9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 7 May, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

The debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’)

Source: The post the debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) has been created, based on the article “The secularism of Indian science” published in “The Hindu” on 7th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society – Secularism

Context: The article discusses the debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) focused on the forehead of a Ram idol in the Ayodhya temple. Some scientists criticized the involvement of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), arguing it mixes science with religion and challenges scientific principles. The debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’)

What debate has focused on a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) around the forehead of a Ram idol in the Ayodhya temple?

The debate began when a focused sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) was engineered to fall on the forehead of a Ram idol in Ayodhya.

Abhay Karandikar of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) said the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) played a crucial role.

Critics objected to the IIA’s involvement, arguing that a college student could have designed the system, and said it mixed science and religion, undermining scientific thinking.

How has India approached the science-religion relationship?

Accommodative Science: India has historically embraced both science and religion. The 1956 Calendar Reform Committee (led by Meghnad Saha) adjusted local calendars to a national standard while accommodating religious practices.

DST Projects: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) funded SATYAM (Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation) and research on cow products, blending traditional knowledge and scientific investigation.

Temple Projects: The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) helped in temple projects, like setting up the ‘surya tilak’, showing how scientific principles are incorporated into religious contexts.

Question for practice:

Examine how India has approached the relationship between science and religion.

GS PAPER - 2

New Cashless Scheme for Accident Victims

Source: The post New Cashless Scheme for Accident Victims has been created, based on the article “Universal healthcare is a must for Viksit Bharat” published in “Live mints” on 7th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

News: This article discusses the Indian government’s plan to provide up to 1.5 lakh rupees of cashless emergency care for road accident victims. This initiative aims to reduce delays and refusals in treatment while ensuring accessible, prompt, and reliable healthcare services. New Cashless Scheme for Accident Victims

For details information on Road Accidents in India read this Article here

What is the New Cashless Scheme for Accident Victims?

Scope: The Indian government’s new scheme provides up to 1.5 lakh rupees of cashless treatment for road accident victims. It ensures one week of hospitalization under the Ayushman Bharat program.

Inclusivity: All accident victims receive coverage regardless of their insurance status.

Funding: Costs are reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, which initially compensated only hit-and-run victims.

Objective: The scheme aims to reduce treatment delays and refusals while talks with general insurers explore third-party vehicle coverage premium contributions to keep costs low.

For details information on cashless treatment of road accident victims read this Article here

Why does India need a cashless scheme for accident victims?

Urgent Medical Attention: Many lives are lost due to road accidents in India. Immediate care could save lives, but financial uncertainty often causes hospitals to delay treatment.

Payment Confusion: Accident victims are sometimes denied or face delayed treatment while hospitals figure out payment details. Even insured patients wait hours for cashless approval.

Consistent Funding: The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, created in 2022, now covers accident victims and will reimburse costs promptly, reducing confusion over bill payments.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of the Indian government’s new cashless scheme for road accident victims.

Expanding Access to PhD Programs in India

Source-This post on Expanding Access to PhD Programs in India has been created based on the article “Some academics are getting it wrong: New PhD guidelines will make life easier for scholars” published in “The Indian Express” on 7 May 2024.

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

Context-The article highlights the significance of allowing 4-year bachelor’s degree holders to pursue a PhD directly.

In India, a significant majority (78%) of students pursue undergraduate degrees, while a smaller proportion (11%) continue to postgraduate studies. Allowing direct entry into PhD programmes for undergraduate students taps into this larger talent pool that can engage in doctoral research. Expanding Access to PhD Programs in India

How does the four-year bachelor’s degree program contribute to better scholars?

1) The four-year bachelor’s degree is based on the national credit framework that offers rigorous training in research methods, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

2) It allows students to engage in independent research projects, internships, and research activities. This provides them with significant experience and expertise.

What is the significance of the UGC’s new policy regarding PhD eligibility?

1) Expanding PhD Opportunities-The new policy permits students to pursue a PhD in a subject of their choice, regardless of the discipline of their four-year bachelor’s degree. This promotes opportunities to pursue research across multiple disciplines, which is a global practice.

2) Tapping Into Young Talent-Direct entry into PhD programs for undergraduate students would help tapping into this larger talent pool. This is also in consonance with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Read more- One year of National Education Policy

3) Recognizing Academic Diversity-It would ensure recognition of the academic achievements of students from diverse educational backgrounds.

