9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 7th December, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Risk of silicosis among Indian mine workers

Source: The post risk of silicosis among Indian mine workers has been created, based on the article “Silica scars: On India’s silicosis problem” published in “The Hindu” on 7th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2

Context: The article discusses the severe risk of silicosis among Indian mine workers exposed to silica dust. It highlights government inaction, poor enforcement of safety laws, misdiagnoses, and the exploitation of workers in low-literacy, resource-dependent mining regions.

What is Silicosis and Why is it a Concern?

  1. Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling microscopic silica dust particles found in sand and stone.
  2. It occurs when silica particles lodge in the lungs, impairing their normal function. The risk is age-agnostic but depends on exposure duration. Once developed, it is irreversible and life-threatening.
  3. A 1999 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research estimated over 8 million Indians were highly exposed to silica dust. This number has likely increased due to expanded mining activities to meet India’s growth aspirations.
  4. Workers often delay seeking medical help until the disease becomes critical.
  5. Health-care providers frequently misdiagnose silicosis as tuberculosis, further worsening the problem.
  6. Silicosis exemplifies poor enforcement of worker safety laws, especially in resource-dependent regions with limited health-care access.

What Actions Has the National Green Tribunal Taken?

  1. On November 29, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Central Pollution Control Board to create new guidelines for silica mining and washing plants.
  2. The Uttar Pradesh government was also instructed to establish health-care facilities near silica mines.
  3. These steps aim to reduce health risks and provide medical support for affected workers.

What Does the Law Say About Worker Safety?

  1. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 requires mine operators to:
  • Notify authorities about workplace threats and cases of silicosis.
  • Provide free annual health check-ups for workers.
  1. However, mine operators often fail to report cases, preventing authorities from tracking workplace practices. States also do not collect this data independently.

What is the Broader Context of This Issue?

  1. Mining regions, often with low literacy and health-care coverage, rely heavily on mining for income.
  2. This dependency compels workers to endure poor conditions without seeking help, exacerbating the health crisis.
  3. The state’s lack of proactive measures contrasts with India’s active climate justice advocacy internationally.

Question for practice:

Examine how government inaction and poor enforcement of safety laws contribute to the prevalence of silicosis among Indian mine workers.

Lessons learned from the 1896 Bombay Plague

Source: The post Lessons learned from the 1896 Bombay Plague has been created, based on the article “Public health — insights from the 1896 Bombay Plague” published in “The Hindu” on 7th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,

Context: The article discusses the 1896 Bombay Plague and how colonial authorities used mapping, policing, and surveillance to control the epidemic. It highlights the shift from focusing on public health to maintaining order and examines lessons for modern public health policies, ethics, and surveillance practices.

What was the Bombay Plague and its impact on Colonial India?

  1. The Bombay Plague of 1896-97 was a major epidemic in colonial India.
  2. It originated in Bombay through trade with the Far East and spread across the subcontinent, killing over 370,000 people by September 1899. The outbreak exposed weaknesses in public health infrastructure.
  3. The colonial government formed the Indian Plague Commission in 1898, chaired by T.R. Fraser, to study the epidemic.
  4. Despite extensive investigations and five volumes of documentation, the Commission failed to determine the plague’s origins and transmission.
  5. The Indian Plague Commission used maps to highlight control measures rather than disease spread. Unlike John Snow’s maps of cholera cases, these maps emphasized railway lines, inspection stations, and quarantine zones.

6. The focus was on maintaining order rather than addressing community health needs.

What role did policing play in managing the plague?

  1. Policing was central to controlling the plague. The government used police to enforce quarantines, monitor movement, and collect data.
  2. Observation camps near railway stations were operated by police.
  3. Military ward orderlies were deployed in hospitals.
  4. Chaukidars reported deaths to police stations, a practice that continues in some areas for death registration.
    5. The reliance on policing linked public health with colonial control, prioritizing order over care. The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, gave the state unrestrained powers, often misused.

What were the ethical implications of these measures?

  1. Colonial strategies prioritized control over care, raising ethical concerns.
  2. Maps and data reinforced power dynamics and overshadowed individual suffering.
  3. Control measures were aimed at protecting colonial interests, not improving community health.
  4. The Indian Plague Commission’s focus on control reflected a lack of transparency and respect for individual rights.

What lessons can be learned for modern public health?

The Bombay Plague provides key insights for today’s public health strategies:

  1. Framing health problems: Prioritize individuals and communities over control measures.
  2. Evolving surveillance: Transition from policing to health professionals for surveillance reflects ethical progress.
  3. Ethical governance: Balance effective control with transparency and respect for freedoms.
  4. Power dynamics: Ensure data collection methods do not reinforce inequities.
  5. Continuity in practices: Practices like death reporting by police highlight lasting influences of colonial approaches.

By learning from history, policymakers can design surveillance systems that address health crises ethically and effectively.

Question for practice:

Examine how colonial strategies during the 1896 Bombay Plague influenced public health practices and their ethical implications.

GS PAPER - 3

RBI’s monetary policy decisions aim to balance inflation control and economic growth

Source: The post India’s Manufacturing Growth and Challenges it Faced has been created, based on the article “Staying the course: The RBI has done well to stay focused on inflation amid rate cut clamour” published in “The Hindu” and the article “MPC FOCUSES ON STABLE INFLATION, LIQUIDITY BOOST” published in “Live mint” on 7th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-growth, development and employment

Context: The article discusses the RBI’s monetary policy. It highlights the decision to keep interest rates unchanged but lower the cash reserve ratio to improve liquidity. The RBI revised GDP growth and inflation forecasts downward due to weak consumption and investment. It emphasizes balancing inflation control with growth, while expecting improved economic conditions in the second half of the year.

For detailed information on Monetary Policy Transmission read this article here

What decisions did the RBI’s MPC make?

  1. Interest Rate: The MPC kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.50% for the 11th consecutive time.
  2. Focus: The MPC maintained a neutral policy stance, balancing inflation control and growth support.
  3. CRR Reduction: To improve liquidity, the RBI reduced the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4%, releasing ₹1.16 trillion liquidity in two phases.
  4. Growth Forecast: The RBI lowered the GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.6% from 7.2%, and for Q1FY26 to 6.9% from 7.3%.
  5. Inflation Target: The FY25 inflation forecast was revised upward to 4.8% from 4.5%, reflecting food price spikes.
  6. Support Measures: Liquidity measures like OMOs and activity in the NDF market were enhanced to stabilize the economy.

How Has Inflation Affected the Economy?

  1. Rising Prices: Inflation spiked in September and October due to high food prices, impacting household spending.
  2. Lower GDP Growth: Q2FY25 GDP growth fell to 5.4% from an earlier estimate of 7%, driven by weak private consumption and investment.
  3. Impact on Urban Spending: High inflation reduced households’ spending power, affecting urban consumption
  4. Balanced Risks: While inflation risks remain due to adverse weather and global price hikes, cooling measures like the kharif harvest are expected to help.

What are the risks and expectations?

  1. Risks include global commodity price rises, adverse weather, and geopolitical uncertainty.
  2. The RBI expects inflation risks to remain balanced.
  3. Liquidity support measures, like OMOs, are expected to continue in Q1CY2025.
  4. A rate cut cycle may start in February 2025 with a 50 bps reduction.

How is the economic situation evolving?

  1. Domestic economic activity rebounded post-Q2FY25, helped by the festive season and rural demand.
  2. The RBI remains hopeful of GDP recovery and inflation cooling in H2FY25.
  3. The government may consider steps like rolling back import duties on edible oils to ease inflation and boost consumption.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the RBI’s monetary policy decisions aim to balance inflation control and economic growth in the current economic scenario.

India’s Manufacturing Growth and Challenges it Faced

Source: The post India’s Manufacturing Growth and Challenges it Faced has been created, based on the article “Building on the revival of the manufacturing sector” published in “The Hindu” on 7th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-growth, development and employment and changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Context: The article discusses India’s efforts to become a global manufacturing hub through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. It highlights the sector’s growth, challenges like high input prices, the need for regional balance, and focus on MSMEs and women’s participation to boost inclusive development.
For detailed information on India Struggling to become a Global Manufacturing Hub read this article here

What is the Impact of the PLI Scheme on India’s Manufacturing Sector?

  1. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has transformed India’s manufacturing landscape.
  2. It has driven growth in mobile manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles.
  3. Manufacturing output grew by 21.5%, and Gross Value Added (GVA) grew by 7.3% in 2022-23 (ASI data).
  4. Sectors like basic metals, chemicals, motor vehicles, and food products contributed 58% of manufacturing output, with a growth of 24.5%.
  5. The PLI scheme has enhanced production, exports, and job creation.

What challenges does India face in manufacturing?

  1. Input Costs: Input prices surged by 24.4% in 2022-23, causing a gap between output growth (21.5%) and GVA growth (7.3%).
  2. Import Dependency: High import costs of raw materials impact competitiveness.
  3. Regional Imbalance: Over 54% of manufacturing GVA and 55% of employment are concentrated in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, limiting equitable growth across other regions.
  4. MSME Challenges: MSMEs contribute 45% to manufacturing GDP but face barriers due to high investment thresholds in PLI schemes. This limits their ability to scale up and integrate into value chains.
  5. Low Female Participation: Manufacturing output could rise by 9% with increased women’s participation. Lack of supportive infrastructure, such as childcare facilities, hinders this potential.

What is India’s manufacturing vision for 2047?

  1. India aims to raise manufacturing’s share in GVA from 17% to 25% by 2030-31 and 27% by 2047-48.
  2. Sustained efforts in domestic manufacturing and value addition are critical.
  3. Policies improving ease of doing business will help achieve this vision.

Conclusion: India’s manufacturing sector is growing steadily with strong policy support. Expanding PLI, addressing challenges, and fostering inclusivity can make India a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of the PLI scheme on India’s manufacturing sector and the challenges hindering its growth.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) Deposits

Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) Deposits

News: The Reserve Bank of India has decided to increase the interest rate ceilings on Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) Account deposits to support foreign inflows into the country. Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) Deposits

About Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) Deposits

  • It is a deposit scheme that enables the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to invest their foreign earnings in Indian fixed deposit accounts.
  • The deposit is held in foreign currencies like the US dollar, British pound sterling, Australian dollar, Euro and Canadian dollar.
  • The FCNR deposit can be held as a term deposit, ranging from 1 year to 5 years.
  • The interest rate ceiling for the FCNR deposits is set by the Reserve Bank of India and the individual banks set the interest rate within that ceiling.

Benefits of the FCNR(B) Deposits

  • It helps NRIs to avoid the risk of currency fluctuations as the principal and interest are held in foreign currency, rather than the Indian Rupee.
  • FCNR deposits tend to offer higher interest rates than those offered on regular savings accounts, making them an attractive investment option.
  • The principal and interest are freely repatriable, allowing NRIs to transfer the funds to their residential country.
  • The interest on FCNR deposits is not taxable in India.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024

News: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2024 will be awarded to former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.

About the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Source- National Herald
  • The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize is prestigious award presented annually in memory of Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India.
  • The prize was established in 1986.
  • It is awarded by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.
  • The prize is awarded to individuals or organizations whose actions and achievements contribute to peace, disarmament and sustainable development.
  • The recipient of the Prize is selected by an independent jury of distinguished individuals.
    • The present jury is chaired by former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon.
  • The award consists of a monetary prize of Rs 25 lakhs and a trophy with a citation.
  • Notable recipients include UNICEF, MS Swaminathan, Kofi Annan, ISRO, Pratham NGO.
  • The 2024 Prize honours the efforts of Michelle Bachelet in improving gender equality, human rights, democracy and development in difficult circumstances.

 

 

Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav

News: Prime Minister has inaugurated the first edition of Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, which is being celebrated from December 6th to 8th 2024 at Pragati Maidan, Delhi.

About the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav

Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav
Source-PIB
  • The festival celebrates the beauty, culture, and diversity of the 8 North-Eastern States Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim.
    • These states are collectively called Ashtalakshmi, representing the eight forms of prosperity as embodied by goddess Lakshmi.
  • It offers a dynamic platform to display Northeast India’s vibrant textile sector, tourism opportunities, traditional craftmanship and distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products.
  • The festival underlines the importance of infrastructure development in Northeast India and its transformative impact on the region.
  • Key highlights of the event
    • Display of unique handicrafts, handlooms and agri-horticultural products of the Northeast India.
    • Focus on key development areas like women’s leadership, IT, energy, healthcare etc.
    • Investors roundtable to promote opportunities in sectors like handicrafts, agriculture and tourism.
    • Various cultural performances.
Key Schemes to promote infrastructural development in North Eastern India

1. North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)

  • It is a central sector scheme
  • It is implemented by the Ministry of Development for North Eastern Region.
  • Two components of the scheme are: A) NESIDS-Road B) NESIDS-Other Than Road Infrastructure (OTRI)
  • The objective of the scheme is to support infrastructural development in the identified sectors in the North Eastern States.

2. Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East (PM-DevINE)

  • It is a central sector scheme
  • It is implemented by the Ministry of Development for North Eastern Region.
  • Objectives of the scheme include:
    • Funding infrastructure
    • Supporting social development projects
    • Creating livelihood opportunities for women and youth
    • Filling development gaps in various sectors

 

Copper Industry in India

News: Copper industry in India faces a major copper shortage following the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on refined copper from December 1, 2024.

Japan, which supplies 80% of India’s copper imports, is still awaiting BIS certification, causing a potential supply disruption.

About Copper

Copper
Source- ET
  • Copper is a reddish-brown metal known for its high thermal and electrical conductivity.
  • Properties:
    • Malleability and Ductility: Copper can be easily shaped into wires and sheets without cracking.
    • Corrosion Resistance: When exposed to air, copper develops a protective layer of copper oxide that prevents further corrosion.
    • Recyclability: Copper is one of the few materials that can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality, making it an eco-friendly metal.

Copper mining and processing

  • Open-pit Mining: Used for extracting surface-level copper deposits.
  • Underground Mining: Applied for deeper copper reserves.
  • Leaching: A chemical method to extract copper from ores.
  • Refining: Involves smelting and electrolytic refining to produce pure copper.

Applications of Copper

  • Electrical Industry: Copper’s excellent conductivity makes it ideal for wiring, motors, generators, transformers etc.
  • Plumbing: Copper pipes are durable, corrosion-resistant, and commonly used in water supply lines and refrigeration systems.
  • Construction: Used in roofing, cladding, gutters, and decorative elements due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ability to form alloys like brass and bronze.
  • Electronics: Copper is essential in devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs. Its thermal conductivity helps manage heat from electronic circuits.

Major Copper mines in India

  • Malanjkhand Mine- largest copper mine in India (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Kolihan Mine (Rajasthan)
  • Khetri Mine (Rajasthan)
  • Banwas Mine (Rajasthan)
  • Surda Mine (Jharkhand)

Largest Copper Exporters Worldwide

  • Chile: Leads with over 30% of global copper production.
  • Peru: Renowned for vast copper mines.

Current issues with copper industry in India

  • India imports 30-40% of its refined copper, with Japanese suppliers accounting for 80% of imports.
  • Reasons for Copper Shortage:
    • Quality Control Order (QCO): Imports of refined copper are stalled due to pending BIS certification, causing potential supply issues.
    • Sterlite Plant Closure: The shutdown of Tamil Nadu’s Sterlite smelter, which once supplied 36% of India’s copper, has reduced domestic production.
  • Consequences of Supply Shortage:
    • Production Disruptions:Industries like wire, cable, and electrical equipment manufacturing may face operational halts, rising input costs, and project delays.
    • Economic Impact:The shortage is likely to heavily affect domestic industries, particularly small and medium enterprises reliant on refined copper.

International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

News:The International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience was recently launched to tackle growing challenges and maintain the strength of submarine critical infrastructure.

About International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

Subamrine cables
Source- Ship Nerd News
  • It was jointly launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC).
  • This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of submarine cables, which are crucial for the operation of the global digital economy.
  • Members– The body consists of 40 members from across the globe, including ministers, heads of regulatory authorities, and senior telecommunications experts.
  • The Advisory Body will meet bi-annually to consult on international policies, infrastructure, and best practices for improving submarine cable resilience.
  • Functions:
    • It will promote best practices among governments and industries to improve cable resilience, reduce damage risks, and ensure quick repair and deployment of these vital systems.
    • The group’s expertise will help support those who depend on submarine cables for their livelihoods and those responsible for deploying, maintaining, and protecting this vital infrastructure.
    • The Advisory Body will also offer strategic guidance to tackle challenges like increasing traffic, aging infrastructure, and environmental threats to submarine cables.

About International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC)

  • It was founded in 1958.
  • It is a global forum for governments and commercial entities involved in the submarine cable industry.
  • Its primary mission is to enhance the security of undersea cables by providing a platform for exchanging technical, legal, and environmental information.

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Source-ForumIAS

MuleHunter.AI: RBI’s AI-Powered Tool to Combat Financial Fraud

News: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) urged banks to adopt its AI/ML-based tool, MuleHunter.AI, to address the growing problem of mule accounts involved in digital frauds.

About MuleHunter.AI

  • It is a cutting-edge AI tool designed to detect and flag mule accounts, with the aim of tackling financial fraud and money laundering.
  • Developed by– Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)
  • Working:
    • It outperforms traditional rule-based systems by utilizing machine learning algorithms.
    • It analyzes transaction data and account details to predict mule accounts with higher accuracy and speed.
    • By tracking the flow of illicit funds into mule accounts, the platform enables banks to detect fraudulent activity more effectively within their networks.
  • The tool has been successfully piloted in two public sector banks.

About Mule Accounts

MuleHunter.AI
Source- Researchgate
  • According to the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, ‘mule accounts’ are bank accounts exploited by criminals to channel illicit funds.
  • These accounts are typically opened by individuals who are either deceived by promises of easy money or pressured into participating.
  • The recruited individuals, known as money mules, may or may not be aware that they are aiding in illegal activities.
  • The transfer of funds through these highly interconnected accounts makes it difficult to trace and recover the funds.

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