9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 4 May, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Challenges faced by local bodies in India

Source: The post challenges faced by local bodies in India has been created, based on the article “Decentralisation: India’s struggle with persistent challenges” published in “Business standard” on 4th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– polity-devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Context: The article discusses challenges faced by local governments in India. It highlights issues like lack of data on finances, low revenue collection, and insufficient funds from higher levels.

What are the challenges faced by local bodies in India?

Fiscal Data Challenges: Local bodies lack detailed financial data, making budget management and planning difficult. Creating an accessible database for local financial data is critical. The Eleventh Finance Commission has provided grants for this purpose.

Revenue Generation Issues: Local bodies struggle with generating their own revenue, and there is limited information available due to the absence of a comprehensive database. Recommendations have been made to enhance local bodies’ taxing powers and improve the collection of property taxes and user charges.

Fund Devolution from Central and State Governments: Support from state and central governments in fund allocation to local bodies is inconsistent. Issues include delayed setup of State Finance Commissions (SFCs) and incomplete implementation of their recommendations. Additionally, grants from Union finance commissions are often conditional, leading to underutilization.

Capacity to Utilize Funds: There are concerns about local bodies’ capacity to effectively utilize allocated funds, leading to the creation of parastatals to oversee certain programs.

For details information on challenges faced by local bodies in India read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

What is the significance of decentralization in addressing these challenges?

Empowering Local Decision-Making: Decentralization allows local bodies to prioritize expenditure based on local needs, enhancing service delivery effectiveness.

Enhancing Fiscal Capacities: By decentralizing powers, local bodies can have access to adequate resources and autonomy in financial decisions, thus overcoming challenges like low revenue collection and inadequate devolution of funds.

Improving Accountability: Decentralization promotes transparency and accountability in local governance by creating frameworks for local accountability and disseminating information on local body activities and finances.

For details information on Decentralization in India read this Article here

Question for practice:

Examine how decentralization can improve the effectiveness and accountability of local bodies in India?

Challenges of holding general elections in India during hot weather

Source: The post challenges of holding general elections in India during hot weather has been created, based on the article “Why elections should be conducted in better weather conditions” published in “Indian Express” on 4th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Indian Polity-Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Context: The article discusses the challenges of holding general elections in India during hot weather. It mentions efforts by the Election Commission to make voting accessible and protect voters from heat. The author suggests considering weather when scheduling future elections to increase voter turnout and participation.

How is the weather affecting the India’s Elections?

Voter Turnout: The elections are scheduled during April to June, a period known for rising temperatures in India, which often exceed 40 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat affects voter turnout as it discourages people, especially those in rural areas, from traveling long distances to vote.

Effect on Campaign Activities: The high temperatures not only impact voters but also the campaigners. There are instances of political leaders fainting at rallies, highlighting the severe conditions under which campaigning occurs.

What are the measures taken by the Election Commission?

Task Force Creation: The Election Commission of India formed a task force with officials from the IMD, NDMA, and MoHFW to review the impact of heat waves and humidity.

Health Authority Instructions: Directed MoHFW to prepare state health authorities for assisting in heat wave conditions affecting election operations.

Facility Enhancements at Polling Stations: Arranged for shelters, drinking water, and fans to be available at polling stations to help voters cope with the heat.

What should be done?

Reschedule Elections: Consider adjusting the election timetable to cooler months to enhance voter comfort and participation, avoiding the peak heat of April to June.

Enhance On-site Facilities: Expand the provision of shelters, fans, and water at all polling stations, as already implemented by the ECI, to better accommodate voters and staff during hot weather.

Health Preparedness: Strengthen health services during elections, directing state health authorities to prepare for and address heat wave conditions, following ECI’s directives.

Collaborative Task Force Review: Maintain and possibly expand the task force that reviews weather impacts before each polling phase, ensuring timely and effective response measures.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact of hot weather on India’s elections and propose measures to address the challenges posed by high temperatures.

Risks associated with thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)

Source: The post risks associated with thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) has been created, based on the article “Side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine: Medicine is clear now to the courts” published in “Indian Express” on 4th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health and GS paper 4-ethics-ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions.

News: The article discusses a rare side effect, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), linked to the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

What is Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)?

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is a rare condition that involves blood clots and a low platelet count. It has been linked to adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines like Oxford-AstraZeneca.

For more details information on Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) read this Article here

What are the risks associated with TTS?

TTS can lead to severe clotting at unusual sites such as the brain or gut, with higher risks in younger populations (Tier 1 cases).

Reports indicate a range from 0.2 to 17.6 cases per million doses over a 21-day period, with significant regional variations.

The fatality rate due to TTS varies, reported between less than 0.1 to 1.3 deaths per million doses in different countries.

How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed?

Adaptive Design: The vaccine was developed using an “adaptive and seamless” design, recommended by the WHO for emergencies. This approach differs from traditional, rigid three-phase clinical trials.

Expedited Trials: The rapid development meant that the detection of very rare side effects, like TTS, was not as feasible during initial trials.

What was the global response?

Suspensions: Many countries, including South Africa and over 20 European nations, temporarily halted the use of the vaccine, especially among younger adults, early in 2021.

U.S. Decision: The United States opted not to approve the vaccine, despite having several million doses stockpiled.

Regulatory Reviews: The European Medicines Agency and WHO conducted reviews and concluded that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks, emphasizing the importance of communicating the specific risks associated with the vaccine.

What are the legal and ethical challenges related to TTS?

Ethical Challenges

Vaccine Suspension Decisions: Different countries made varied decisions about suspending the vaccine, often focusing on younger adults, raising questions about equitable and consistent health policy.

Benefit-risk profile:

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded on March 18, 2021, that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks of rare side effects after reviewing 25 cases of TTS among 20 million vaccinated in the UK and the European Economic Area.

Similarly, the WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety confirmed in 2021, a favorable benefit-risk profile based on the data from approximately 47 million doses.

However, the UK High Court is currently evaluating a case involving a compensation claim amounting to £255 million, against vaccine side effects. This case highlights the ethical complexities of balancing public health safety and analyzing the severity and rarity of the side effects.

Question for practice:

Discuss the ethical and legal challenges surrounding Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) linked to the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Navigating India’s Global Rise Amidst Regional Decline

Source-This post on Navigating India’s Global Rise Amidst Regional Decline has been created based on the article “The paradox of India’s global rise, its regional decline” published in “The Hindu” on 3 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-International relations- India and its Neighborhood Relations

Context – The article highlights a paradox in contemporary Indian foreign policy. On one hand, India is rising globally, whereas on the other hand its influence in the South Asian region is declining.

What are the reasons behind India’s global rise?

1) India’s global rise is attributed to growth in absolute power (economic growth, military capabilities, young demography), peer accommodation, and a conducive international situation.

2) India’s inclusion in key global institutions like G-20, G-7, Quad, BRICS, and SCO highlight its geopolitical significance and powerful global presence.

3) Increased global focus on the Indo-Pacific, where India plays a central role, has helped boost India’s global standing.

What are the factors that have led to decline in India’s regional power?

Despite its global rise, India’s influence in South Asia has declined sharply compared to the Cold War era or China’s current influence in the region.

1)  Indian Influence Decline and Global Prominence-India’s rising global prominence is also one of the reasons for its regional declining status. For instance- the American withdrawal from the region and China’s increased presence have negatively affected India. However, these factors have led the United States and its allies to back India’s global goals in countering China’s influence.

2) Neighboring Strategies– Smaller South Asian countries are using strategies like balancing, bargaining, hedging, and bandwagoning, perceiving China as a beneficial counterbalance to India.

3) The Rise of China and its Impact -China’s rise is the main factor behind India’s regional decline. This is because, for the first time, India faces stiff geopolitical competition from a rising superpower neighbor. The arrival of China in South Asia, the U.S. withdrawal, and India’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific have shifted the regional balance of power in Beijing’s favor.

What are the implications of this paradox for India?

1) India’s situation of rising globally but weakening regionally has big consequences for its global goals.

2) It raises questions about whether a country that is not able to maintain its prominence in its periphery then how it can be a pivotal power in international politics.

Read more– On Potential of India-China Relations: A China-India partnership, its vast global potential

What steps can be taken by India to regain its regional prominence?

1) India needs to recognize that the region, its neighbors, and the geopolitics have changed significantly in the past fifteen years or so.

2) There is a need to revisit traditional conceptions of the region and ‘modernize’ India’s primacy in South Asia.

3) India should focus on its strengths rather than trying to match China’s might in every aspect. For ex- reclaiming the Buddhist heritage.

4) India should leverage its maritime advantages in the Indo-Pacific to address its continental handicaps by engaging smaller South Asian nations in the Indo-Pacific strategy. For ex- India and its partners like the U.S., Japan etc. can find ways of engaging and partnering with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh as part of their larger Indo-Pacific strategy.

5) There is a need to view the region through a non-India-centric lens and work with external friendly partners in the Indian Ocean and South Asia.

6)  India’s soft power need to be utilized innovatively to maintain influence in the region, like promoting informal communication among political and civil society figures in countries where India is reluctant to engage directly in conflicts. For ex-dealing with Myanmar crisis.

Question for practice

Highlight the factors that have led to decline in India’s regional power? What steps can be taken by India to regain its regional prominence?

Boosting Organ Donation in India

Source-This post on Boosting Organ Donation in India has been created based on the article “Organ donation hit by poor identification of brain death cases” published in “The Hindu” on 3 April 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-2– issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

Context– The article highlights the need for better identification and certification of brain death cases, increased awareness among the public, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations to improve the low organ donation rates in India.

What is the current state of organ donation in India?

1) As per the Union Health Ministry, there is a low rate of organ donations in India, which is less than one donor per million people each year.

2) According to transplant data, 16,041 organs, mostly kidneys, were donated in 2022. Delhi topped the country with 3,818 donations.

What are the reasons for low organ donation rates in India?

The main reason for low organ donation rates in India is the poor identification and certification of brain death cases, even though there are many potential cases available.

 What are the directives issued by the DGHS to accelerate organ donation in India?

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, to address the issue-

1) Protocol for Identifying Organ Donation Opportunities -The Standard Operating Procedure mandates that doctors on duty, assisted by transplant coordinators, must recognize every potential case of brain death admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ascertain whether the individual had made a commitment to donate their organs.

2) Facilitate Organ Donation Discussions with Families– If the individual had not committed to donate their organs, then hospital authorities should make family members aware of the opportunity to donate organs before the heart stops.

3) Ensuring Compliance with Organ Donation Regulations– The DGHS has asked all the hospitals to facilitate and monitor the certification of brain death cases. This will help in ensuring compliance with the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act and Rules.

Read more- Unique ID for organ donation

What should be the way forward?

Awareness Campaigns -The Health Ministry has asked the hospitals to install ‘Required Request Display Boards’ in important places. These boards will tell people that if someone has brain death or a heart attack, donating organs like kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas, eyes, skin, and bones can save lives.

Question for the practice

What are the reasons for low organ donation rates in India? Highlight the steps that can be taken to speed up organ donation in India?

Slow Progress in achieving SDGs

Source-This post on Slow Progress in achieving SDGs has been created based on the article “This is the year to get the SDG goals back on track” published in “The Hindu” on 4 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.

Context: The United Nations summit on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held in New York recently. It assessed progress towards achieving the 17 SDGs and 169 specific targets set by the agenda-2030, adopted in 2015. The article highlights the slow progress and challenges in achieving SGGs.

What are SDGs?

Description-SDGs stand for Sustainable Development Goals. They are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Coverage-These goals cover a wide range of social, economic, and environmental issues, aiming to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

Nature-The SDG programme is internationally non-binding. However, all countries have committed to work towards these goals.

Read more- India’s Sustainable Development Goals

What has been the overall progress towards achieving the SDGs?

1) Slow Progress– Reports indicate that progress has been slow and off track. While there were some improvements between 2015 and 2019, they were largely inadequate to meet the goals.

2) Impact of Covid-19-The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises have significantly impeded progress.

3) Lack of adequate attention to environmental goals– Not enough focus has been attached to goals about the environment and protecting biodiversity. This slow progress is worrying because it goes against the idea that all the SDGs are connected and cannot be separated. It also puts the environment at risk of getting worse in a faster manner.

What are key areas that require urgent action?

The UN SDG Report 2023 identified five key areas for urgent action: –

1) Commitment of governments to seven years of accelerated, sustained, and transformative actions to deliver on SDG promises.

2) Concrete, integrated, and targeted policies and actions to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and end the war on nature, with a focus on advancing women’s and girls’ rights and empowering the vulnerable.

3) Strengthening national and subnational capacity, accountability, and public institutions to deliver accelerated progress.

4) Recommitment of the international community to deliver and mobilize resources to assist developing nations.

5) Continued strengthening of the UN development system.

What is the impact of this slow progress?

1) If the current pattern persists, it will result in a faster decline in environmental quality. This contradicts the aim of moving towards sustainability.

2 The SDGs have not been sufficient in making much political difference at the national or local level, except discussions and some small changes in rules and institutions. It suggests that setting global goals does not directly impact politics on local or national levels.

 What are the suggestions given by 2019 report ‘Future is Now’ for accelerating SDG implementation?

1) Systematic Approach to Achieving the 2030 Agenda –It highlights how the 2030 Agenda can truly change things by using a systematic approach. This implies finding a balance between different results and ensuring that actions help achieve several SDGs at the same time

2) Selecting Priority Areas-It recommends choosing the most suitable starting points based on local needs and regional or national priorities. Then, it suggests using four key tools-governance, economy and money, actions by individuals and groups, and science and technology.

3) Collaborative Partnership for Global Sustainable Development -People in these sectors must collaborate and build new partnerships to develop and execute sustainable development plans that suit each country’s unique needs and priorities. This will help make big changes globally.

Conclusion– In 2024, many countries around the world will have elections, involving 64 nations and nearly half of the world’s population. It’s important for the new governments to think about sustainability and align their national policies accordingly.

Question for practice

What has been the overall progress towards achieving the SDGs? Highlight the measures that can be taken to accelerate the implementation of SDG?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Standalone Primary Dealers to borrow in foreign currency

Source-This post on Standalone Primary Dealers to borrow in foreign currency has been created based on the article “Standalone Primary Dealers to borrow in foreign currency ” published in “Business Standard” on 4 May 2024.

Why in the news?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently allowed standalone primary dealers (SPDs) to borrow in foreign currency from their parent companies and entities authorized by it.

Standalone primary dealers will also be allowed to access overdraft facilities in nostro accounts solely for operational use.

NOTE- Nostro account– A nostro account is a bank account held by a domestic bank in a foreign country’s currency. This account is primarily used to facilitate foreign exchange and international trade transactions.

About Primary Dealers

About Standalone Primary Dealer
Source-Deccan Herald

IntroductionIn 1995, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the Primary Dealers (PDs) system in the Government Securities Market. This system includes independent entities specifically involved in Primary Dealer activity.

Definition– A primary dealer is an RBI-registered entity that is authorized to buy and sell government securities. There are 2 types of primary dealers in India – standalone primary dealers and bank primary dealers.

About Standalone Primary Dealer

Description-They are either subsidiaries of scheduled commercial banks or entities incorporated abroad or those incorporated under the Companies Act.

Status-They are registered as non-banking financial companies. As of March 31, 2023, there were 7 SPDs registered as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) with the RBI.

What are the regulatory guidelines released by the RBI regarding SPDs?

1) Borrowings by SPDs must adhere to prescribed limits for foreign currency.

2) If withdrawals go over the limit and aren’t fixed within 5 days, they need to be reported to the RBI within 15 days from the end of the month when the limits were exceeded.

3) The RBI has included SPDs within the scope of norms for risk management and interbank dealings. 

4) Capital Requirements and Reporting-The board of authorized dealers can set the net overnight open position limit (NOOPL) to calculate the capital charge on forex risk. This limit shouldn’t go over 25% of the dealer’s total capital.

What is the significance of the recent move of the RBI?

1) It would help SPDs in managing funding for their foreign exchange business.

2) It would facilitate and smoothen foreign exchange operations for primary dealers.

3) It will allow SPDs to fund settlement failures in forex transactions by borrowing from their parent companies.

Read more-T+1 settlement system: how it works, and how it will help investors

UPSC Syllabus-Indian Economy

Eta Aquariids meteor showers

Source-This post on Eta Aquariids meteor showers is based on the article “Explained: The Eta Aquariid meteor shower and how it can be spotted” published in “The Indian Express” on 4th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Eta Aquariids meteor showers are active from April 16 and will peak on May 5 and 6. These meteor showers are seen in May every year and are best visible in  countries such as Indonesia and Australia in the Southern Hemisphere.

About Eta Aquariids meteor showers

Eta Aquariids meteor shower
Source: The Indian Express

 

About The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is an annual celestial event that occurs when Earth passes through the orbital plane of Halley’s Comet.
Origin 1. It is named after the Aquarius constellation, where its radiant point is located. Radiant points are the positions in the sky from which meteor showers appear to originate.
2. Eta Aquariids are associated with Halley’s Comet, which orbits the Sun approximately once every 76 years.
(The last time Halley’s Comet was visible from Earth was in 1986, and Halley’s comet is due to enter the inner solar system again in 2061)
Unique Characteristics 1. Rapid Speed and Glowing Tails- The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is known for its rapid speed, resulting in long-lasting, glowing tails that can persist for several minutes.
2. Observational Rates: Observers in the Southern Hemisphere typically witness 30 to 40 meteors per hour during the peak, whereas viewers in the Northern Hemisphere observe a lower rate of around 10 meteors per hour.

Why number of Aquarid meteors decreases in Northern hemisphere?

The number of Aquarid meteors decreases in the Northern Hemisphere due to their radiant point’s position in the sky. In the hemisphere, the radiant point appears to be skimming the earth. Hence termed as Earth gazers.

However, in the Southern Hemisphere, the radiant points are higher in the sky and more visible. Hence the meteors are more visible.

About comets and Meteors

Comets- Comets consist of dust, rock, and ice. They travel around the Sun in highly elliptical orbits, with some taking hundreds of thousands of years to complete one orbit. Currently, 3,910 comets are known, but many more are believed to exist beyond Neptune in regions like the Kuiper Belt and the distant Oort cloud.

Meteors- Meteors are celestial objects, including rocks and debris, that ignite and vaporize upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a luminous streak across the sky. Meteors are often referred to as shooting stars or falling stars. However, they are not stars.

Relation between Meteor showers and Comets- Comets play a significant role in meteor showers by shedding dust and debris along their orbits around the Sun. As comets approach the Sun, they heat up and release gases and dust, forming a glowing head that can be larger than a planet.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Space)

CDSCO to issue NOC for export of drugs

Source-This post on CDSCO to issue NOC for export of drugs is based on the article “Centre takes away state powers for issuing NOC for export of drugs” published in “The Mint” on 4th May 2024.

Why in the News?

In a significant development, CDSCO will be the sole licensing authority to issue NOC for drug export. Earlier, state drug controllers had the jurisdiction to issue NOC certificates. This move comes amidst heightened global scrutiny of Indian-made drugs. This centralization of authority aims to enhance regulatory oversight and streamline the export process for pharmaceutical companies.

What changes have been brought?

1. Regulatory Process for Manufacturers to obtain NOC- Manufacturers seeking NOCs for the manufacture of unapproved, approved new drugs, or banned drugs solely for export purposes, must obtain it from the respective zonal office of the CDSCO.

2. States to hand over NOCs issued to CDCSO- All state/UT drug controllers are required to hand over all NOCs issued to the respective CDSCO Zonal offices.

About CDSCO

1) About CDSCO: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is the Central Drug Authority for discharging functions assigned to the Central Government under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. It is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India.

2) Regulated under: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It has nine zonal offices, seven sub zonal offices, eighteen Port offices, seven central laboratories and six mini labs spread across the country.

3) Function: CDSCO is responsible for approving drugs, conducting clinical trials, setting standards, ensuring quality control of imported drugs. It also shares the responsibility of granting licences for specialized categories of critical drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and sera.

Seventh India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee(JDCC) meeting

Source-This post on Seventh India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee(JDCC) meeting is based on the article “India, Indonesia agree to enhance defence industry collaboration” published in “The Hindu” on 4th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the seventh India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting was held in New Delhi. Both nations agreed to enhance collaboration in areas of defence industry, maritime security and multilateral cooperation.

Key takeaways from the seventh India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee(JDCC) meeting

seventh India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee
Source: The hindu

1. Expansion of Defence Cooperation- Both countries expressed satisfaction with the increasing scope of their defence cooperation between both the nations.

2. Defence Industry Collaboration: The meeting focussed on increasing the defence collaboration between Indian and Indonesian Defence firms. There was active involvement of Indian defense industry partners such as Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.

3. Maritime Security Collaboration: India and Indonesia emphasized cooperation in maritime security, considering their shared vision of the Indo-Pacific region.

4. Multilateral Cooperation: Both nations are actively involved in multilateral cooperation, featuring frequent high-level interactions. Indonesia’s significant role in India’s Act East Policy and the broader Indo-Pacific region was also highlighted.

5. Collaborative Goals: The collaboration aims to enhance domestic production, boost military capabilities, and strengthen ties between India and Indonesia. This joint effort addresses common security challenges and fosters strategic partnerships between the two nations.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence) 

World Press Freedom Index 2023

Source– This post on  World Press Freedom Index 2023 is based on the article “India press freedom score fell over the last year: RSF” published in “The Indian Express” on 4th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, World Press Freedom Index 2023 was released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). India’s ranking has dropped to 161 out of 180 countries.

About World Press Freedom Index 2023:

Aspects  Description
About  The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Purpose  It compares the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media in 180 countries and territories.
Methodology RSF evaluates countries based on various indicators related to press freedom. These indicators include-
a) media independence
b) legal framework
c) safety of journalists 
Indicators The ranking is based on five Indicators- Political, legislative, economic, sociocultural and safety of journalists.

Highlights of the World Press Freedom Index 2023

World Press Freedom Index 2023
Source: RSF

1. Brief Overview of Ranking- According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, the situation is “very serious” in 31 countries, “difficult” in 42, “problematic” in 55, and “good” or “satisfactory” in 52 countries. Norway has maintained its top ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, for the seventh consecutive year.

2. Status of India’s Ranking- India’s press freedom ranking stands at 161 out of 180 countries. This marks a decline from “problematic” to “very bad,” with an 11-rank drop since the 2022 report.

India’s Indicator Wise Rankings
Political indicators 169
Legislative indicators 144
Economic indicator 155
Social indicator 143
Safety of journalists 172

3. Neighbouring countries of India having higher rankings- All neighboring countries have higher rankings than India, with the exceptions of Bangladesh (163), Myanmar (173), and China (179). Bhutan ranks at 90, Nepal at 95, Sri Lanka at 135, Pakistan at 150, and Afghanistan at 152.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and index

Forest Fires In India

Source-This post on Forest fires in India is based on the article “Forest fires scorched 38,100 HA of tree cover in over 2 decades” published in “The Business Standard” on 4th May 2024.

Why in the News?

The devastating forest fires in Uttarakhand have brought widespread attention to the extensive destruction caused by it. Over time, Forest Fire has become a matter of great environmental concern, and its cases are continuously increasing.

About Forest in India

India recorded 82,170 forest fire alerts from April 1-14, 2021 nearly double the number reported during the same period past year, according to Global Forest Watch (GFW), an open-source monitoring application
Source: DTE
Aspects Description
Definition A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire that destroys large parts of the forest.
Causes Natural factors- Lightning, elevated atmospheric temperatures, and low humidity.
Human activities- Traditional agricultural methods such as Jhum cultivation, Human negligence such as discarded cigarettes or bidis.
Period November to June is considered to be forest fire season in India.
Peak fire season: It typically begins in late February and spans about 12 weeks.
Forest Fire Prone Regions 1) Highly susceptible to severe fires: Dry deciduous forests
2) Less Prone areas:  Evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests
3) Vulnerable states: Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Nagaland-Manipur border, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Status of Forest Fire in India:

1) Extent of Loss: Since 2001, India has witnessed the loss of 38,100 hectares of tree cover to forest fires. The highest loss recorded in 2008 which was around 3 million hectares. Between 2001 and 2023, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh were the most severely affected states by forest fires.

2) Recent Losses: In 2023, forest fires have resulted in the loss of 2,130 hectares. By the last week of April, Uttarakhand has reported over eight new forest fires, which has consumed 11.75 hectares of tree cover.

3) Fire Alerts: Between May to April 2024, India received 12,689 fire alerts. Karnataka received the maximum fire alerts in the past four weeks.

Global Status of forest fire

Around 28% of trees lost worldwide from 2001 to 2023 were due to forest fires. In 2023, Canada saw the burning of 7.76 million hectares of trees due to fires.
Other countries like Russia, Brazil, Bolivia, the United States, and Australia were also badly affected by forest fires during this time.

Government Efforts to Prevent Forest Fires in India

1) National Action Plan: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has devised a focused National Action Plan on Forest Fire. It aims to inform, enable, and empower forest fringe communities, incentivizing collaboration with Forest Departments for prevention and control.

2) Empowering Communities: The plan prioritizes empowering forest fringe communities to reduce forest vulnerability. These communities are crucial for early detection, prevention, and firefighting.

3) Enhancing Personnel Capabilities: Government is emphasizing on the need to enhance forest personnel and institutional capabilities through training, equipment provision, and improved coordination.

4) Research and Technology: The government plans to establish a National Institute of Forest Fire Management for research, technology extension, and personnel training, alongside initiatives to enhance monitoring and quick detection infrastructure.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

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