4) Fostering Innovation and Excellence in Doctoral Research-This would encourage universities to promote innovation, excellence, and inclusivity by offering a range of options for students to engage in doctoral research. This will place India at the forefront of worldwide research and innovation and equip a new generation of young scholars to tackle complex challenges.

What are some of the concerns expressed by a few academicians?

1) Dilution of PhD standard-Some academicians believe that allowing 4 years undergraduate students to directly pursue Phd may dilute the integrity of PhD programs.
However, students seeking admission after completing a four-year bachelor’s degree program must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.

2) Assistant Professor Eligibility -There is a mistaken notion that qualifying for the UGC-NET based on a four-year undergraduate degree automatically grants eligibility to teach undergraduate students as an Assistant Professor.
However, qualifying in the UGC-NET based on a four-year undergraduate degree alone is not sufficient for appointment as assistant Professors unless one completes a PhD and fulfil the requirements contained in the University Grants Commission Regulations, 2022.

How does the UGC-NET change affect PhD admissions?

Starting from the June 2024 session, the UGC-NET now includes an “admission to PhD only” category. This allows universities to use UGC-NET scores for PhD admissions.

What is the significance of this change?

1) Simplifying PhD Entrance-This will reduce the need for appearing in multiple PhD entrance tests conducted by different universities, each with its own syllabi and exam patterns. With a single entrance test, students can concentrate on preparing for a single exam conducted twice a year and optimize their prospects of success.

2) Streamlining University Operations -Using UGC-NET scores, universities can streamline administrative processes, reduce logistical challenges, and allocate resources more efficiently towards other academic and student support initiatives.

Question for the practice

Despite concerns expressed by some academicians, highlight the importance of UGC’s new policy regarding PhD eligibility?

GS PAPER - 3

India Struggling to become a Global Manufacturing Hub

Source: The post India struggling to become a global manufacturing hub has been created, based on the article “The absence of a quality mindset” published in “Business standard” on 7th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Economy – changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Context: This article discusses how poor-quality products have plagued India’s manufacturing reputation. The government and regulators have taken steps to improve quality, like mandating GMP for drugs and testing cars and spices but concerns over enforcement and inconsistencies remain. India Struggling to become a Global Manufacturing Hub

How have poor-quality products plagued India’s manufacturing reputation?

Pharmaceutical Scandals: Indian pharmaceutical exports caused multiple deaths globally due to non-standard and counterfeit drugs. This led to mandatory WHO GMP certification for all manufacturers.

For more information read here

Spice Contaminants: Singapore and Hong Kong banned spice blends from MDH and Everest due to high ethylene oxide (ETO) levels. Despite testing exports, FSSAI ignored ETO levels domestically.

For more information read Article 1, Article 2

Vehicle Safety: Before adopting the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), based on the Global NCAP, Indian consumers couldn’t assess car safety accurately due to the absence of standardized crash-test data.

Why is India struggling to become a global manufacturing hub?

Inconsistent Quality Standards: Despite exporting high-quality goods to developed markets like the U.S. and Europe, Indian manufacturers often sell substandard products domestically, which tarnishes the nation’s manufacturing reputation.

Regulatory Lapses: The FSSAI failed to enforce strict quality standards domestically, particularly with MDH and Everest spices that contained high levels of ethylene oxide (ETO).

Limited Inspection Capacity: The government mandates WHO GMP for all drug manufacturers but lacks the institutional capacity to enforce compliance consistently.

High Costs: Power and logistics costs remain high, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain quality while staying competitive.

Tax Burden: High taxes on cars mean domestic customers pay more than overseas buyers for vehicles, but they receive lower-quality products.

What should be done?

Increase Testing Facilities: Set up more labs and hire qualified inspectors to oversee manufacturing processes.

Support Small Enterprises: Help micro, small, and medium businesses upgrade quality with guidance and resources.

Reduce Production Costs: Lower logistics and power costs to help maintain competitiveness without compromising quality.

Reform Tax Policies: Adjust taxes to balance pricing for domestic customers while maintaining safety standards.

Promote Quality Mindset: Foster awareness in companies to improve manufacturing quality and aim for global standards.

Question for practice:

Discuss how poor-quality products have affected India’s manufacturing reputation and what measures can be taken to address this issue?

The challenges faced by India’s crypto regulation

Source: The post the challenges faced by India’s crypto regulation has been created, based on the article “Our approach to the regulation of cryptocurrency needs Clarity” published in “Live Mint” on 7th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security – Security challenges (crypto currency and money laundering)

Context: This article discusses how Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto exchange FTX collapsed due to fraud, leading to major financial losses. It also describes India’s uncertain regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies, including strict taxes and anti-money laundering rules that haven’t deterred traders effectively.

For details information on Cryptocurrencies in India read this Article here

Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud and conspiracy. FTX’s collapse in November 2022 led to losses of $8 billion for its customers, $1.7 billion for its investors, and $1.3 billion for Alameda lenders. The Challenges Faced by India’s Crypto Regulation

How did the FTX collapse affect the crypto market?

The collapse of FTX severely impacted the crypto market, sinking its value to $796 billion, a two-year low.

This decline came after the market peaked at $3 trillion in November 2021, showing a significant reduction in value.

Following the collapse, cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, hit multi-year lows.

The FTX downfall prompted increased regulatory scrutiny, highlighting the need for clearer oversight.

The event led to a general loss of confidence in the crypto industry, affecting exchanges and traders, and reshaped the conversation on digital asset regulation worldwide.

What challenges does India’s crypto regulation face?

Unclear Policy Framework: A comprehensive cryptocurrency bill has been delayed since 2021, leaving the government unable to provide clear guidelines on the legality of digital assets.

High Taxation: In 2022, a 1% tax deducted at source and a 30% capital gains tax were imposed on crypto trading without allowing for loss offsets. These taxes have deterred some traders.

Inclusion in PMLA: A March 2023 notification brought crypto currencies and other digital assets under India’s anti-money laundering law. Its objective was to check money laundering by placing the responsibility of transparency and checks on Indian crypto exchange platforms.

For details information read here

Fragmented Oversight: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), and the government have inconsistent views on cryptocurrencies, with the RBI particularly critical.

Loss of Revenue and Users: High taxes and unclear regulation caused 3-5 million Indian traders to switch to offshore platforms, leading to $3.8 billion in lost trading volume.

Way forward:

India needs clarity on which regulatory body should oversee crypto: RBI, SEBI, or a new hybrid body. The key question is not just who will regulate but why, as other nations like the UK and EU have already implemented clear regulatory frameworks.

For information on Crypto under PMLA read this Article here

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s current cryptocurrency regulation, considering factors such as unclear policy frameworks, high taxation, and the loss of revenue and users to offshore platforms.

Delays in payment of MSMEs

Source-This post on Delays in payment of MSMSEs has been created based on the article “MSMEs are not paid on time. They need to be” published in “The Indian express” on 7 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 3– Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.

Context– MSMEs are a crucial part of the Indian economy, accounting for a significant share of the country’s manufacturing output, exports, and employment. The article highlights the hardship faced by MSME particularly related to lack of access to credit and delayed payments. Delays in payment of MSMEs

What are the steps taken by the government to address the issue of delayed payments?

Micro and small enterprises account for most of the annual delayed payments, as shown by several studies.

1) The government has taken steps to address this issue, such as launching the Samadhaan portal to monitor outstanding dues to MSMEs.

2) In the Union Budget 2023-24, the government introduced a provision to ensure timely payments to MSMEs within 45 days of supply of goods and/or services. This is aimed at addressing the typical payment cycle of 90 to 120 days.

What are the unintended consequences of this new provision introduced in Union Budget 2023-24?

1) Higher Tax Burden for Big Companies-The recent regulation permits larger companies to deduct payments to these enterprises from their taxes only once the payments have been made. If they’re not allowed to deduct these payments from their tax returns, it would lead to a rise in their tax burden.

2) Cancelling Orders with MSMEs -Big companies are trying to circumvent this rule by canceling orders with registered MSMEs because they prefer longer payment schedules.

3) Orders from Unregistered MSMEs-They are currently sourcing orders from unregistered MSMEs, as it provides them with increased operational flexibility.

4) Influencing Suppliers to Revoke MSME Registration– Big companies are attempting to compel suppliers to withdraw their MSME registration because of their significant bargaining power.

5) Impact on MSME Registration– MSMEs are opting to deregister to avoid losing orders from big companies. By the end of last year, the total number of MSMEs registered on the Udyam registration portal was 316 million, with 150 million informal micro-enterprises registered on the Udyam Assist Platform.

Read more- MSMEs: Significance, Challenges and Solutions

What has been the government’s response to deal with this unintended consequence of the new provision?

1) The government has begun discussions with stakeholders to explore potential solutions for addressing the problems.

2) The government has sought suggestions on ways to ensure timely clearance of MSME bills.

Question for practice

Highlight the unintended consequences of the new provision introduced in Union Budget 2023-24 to expedite the payment process for the MSMEs?

Telecom Sector and Spectrum Auctions in India

Source-This post on Telecom Sector and Spectrum Auctions in India has been created based on the article “Why spectrum allocation, tech policy must not be a matter of courts” published in “The Indian Express” on 7 May 2024.

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

Context-The article discusses the 3G spectrum auction of 2010, held after the 2G spectrum allocation scandal of 2008. It highlights that the auction achieved two objectives: transparency in spectrum allocation and revenue generation for the government.

However, the author argues that the current auction format is detrimental to the sector’s growth and downstream competitiveness.

What method was used for spectrum allocation before 2010, and why was it changed?

Before 2010, spectrum allocation was done administratively, which suffered from issues like lack of transparency, favoritism, and scandals. The Supreme Court intervened and mandated spectrum auctions “for all time to come” to address these concerns, recognizing the systemic flaws in methods like the first-come-first-served (FCFS) for administrative allocation.

What are the issues with the current auction-based spectrum allocation?

1) Revenue Outcomes from Auctions-The revenue outcomes from auctions have been mixed, with high reserve prices leading to unsold spectrum and steep opportunity costs.

2) Spectrum Auction Success Rates– In only one out of the seven auctions held, all the spectrum available was sold. This happened in 2010, shortly after the 2G scam.

3) Limited role of policy maker– Deciding whether to use auctions or administrative allocation for spectrum assignment is a policy matter that should be left to the DoT and TRAI. They are the expert bodies responsible for this task. This is a tech policy which does not warrant courts intervention.

4) Transparency and Revenue Generation– Auctioning is not the only way to generate revenue because it can also come from other sources, like toll roads.

What is the importance of providing spectrum at a reasonable upfront fee?

1) Downstream Competitiveness– User industries’ competitiveness downstream depends a lot on strong connectivity. Offering spectrum to operators at a fair upfront cost can improve efficiency at the company level and enhance competitiveness.

2) Boosting Digital Infrastructure– Digital infrastructure is compared with toll roads that is, as well-built roads contribute to America’s wealth, in a similar way, quality digital infrastructure can also contribute to India’s prosperity.

Read more- Telecom Sector Reforms

What are some of the recent developments to address the challenges related to the current format of auctioning?

1) The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently asked the Supreme Court to change its 2012 order. This would permit the administrative allocation of spectrum in specific situations where auctions aren’t technically feasible or desirable, such as for space and satellite applications.

2) The recently passed Telecom Act, 2023 has also specified that only limited and narrowly defined cases, including spectrum for BSNL, will be given on an administrative basis.

Conclusion-Thus, TRAI and DoT are the best authorities to handle telecom policies. Whether to hold auctions or not should be their decision, and they should be responsible and accountable for it.

Question for the practice

Highlight the problems with the current auction-based spectrum allocation?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Hopen Island

Source-This post on Hopen Island is based on the article “First case of Walrus dying from bird flu recorded on Arctic island: Researcher” published in “WION” on 7th May 2024.

Why in the News?

A researcher has reported that the first instance of a walrus death due to bird flu on Hopen Island in the Svalbard archipelago.

About Hopen Island

Aspects	Description
About Hopen Island	Hopen Island is located in the southeastern part of the Svalbard archipelago (Norway). It is part of the Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve.
Geography	The island is mostly covered by rocks and continuous permafrost, with a very narrow beach.
Wildlife	1) The island is home to a significant number of polar bears, especially during winter when the island is surrounded by sea ice. 2) The sub-population of Ursus maritimus found here is genetically distinct and associated with the Barents Sea region. 3) The island is breeding ground for black-legged kittiwakes, thick-billed guillemots, and black guillemots.

About Walrus

Aspect	Description
Classification	They are Pinniped (fin-footed) mammal. They are related to seals and sea lions.
Appearance	They are characterized by large size and distinctive tusks; skin covered with a thin layer of coarse hairs.
Habitat	They are terrestrial and marine. They can swim in the ocean and walk on land and sea ice.
Diet	They are primarily mollusks and also consumes worms, snails, soft shell crabs, shrimp, and sea cucumbers.
Distribution	Arctic and sub-Arctic regions near the North Pole, including the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans.
Threats	Currently, the primarily threat is climate change. They were historically hunted commercially.
Conservation Status	IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Role in Ecosystem	They are keystone species in Arctic marine ecosystems.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Magnetic resonance imaging

Source-This post on Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the article “Understanding the science behind magnetic resonance imaging” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) market is projected to hit $9.8 billion by 2028. This technology plays a pivotal role in medical science, offering diverse applications throughout the human body.

About Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

1. About MRI: It is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that provides detailed images of internal structure in the human body, including organs, Bones, Muscles. Blood vessels and Joints.

2. How Does MRI Work?

MRI leverages the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms, which are abundant in the body’s fat and water content. The procedure involves four main components:

a. Superconducting Magnet that generates a strong magnetic field around the targeted body part.
b. Radio frequency Pulses which excite hydrogen atoms, raising their energy level.
c. Larmor Frequency is the specific frequency at which hydrogen atoms resonate and absorb radio waves, varying by magnetic field strength and tissue type.
d. After the pulse, hydrogen atoms emit energy as they revert to their normal state, which is captured by a detector and converted into images by a computer.

3. Significance of MRI: 

1) It is used to obtain images of soft tissues within the body. It is widely used to image the brain, the cardiovascular system, the spinal cord and joints, various muscles, the liver, arteries, etc.
2) MRI is particularly crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various cancers, such as prostate and rectal cancer, and is also essential for tracking neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, and stroke.
3) Functional MRI is used to track changes in blood flow in the brain which helps to understand how neuronal activity shifts.

Pros of MRI

1. Versatile Imaging: Due to its construction and the arrangement of magnets, an MRI can image the body virtually from all useful directions and in very fine increments as needed.
2. Safety: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of ionizing radiation, making it safer for patients compared to other imaging modalities like X-rays and CT scans.
3. No Residual Effects: MRI scans are non-invasive, which means that the magnetic fields used do not have lasting effects on the atoms in the body once the scan is complete.
4. Minimal Health Risks: Generally, MRI scans are associated with no long-term health risks, except for pregnant women.

Challenges associated with MRI

1. Cost: MRI machines are expensive, leading to high expenses for patients, particularly those without insurance or needing multiple scans.
2. Discomfort and Noise: Patients endure discomfort and noise while remaining still inside the MRI bore, especially challenging for claustrophobic individuals.
3. Safety Concerns: Strong magnetic fields in MRIs pose risks for individuals with metallic implants or embedded objects, potentially excluding them from undergoing scans

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Health) 

Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund

Source-This post on Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund is based on the article “Groww Mutual Fund launches Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund” published in “The Economic Times” on 7th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Groww Mutual Fund has recently introduced India’s First Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund.

About Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund

Aspects	Description
About	1) It is a mutual fund designed to foster long-term capital growth through investments in the securities of the Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index (TRI). 2) It is India’s first index fund which enables people to invest in the top stocks from consumer industries such as FMCG, Textiles, etc.
Launched by	Groww Mutual Fund
Aim of the fund	The aim of the fund is to achieve long-term capital growth by investing in the securities of the Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index (TRI) in their respective proportions and weightings.
Purpose of the fund	This index comprises 30 companies that exhibit resilience to economic fluctuations and maintain steady demand.
Characteristics	1) Non-cyclical stocks are also known as defensive stocks. 2) It tends to perform well in the stock market even during economic instability. 3) These stocks maintain constant demand and are not influenced by cyclical fluctuations because they provide everyday essentials such as food, water, and utilities.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian economy

MQ-9B Predator drones

Source-This post on MQ-9B Predator drones is based on the article “India to strategically place ‘hunter-killer’ Predator drones from US in UP, Tamil Nadu” published in “Moneycontrol” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

The Defence Ministry recently approved the procurement of 30 MQ-9B Predator drones (SeaGuardian variant) from the US to enhance the surveillance capabilities of the armed forces.

About MQ-9B Predator drones

Aspects	Description
What is it?	1) It is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can perform flight operations either under remote control or autonomously. 2) It is a version of the MQ-9 “Reaper”. 3) It is the first hunter-killer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built for prolonged surveillance at high altitudes.
Developed by	It is developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).
Features	1) The MQ-9B features integrated signals and communications intelligence systems. It consists of various custom sensors can be fitted to it as needed. 2) It has two versions: the SkyGuardian and the SeaGuardian. 3) It is capable of remaining airborne for around 35 hours. 4) It is equipped with precision strike missiles. The MQ-9B has enhances capabilities in land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, and various expeditionary missions. 4) It facilitates automatic take-offs and landings, integrates into civil airspace, and enhances real-time situational awareness in maritime environments for both military and civil authorities. 5) It has carrying capacity of up to 5,670 kg and a fuel capacity of 2,721 kg. This boosts the operational capability of these drones.
Significance	1) Unmanned armed vehicles play a crucial role at borders by providing real-time reconnaissance, target acquisition, and tracking of people and illegal activities through high-quality video feeds. 2) They also enhance security and operational efficiency by supporting the armed forces in transporting essential supplies.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence)

Drip pricing

Source-This post on Drip Pricing is based on the article “Centre issues warning against ‘drip pricing’. What is it?” published in “Hindustan Times” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Consumers often faces drip pricing while purchasing any commodities or services. Considering this, the Department of Consumer Affairs asked consumers to reach out to the ministry if they observe ‘drip pricing’.

About Drip Pricing

1. About Drip pricing: It is a marketing strategy where initially only a portion of a products or service’s total cost is shown. The full price is disclosed progressively as the customer moves through the purchase process.

2. Strategy used: This strategy often involves concealing essential fees like taxes or booking fees, or excluding necessary add-ons such as internet access or amenities that are essential for the use of the product or service.

The price advertised in print, emails, or on websites, known as the “headline price,” may not accurately represent the total cost that the consumer will ultimately pay.

3. Why companies indulge in Drip Pricing- Businesses use drip pricing to attract customers by starting with a lower price, and hoping that they will continue with the purchase even after seeing additional costs later.

4. Impact on Consumer Behaviour: Drip pricing can make it difficult for consumers to compare prices effectively.

5. Sellers offering transparent prices at disadvantage- Drip pricing may put sellers who offer more transparent pricing at a disadvantage.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

Carbon Farming

Source-This post on Carbon Farming is based on the article “What is carbon farming?” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Amid growing environmental challenges and the quest for climate-resilient sustainable agriculture, the practice of carbon trading in the agriculture sector has become important around the world.

The carbon farming approach aims to optimize carbon capture by utilizing practices that enhance the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and its storage in plant material and soil organic matter.

About carbon farming:

1. About Carbon farming: Carbon farming is an agricultural method that integrates the management of carbon capture and storage into farming practices.

2. Objective: It is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance the carbon content of soil, and improve overall agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.

3. Strategies involved: Carbon farming can involve multiple strategies and each practice is tailored to fit different agricultural landscapes and climatic conditions, making carbon farming versatile and widely applicable.

About Carbon Farming Practices and Their Benefits

1. Rotational Grazing: It involves rotating livestock across different pastures. This technique helps to maintain soil health and increase carbon sequestration in the soil.

2. Agroforestry Practices: It is a land use practices where trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland.

a) Silvopasture: It involves integrating trees, pasture, and livestock. It sequesters carbon and also diversifies farm income.

b) Alley Cropping: It involves planting rows of trees or shrubs between crops to provide shade, reduce erosion, and enhance carbon storage.

3. Conservation Agriculture: 

a) Zero Tillage: It reduces soil disturbance to maintain soil structure and organic content.

b) Crop Rotation and Cover Cropping: It involves alternating crops and using cover crops to improve soil health and biodiversity.

c) Crop Residue Management: It includes practices like stubble retention and composting help enhance soil organic matter.

4. Integrated Nutrient Management: This involves using organic fertilizers and compost to promote soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Agro-Ecological Approaches:

a) Crop Diversification and Intercropping: These practices improve ecosystem resilience by diversifying plant species, which helps in pest control and nutrient balance.

6. Livestock Management: It involves optimizing feed quality, managing animal waste, and using rotational grazing to reduce methane emissions and increase carbon storage in pastures.

7. Management of Excessive carbon through additional carbon sinks- The launch of the ‘4 per 1000’ initiative during the COP21 climate talks in 2015 in Paris highlights the particular role of sinks in mitigating greenhouse-gas emissions. As the oceans and the atmosphere are filled with carbon, and they approach their saturation points, carbon farming can help in effective sequestration.

Challenges of Carbon Farming

1. Geographical and Climatic Limitations: Optimal carbon sequestration requires long growing seasons and sufficient water, and it is thus challenging in hot, dry areas where water is scarce.

2. Soil and Biodiversity Constraints: Effective carbon sequestration is hindered by poor soil quality and limited biodiversity.

3. Water Resource Management: Plant growth is restricted in arid region due to water scarcity. This impacts carbon sequestration and makes water-intensive practices like cover cropping impractical.

4. Economic and Financial Barriers: Adopting carbon farming can be costly initially and thus deter its adoption among small-scale and resource-poor farmers.

5. Policy Support and Community Engagement: Effective carbon farming requires robust policy support and active community involvement for successful adoption and scalability.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

EC Guidelines on Social Media Use in Political Campaigns

Source-This post on EC Guidelines on Social Media Use in Political Campaigns is based on the article “Amid row over fake video, EC warns parties against misuse of AI-based tools” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, ECI has issued guidelines to regulate the use of social media platforms by political parties and their representatives during election campaigning. EC has also emphasized the need to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

EC Guidelines on Social Media Use in Political Campaigns

1) Prevention of Misinformation: The Election Commission of India has issued guidelines to political parties to combat the misuse of AI and deepfake technologies that distort information during campaigns.

2) Removal of False Content: Parties are required to promptly remove any fake content from their platforms within three hours of notification.

3) Legal and Ethical Compliance: The advisory stresses adherence to the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Indian Penal Code, and the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951.

4) Specific Prohibitions: Parties are instructed to avoid publishing deepfake audio and videos, spreading misinformation, posting derogatory content towards women, using children in campaigns, and depicting violence or harm to animals.

5) Reporting and Accountability: Parties must report unlawful information and fake user accounts to the respective platforms and escalate persistent issues to the Grievance Appellate Committee as specified in the rules.

About Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1950

The Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1950 outlines specific provisions across four schedules concerning the allocation of seats and election methods for various governmental bodies:

a) First Schedule: This schedule details the seat allocation for the States in the Lok Sabha, including reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

b) Second Schedule: It specifies the total number of seats in each State’s Legislative Assembly.

c) Third Schedule: This outlines the seat distribution in the Legislative Councils of the States.

d) Fourth Schedule: It identifies local authorities relevant for elections to the Legislative Councils.

e) As per the provision, seats in the Lok Sabha are to be filled through direct elections from parliamentary constituencies within the States.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation

World Press Freedom Index 2024

Source-This post on World Press Freedom Index 2024 is based on the article “India’s press freedom has rapidly declined in recent years” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

In the World Press Freedom Index 2024, India is ranked 159 out of the 180 nations.

About World Press Freedom Index:

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.

Findings of World Press Freedom Index 2024:

1. India’s Press Freedom Ranking: India is ranked 159th in the 2024. It was ranked 161st in the 2023. This ranking places India alongside nations like the occupied Palestinian territories, UAE, Turkey, and Russia, indicating poor press freedom.

2. India’s past performance: India has consistently ranked over 100 since 2003, showing a long-term trend of limited press freedom. The country’s press freedom situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent years.

3. Global Comparisons:

a) Scandinavian countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden) top the rankings with the highest press freedom. Eritrea, Syria, and Afghanistan rank the lowest.

b) Among BRICS nations, Brazil and South Africa rank higher than India, whereas China and Russia are lower. In South Asia, India ranks lower than all countries except Bangladesh.

4. Global Trends: The global trend shows a decline in press freedom, with an average drop of 7.6 points worldwide, accompanied by an increase in political repression of journalists and media.

a) Press freedom remains robust primarily in European Union countries, which recently implemented their first media freedom law (EMFA). In contrast, the Maghreb and Middle East regions face the most severe government-imposed press restrictions. 

b) Bhutan, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan have seen significant declines in press freedom since 2019 whereas Central African Republic, Timor-Leste, and Montenegro have shown notable improvements.

Read more: World Press Freedom Index 2023

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports