones. (Only Apple). The manufacturing sector has remained stagnant at around 17% of GDP for the past two decades.

Read More- Increasing PLI allocation will not be enough

5) Trade policy contradictions: India’s self-reliance drive contrasts with global supply chain integration efforts. This is highlighted by its decision not to join RCEP while competitors did.

6) Investment Scenario– Corporate investments are stagnant despite government efforts. Promoting national champions like Reliance Industries is a key strategy.However,it may not substantially increase investments or create jobs.

7)  Current Account Surplus– India had a current account surplus in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year. While some view this positively, it shows that domestic savings were higher than domestic investment. This meant that instead of borrowing internationally for local investments, India’s savings went abroad. This is not ideal for a capital-deficient country like India.

8) Consumption demand patterns: –Subdued investments and a weak labor market, where millions are stuck in low-productivity jobs, suggest that overall consumption demand is likely to stay weak. For ex-FMCG sales are low, two-wheeler sales are down from pre-pandemic levels, and entry-level car sales have declined.

What should be the way forward?

1) There is a pressing need for structural changes to stimulate job creation.

2) India requires a diverse set of companies to drive growth in capital expenditure, beyond depending solely on national champions such as Reliance.

Question for practice

What are the various challenges faced by the Indian economy?

Electronics Manufacturing Revolution

Source-This post on Electronics Manufacturing Revolution has been created based on the article “Elevating India’s capital goods for a global electronics revolution” published in “The Hindu” on 20 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.

Context– India’s electronics production has reached approximately $115 billion in FY24, growing nearly fourfold over the past decade and projected to multiply fivefold in the next five years.

To secure its position in global markets, capital goods play a crucial role. Like the steam engine in the Industrial Revolution, advanced capital goods are essential for modern manufacturing, enabling efficient production of high-quality electronics at scale.

What steps can be taken to boost India’s capital goods for a global electronics revolution?

1) Bolstering Manufacturing Infrastructure-

A) Establishing a dedicated center with a budget of at least ₹1,000 crore for capital goods innovation at the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) is needed. By collaborating with industry and academia, CMTI can lead innovation efforts, improve production efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers.

B) Prioritize the development and acquisition of advanced manufacturing technologies with dedicated funds for capital goods, including second-hand equipment.

C) Embrace eco-friendly technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices to enhance global competitiveness.

2) Fostering R & D-

A) Promoting a robust R&D ecosystem will help develop indigenous technologies that meet global standards and set new benchmarks in quality and efficiency.

B) Invest in education and training to equip the workforce with essential technical and soft skills for innovation and problem-solving.

C) Promote strong collaboration between industry and academia to align research with industry needs and develop breakthrough technologies.

Read More- National policy on Electronics 2019

3) Government Policies and Programmes-

A) Government policies should incentivize R&D, improve ease of doing business, and maintain a stable regulatory environment to support growth in the capital-goods industry.

B) Implement government programs to attract skilled diaspora and foreign experts.

4)Leveraging Digital Technology-

A) Integrate digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data to optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

B) Address technology and skill gaps in the electronics sector through joint ventures with global firms for skills and technology transfer.

C) Create a plan to move from essential equipment to cutting-edge technologies, with the goal of positioning India as a hub for advanced capital goods.

5) Lower Cost of Capital -Lowering the cost of capital can help Indian manufacturers invest more in technology and innovation, enhancing their global competitiveness.

Question for practice

How can India enhance its capital goods sector to lead in the global electronics revolution?

Arguments against Immediate Fed Rate Cut

Source-This post on Arguments against Immediate Fed Rate Cut has been created based on the article “The Fed should not cut interest rates yet” published in “Business Standard” on 20 July 2024.

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

Context- The article suggests caution for the Federal Reserve regarding immediate interest rate cuts, despite market expectations leaning in favor of them. Economic indicators advise restraint.

What is the rationale behind rate cut expectations?

1) Cooling inflation: There was no inflation in May, followed by deflation in June according to the CPI measure.

2) Rising unemployment -The unemployment rate has been rising since last summer, reaching 4.1%, up 70 basis points from its pandemic low. This pattern of incremental increases has prompted calls for the Fed to begin cutting interest rates.

What are the Arguments against Immediate Fed Rate Cut?

1) Inflation measurement discrepancies: The Fed uses the PCE price index, not the CPI. Core PCE inflation likely rose by 0.2% in June. Projected inflation for the remainder of 2024 is expected to be between 2.6% and 3%, which exceeds the Fed’s 2% target

2) Strong consumer demand factors: Low unemployment boosts earnings growth, with wages outpacing consumer prices for over a year. There are strong fixed-income flows and increased wealth from housing and stocks.

3) Economic growth indicators: June retail sales surpassed expectations. The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model forecasts 2.5% real economic growth in Q2, which could increase price pressures.

4) Labor Market Analysis – The labor market is showing signs of weakening but remains robust. Demand for labor continues to exceed supply. This trend is driving wage inflation, with average wages growing 3.9% year-over-year in June.

5) Monetary Policy Stance– Since November, financial conditions have improved with higher stock prices, lower long-term interest rates, and narrower credit spreads. This has reversed the financial tightening caused by the relatively high Fed policy rate.

Read More- The RBI Keeps interest rates unchanged

What should be the way forward?

1) Rising unemployment and underlying inflation below 3 per cent suggest that the Fed should start paying attention to both sides of its dual mandate.

2) The Fed should be ready to act, especially if the labor market worsens or if the next two PCE readings show inflation moving steadily toward the Fed’s target.

Question for practice

What are the Arguments against Immediate Fed Rate Cut?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Study related to uranium concentration in drinking water

Source- This post on the Study related to uranium concentration in drinking water has been created based on the article “60 µg/l uranium in drinking water safe: Nuclear safety watchdog” published in “Indian Express” on 20 July 2024.

Recently, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) study concluded that uranium concentrations up to 60 µg/l in drinking water are safe, suggesting that the new stricter standard of 30 µg/l may be counterproductive.

BARC Study Findings:

1. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) in India previously set the acceptable level of uranium concentration in drinking water at 60 µg/l.

2. In 2021, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) revised the limit to 30 µg/l, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

3. A study by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) scientists concludes that uranium concentrations up to 60 µg/l in drinking water are safe, questioning the necessity of the new BIS standard.

4. The study argues that the more stringent BIS standard of 30 µg/l could lead to unnecessary purification costs without significant health benefits.

5.  Citing WHO studies, the BARC researchers state that small concentrations of uranium in drinking water pose no significant health risks, including cancer.

6.  National standards for uranium in drinking water vary globally, with limits in Finland and Slovakia set at 100 µg/l and 350 µg/l respectively, and South Africa at 70 µg/l. Countries like Canada and Australia have lower limits of 20 µg/l and 15 µg/l, respectively.

BIS and Health Impact Studies

1.  The BARC scientists highlight that BIS did not conduct health impact studies before implementing the 30 µg/l limit, unlike other agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which performed a cost-benefit analysis.

2. The EPA set the drinking water limit for uranium at 30 µg/l after determining that there is no significant difference in health effects between 20 µg/l, 30 µg/l, and 80 µg/l.

Recommendations and National Considerations

1. The BARC study emphasizes the need for country-specific standards considering local geological, socio-economic conditions, and population dynamics.

2. The researchers suggest that, in the absence of clear evidence of health risks at small concentrations, India should consider retaining the AERB limit of 60 µg/l.

3. The government has stated that uranium in drinking water is naturally occurring and not a result of mining activities.

Mapping Uranium Concentration

1. A comprehensive exercise by BARC researchers in collaboration with over 50 institutions across India showed that:

i) 94% of 55,554 samples had uranium concentrations below the BIS standard of 30 µg/l.

ii) 98% of samples were below the AERB standard of 60 µg/l.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

The Voicebox” Program 

Source- This post on the The Voicebox” Program has been created based on the article “NFDC and Netflix Partner to Launch “The Voicebox” – an Upskilling Program for Voice-over Artists in India” published in “The Hindu” on 20 July 2024.

About The Voicebox” Program

1. Launched by: National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and Netflix

2. Partner: Pearl Academy which is India’s leading design institute will join as a training partner for this program.

3. Funding by: The Voicebox program is sponsored by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity.

4. Objective: The “The Voicebox” program aims to upskill voice-over artists in India.

Features of the programme

1. The program will cover eight languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Gujarati. The training will include Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) workshops, featuring guest lectures and mentoring sessions, followed by assessments.

2. The workshops will be conducted in seven major cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi.

3. Each batch will accommodate up to 30 candidates, with a total of 210 participants selected through preliminary screening. At least 50% of the participants will be women.

4. The top seven participants from each batch will have the opportunity to contribute to Netflix’s special project, “Azaadi ki Amrit Kahaniya.” They will lend their voices to narrate stories reflecting the Indian independence movement.

5. The program is open to professionals with more than two years of experience in the media and entertainment sector, with a preference for women. The goal is to enhance their skills in voice-over artistry.

6. Netflix has committed $100 million a year over five years to support underrepresented communities in the TV and film industries through various programs globally.

UPSC Syllabus: Scheme and Programme 

Microsoft Update Flaw Causes Global Disruption

Source- This post on the Microsoft Update Flaw Causes Global Disruption has been created based on the article “Microsoft update flaw triggers worldwide chaos” published in “The Hindu” on 20 July 2024.

A faulty update from CrowdStrike which is a Texas-based cybersecurity firm disrupted several Windows computers and servers worldwide. Digital systems in aviation, banking, telecommunications, hospitals, and TV channels were affected. The update caused a boot loop and a blue screen of death.

Impact on various sectors

1. Aviation Sector: The faulty update led to significant delays and cancellations of flights worldwide. Airlines had to resort to manual check-in processes and handwritten boarding passes due to digital system failures.

2. eOffice Suite Disruption: The Union government’s eOffice suite, used for processing files and paperwork, was impacted for two hours. This caused temporary disruptions in government operations.

3. Automotive Sector: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd had to briefly halt its production and dispatch operations due to the faulty update. The company managed to resolve the issue internally and resume normal operations.

4. Healthcare Systems: Hospitals using Windows-based systems likely faced challenges in accessing patient records, scheduling, and other critical functions, although specific details were not mentioned.

5. Telecommunications and Media: TV channels and telecommunications providers experienced outages, affecting broadcasting and communication services and leading to service interruptions for users.

6. Impact on Various Industries: The faulty update affected numerous other sectors, including banking, retail, and hospitality, causing disruptions in digital transactions, customer service, and supply chain management.

Recovery Efforts

i)  The faulty update has been withdrawn and issued has been fixed.

ii) IT administrators had to follow a manual four-step recovery process shared by the Indian Computer Emergency Team (CERT-in).

iii) Continuous communication with Microsoft and chief information security officers at critical infrastructure entities.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

Source- This post on the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) has been created based on the article “India plans to enter into carbon crediting mechanism with Japan” published on “The Hindu” on 20 July 2024.

India and Japan plan to establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for carbon trading and carbon credit adjustment. The countries aim to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation to formalize the JCM.

About Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Mechanism

1. The JCM will be formed under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The implementation will adhere to the relevant domestic laws and regulations of both countries.

2. The committee will develop rules and guidelines for the JCM, covering project cycle procedures, methodologies, project design documents, monitoring, and third-party entity designation.

3. The mechanism ensures mutual recognition of credits towards the NDCs of both countries, avoiding double counting. Each government can authorize part of the JCM credits for international mitigation purposes.

4. Carbon credits will be allocated through a structured process, and a registry will track these credits.

5. Credits will be allocated to the respective registries of India and Japan and used towards their NDCs to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

6. Japan will facilitate the transfer of technology, finance, and capacity building for new technologies under the JCM.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

1.  The mechanism is expected to boost job creation by attracting investments in low-carbon and clean technologies.

2.  The JCM will facilitate the diffusion of leading decarbonizing technologies, equipment, machinery, products, systems, and infrastructure.

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

UN Water Convention 

Source- This post on the UN Water Convention has been created based on the article “Ivory Coast joins UN Water Convention as 10th African nation” published in “Down to Earth” in 20 July 2024.

Study related to decline in life expectancy post Covid

Source- This post on India’s lost 2.6 years’ life expectancy between 2019 and 2020 has been created based on the article “Covid-19: India lost 2.6 years’ life expectancy between 2019 and 2020” published in “Business Standard” on 20 July 2024.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, India experienced a significant decline in life expectancy, with the most substantial losses observed among socially disadvantaged groups.

Key Findings from the Study

1. India lost 2.6 years in life expectancy between 2019 and 2020, a decline greater than that observed in high-income countries.

2. The decline was more pronounced among females, who lost 3.1 years, compared to males, who lost 2.1 years.

3. Age-Specific Impact:

i) The decline in life expectancy was higher among individuals aged 50-60.

ii) There were significant increases in mortality in the age groups 0-19 and 60-79 among females, and in the age group 40-59 among males.

iii) In high-income countries, the decline in life expectancy was primarily due to increased mortality above age 60, especially above age 80.

4. Social Group Disparities:

i) Muslims experienced the largest decline in life expectancy, from 68.8 years in 2019 to 63.4 years in 2020, a loss of 5.4 years.

ii) Scheduled Tribes saw a reduction of 4.1 years.

ii) Scheduled Castes experienced a reduction of 2.7 years.

iv) Both OBCs and high caste Hindus experienced a decline of 1.3 years each.

5. Gender and Social Group Analysis:

i) Muslim females experienced a loss of 6.6 years in life expectancy, compared to a loss of 4.6 years for Muslim males.

ii) Scheduled Castes females experienced a loss of 4.6 years, compared to a loss of 1.1 years for SC males.

iii) Scheduled Tribes males experienced a higher loss of 5.4 years, compared to 2.7 years for ST females.

iv) Females from OBCs and high caste Hindus experienced a loss of 1.9 years each, compared to a loss of 0.7 years for OBC males and 0.9 years for high caste Hindu males.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports