Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

A question from Manipur: Who is an ST?

News–  Rcenetly, there were voilent protest in Manipur over demand for affirmative action by the state’s Meitei community.

What are issues regarding ST status in India?

The stakes of reservation or affirmative action have become higher amid economic liberalisation and neoliberal reform.

Many marginalised groups not recognised as STs observe as their ST neighbours reap the advantage of affirmative action benefits. Such disparities can spark inter-community tensions and conflicts.

ST status has become a contentious issue. There are about 720 recognised STs in the country today. At least a thousand more groups are vying for recognition as STs.

These are symptoms of a crisis in India’s over-burdened, out-of-date reservation system.

There have been important policy documents that have made the same point.

The 2006 draft “The National Tribal Policy for the Scheduled Tribes of India” observed that, there is an increasing clamour from many communities to get included as ST. Adding new communities to the list reduces the benefits to existing STs. Therefore, it should be done, only if there is no room for doubt.

The draft pointed to the problematical nature of the official criteria for defining STs laid out by the B N Lokur Committee in 1965. These criteria are hardly relevant today. Other more accurate criteria need to be fixed. But, it may not be easy.

Justice Jasraj Chopra committee was appointed in 2007 by the Rajasthan government to examine the Gujjars’ demand for ST status.

As per the committee, a national debate should be initiated on the existing norms for according ST status to any community. Certain criteria should be abrogated as they had become outdated.

What are issues related to Assam’s Adivasi community seeking ST status?

It raises profound questions about our system of reservation. In Northeast India, unlike in the rest of the country, the word Adivasi, is not used as an equivalent for ST.

The only major group of people that call themselves Adivasi are not officially recognised as ST. They are the descendants of tea workers brought as indentured workers to Assam.

The region’s established STs don’t self-identify as Adivasi because of the “backwardness” associated with the term. They prefer the English words tribe or tribal for self-identification.

The census of 1891 classified tea workers simply as labourers. But the term Adivasi has a special appeal to their descendants because its original use was by tribal leaders of Jharkhand. They regard the place as their original home.

People who have spent years in tea plantations cannot be expected to retain their primitive traits and distinctive culture that marked their ancestors in other states.

They realy warrants some relaxation in the criteria. They are descendants of those having ST recognition in their places of origin.

If the Adivasis are among Northeast India’s most deprived people today, it is the result of the precedence accorded to indigeneity over citizenship and successful cultural adaptation into local societies.

Securing the migrant vote

News– Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies conducted a study between April 28 and May 1 among the migrant voters of Bengaluru to find out their voting patterns.

What were the main findings of the study in the localities of migrant workers from north and north-east ?

Nearly 99% of them were not registered as voters in Karnataka. Most of these workers who live in houses near power mills or in makeshift arrangements near construction sites continued to retain their names on the voter lists of their home constituencies.

Some of them were not able to adequately exercise their political voting rights due to geographical constraints. They found it difficult to travel home for every election.

There were fewer than 5% of migrants whose families were living with them. They were concerned that their localities were not safe for women.

There was little awareness among the migrant workers about the ECI’s proposal to introduce RVMs. 80% of them supported the proposal when they were told about it. They were happy that RVMs would enable them to vote there.

Less than 10% expressed their apprehensions about this mode of voting. Many voiced their concerns and anxieties about the system’s accuracy.

Despite the difficulties involved in casting their vote, the respondents greatly valued their voting rights. They said it was their duty and responsibility to vote as citizens of the country. They also said that voting is important in a democracy.

The migrants said none of them had ever received money or goods or services from any candidates or parties in exchange for their vote. They said they travelled back to their home States without any support or expectations.

The study also indicated the involuntary choices that migrant workers have to make in order to maintain a minimum standard of living.

Many of the migrant workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam, said low and irregular wages and lack of opportunities in their home States were reasons for their migration without their families.

They were happy to move to their home States if they were offered comparatively lower pay. The most popular reason for this was to be closer to home and to their families and fewer expenses.

Migrant workers are often apprehensive about registering themselves as voters in any other State apart from their home State. This is due to various reasons such as frequent changes in residence, fear of losing property in their home State.

What is the scenario of the use of Remote Voting Machines by migrants?

The Election Commission of India has proposed it. It seeks to extend voting facilities to such migrant workers who find it difficult to travel to their native place to vote.

Some political parties objected to RVMs. As per them, ECI has not responded to pending complaints and questions about the trustworthiness of Electronic Voting Machines.

RVM initiative is much-needed, but it requires an additional push. It needs more thought and greater transparency.

How strategic convergence between US, UAE, Saudi Arabia and India can help Delhi

News- The recent meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the national security advisers of the US, UAE, and India underlines the growing strategic convergence between Delhi and Washington in the Gulf.

What is the new foreign approach of India towards the Middle east?

It is a major departure from the traditional approaches to the Middle East. India followed the principles of the Nehruvian foreign policy. It proposed that Delhi must either oppose Washington or keep its distance from it in the Middle East.

The approach was broken with the formation of a four-nation grouping called I2U2 that brought the US, India, Israel, and the UAE together.

Modi’s foreign policy rejected the notion that Delhi can’t be visibly friendly to Israel. He also transformed India’s uneasy relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, into solid strategic partnerships.

Delhi is interested in a new quadrilateral with the US, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

The US is not the only Western power that India is beginning to work with in the Gulf. France has emerged as an important partner in the Gulf and the Western Indian Ocean. India now has a trilateral dialogue with Abu Dhabi and Paris.

What are some facts about Pakistan’s role in Middle East affairs?

As India withdrew from its historic geopolitical role in the Middle East, Pakistan became the lynchpin of the Anglo-American strategy in the Gulf.

Pakistan was a key part of the Baghdad Pact created in 1955 along with Britain, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey to counter the Communist threat to the region.

After Iraq pulled out in 1958, the pact became the Central Treaty Organisation and moved to Ankara. The regional members of CENTO formed a forum on Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) in 1964.

CENTO was dissolved in 1979, and the RCD morphed into Economic Cooperation Organisation in 1985.

Pakistan’s continuing strategic decline makes it less relevant to the changing geopolitics of the Gulf. Pakistan in the 1950s was widely viewed as a moderate Muslim nation with significant prospects for economic growth.

Now, it is facing the challenges of violent religious extremism and a weak economy.

Pakistan has drifted too close to China. Islamabad is tempted to align with China and Russia in the region. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s rush to Moscow when Russian President Vladimir Putin was about to invade Ukraine.

How has the US changed its approach to the Middle east?

The US is discarding its pro-Pakistan bias in thinking about the relationship between the Subcontinent and the Gulf.

The US will not abandon the Middle East. But it is recalibrating its regional strategy. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has highlighted several elements of the new US approach. One was about building new partnerships, including with Delhi.

The other was about the integration of the Arabian Peninsula into India and the world. It will focus on I2U2 and new regional coalitions.

What is the current geopolitical dynamics of the Middle east?

Beijing is now the second most important power in the world. Its diplomatic and political influence in the region will continue to rise. Yet, Beijing is nowhere near displacing Washington as the principal external actor in the Gulf.

The Anglo-Saxon powers have no desire to cede the Gulf to Beijing.

There are rising powers in the Arabian Peninsula, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Gulf kingdoms have accumulated massive financial capital and are undergoing ambitious economic transformation.

They have also begun to diversify their strategic partnerships, develop nationalism rather than religion as the political foundation for their states. They are  promoting religious tolerance at home, and initiating social reform.

What are the options for Indian strategic establishment in the Middle east?

Emerging Arabia opens enormous new possibilities for India’s economic growth. It enhances the scope of Delhi’s productive involvement in promoting connectivity and security within Arabia and between it and the regions  including Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean.

The engagement should also help India overcome the forces of violent religious extremism within the Subcontinent.

India should go for modernisation of Delhi’s strategic discourse on the Gulf and a conscious effort to change the outdated popular narratives on the Arabian Peninsula.

Jailhouse Shock – Tihar won’t change unless some authority is made directly responsible for running it

News: Recently, a gangster has been murdered in his prison cell in Tihar jail.

About the present incident in Tihar and Delhi High Court’s observation

No prison guard apparently saw the assailants as they reached their victim, nor were any present at the victim’s cell. Another CCTV clip shows police standing by as a second attack began.

This murder came weeks after the death of another gangster in a gang war inside Tihar. The Delhi high court said that the incident was ‘Totally unacceptable’.

About the previous court observations on Tihar jail and its authorities

The Supreme Court in the past has pulled up Tihar authorities for collusion with inmates in flouting the jail manual and obfuscating investigation. Courts have criticised GoI and the Delhi government for “passing the buck” on security at the jail.

The present one should prompt all stakeholders to revisit the multiplicity of authority.

What are the challenges in managing Tihar Jail?

-Prisons are a state subject. Tihar is run by the Delhi government. But, the DG (Prisons) is an officer on deputation from Delhi police, which reports to the government of India.

-Delhi police are in charge of custodial duties while patrolling, perimeter security, search etc are undertaken by Tamil Nadu Special Police, ITBP and CRPF.

Tihar is a place where some of India’s most dangerous criminals reside and are in great danger. So, until some authority is made directly responsible for running it the condition won’t change.

Green crosshairs – A multi-pronged counter is warranted to tackle the EU’s carbon tax plans

News: The European Union (EU) proposes to introduce a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the upcoming October. The carbon levies are estimated to be in the range from 19.8% to 52.7

What is Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Why it is a cause of worry for India?

According to EU, the CBAM will ensure its climate objectives are not undermined by carbon-intensive imports and spur cleaner production in the rest of the world.

Last year, about a third of India’s iron, steel and aluminium exports were shipped to EU members.  Engineering products are the largest export growth driver in recent years. So, the CBAM will impact Indian exports to Europe.

What are India’s options against the CBAM?

The Centre view the tax as a sophisticated trade barrier put out within ‘greenwashing’ optics.

-The EU believes the carbon tax is compatible with World Trade Organization norms, but India is looking to challenge that.

-India may also flag the incompatibility with the UN’s climate change framework which moots common but differentiated responsibilities for developed and developing nations.

-A threat of retaliatory tariffs on EU imports might also be feasible.

What India should do against the CBAM?

India at present is planning to quantify the various carbon taxes levied in India. Many of the poorer countries rely more heavily on mineral resources than India does.

Having positioned itself as the voice of the global South, the current president of G20, India should explore all the options against the CBAM and also alarm other nations about the EU’s carbon tax framework.

GS Paper 3

Minimising the threat from IEDs

News–  On April 26, an IED killed 10 security personnel of the District Reserve Guard in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada area. The jawans were out on an anti-Maoist mission when they were ambushed.

What is the way forward to overcome the threats of use of IEDs by Maoists?

Avoid travel by vehicle– The safest mode of travel is on foot in a region where left-wing extremism is active. Studies show that over 60% of casualties in Maoist territories are because of vehicles ambushed in landmines/IEDs.

Routine operations like area domination, cordon-and-search, long range patrolling, ambush-cum-patrolling should only be undertaken on foot. Vehicle travel should be undertaken rarely. It should be only for urgent operational reasons.

If vehicle travel is absolutely essential, the onward and return journeys should never be by the same route.

To avoid the risk of civilian casualties, Maoists do not trigger IEDs during night time. Hence, night travel by vehicles is relatively safe for security forces.

Use of armoured vehicles and protective gear– In certain war zones, vehicular deployment is inevitable. Security forces working in such areas should be equipped with appropriate protective gear, such as blast-resistant clothing, helmets, and eye protection.

Their vehicles should also be equipped with V-shaped and armour-plated hull, blast-resistant technology and proper sandbagging to minimise damage in the event of an explosion.

Machine guns and other weapons should be mounted on top of the vehicles with outward facing rotatory seats, from where the men can have a 360-degree observation outside.

Security forces should always travel in a convoy of minimum two to three vehicles. They should  maintain a distance of at least 40 to 50 metres between them.

Safe travelling– There is a need for rigorous and regular implementation of various detection methods. It includes metal detectors, ground-penetrating radar, and trained sniffer dogs, to locate and clear IEDs.

Areas known or suspected to contain landmines or IEDs can be mapped and contingency plans prepared for them. This includes establishing safe routes, setting up checkpoints, and creating evacuation plans as part of both preventive and mitigation measures.

Intelligence– It is important to gather actionable intelligence. But, due to risks of reprisals by terrorists, locals usually do not provide information for money alone.

Relationships have to be cultivated and goodwill generated among the local population on a long-term basis. It should be beyond transactional levels. This requires patience, commitment, empathy and integrity on the part of security forces.

Investigation– There is simply no substitute for good routine investigation of IED ambushes. An IED ambush is not an insular, standalone event. There is a whole ecosystem behind it. It includes financiers, suppliers, transporters, builders and triggermen.

Diligent and scientific investigation, establishment of linkages through collection of evidence, framing of chargesheets, followed by speedy trials and conviction, serve as a strong deterrent to terrorism.

Other measures– These include collaboration with international organisations, NGOs, and other countries to share information, resources, and best practices for landmine and IED prevention, detection, and clearance.

There is a need for implementation and enforcement of national and international laws, policies, and regulations aimed at preventing the use, production, and trade of landmines and IEDs.

Legislative measures are required for mandatory addition of chemicals and biosensors to explosives used in industry and mining for their easy detection during transport.

Legislative measures are required for stricter controls on manufacture, supply and sale of explosives and detonators. Other countries have taken several counter-IED measures. The U.S has set up the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organisation to prevent, identify and defeat IEDs.

There is a need to create an overarching agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate the efforts of both the Government of India and the State governments. It can provide legislative, technological and procedural support to law enforcement agencies.

What a total ban on diesel vehicles could mean in India

News: The Energy Transition Advisory Committee formed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has recommended a ban on the use of diesel-powered four-wheel vehicles by 2027 in cities with a population of more than 1 million.

It recommended shifting towards electric and gas-fuelled vehicles along with city transport consisting a mix of Metro trains and electric buses by 2030.

Why has the panel come up with such a proposal?

The panel’s recommendation is along the lines of the government’s aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to produce 40% of its electricity from renewables as part of 2070 net zero goal.

Diesel currently accounts for about 40% of India’s petroleum products consumption. Therefore, the proposed ban will be significant in achieving the desired government’s aim.

What are the issues with the proposal?

Around 87% of diesel fuel sales are in the transport segment, with trucks and buses accounting for about 68%.

Therefore, difficulties in implementing a total ban are – (a) Carmakers and oil firms have invested greatly in shifting to BS-VI, and all of those investments might be lost if a complete ban is enacted and (b) a total ban would cause serious disruptions in the commercial vehicles segment, where diesel penetration is very high and alternative fuels options such as EV, CNG, and LNG are still being explored.

Note: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana account for almost 40% of the diesel sold in India.

What actions have diesel vehicle manufacturers taken?

Maruti Suzuki, the nation’s largest producer of passenger cars, discontinued producing diesel cars from April 1, 2020.

Since 2020, most carmakers have discontinued diesel car manufacturing. As a result, the contribution of passenger vehicles to overall diesel vehicle demand has fallen to 16.5%, compared to 28.5% in 2013.

Why do people prefer diesel vehicles?

People prefer diesel vehicles because – a) diesel vehicles use less fuel per km, b) there are lesser chances of diesel vehicles to stall, and c) lower cost of the diesel compared to petrol.

However, the price of the diesel increased after 2014. Due to which, sales of diesel vehicles have fallen. Diesel cars accounted for less than 20% of overall passenger vehicle sales in 2021-22.

Why are carmakers moving away from diesel engines and what are the drawbacks of diesel engines?

The major drawback of diesel engines over petrol is that diesel engines have a higher compression ratio. This causes increase in emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), leading to pollution.

Moreover, carmakers have turned away from diesel engine cars because the new BS-VI emission norms involve a high cost of upgrading diesel engines to meet the new standard, unlike petrol engines cars.

What lies ahead?

Steps have been taken to reduce emission from the diesel such as – a) standards under BS-VI have necessitated oil refineries to reduce the level of sulphur in diesel and b) the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed a standard for diesel containing 7% biodiesel.

Therefore, looking at the current demand of diesel in the market, the government should concentrate on phasing-out diesel rather than completely banning diesel vehicles.

Controversial calls on predatory pricing

News: The article discusses concerns over predatory pricing by telecom operators.

What is the issue?

In the last month, Bharti Airtel alleged that Reliance Jio was indulging in predatory pricing. The allegation was that Jio was offering live TV channels as part of its bundled broadband plan.

However, Jio in a complaint to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) called Airtel’s allegation baseless.

Further, Vodafone Idea accused both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel of predatory pricing in their 5G data offering. However, both Jio and Airtel have denied such allegations.

Like these, there are multiple instances where one telecom operator has put charges against the other for involving in predatory pricing.

How has TRAI responded?

TRAI is keeping a closer look over telcos offering unlimited 5G data and it may lay down some rules on unlimited data.

However, the regulator would not take actions that disrupt India’s 5G growth due to various political reasons and due to India’s G20 presidency this year.

What are the concerns over predatory pricing?

Predatory pricing was a major issue a few years back when Reliance Jio entered the market with its disruptive tariff plans. Its plan resulted in decreased subscriber base of other telcos, leading to losses.

Airtel put allegation against Reliance Jio over predatory pricing back in 2017. However, its allegation was rejected by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

CCI said that Reliance Jio is not a dominant player in the market and therefore, its plans do not involve the question of predatory pricing.

Moreover, today both Jio and Airtel are dominant players and both of them provide services like unlimited 5G data, live TV, etc., which may be a case of predatory pricing.

However, as per experts, offering extras such as live TV, more data or unlimited data cannot be categorised under predatory pricing.

Moreover, other than predatory pricing issue, concern remain over its regulation.

What are the regulatory issues over predatory pricing?

The Supreme Court in the Bharti Airtel vs CCI in 2018 authorized TRAI as the regulator to settle any case on predatory pricing in telecom. However, the Telecom Bill, which is expected soon, will bring greater clarity on the matter.

Moreover, any issue concerning predatory pricing should be first taken up by the TRAI and then any party can go to CCI for a follow-up.

However, an expert panel in 2012, has recommended mandatory consultation between CCI and the regulator concerned to arrive at a harmonious solution over the issues concerning predatory prices.

Therefore, a Telecom Bill that clarifies the regulating authority over predatory pricing is urgently needed.

Must Read: Draft Telecommunication Bill, 2022 – Explained

                     Source: Business Standard

India’s stumble on rupee trading holds a lesson on globalization

News: As China, India, and Russia trying to trade using partner currencies for payment instead of the U.S. dollar. Many Russian banks have opened Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA) with partner banks in India. Russia has said that it had “accumulated billions of rupees in accounts in Indian banks” and to use this money “the rupees need to be transferred to another currency.”

What is de-dollarisation, what are the global efforts towards the De-dollarisation of trade, and How is India pursuing the de-dollarisation of trade?

How dominant is US Dollar in global trade?

About Special Rupee Vostro Accounts

Why are millions of rupees lying unused with Russia?

In 2022-23, Russia was India’s fourth largest import partner, with a total of $46.5 billion worth of goods imports. Among that, Petroleum and petroleum products alone comprise almost 2/3rd of the imports. Coal and fertilizers were the other major imports.

That same year, Russia was India’s 36th largest export destination with total exports of $3.2 billion. So, Russia ran a $43.3 billion trade surplus, meaning that India had much more to buy from Russia than vice versa.

Further, other countries are unlikely to accept Indian rupees from Russia for payment of purchase, simply because they have limited purchase options with India.

So, Russia is not comfortable holding rupees and wants to be paid in Dollars, Chinese yuan or other currencies.

Note: In 2021, total global exports (goods and services) stood at $27.9 trillion, whereas India’s exports stood only at 2.4% of global exports. 

Why Russia wants to hold further trade with India in dollars?

If the trade was held in dollars, then Russia has the options like a) Use the surplus dollars in other countries, b) The dollars could be converted quickly into another currency like the euro and be used to pay for Russian purchases, c) The dollars could be invested in dollar assets like US Treasury bonds to earn a rate of return.

What India needs to do to ensure successful trade settlements in Rupee?

The structure of the global economy makes it very difficult to carry out any significant amount of international trade without invoicing in dollars. Further, the rupee accounts for just 1.6% of global foreign exchange transactions.

The Russian example shows that India needs to export more so that other countries can use rupees to buy stuff from India.

Stressing stability – Indian policymakers must remain vigilant

News: The Financial Stability and Development Council, headed by Union Finance Minister deliberated the need for having more early stress indicators to enable regulators to identify potential problems and deal with them in time.

What are the various macroeconomic risks that necessitated the need for early stress indicators?

a) There are several interrelated risks emanating from the global economy. The increased global economic and financial interdependence has increased risks. Though this interconnectedness has merits, emerging market countries like India should build safety margins to limit the downside risks.

b) Ongoing trouble in the US banking system: Three out of the four biggest bank failures in the US have happened over the past two months. A sharp increase in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve has led to large losses in the investment portfolio of banks. As a result, handling the pressure of deposit withdrawal is becoming difficult for some banks.

Though they may not pose an immediate threat to financial stability, policymakers would do well if they remain prepared.

c) Impact of the US banking system on Indian IT firms: The banking and financial services sector is a major source of revenue for Indian technology firms. So, their impact can directly affect the functioning of Indian IT firms.

d) High budget deficit in several advanced economies: The fiscal deficit is expected to average over 6% of gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade. This will be significantly higher than the average of about 3.5% of GDP witnessed in recent decades and will have implications for the global financial markets.

e) US Fed and other central bank’s policies: A structurally higher deficit in the US would mean the Fed might maintain higher interest rates for a longer period. The higher demand for savings by the US and other governments in the developed world would limit the amount of funds flowing to emerging market countries.

f) Volatility in currency markets: Sustained higher budget deficits and higher interest rates could also increase volatility in currency markets.

Since India has no control over the things that unfold in advanced economies, it is required to identify early stress indicators.

Overall, from the Indian government’s side, the government should bring down the fiscal deficit at the earliest. This will help reduce dependence on foreign capital and improve macroeconomic stability.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Some key takeaways from the Petersberg Climate Dialogue

Source: The post is based on the article “Some key takeaways from the Petersberg Climate Dialogue” published in Down To Earth on 10th May 2023

What is the News?

The Petersberg Dialogue on Climate Change was held in Berlin, Germany. It was hosted by Germany and the United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

What is the Petersberg Climate Dialogue?

The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is an annual high-level political and international forum held before the United Nations Climate Change Conferences(COP).

It was initiated in 2010 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel following the nearly unsuccessful negotiations at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP15).

Its central goal is to strengthen trust both in multilateral climate negotiations and between states.

The focus this year included topics such as climate adaptation, climate finance and dealing with loss and damage, but in particular the first-ever global stocktake.

What are the key takeaways from the Petersberg Climate Dialogue?

Clean up economies: The UN Secretary-General emphasized the need for cleaning up our economies — breaking the world’s fossil fuel addiction and driving decarbonisation in every sector to achieve a 1.5 degree global warming pathway.

– He also reiterated his earlier call for an Acceleration Agenda, where all countries hit fast-forward on their Net Zero deadlines.

– The Agenda calls for coal phaseout by 2030 in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, and by 2040 in all others, as well as achieving Net Zero electricity generation and decarbonising major sectors.

Renewable Energy: COP28 President called on meeting participants to ramp up renewable energy capacity building.

– He called for a tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 followed by a doubling in 2040, but his address focused on reducing fossil fuel ‘emissions.

$100 billion climate finance: Developed countries are “on good track” to deliver the $100 billion per year they had promised to mobilize by 2020 during the COP15 in 2009.

