9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 6^th September, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Partnerships with Africa can help secure India’s Critical Mineral Mission

Source: The post partnerships with Africa can help secure India’s critical mineral mission has been created, based on the article “Africa can make India’s ‘critical mineral mission’ shine” published in “The Hindu” on 6th August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses India’s Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to increase domestic production, recycle minerals, and secure mineral resources from overseas. It highlights India’s partnerships with Africa and the challenges posed by China’s dominance in the mineral supply chain.

For detailed information on Critical Mineral Mission of India read this article here

What is India’s Critical Mineral Mission?

1. Launched in the Union Budget 2024-25 to secure critical minerals essential for India’s economy.
2. Focuses on three key areas: expanding domestic production, prioritizing recycling, and acquiring overseas assets.
3. The amendment to the Mines and Minerals Act (1957) allowed private sector participation by removing six minerals from the atomic list.
4. KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited) signed a lithium mining agreement with Argentina in January 2024, securing five blocks in the Catamarca province.
5. However, India’s capacity for mineral exploration and processing is still developing. It also lacks manufacturing expertise in battery components, requiring upskilling of its workforce.

How can Africa be a part of India’s supply chain?

1. Abundant Mineral Reserves: Africa holds 30% of the world’s known critical mineral reserves, making it essential for India’s supply chain.
2. Strong Trade Relations: India’s trade with Africa totaled $98 billion in 2022-23, with $43 billion from mining and minerals, showing established ties.
3. Energy Investments: India imports 34 million tonnes of oil from Africa, accounting for 15% of its total demand. India is also investing $2 billion in African solar projects.
4. Strategic Projects: India has signed agreements with Zambia and Zimbabwe to collaborate on geological mapping, mineral exploration, and capacity building.
5. Value Addition Focus: African nations are shifting towards value addition, creating opportunities for India to support local mineral processing and industrialization efforts.

What role does China play?

1. China dominates the global critical mineral value chain, creating economic and security risks for India.
2. China has early acquisition of assets and advanced processing and manufacturing capabilities, which gives it significant influence.
3. Chinese mining companies have a large presence in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
4. China recently signed a $7 billion “minerals-for-infrastructure” deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo, further strengthening its position.
5. This control over resources poses challenges for India as it competes for access to critical minerals needed for its own economic and energy needs.

How is India responding to these challenges?

1. India is leveraging its construction and infrastructure expertise in Africa, having completed projects in 43 countries. This includes hospitals, transmission lines, and railway lines.
2. India also trains African professionals through programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation, helping to build a skilled workforce for mining and energy sectors.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how India’s partnerships with Africa can help secure critical minerals and reduce its dependence on China’s mineral supply chain dominance.

“Development Compact” Proposed by India

Source: The post “Development Compact” Proposed by India has been created, based on the article “India offers an alternate development path for Global South nations” published in “Indian Express” on 6th August 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 Modi’s “Development Compact” for the Global South, focusing on cooperation in areas like technology, finance, health, and sustainability. It highlights India’s role in promoting development, sharing experiences, and addressing global challenges through mutual collaboration.

For detailed information on India and Global South read this article here

What is the “Development Compact” Proposed by India?

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a “Development Compact” during the Third Voice of Global South Summit (VoGSS) to improve cooperation among Global South countries.
2. This compact focuses on five key areas: capacity building, technology sharing, trade development, grants, and concessional finance.
3. If implemented effectively, it could redefine how these nations engage with each other and address common challenges.

Why is the significance of “Development Compact”?

1. Developing countries are struggling with severe debt, with a public debt of $29 trillion in 2023 (UNCTAD).
2. Net interest payments on public debt for developing countries reached $847 billion.
3. 54 developing countries spend over 10% of their revenues on interest payments alone.
4. The OECD countries have failed to meet their commitment of 0.7% of GNP as ODA, affecting aid.
5. Climate finance commitments of $100 billion have not been fulfilled, increasing vulnerability.
6. The Global South requires alternative paths to sustainable growth, addressing debt, aid gaps, and policy space squeezed by global finance.

What New Hope Does the VoGSS Provide?

1. The collapse of the Washington consensus brought new opportunities to discuss alternative development paths.
2. The VoGSS platform, under the theme “Empowering Global South for Sustainable Future,” focuses on exchanging development insights and crafting policies that reflect the unique needs and experiences of the Global South.
3. India urged the Global South to address global uncertainty, vulnerability, terrorism, and secessionist movements affecting their democracies, using this platform for collective action.

What Development Initiatives Has India Introduced?

India has shared several initiatives that could be adapted by other Global South nations:

1. Sustainability: Promoting Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), advancing SDGs, and increasing the use of renewable energy.
2. Health Security: Launching concepts like “One World One Health,” and aiding other nations by building healthcare facilities.
3. Disaster Response: Acting as a first responder in crises, showcasing efforts in places like Papua New Guinea and Ukraine.
4. Financial Inclusion: Enhancing connectivity through UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure, with agreements already in place with 12 countries.
5. Education and Skills: Strengthening educational links and capacity building, highlighted by the launch of the Global South Centre of Excellence, DAKSHIN.
6. Other Announcement Made: India announced funding for capacity building and trade policy training amounting to $3.5 million. A Social Impact Fund was also established with an initial $25 million to support various initiatives, adding to the approximately $7.5 billion that India annually extends to partner countries in the Global South.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s “Development Compact” aims to address the challenges faced by the Global South and promote sustainable growth.

GS PAPER - 3

Technological progress affected labour income

Source: The post technological progress affected labour income has been created, based on the article “Income inequality: More jobs and higher taxes can counter the effects of automation” published in “The Hindu” on 6th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Economy-growth, development and employment.

Context: The article explains that technological advances, like automation and AI, have reduced the share of income going to workers. This has worsened income inequality, especially during the pandemic, and suggests solutions like universal basic income or inheritance tax to address these issues.

For detailed information on Income and Wealth Inequality in India read this article here

How has technological progress affected labour income?

1. Technological advancements such as automation and artificial intelligence have significantly impacted labor income globally.
2. Data from the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook study indicates a 1.6% decline in the global labor income share from 2004 to 2024.
3. This decrease translates to $2.4 trillion in lost wages, calculated at constant purchasing power parity.
4. The most notable drop occurred during the pandemic years (2019-2022), accounting for almost 40% of the total decline.
5. In 2024, 28.2% of young women globally are not in employment, education, or training, compared to 13.1% of young men. This gender disparity is significant in developing countries, where job creation struggles to keep pace with growing working-age populations.

What is the situation in India?

1. In India, 83% of the unemployed are youth, according to an ILO report.
2. The government has encouraged private sector investment in labour-intensive employment to address rising unemployment and inequality, even as labour productivity increases.

What Should be Done?

1. Universal basic income (UBI) has been suggested as a solution to rising inequality.
2. Though rejected in Switzerland in 2016 and proposed by Andrew Yang in the US and Rahul Gandhi in India, it remains a potential tool to address income disparities.
3. An inheritance tax in developing countries like India could also help reduce wealth inequality.

Question for practice:

Discuss how technological advancements like automation and AI have contributed to income inequality in India and explore potential solutions such as universal basic income or inheritance tax.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Access to the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF)

Source: The post on Access to the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF)is based on the article “Can Kerala access funds from the Loss and Damage Fund?” published in “The Hindu” on 6th September 2024.

Why in the News?

The devastating landslides that struck Kerala’s Wayanad district in August 2023 have sparked a discussion on whether subnational entities like Kerala can access compensation from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s Loss and Damage Fund (LDF).

India’s Role in Climate Finance

1. India faced over $56 billion in weather-related damages from 2019 to 2023 but has focused on mitigation over adaptation, limiting its involvement in Loss and Damage dialogues at COP.

2. A clear legal and policy framework is needed to streamline climate finance for adaptation and loss and damage, helping vulnerable communities access funds efficiently.

3. The introduction of a climate finance taxonomy raises hopes for more international funds, but specific guidelines for accessing loss and damage funds are still lacking.

State-Level Interventions and Challenges

1. Kerala and other state governments often bear the financial burden of disaster recovery due to acute loss and damage impacts.

2. After the 2018 floods, Kerala’s Rebuild Kerala Development Programme is funded by loans from the World Bank and KfW, highlights the importance of international climate finance for recovery.

3. A key barrier to accessing LDF funds is the lack of standardized methods for assessing disaster damages, especially from slow-onset events, leading to unrecognized needs.

About Loss and Damage Fund

Specifications	Details
What is it	It is a fund created to provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable and impacted by the effects of climate change.
Hosted by	The World Bank will be the interim host of the fund for a period of four years.
Funding	All countries can contribute to the fund voluntarily. Countries have already committed at least $450 million for the fund.
Eligibility to get funding	1)All developing countries are eligible to apply for the fund. 2)A certain percentage of the fund has been set apart for Least Developed Countries and Small island developing states.
Criticism	There is no clear plan on how the money will be added to the fund regularly.This raises serious questions over the funds long term sustainability.

Read more: Loss and Damage Fund 

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME)

Source- This post on Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME) has been created based on the article “Food banks can prevent GHG emissions equivalent to taking 900 cars off road for a year: Data” published in “Down to Earth” on 6th September 2024.

Why in News?

As per recent estimates from a new methodology called Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME), each food bank reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to taking 900 gasoline-powered cars off the road for a year.

About Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME)

1. The Food Recovery to Avoid Methane Emissions (FRAME) methodology is a tool designed to quantify and mitigate the environmental impact of food loss and waste (FLW) through food recovery and redistribution.

2. It was developed by the Global Food Banking Network (GFN) in collaboration with the Global Methane Hub and the Carbon Trust.

3. This methodology was piloted in Mexico and Ecuador, where six food banks were assessed.

4. It provides a measurable way to calculate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that can be avoided by redirecting food destined for landfills to human consumption.

5. It helps organizations involved in food recovery such as food banks demonstrate their environmental benefits, specifically in reducing methane emissions.

6. It allows them to track emissions reductions, optimize food distribution efforts, and demonstrate the positive impacts of preventing food waste, which otherwise contributes heavily to global warming.

7. The methodology aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 13 (Climate Action) by fitting climate change impacts, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing food waste, and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by redirecting edible surplus to those in need.

8. Implications of FRAME: In 2019, the global network of food banks helped prevent over 12 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent from being emitted, while also saving 75 million tonnes of surplus food and serving 66 million people.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Indian Pomegranates

Source- This post on Indian Pomegranates has been created based on the article “APEDA facilitates first consignment of Indian Pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne” published in “PIB” on 6th September 2024.

Why in News?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of the first consignment of Indian pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne, Australia. The consignment was showcased at Fine Food Australia 2024, reinforcing the global appeal of Indian pomegranates.

Significance

1.  Australia granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2020, creating new revenue streams for Indian farmers.

2. The successful export emphasizes India’s adherence to global quality standards and provides financial benefits to Indian farmers.

About Indian Pomegranates

1. Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are one of the most important fruit crops in India. It is known for their nutritional value and medicinal properties.

2. The fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fibers, making it highly valued in both domestic and international markets.

3. In India, pomegranates are cultivated primarily in arid and semi-arid regions due to their drought-tolerant nature.

4. Major Producing States: India is one of the largest producers of pomegranates in the world. The major states involved in pomegranate cultivation include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

6. Varieties Cultivated: India has developed several varieties of pomegranates suitable for different climates and purposes. The most popular commercial varieties include:

i) Bhagwna which is known for its bright red arils and sweet flavor and most widely cultivated variety.

ii) Ganesh is a widely grown early variety with soft seeds and less acidity.

iii) Mridula is primarily grown for processing purposes.

7. Cultivation Practices: Pomegranates thrive best in tropical and subtropical climates with low humidity. The crop requires minimal water, making it ideal for regions with scarce rainfall. It is typically grown on well-drained loamy soils with good organic content.

The crop matures in 5-6 months, and fruit is harvested primarily during two seasons: the rainy season (July-September) and the winter season (December-February).

8. Production and Export: India produces over 2.7 million metric tons of pomegranates annually, with Maharashtra being the top producer.

India is also shipping primarily to countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Exports contribute significantly to the economy, with the total value of pomegranate exports surpassing USD 100 million annually.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI)

Source- This post on Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI) has been created based on the article “What is vertical fiscal imbalance?”  published in “The Hindu” on 6th September 2024.

Why in News?

The issue of Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI) in India has recently gained attention due to increasing concerns over the financial relationship between the Union government and the States.

Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI)

1. VFI happens when different levels of government (national and state) do not have balanced financial powers.

2. In India, the central government collects most of the taxes, but the state governments handle most of the spending, like providing public services. For example- State governments are responsible for 61% of public spending but only collect 38% of the revenue. This makes states rely heavily on money transfers from the central government, highlighting a challenge in how finances are shared.

Why Reducing VFI is Important

Since the central government controls tax collection but states are responsible for delivering many public services, states need more money to meet their responsibilities efficiently.

Reducing VFI helps ensure states have enough funds to provide better services to the public.

How VFI is Calculated

1. Own-Source Revenue (OSR): The revenue states generate themselves, excluding central government transfers.

2. Total Expenditure: The total spending responsibilities of states.

3. Intergovernmental Transfers: The money states receive from the central government.

Formula: VFI = 1− (Own-Source Revenue/Total Expenditure)

A result below 1 means states’ revenues are not enough to cover their spending, even with central transfers.

Role of the Finance Commission: The Finance Commission helps address VFI by deciding how central taxes are shared with states. This is done through tax devolution and grants.

Eliminating VFI: To fix VFI, the share of taxes given to states needs to be increased. The 14th and 15th Finance Commissions recommended shares of 42% and 41%, but experts suggest 49% is needed.

Recommendations for the 16th Finance Commission

1. Increase Tax Devolution: Raising the share of taxes for states to 49% would help reduce VFI.

2. Excluding Cesses and Surcharges: These should not be part of the tax revenue calculation as they reduce the funds available for states.

3. Promote Fiscal Federalism: Giving states more resources would help them manage their responsibilities better, leading to improved governance and services.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

23rd Law Commission of India

Source- This post on Law Commission of India has been created based on the article “What is the Law Commission: its role, members, & recommendations“  published in “Indian Express” on 6th September 2024.

Why in News?

The Union government has established the 23rd Law Commission of India which is effective from September 1. It will serve for the term of three years.

Constitution of the 23rd Law Commission (2024)

1. The 23rd Law Commission was notified on September 2, 2024 and will serve until August 31, 2027.

2. It will consist of a chairperson, four full-time members, and five part-time members. The chairperson and members have not yet been named.

Terms of Reference for the 23rd Law Commission

1. Identify Obsolete Laws: Review and recommend laws that should be repealed immediately.

2. Standard Operating Procedures (SoP): Develop a system for periodic review and simplification of legal language and processes.

3. Laws and Economic Needs: Identify laws that need amendment to align with the economic needs of the time.

4. Directive Principles: Propose laws or amendments that implement the **Directive Principles of State Policy** set out in the Indian Constitution’s Preamble.

About the Law Commission of India

1. The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body formed by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

2. It is established through a gazette notification to help the government review existing laws, recommend the repeal of outdated laws, and suggest reforms.

3. The Commission’s recommendations often influence legal changes, though the government is not obligated to adopt them.

4. Members of the Law Commission: The Law Commission typically consists of:

i) A Chairperson, usually a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge.

ii) Four full-time members, including a member-secretary, who may be serving judges or legal experts.

iii) Up to five part-time members.

iv) The Secretaries of Legal Affairs and Legislative Departments as ex officio members.

5. Appointment: The Chairperson and members are appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister.

Role of the Law Commission

1.  The Commission reviews the current laws in India to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

2.  It suggests the removal of laws that are no longer needed.

3. The Commission suggests reforms to align laws with modern economic and social needs.

4.  The Commission can propose new laws to address evolving legal and societal issues, including the Directive Principles of State Policy.

5.  It evaluates the impact of socio-economic legislation after they have been implemented.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation

Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence

Source- This post on Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence has been created based on the article “Explained: The significance of the first global ‘legally binding’ pact on use of AI”  published in “Indian Express” on 6th September 2024.

Why in News?

The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom (UK) are set to sign the Council of Europe’s convention on artificial intelligence (AI). This marks the first international treaty that is “legally binding” on the use of this groundbreaking technology.

About Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence

Aspects	Description
About	1. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence marks the first international legally binding treaty on AI regulation. 2. It opens opportunity for global regulation, with a risk-based approach to AI systems’ design, development, use, and decommissioning.
Aim	1. To create uniform standards across nations, ensuring AI is developed and used responsibly while preserving the rule of law and democracy. 2. To address the growing concerns about the risks and ethical challenges posed by AI technologies.
Scope of the treaty	1. The treaty applies to AI systems in the public and private sectors, with certain exemptions, such as national security and research & development. 2. It mandates that AI tools and processes remain consistent with human rights obligations.
Signatories	1. The treaty was drafted over two years by representatives from over 50 countries. 2. The United States, European Union, and United Kingdom are expected to sign the treaty. 3. The treaty is seen as a global response to the need for a unified approach to AI regulation, complementing other regional initiatives like the G7 AI pact and Europe’s AI Act.
Focus	The treaty emphasizes the protection of human rights in AI applications across public and private sectors.
Signatories’ Responsibilities	i) Signatory nations are accountable for AI systems producing harmful or discriminatory outcomes. ii) Nations must ensure that AI systems respect equality and privacy rights, and victims of AI-related rights violations must have legal recourse. iii) Nations must ensure that AI systems do not interfere with the integrity of democratic institutions. iv) There are obligations to safeguard public debate, ensure fair access to information, and allow individuals to freely form opinions without AI manipulation.
Compliance	1. While the treaty is legally binding, it does not include punitive measures such as fines. 2. Compliance will be ensured primarily through monitoring, which has raised concerns about its enforcement effectiveness.
Concerns	Critics argue that despite being legally binding, the absence of punitive sanctions weakens its enforcement. Monitoring alone may not provide a strong deterrent against violations or misuse of AI technologies.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology