9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 30 April, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

India’s childcare Leave (CCL) policy: Mom, baby and us

Source: The post India’s childcare Leave (CCL) policy has been created, based on the article “Mom, baby and us: Who takes care of the children?” published in “Indian Express” on 30th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-society-social issue

News: The article discusses how childcare is primarily seen as the mother’s responsibility in India, and how the government’s childcare leave policy mainly supports women, not men. It questions whether this policy reinforces unequal gender roles and explores the challenges small businesses face in implementing pro-women laws.

What is the Government’s Policy on Childcare Leave?

The Government of India offers a Childcare Leave (CCL) policy specifically for female government employees.

Eligible women can avail themselves of 730 days of paid leave during their service period to care for up to two children under the age of 18.

This leave is additional to regular maternity leave provisions.

Men are eligible for CCL only if they are single fathers.

In a recent legal case, the Supreme Court deemed the denial of CCL to a female employee a violation of constitutional rights, emphasizing its importance.
For more information read here

What are the issues with the Government’s Policy on Childcare Leave (CCL)?

Gender Specificity: The CCL policy primarily benefits female employees, with male employees eligible only if they are single fathers. This could reinforce traditional gender roles where women are seen as primary caregivers.

Limited Applicability: The policy applies only to central government employees, not mandatorily extending to state governments or the private sector.

Implementation Challenges: The policy’s implementation in smaller firms is impractical, as 98% of firms are “micro” businesses with fewer than 10 employees, making it difficult to apply such benefits widely.

Potential Bias: There is a concern that such policies could lead to increased employer bias in larger establishments. Women might be perceived as potential liabilities due to additional leave benefits, affecting their hiring and career advancement opportunities.

What should be done?

The Supreme Court has affirmed CCL as a constitutional right for women, suggesting the need for uniform applicability across states, not just central government positions.

Redistribution of childcare within households and communities could alleviate the burden on mothers, necessitating a cultural shift towards shared parenting responsibilities.

Investing in the care economy is crucial for realizing the constitutional rights of mothers and acknowledging childcare as a social, not just a private, responsibility.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s government childcare leave policy in promoting gender equality and supporting working mothers.

GS PAPER - 2

Israel-Hamas conflict: India’s West Asia security dynamics

Source: The post Israel-Hamas conflict has been created, based on the article “India’s West Asia security dynamics” published in “Business standard” on 30th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

News: The article discusses the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, its implications, and broader geopolitical dynamics involving the United States, Iran, and Arab states. It also covers India’s stance and interests in the region.

For details information on Israel-Palestine Conflict read Article 1, Article 2

What is the current situation in the Israel-Hamas conflict?

The Israel-Hamas war is ongoing, with no clear end in sight.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be extending the conflict for his political survival.

The war has escalated regionally, highlighted by Israel’s airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, targeting Iranian officers.

The U.S. intervened to prevent further escalation, with Iran also showing restraint.

The focus has shifted from Israel’s extensive damage in Gaza and aggressive actions in the West Bank, including the expansion of illegal settlements.

These actions have further diminished the prospects for a two-state solution, making it an unrealistic goal at this point

What are its impacts on India?

Energy Security and Economic Interests: The ongoing conflict could destabilize the region, threatening India’s energy imports and economic interests due to its heavy reliance on oil from West Asian countries.

Diaspora Welfare: The stability is crucial for the safety and welfare of approximately six million Indians living and working across West Asia.

Strategic Diplomacy: India is using the opportunity to balance and strengthen its diplomatic and strategic ties with both Israel and the Arab states, maintaining a neutral stance to manage its broad international relations effectively.

Defense Enhancement: The conflict has led to closer defense ties between India and Israel, especially as Israel seeks partners to counterbalance Chinese influence in the region.

Question for practice:

Discuss India’s stance, interests, and impacts in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Concerns about India’s food safety Regulations

Source: The post concerns about India’s food safety has been created, based on the article “From MDH to Ceralac and Cadbury – where is the regulator?” published in “Indian Express” on 30th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Polity-Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

News: The article discusses problems with India’s food safety system, highlighting issues with baby food, health drinks, and spices. It mentions that the FSSAI, India’s food regulator, has struggled with staff shortages and infrastructure problems, which has affected its ability to properly regulate and ensure food safety.

For details information on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) read here

What are the main concerns about India’s food safety?

High Sugar Content in Baby Food: The FSSAI is investigating Nestle’s baby food products for unhealthy sugar levels, raising concerns about child health.

Carcinogenic Additives in Spices: Regulatory bodies in Singapore and Hong Kong have flagged powdered spices from top Indian brands like MDH and Everest for containing potential carcinogens.

Salmonella Contamination: The US has rejected 31% of spice shipments from MDH over the past six months due to contamination with salmonella, indicating a significant hygiene issue.

Inconsistent Global Standards: Indian food products are under scrutiny in various international markets including the EU, highlighting global concerns about the safety and quality of food exported from India.

What are the issues with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)?

Staff and Infrastructure Shortages: The FSSAI has consistently struggled with insufficient staff and inadequate infrastructure, which has compromised its ability to effectively monitor and regulate food safety.

Perceived as Paperwork: Many businesses view the regulatory process as mere paperwork rather than seeing it as an opportunity for regular inspections and guidance from experts.

Procedural Shortcomings: In cases like the Vital Neutraceuticals incident in 2015, the FSSAI’s actions were overturned by courts due to procedural errors, illustrating flaws in the authority’s enforcement and regulatory processes.

Inadequate Consumer and Business Education: Despite its mandate, the FSSAI has been ineffective in educating businesses and consumers about food safety.

What are the consequences of these regulatory shortcomings?

International Rejection: The US rejected 31% of spice shipments from MDH due to salmonella contamination.

Damaged Reputation: Inconsistent safety standards have led to scrutiny by international markets like the EU, harming India’s global food market reputation.

Legal Challenges: Procedural errors have resulted in legal setbacks, such as in the Vital Neutraceuticals case.

Health Concerns: High sugar content in baby food and carcinogenic additives in spices raise serious public health concerns.

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of regulatory shortcomings on India’s food safety system and its consequences.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC) need more power

Source: The post MCC need more power has been created, based on the article “EC’s Model Code needs reform – and India needs model leadership” published in “Indian Express” on 30th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Indian Polity- Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

News: The article discusses the need to strengthen the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which guides election behavior in India. It suggests adding clearer consequences for violations to ensure fair elections and proposes holding political parties accountable for their members’ breaches of this code.

What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for political parties and candidates to maintain decorum in their campaigning. It lays down a list of dos and don’ts for leaders and parties ahead of elections.

For more information read here

How has the MCC evolved?

Origin in 1960: The MCC was first introduced during the 1960 Assembly elections in Kerala, initiated by K V K Sundaram, the then Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). It initially covered basic guidelines like the conduct of election meetings, processions, and campaign materials.

Expansion and Consultation: In 1968 under CEC S P Sen Verma, the MCC was expanded after consultation with political parties, aiming to establish minimum standards of behavior for free and fair elections.

Regular Updates: Starting in 1979 with CEC S L Shakhdar, the MCC was regularly updated before each General Election, adapting to new challenges and circumstances in electioneering.

Major Overhaul in 1991: Under the leadership of T N Seshan, the MCC underwent significant consolidation and re-issuance, strengthening its role as a critical tool for ensuring electoral integrity and fairness.

Why does the MCC need more power?

Increasing Violations: The political environment in India has intensified, leading to more frequent and severe violations of the MCC.

Technological Advancements: Innovations such as digital campaigning have created new opportunities for misconduct that the current MCC does not fully address.

Lack of Deterrent: Currently, the MCC does not clearly spell out the consequences for violations, reducing its deterrent effect.

Evolving Political Tactics: Politicians are finding new ways to exploit gaps between the letter and spirit of the MCC.

What should be done?

Graded response: Clearly specify graded punitive measures for serious repeated violations, such as bans on campaigning, debarring candidates/functionaries, and disqualifying them as star campaigners.

Hold Parties Accountable: Implement penalties for political parties if their members violate the MCC, introducing fines or restrictions under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order.

Quick Enforcement: Streamline procedures to take punitive action within 72 hours and maintain a public database of violations and their disposal.

Update the Code: Continually revise the MCC to cover new campaigning methods and technologies, keeping it relevant and effective against modern political strategies.

Question for practice:

Examine the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in India and the proposed measures to

Critique of EVM-VVPAT judgment

Source-This post on Critique of EVM-VVPAT judgment has been created based on the article “The EVM-VVPAT case judgment is disappointing” published in “The Hindu” on 30 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2– Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Context– The Supreme court in a recent case has rejected all pleas that were seeking 100% EVM-VVPAT verification. This article provides the critique of the Supreme Court’s Order on this judgement.

Read more- Supreme Court VVPAT judgement

What are the arguments provided by the author to criticize the judgement?

1) Arbitrary sample size-The author criticizes the Supreme Court’s order mandating a uniform sample size of “5 EVMs per Assembly Constituency” for VVPAT-based audit of EVMs, stating that it does not conform to statistical sampling theory principles.

2) Limitation of lot acceptance sampling – VVPAT audit is a case of “lot acceptance sampling” where a random sample is drawn from a defined “population” of EVMs, and the entire population is accepted or rejected based on the number of “defective EVMs” (EVM count mismatching VVPAT count)

Note- Lot acceptance sampling-This is a quality control method where a sample is taken from a batch or “lot” of products, and based on the inspection of that sample, a decision is made about whether to accept or reject the entire batch.

3) Lack of clarity- It highlights that the Court did not compel the ECI to disclose the defined “population” and “next steps” in case of mismatch.Further,it did not ask the ECI to clarify these points itself after seeking expert opinion.

4) Statistical Analysis of Court-Mandated Sample Size– The Court-mandated sample size has a 95% probability of failing to detect a defective EVM if an Assembly Constituency is the “population”, and 70% if a Parliamentary Constituency is the “population”.

What are the recommendations given by the author to ensure robust VVPAT-based EVM audit system?

1) There is a need to implement a statistically sound, VVPAT-based EVM audit system that can detect mismatches with 99% or 99.9% accuracy.

2) There should be matching of the votes at the start of the counting day. If they match perfectly, the results should be declared based on the EVM count. In case of a mismatch, there should be manual counting of VVPAT slips for all remaining EVMs of the particular “population” and declaring results based on the VVPAT count.

Question for the practice

Why is EVM-VVPAT case judgment criticized by the author?

Navigating Healthcare Pricing Challenges in India

Source-This post on Navigating Healthcare Pricing Challenges in India has been created based on the article “Court’s nudge on hospital charges, a reform opportunity” published in “The Hindu” on 29 April 2024.

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

Context– The Supreme Court of India directed the central government to address the issue of high and varied rates for hospital procedures in the private sector. The action was taken because of big differences in the costs of procedures. For example, cataract surgeries are much cheaper in government facilities (around ₹10,000) compared to private hospitals (₹30,000 to ₹1,40,000).

The Supreme Court referred to Rule 9 of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, which mandates that clinical establishments charge rates for procedures and services within the range determined by the Central Government in consultation with State Governments.

How are healthcare services provided in India?

Healthcare delivery in India is primarily provided by private players, with prices set by the market. However, this approach leads to inefficiencies and inequalities in healthcare and necessitates regulation.

What are the key considerations for addressing healthcare financing challenges?

1) Yardstick competition– It involves regulatory authorities setting benchmark prices based on market observations.

2) Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs)– STGs help in determining what care is needed, how much care is needed, and how much it costs. They make sure different procedures get the right amount of care, while ensuring clinical autonomy. This helps to know how many resources are used for each procedure.

What are the issues with these considerations?

1) Yardstick competition– Implementing this in India is challenging due to diverse patient profiles, unreliable price data, and weak regulatory frameworks.

2) Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs)– STGs requires providers to get most of their money from fewer payers. However, due to limited regulation, health care providers could also get money directly from patients.

What are the challenges associated with implementing rate standardization policies in India?

1)There are challenges such as weak enforcement mechanisms, limited data on costs, and misaligned incentives among stakeholders.

2) Only 11 states and seven Union Territories have implemented the Clinical Establishment Act. There is not much evidence to evaluate its (Clinical Establishment Act) impact on cost, care quality or behavior of service providers.

3) There is a lack of accurate costing data due to limited participation from private hospitals.

Read more- Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

What should be the way forward?

1) There should be a comprehensive health financing reform strategy that is informed by robust and ongoing research on appropriate processes for formulating and adopting STGs.

2) Rate standardization policies should be feasible, easily implementable, and follow established price discovery practices. There is a need to learn from past and current efforts to improve healthcare financing.

Question for practice

What are the key considerations for addressing healthcare financing challenges?

GS PAPER - 3

Boosting India’s Logistics: Railway’s Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Initiative

 

Source-This post on Boosting India’s Logistics: Railway’s Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Initiative has been created based on the article “Cargo terminals will boost efficiency” published in “Business Standards” on 30 April 2024.

UPSC syllabus-GS Paper-3– Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

News- The Ministry of Railways is planning to offer 200 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to private firms and freight operators. According to government estimates, the 200 new terminals would require an investments worth ~12,000-14,000 crore. Boosting India’s Logistics

What are some of the issues faced by the railway sector?

1)  Indian Railways has plenty of surplus land.However,it is not being utilized efficiently.

2) Indian Railways lost a lot of cargo business to road sector largely due to its own inefficiencies and partly because of significant improvements in road infrastructure.

Read more– National Monetisation Pipeline Project

What is the government’s policy on long-term leasing of railway land?

Aim– The policy includes building 300 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals over the next five years.

Provision-

A) The policy allows leasing railway land for cargo facilities for up to 35 years, charging 1.5% of the land’s value annually.

B) The allocation is made through competitive bidding.

What is the significance of this move by the government?

1) Enhance capacity of logistics sector-It will ensure better utilization of railway’s land and further boost the capability in the logistics sector.

2) Ownership rights– The railways will not incur additional expenditure in this area. The successful bidders for these terminals will bear the cost of building the facility and take the business risk, while the railways will have the ownership.

3) Boost the revenue– Improved logistics will help generate additional cargo traffic for the railways and boost its revenue. As per estimates, each new terminal could add 1 million tonnes of cargo yearly, giving about 100 crore extra revenue.

4) Boost internal trade-Improved cargo facilities, along with added services, would boost internal trade and further enhance the ease of doing business.

5) Employment potential-The development of cargo terminals is estimated to generate 120,000 employment opportunities.

6) Minimize carbon emission-Transportation of freight by railways as opposed to the roadways is more cost efficient and helps contain carbon emission.

Question for practice

What is the significance of offering 200 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to private firms and freight operators?

Issues in poultry industry

Source-This post on Issues in poultry industry has been created based on the article “The poultry industry needs urgent reforms” published in “The Hindu” on 29 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Economics of Animal-Rearing

Context– The recent H5N1 outbreak was long overdue due to outstanding warnings about unsafe conditions in industrial livestock production. The current public health crisis highlights the connection between animal welfare, public health, ecosystem health, and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the importance of the One Health principle.

What are some problems with industrial poultry production in India?

1) Environmental Pollution-Industrial poultry production in India leads to contaminated environments due to overcrowded wire cages, resulting in poor air quality, odour, particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions.

2) Issues with farmers–

A) Poultry farmers struggle to leave the industry because of contract farming, hefty debts, and the need for specialized skills, even when they’re facing financial losses.

B) Farmers collect the waste or faecal matter to use as fertilizer, but sometimes there’s too much waste for the land to handle, causing pollution. This excess waste damages crops and attracts disease-carrying flies, creating problems for farmers and the neighboring population.

3) Anti-biotic usage– Farmers use antibiotics to prevent illness and help birds grow faster. However, this may lead to a rise in cases of antibiotic resistance. The antibiotics that are used for birds are considered important by the WHO.

4) Health Impacts – Keeping animals in cramped conditions not only harms their well-being but also endangers the health of people who work in or live near these places. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that among humans, the H5N1 flu has a fatality rate of 52%, with 463 deaths out of 888 cases since 2003. Most human infections with this bird flu come from being close to infected birds or contaminated places.

5) Violation of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act-This act makes it illegal to keep animals in confined spaces. Activities in industrial places that cause animals pain or suffering are a violation of the PCA Act.

Read more- Economics of Animal Rearing

What recommendations have been made for legal reform in the poultry industry?

1) The 269th Law Commission of India Report in 2017 highlighted that with more open, cleaner, and ventilated living spaces, animals are less likely to need constant antibiotics.

2) The law commission recommended a set of two draft rules for the welfare of chickens in the meat and egg industries. It included subjects like animal care, waste management, and antibiotic use, etc. However, the Draft Rules for the egg industry released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in 2019 are weak and tokenistic. They should follow the recommendations of the Law Commission.

Thus, there is a need for stricter oversight and enforcement of environmental regulations because the poultry industry is now considered highly polluting by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Question for practice

Highlight the problems with industrial poultry production in India? Suggest reforms recommended by the law commission?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)

Source-This post on National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) is based on the article “Secretary DARPG V.Srinivas to hold bilateral meetings with senior officials of Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration during the 3-day visit” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Shri. V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, will lead a 4-member delegation to Bangladesh from April 28-30, 2024. They will engage in bilateral discussions to renew the MOU between NCGG India and the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration for 2024-2029.

About National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)

1. About NCGG: It is an apex–level autonomous institution under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. 

2. Establishment:  It was set by the Government of India in 2014. 

3. Origin: The Centre traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), which was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). NIAR was subsequently rechristened and subsumed into NCGG.

4. Objectives: It has wide range of objectives:

a) To function as a national repository on information on best practices, initiatives and methodologies that promote Good Governance, e-Governance etc.

b) To advise on key issues in governance and develop synergy across various Ministries/ Departments of GoI, and State Governments.

c) To engage in provision of consultancy services in and outside the country

5. Mandate: Its mandate includes governance, policy reforms, capacity building, and training for civil servants and technocrats in India and other developing nations. It also serves as a think tank.

6. Governing Body: The affairs of the NCGG are managed under the overall superintendence and direction of the Governing Body, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.

a) It has Secretaries of 9 ministries/ departments and 5 eminent persons viz. academicians, eminent administrators, specialists, eminent innovators, heads of reputed institutions as members.

b) The Director General, who is the Chief Executive of NCGG, acts as the Member–Secretary of the Governing Body.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation

Critical Minerals Summit

Source- This post on Critical Minerals Summit is based on the article “Mines Ministry to Hold Two-day Critical Minerals Summit from Tomorrow” published in “PIB” on 28th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Mines will hold a two day ‘Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities.’

About the Critical Minerals Summit:

1. About Critical Minerals Summit: It will be held from April 29th to April 30th, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi.

2. Organized by: It was organized by Ministry of Mines, Government of India, in collaboration with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (Shakti), the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD).

3. Goal: The goal of the summit is to equip government and industry stakeholders with the knowledge, connections, and tools necessary to accelerate the domestic production of CRMs. This initiative will contribute to India’s economic growth and sustainability goals.

4. Purpose: It is organized to promote collaboration, share knowledge, and drive innovation in the field of critical mineral beneficiaries and processing.

5. Features of the summit:

a) Emphasis on eight key minerals: The summit includes technical sessions on eight key minerals, including Glauconite (Potash), Lithium – Rare Earth Elements (Laterite), Chromium, Platinum Group, Graphite, Tungsten associated with Graphite, Rare Earths (RE), and Vanadium associated with Graphite.

b) Collaboration among various stakeholders: The summit will unite a diverse range of stakeholders from India and abroad, comprising industry leaders, startups, government officials, scientists, academics, and policy experts.

c) Tackle the growing demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs): It will address the growing demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) which is essential for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles in line with India’s strategic development objectives.

d) Discussions and interactive workshops: Participants will participate in dynamic discussions and interactive workshops addressing vital issues such as mineral auction progress, policy incentives for CRM ecosystem development, and the promotion of commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.

Read more: Critical minerals

UPSC Syllabus: Indian economy

Election Commission powers against disruption of normal polling process

Source – This post on Election Commission powers against disruption of normal polling process is based on the article “Expert Explains: What Election Commission can do if normal polling process is disrupted” published in “The Indian Express” on 29th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Under Sections 58(2) and 58A (2) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA), the Election Commission of India (EC) invalidated the polls held on April 19 in 11 polling stations in Manipur and 8 polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh.

When Election Commission can use its powers against disruption of normal polling process?

1. Intentional Destruction of EVMs: Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA) empowers the EC to conduct fresh polls if intentional destruction occurs.

The process involves immediate notification by the Returning Officer (RO) to the EC and Chief Electoral Officer, followed by a formal declaration of void poll and scheduling of a new one.

Contesting candidates are duly informed, and voters participate with fresh inked marks to distinguish from the original poll.

2. Booth-Capturing: Section 135A of the RPA defines booth capturing, punishable under law. Section 58A allows for immediate action by the Presiding Officer, closing of EVMs and notifying the RO, who then informs the EC.
The EC may void the poll at the affected station or countermand the entire constituency’s election, depending on the severity.

3. Natural Disaster and Disruption: Section 57(1) of the RPA enables the Presiding Officer to adjourn polling due to various disruptions. EC approval is required for resumption. Only remaining voters are eligible to cast their votes upon resumption.

4. Death of a Candidate: Section 52 of the RPA addresses the adjournment of polls due to the death of a recognized party’s candidate. If the candidate passes away after a specified time, the RO informs the EC, postponing the poll. The EC then requests the party to nominate a replacement within seven days. The candidate list is updated accordingly.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Nation

Green taxonomy

Source-This post on Green taxonomy is based on the article “Towards a green growth: On the RBI and a green taxonomy” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

Why in the news?

The latest RBI’s Monetary Policy Report gives primacy to the impact of climate shocks on the economy’s financial stability. This reflects RBI’s step towards the adoption of the system of green taxonomy, being used by the ASEAN countries.

About green taxonomy

1. About green taxonomy: Green taxonomy is a framework that is used to determine environmentally sustainable investment in the economy. It helps in classification of whether the economic activities as green and environmentally sustainable.

2. Aim: It aims to increase investment in green activities and assets and facilitate the detection of greenwashing practices.

3. Necessity of incorporation of green taxonomies: 

a) It helps the financial markets to align their investments with the goal of net-zero emissions.

b) It also helps in the cultivation of an environmentally sustainable economy. It also helps to reorient capital towards environmentally sustainable economic activities.

4. How RBI and Finance Ministry can utilise green taxonomy:

a) The RBI and Finance Ministry can draw lessons from the ASEAN region. The ASEAN countries have adopted a dynamic green taxonomy, which is continuously updated according to the evolving sustainable practices in different sectors.

b) RBI has taken positive steps towards green taxonomy by issuing Sovereign Green Bonds and expanding participation in green government securities by Foreign Institutional Investors.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment, Economy

Indian ocean is increasingly getting Warmer

Source-This post on Indian ocean is increasingly getting Warmer is based on the article “Warming of Indian Ocean to accelerate: IITM study” published in “The Hindu” on 29th March 2024.

Why in the News?

As per the study, from 1950-2020, the Indian Ocean had become warmer by 1.2°C and climate models expect it to heat up a further 1.7°C–3.8°C from 2020–2100.

Findings of the study

Increase in the Overall heat content of the Indian Ocean: There has been elevation in the overall heat content of the Indian Ocean, as the heat penetrates beyond the surface and heats deeper layers. Currently, the heat content is rising at 4.5 zetta-joules per decade. The future projections suggest an increase in the heat content to 16–22 zetta-joules per decade.

Impact of the Increased Heating of the Indian Ocean

1. Rising sea levels: In the Indian Ocean, thermal expansion alone accounts for more than half of the sea-level rise. This surpasses the effects of glacier and sea-ice melting combined.

2. Disruption of Indian monsoon: Projections suggest a 66% rise in extreme dipole events which can lead to deficient Indian Monsoon.

3. Induce marine heatwaves- This heating of the Indian ocean can give rise to near-permanent marine heatwaves.

Marine Heatwaves

A marine heat wave is a coherent area of extreme warm sea surface temperature that persists for days to months. Marine heatwaves are caused by an increase in the heat content of oceans.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment, Geography

Unclassed Forests in India