9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 6th December, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Accountability for Hospital Fires in India

Source: The post Accountability for Hospital Fires in India has been created, based on the article “Where is accountability for India’s hospital fires?” published in “India express” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Polity and governance

Context: The article delves into the alarming prevalence of hospital fires in India, emphasizing the dire need for accountability and systemic reform to prevent such tragedies. Despite comprehensive fire safety guidelines provided by the National Building Code and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), hospital fires continue to occur with disturbing regularity, claiming lives and exposing lapses in compliance with safety norms. This also highlights recurrent issues such as poorly designed safety exits, lack of electricity load audits, improper storage of combustible materials, and disregard for fire safety protocols.

Why are hospital fires in India a recurring issue?

Hospital fires are frequent due to poor fire safety measures, despite extensive guidelines from the National Building Code and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Major contributing factors include: Poorly designed safety exits, Neglect of electricity load audits., Improper use of oxygen and Failure to adhere to storage protocols for combustible materials.

What role does electrical load mismanagement play in hospital fires?

Short circuits are the primary cause of most hospital fires. Studies show healthcare facilities experience a 25% annual increase in electricity load post-commissioning.

This highlights the need for: Budgeting for buffer loads during facility planning and periodic recalibration of electrical systems, as recommended by the NDMA.

Are hospitals adhering to NDMA’s fire safety guidelines?

Many hospitals fail to Install fire alarms and sprinklers and conduct mandatory periodic safety checks, prioritizing cost-cutting over safety.

What role do municipalities play in fire safety?

Municipal bodies are responsible for fire safety inspections, but their governance has weakened over time. Issues include:

Infrequent inspections, often occurring once every few years.

Regularization of unauthorized structures, which compromises safety.

What did the Justice D A Mehta committee conclude about governance failures?

The committee investigated fires in two Gujarat hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic and concluded that fatalities could have been avoided if illegal structures weren’t regularized and a serious reevaluation of policies on unauthorized construction in healthcare facilities is necessary.

What needs to change to prevent hospital fires?

1. Strict enforcement of NDMA guidelines, including recalibration of electrical loads and installation of safety systems.
2. Strengthening municipal governance for regular inspections and accountability.
3. Ceasing the regularization of unauthorized structures in healthcare facilities.
4. Ensuring accountability for negligence, with stricter penalties for hospital authorities and owners.

Theatre of Military Command

Source: The post  Theatre of Military Command has been created, based on the article “The theatre of military command” published in “Business Standard” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Polity and governance

Context:The article discusses the ongoing challenges and reforms related to India’s military command structure. It highlights the need for theatre commands to achieve synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, a reform critical for modern warfare.

Why is the creation of theatre commands essential for India?

Theatre commands are critical for achieving battlefield synergy among India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. They enable unified command, optimize resource utilization, and align with modern global military practices.

What is the historical significance of India’s military?

India’s 1.4 million-strong armed forces have a legacy of discipline and bravery. Indian troops played key roles in historic battles like the Battle of Ypres (World War I) and the Burma Campaign (World War II). During British rule, the British Indian Army supported imperial power across Asia.

How has civil-military coordination evolved in India?

India’s civil-military relations have been historically marked by rivalry and mistrust. While such a dynamic served colonial divide-and-rule policies, independent India required a more unified approach. Instances like the 1947 airlift of troops to Kashmir highlight the government’s ability to take decisive military action when needed.

What are the key tensions in civil-military relations in India?

1. Inter-service rivalries: Competition among the Army, Navy, and Air Force undermines cooperation.
2. Civil-military mistrust: Bureaucratic and military relations are often marked by suspicion and a lack of alignment.
3. Leadership inconsistencies: Examples include George Fernandes decisively sacking Navy Chief Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat (1998) and A.K. Antony’s passive approach to General V.K. Singh’s court case (2012).

How has this affected decision-making in crises?

During the 26/11 Mumbai attacks (2008), the chiefs of the armed forces failed to provide clear recommendations for retaliation, despite the Prime Minister’s direct queries. This highlights the need for better coordination and clarity in leadership.

What has been India’s progress on defence reforms?

India has faced calls for unified command structures since the 1999 Kargil conflict. Various committees, including the Kargil Review Committee (1999), Group of Ministers Report (2001), Naresh Chandra Committee (2012), and Shekatkar Committee (2016), recommended creating a tri-service commander position like the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

What was the significance of appointing a Chief of Defence Staff in 2019?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of the CDS in 2019 to address fragmented military leadership.

The CDS:

• Heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry of Defence.
• Coordinates the restructuring of 17 single-service commands into joint/theatre commands.
• Provides the armed forces formal authority within the government structure.

What are the proposed theatre commands in India?

1. Northern Theatre Command: Army-led, addressing the China threat.
2. Western Theatre Command: Air Force-led, focusing on Pakistan.
3. Maritime Theatre Command: Navy-led, defending peninsular India.
4. Strategic Forces Command: Managing India’s nuclear deterrent.

What are the concerns regarding theatre commands?

1. Army dominance: The Navy and Air Force fear marginalization due to the Army’s larger size.
2. Democracy concerns: Some fear an overly empowered CDS could threaten democratic control.
3. Reporting structure: Debate persists on whether theatre commanders should report to service chiefs, the CDS, or directly to the Defence Minister.

How does the government plan to address these concerns?

1. The DMA’s mandate includes facilitating joint operations and addressing biases.
2. The proposed theatre command structure aims to balance responsibilities among services, ensuring no single branch dominates.

What is the current status and way forward?

1. Despite progress, longstanding biases and inter-service rivalries hinder full implementation of theatre commands.
2. The Prime Minister has made clear that theatre commands are a priority reform, and the CDS must finalize proposals for government approval.
3. Establishing theatre commands is not optional but essential for India’s military modernization.

GS PAPER - 2

India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations

Source: The post  India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations has been created, based on the article “restart, restart, restart” published in “Business Standard” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations

Context: This article discusses the protracted and ongoing negotiations between India and the United Kingdom (UK) for a free trade agreement (FTA), highlighting the challenges, stakes, and progress made since talks were launched in January 2022.

Why is the India-UK FTA significant for both nations?

1. For the UK: It is crucial to recalibrate post-Brexit trade relationships and strengthen ties with India, its second-largest source of foreign direct investment.
2. For India: The UK is its fourth-largest export destination and a key developed

How significant is UK-India trade currently?

1. The UK is India’s 14th-largest trade partner, with total trade of $11.5 billion during April-September 2023.
2. Exports from India: $7.3 billion (12% year-on-year growth)
3. Imports from the UK: $4.2 billion (30% year-on-year growth)

What are the contentious issues in the FTA negotiations?

India’s demands:

• Liberalized migration policies for skilled workers
• A Social Security Agreement (SSA) to prevent double contributions for cross-border workers

UK’s demands:

• Reduced tariffs on whisky (currently 150%), electric vehicles, and automobiles
• Greater access to Indian markets for legal, architecture, financial, and telecommunication services

Mutual disagreements:

• Labour and environmental commitments
• Carbon Border Tax relief for India
• Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) dispute resolution and local remedies clause
• Rules of origin and intellectual property rights

What are India and UK’s stances on labour and environment issues?

The Labour-led UK government may demand stronger commitments in these areas. India prefers non-binding “best endeavour” clauses, citing domestic regulatory constraints.

What are the challenges around the Carbon Border Tax?

India has strongly opposed the tax and seeks relief, but the new UK government may stick to its rollout plan, making negotiations tougher.

What sectors in India could benefit from the FTA?

Labour-intensive sectors like textiles, apparel, footwear, and agricultural products may gain market access. However, major tariff cuts are unlikely as the UK is already a low-tariff country.

What compromises might India need to consider?

India must be cautious about granting concessions on whisky and automobiles, as similar demands could arise from the EU and the US during their respective trade negotiations.

What’s the strategic importance of the FTA for the UK?

1. FTAs are vital for the UK to rebuild trade ties post-Brexit by reducing barriers, diversifying partners, and restoring market access lost after leaving the EU.
2. They also boost economic growth by opening new markets for exports and driving trade-led recovery in a sluggish economy.

How will the FTA affect India’s broader trade goals?

1. FTA provides an opportunity to expand into modern trade issues while maintaining a strong export position with a developed nation.
2. By resolving these disputes and aligning domestic priorities, both nations aim to shape a mutually beneficial FTA and bolster bilateral trade relations.

China’s Critical Minerals Control Challenges US Dependency

Source: The post China’s Critical Minerals Control Challenges US Dependency has been created, based on the article “China’s mineral export curbs have a silver lining for the US” published in “Live mint” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,

Context: The article discusses China’s dominance in critical minerals essential for clean energy and military uses. It highlights U.S. dependence, Trump’s anti-green policies, efforts to boost domestic mining, and geopolitical tensions influencing critical mineral strategies during his upcoming presidency.

For detailed information on Issue with China’s Export Restrictions read this article here

How Does China Dominate Critical Minerals?

1. China plays a crucial role in the global energy transition due to its dominance in critical minerals.
2. It recently banned exports of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the U.S., which are used in semiconductors, ammunition, and electronics.
3. China also restricted graphite exports, a key material for EV batteries and grid storage.

Why Are Critical Minerals Important?

1. Essential for Energy Transition: Minerals like graphite, cobalt, and lithium are crucial for EV batteries and grid storage.
2. Military Applications: Minerals such as gallium, graphite, and rare earths like lanthanum are used in semiconductors, bombs, and electronics.
3. U.S. Dependency: The U.S. depends entirely on imports for 12 of 50 identified critical minerals, including gallium and natural graphite. Over 50% of its supply for 29 others comes from foreign sources.

What Is the U.S. Doing to Address This?

1. The U.S. is boosting domestic critical mineral production to reduce dependence on imports, especially from China.
2. Grants and Loans: The Pentagon funded Graphite One to mine graphite in Alaska. The company is also seeking further loans from the Export-Import Bank to counter China’s dominance.
3. Increasing Mining: Non-fuel mineral mining employed 150,000 people in 2023, almost matching oil, gas, and coal production combined.
4. Trump’s Presidency Impact: Trump supports mining and drilling. His administration may ease mine permitting, open federal lands for mineral extraction, and prioritize stockpiling critical minerals to reduce foreign reliance.

What Challenges Lie Ahead?

1. Geopolitical Tensions: China’s export bans, such as on graphite, impact U.S. supply chains.
2. Decarbonization efforts may slow under Trump, but critical mineral demand will remain high.
3. U.S. dependence on China drives urgency to build domestic capacity despite geopolitical tensions.

Question for practice:

Examine how China’s dominance in critical minerals impacts U.S. energy transition and military capabilities.

India strengthens global relations through Modi’s visits

Source: The post India strengthens global relations through Modi’s visits has been created, based on the article “A three-nation visit as a foray into summit diplomacy” published in “The Hindu” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16-21, 2024. It highlights India’s focus on strengthening bilateral ties, promoting Global South perspectives, and enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors across three regions.

Why was Nigeria the first stop?

1. Key Highlights: Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and the fourth-largest economy. It was invited to the G-20 and BRICS due to its growing global influence.
2. Ceremonial Honours: PM Modi was gifted the keys to Abuja and received a national award recognizing India-Nigeria ties.
3. Bilateral Cooperation: Discussions included expanding trade, investment, education, energy, and agriculture. India also committed to fighting terrorism and radicalization with Nigeria.
4. MOUs Signed: Three MOUs were finalized despite delays.
5. India’s Role: Nigeria benefits from India’s development assistance and human resource programs.

What was India’s contribution at the G-20 summit in Brazil?

1. Focus Areas: Hosted in Rio de Janeiro (November 18-19), the summit advanced the Global South’s perspectives initiated in New Delhi. Key priorities were social inclusion, sustainable development, and governance reform.
2. Achievements:

• Launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
• Adopted a roadmap for stronger multilateral development banks.

3. Challenges:

• Limited progress on climate finance.
• No significant breakthroughs on UN and WTO reforms.

4. India’s Diplomacy: PM Modi met leaders from the US, Europe, and the Global South. Indian and Chinese foreign ministers discussed steps for rapprochement.

What made Guyana significant?

1. Historical and Strategic Importance: Guyana has a 40% Indian-origin population and growing energy resources. It also plays a key role in the Caribbean.
2. MOUs Signed: 10 agreements covered energy, defence, urban development, and education.
3. India-Caribbean Community Summit: PM Modi proposed seven pillars of cooperation, including agriculture, climate change, technology, and culture. These pillars aligned with Caribbean priorities.
4. Recognition: Guyana’s President praised Modi as a “champion among leaders.”

What was the overall outcome?

1. In six days, the visit showcased India’s growing global role and commitment to fostering ties.
2. The outcomes included deeper bilateral and regional cooperation, strengthened India’s G-20 leadership, and expanded relations with Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana in strengthening India’s global role and fostering bilateral and regional cooperation.

Sixteenth Finance Commission and India’s Fiscal Challenges

Source: The post Sixteenth Finance Commission and India’s Fiscal Challenges has been created, based on the article “States and the challenge before the Finance Commission” published in “The Hindu” on 6th December 2024

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

Context: The article discusses the Sixteenth Finance Commission chaired by Arvind Panagariya, focusing on fiscal challenges in India. It highlights the need for a fair distribution of resources between States and the Union, addressing issues like devolution, growth incentives, urbanization, and demographic changes.

For detailed information on Fiscal Federalism in India read this article here

What is the Role of the Sixteenth Finance Commission?

1. The Sixteenth Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, is tasked with addressing India’s fiscal challenges and improving the financial relationship between the States and the Union.
2. It aims to create a balance between equitable redistribution of resources and incentivizing growth in high-performing States like Tamil Nadu.

For detailed information on 16th Finance Commission read this article here

How do global trends impact the Commission’s decisions?

1. Global economic changes, such as “friendshoring” and “reshoring,” are reshaping trade and investment.

2.These trends provide opportunities for India, especially Tamil Nadu, to strengthen its position in international markets.

3. The Commission must align its policies to support this growth.

How Has the Finance Commission Changed Over Time?

1. Since its first formation in 1951, each Finance Commission has tried to fairly distribute resources.
2. They have increased the States’ share of taxes and directed funds to less-developed regions.
3. However, there have been discrepancies in achieving these goals, as shown by the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s results where the actual money given to States was only 33.16% of the Union’s gross tax revenue instead of the proposed 41%.

What challenges do progressive States face?

1. Aging Population: States like Tamil Nadu face rising costs to support an aging population, as their median age is above the national average. This reduces consumption-based tax revenue.
2. Urbanization: Tamil Nadu is rapidly urbanizing, with its urban population projected to reach 57.30% by 2031, compared to the national average of 37.90%. This creates infrastructure demands.
3. Middle-Income Trap: Progressive States risk stagnation and “growing old before becoming rich.”
4. Fiscal Strain: Limited fiscal autonomy and inadequate resource allocation hinder these States’ ability to sustain growth and address local needs effectively.

What should be done for future resource distribution?

1. States should receive 50% of the gross central taxes to better manage local schemes and expenses.
2. There is a need to balance between giving enough resources to both less-developed and progressive States to support overall growth.

What is the broader impact of the Commission’s work?

1. The Commission’s decisions affect manufacturing, urban challenges, and climate resilience.
2. Its work is vital for ensuring that all States contribute to and benefit from national progress, aiming to position India among the leading global economies.

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of global economic trends on the decisions and policies of the Sixteenth Finance Commission.

GS PAPER - 3

Growth Challenges for Viksit Bharat

Source: The post Growth Challenges for Viksit Bharat has been created, based on the article “When dreams of Viksit Bharat stumble over Nehruvian impulses” published in “Indian express” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Context:  India’s aspiration to transform into a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 hinges on achieving sustained economic growth. However, recent macroeconomic data and policy developments highlight structural challenges and policy missteps that may hinder progress. The article underscores the critical need for reforms in monetary policy, taxation, foreign investment, and institutional frameworks to align with the country’s long-term ambitions.

Why is India’s growth target for 2047 under scrutiny?

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected a 7% growth rate for Q2 of FY 2023-24, but actual growth was 5.4%.
2. This discrepancy raises concerns about the reliability of economic projections and their implications for achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
3. India’s growth prospects are influenced by policy decisions, not random occurrences.

 How do policies influence growth rates?

1. Macroeconomic policies, such as exchange rates, tariffs, and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), significantly impact growth.
2. For example, high taxation, declining foreign investment, and tight monetary policies have hampered India’s growth trajectory over the last two years.

What role do real policy rates play in India’s economic growth?

1. Real policy rates in India are higher than in other non-advanced economies:

Core inflation: India’s real repo rate is 2%, compared to a median of 1.2%.

Headline inflation: India’s rate is 1.4%, while the median is 0.9%.

2. Historically, during the high-growth period (2004-2011), India had negative real policy rates (-1%). The current contractionary monetary policies have slowed the economy.

How do tax policies affect India’s competitiveness?

1. India’s total tax revenue-to-GDP ratio is 19%, higher than China (16%) and Vietnam (13%), despite their higher per-capita incomes.
2. High import tariffs in India reduce competitiveness and efficiency, further dampening growth prospects.

What is the significance of foreign investment in India’s growth story?

1. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and infrastructure development are critical for achieving Viksit Bharat.
2. India’s withdrawal from Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) has deterred foreign investors, increasing their risk exposure without enhancing returns.
3. The decline in FDI signals the need to rebuild trust through enforceable contracts, timely conflict resolution, and predictable judicial actions.

What are the recent policy missteps affecting growth?

1. Retrospective tax changes, such as removing indexation benefits on real estate, continue to create uncertainty.
2. Restrictions on credit card expenditures and the withdrawal from BITs reflect a return to a command-and-control economic approach.
3. These policies undermine the government’s stated aim to limit state intervention.

How does India’s aspiration for high growth conflict with current economic realities?

1. India’s per-capita income remains below $3,000, while its economy is the fifth largest globally.
2. Growth aspirations demand a shift from policies influenced by Nehruvian socialism toward a more market-driven approach.
3. The Prime Minister advocates for minimal state intervention, but bureaucratic inertia often results in statist policies.

What lessons can India learn from global growth patterns?

No country is entitled to sustained high growth rates like 6-7%. Many nations have lost momentum by assuming consistent growth as a right, ignoring the need for institutional and policy reforms.

What needs to change for India to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047?

1. There is a need to align policies with the ambition of becoming a developed economy.
2. There is also a need to address structural issues such as high taxation, declining FDI, and restrictive trade policies.
3. Reform policy frameworks are also required to enhance competitiveness and attract foreign investment.

Brazil’s Cadastro Ambiental Rural (CAR) system

Source: The post Brazil’s Cadastro Ambiental Rural (CAR) system has been created, based on the article “Let digital public infrastructure help meet climate aims”published in “Live mint” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment

Context: The article discusses Brazil’s Cadastro Ambiental Rural (CAR), a digital platform to map and monitor rural land use. It ensures compliance with environmental laws, promotes sustainable practices, reduces costs for farmers. The system could be adapted for other countries to meet sustainability goals and create evidence-based policies.

What is Brazil’s CAR system?

1. CAR (Cadastro Ambiental Rural) is Brazil’s digital rural environmental registry under the Forestry Code.
2. It maps, monitors, and regulates rural properties to promote sustainable land use.
3. Farmers self-declare their land, providing geo-referenced details on boundaries, forest areas, water bodies, and preservation zones.

Why is CAR important for Brazil?

1. Addresses Deforestation: Brazil has lost 97% of its native vegetation due to aggressive agricultural expansion.
2. Supports Trade Compliance: CAR helps Brazil meet regulations like the EU Deforestation

Regulation, ensuring access to global markets.

3. Promotes Sustainable Practices: Farmers prove compliance with sustainability targets using CAR.
4. Reduces Costs: Small producers avoid high certification costs for deforestation-free products.
5. Facilitates Policy Design: Policymakers use CAR data to offer incentives for compliance and enforce penalties.
6. Encourages Loans: Lenders use CAR for verifying sustainability compliance before approving agricultural loans.
7. Consumer Assurance: Buyers verify product origins using CAR.

What is CAR’s potential for global climate action?

1. CAR could be modular and interoperable like India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI).
2. It could integrate with sustainability certificates, benefit transfers, and other government solutions.
3. Other countries could adapt CAR-like systems for their ecological challenges.
4. CAR can inspire a climate-change DPI model.
5. With CoP-30 in Brazil, the government could showcase CAR globally.
6. It can help regulators develop evidence-based policies to meet sustainability goals.

Question for practice:

Examine how Brazil’s Cadastro Ambiental Rural (CAR) addresses environmental sustainability and supports global climate action.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Trade Watch Report

News: NITI Aayog’s Trade Watch Quarterly Report highlights the challenges being faced by the Indian economy.

Key Highlights of the Report

• India achieved limited success in harnessing the China Plus One strategy. While countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have emerged as major beneficiaries
  • These countries have simplified tax laws, cheap labour, lower tariffs and showcase proactiveness in signing the Free Trade Agreements (FTA).
• India’s share in global trade has fallen for labour intensive sectors, impacting her export competitiveness.
• There has been a re-emergence of trade conflict between US and China, reflecting in the trade restrictions imposed by both the countries.
  • This has led to the fragmentation of global supply chains, offering opportunities of a potential economic boom for India.
• Indian economy is likely to be adversely affected by European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), especially the steel sector, which represents 23.5% of India’s EU export.
  • Indian firms may incur tariffs of 20-25%, affecting their export potential to European Union’s market.

China Plus One Strategy It is a global business strategy in which companies diversify their supply by adding alternative countries to China as part of their global operations. The idea is to reduce over-reliance on China for manufacturing and sourcing goods, considering risks such as trade tensions, political instability, or supply chain disruptions. Cross Border Adjustment Mechanism Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism aims to prevent carbon leakages and will be imposed on certain carbon intensive goods such as steel, iron, cement, aluminium, electricity, fertilizers, hydrogen products that are imported into the EU. It is launched as a part of EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ Package. It will be implemented in phases, with transitional phase from 2023 to 2025 and definitive regime beginning from 2026.

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

News: The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Management (ICIMOD) has launched an Air Quality Dashboard to gauge pollution levels across Indo-Gangetic Plains.

About the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Management (ICIMOD)

• It is a regional intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region.
• It was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• It has eight member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
• Functions of ICIMD are:
  • Conducting interdisciplinary research to understand the complex environmental, social, and economic dynamics in the HKH region.
  • Gathering and analysing data on key environmental parameters such as climate, hydrology, land use, and biodiversity in the HKH region.
  • Engaging with governments and policymakers to offer policy advice on sustainable development, climate change adaptation, water management, and disaster risk reduction.
  • Enhancing disaster preparedness and risk management in the region to tackle natural disasters like floods, landslides and earthquakes.

Key features of the Dashboard

• The dashboard provides real-time data on air quality across the IGP, allowing policymakers, researchers, and the public to access up-to-date information on pollution levels.
• It combines the ground sensor data with satellite imagery, providing a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub regional and regional scales.
• It tracks key air pollutants like PM 2.5 which have a direct impact on human health and the environment. 
• The dashboard has a dynamic timelapse powered by the Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with Chemistry (WFR-Chem) to track the spread of PM2.5 plumes across the region.
• This model enables the users to explore the interaction between weather patterns and air pollution sources, providing information about pollution outbreaks and trends.

 

 

Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands

News: The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) recently launched its 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD).

About Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD)

• The initiative is led by CGIAR centers, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
• It offers a roadmap to improve food security, protect biodiversity, and build resilient livelihoods of 2.7 billion people living in drylands, especially in Asia and Africa.
• It was launched at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh.
• The strategy focuses on five key areas:
  • Climate adaptation for agrifood systems
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Sustainable soil and water management
  • Healthy diets
  • Inclusive development

About CGIAR

• It is a strategic partnership of diverse donors that support 15 international Centers, working in collaboration with many hundreds of government and civil society organizations as well as private businesses around the world.
• It was established in 1971.
• Vision-To reduce poverty and hunger, improve human health and nutrition, and enhance ecosystem resilience through high-quality international agricultural research, partnership and leadership.
• Objectives
  • Food for People: Increase the production of healthy food sustainably, benefiting the poor.
  • Environment for People: Conserve and use natural resources and biodiversity sustainably to improve the livelihoods of the poor, addressing climate change and other challenges.
  • Policies for People: Support policy changes that boost agricultural growth and equity to benefit the poor, especially for rural women and disadvantaged groups.

INS Tushil

News: The Indian Navy is ready to commission its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, in Kaliningrad, Russia, on 09 Dec 24.

About INS Tushil

• It is an upgraded Krivak III-class frigate of Project 1135.6.
• Features
  • The ship incorporate “stealth technology” to reduce radar visibility and underwater noise signatures.
  • The ship is equipped with up to 26% Indian-made components, including indigenous systems such as surface-to-surface missiles, sonar systems, and more.
  • The displacement of the ship is 3900 tons.

About Project 1135.6  The Indian and Russian governments in October 2016 signed an agreement to construct four additional P1135.6 class ships. Russia will supply two frigates (INS Tushil and INS Tamala), while India will build the other two. Project 1135.6 is also known as Talwar Class. The Talwar-class frigates are a class of stealth-guided missile frigates.

Anna Chakra & SCAN Portal

News: The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution recently launched two initiatives: ‘Anna Chakra’ and the SCAN (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA) portal.

About Anna Chakra

• It is a Public Distribution System (PDS) Supply chain optimization tool.
• The Department of Food and Public Distribution leads the initiative to improve the efficiency of the country’s PDS logistics network.
• It is developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT-Delhi.
• Key features:
  • Advanced algorithms for route optimization across 30 states which ensures seamless movement of food grains across supply chain nodes.
  • The supply chain involves multiple stakeholders, from farmers to Fair Price Shops (FPSs).
  • The tool is integrated with the Railways’ FOIS (Freight Operations Information System) through the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP).
  • The optimization tool is also linked to the PM Gati Shakti platform, which includes geo-locations of FPSs and warehouses across the states.
• Significance:
  • This initiative enhances the speed and efficiency of the world’s largest food security program, benefiting 81 crore people.
  • It reduces fuel use, time, logistics costs, and transportation-related carbon emissions, offering environmental benefits.

About SCAN (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA) portal)

• It is a single-window portal for states to submit and process subsidy claims under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
• Key features:
  • Automates the entire workflow for claim scrutiny, approval, and settlement.
  • Utilizes rule-based processing for faster and more efficient subsidy disbursal.
  • Speeds up claim settlements, improving overall efficiency.