– However, recent estimates peg climate finance needs at $1 trillion per year by 2030 for emerging markets alone. 

– This means that climate finance needs are more than 10 times the amount that developed countries have been able to mobilize, 14 years after committing to the $100 billion figure. 

Global Stocktake: 2023 is the year for the Global Stocktake, which is essentially a periodic review of global climate action which aims to assess whether current efforts will enable us to reach the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement.

Most Asia-Pacific countries ill-prepared for natural disasters: ESCAP

Source: The post is based on the article “Most Asia-Pacific countries ill-prepared for natural disasters: ESCAP” published in Down To Earth on 10th May 2023

What is the News?

According to a new study by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), most countries in Asia and the Pacific are inadequately prepared to manage the rising challenges of extreme weather events and natural disasters. 

What are the key highlights from the UNESCAP report on the Asia Pacific region?

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for more than half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

It is one of the most rapidly developing regions of the world, with a significant proportion of the global population.

Over the past 60 years, temperatures in the region have increased faster than the global mean. 

Extreme, unpredictable weather events and natural hazards have become more frequent and intense Tropical cyclones, heatwaves, floods and droughts have brought immense loss of life and displacement, damaging people’s health and pushing millions into poverty.

Of the 10 countries most affected by these disasters, six are in the region.

The costs of climate change are also too high. The annual average losses from natural and biological hazards in Asia and the Pacific are approximately $780 billion.

What are the challenges faced by the Asia Pacific region in tackling Climate Change?

The region is also home to most of the world’s low-lying cities and vulnerable small island states.

Countries in the region also lack the necessary data as well as means to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Hence, in the absence of decisive action, climate change will remain a leading cause of poverty and inequality across the region.

What are the steps recommended by UNESCAP?

The report enlisted the changes required to close the emissions gap in three key sectors:

Energy: Some 85% of the region’s primary energy supply came from fossil fuels in 2020.

– There is a need for rapid uptake of renewable energy. But this requires restructuring national energy systems, new technical capacities and significant investment in supply and infrastructure. 

– The report stresses cross-border electricity grids to increase the share of renewable energy.

Transport: The transport sector, primarily powered by oil, should be shifted to a low-carbon pathway.

– This can be achieved by reducing transport distance through integrated land use, planning, shifting to sustainable transport modes with low-carbon or net-zero-carbon emissions, as well as improving vehicle and fuel efficiency.

Integrate climate considerations into regional trade agreements: Trade must be climate-smart — 85% of the regional trade agreements signed since 2005 to which at least one Asia-Pacific economy is party contained climate-related provisions. 

– The private sector must be encouraged to work towards a low-carbon pathway and sustainability should be ingrained into business operations.

Haifa Port: Arab trains to carry Indian goods to Israeli port: Cohen

Source: The post is based on the article “Arab trains to carry Indian goods to Israeli port: Cohen” published in The Hindu on 10th May 2023

What is the News?

Israel Foreign Minister announced that Arab train networks in future would be carrying Indian goods to the Haifa port in Israel.

Where is Haifa Port?

The Haifa Port is located in northern Israel, adjacent to the city of Haifa along the Mediterranean Sea.

It has a natural deep-water harbour, which operates all year long.

The port was officially opened in 1933. It is the second-largest port in Israel in terms of shipping containers and the biggest in shipping tourist cruise ships.  

The port houses the Carmel Terminal (the largest and most advanced container terminal in Israel), The East Terminal (the longest container terminal in Israel), The Chemicals Terminal (the only terminal in Israel for transportation and storage of chemicals) and much more.

Recently, the Adani Group-led consortium completed the acquisition of Haifa Port Company from the government of Israel.

India among top 5 countries where babies born too soon: study

Source: The post is based on the article “India among top 5 countries where babies born too soon: study” published in Indian Express on 10th May 2023

What is the News?

WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund and Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) have released a report titled “Born too Soon: Decade of Action on Pre-term Birth”.

What are the key findings of the report?

An estimated 13.4 million babies were born pre-term in 2020, with nearly a million dying from pre-term complications. This is equivalent to around one in 10 babies. This indicates a “silent emergency” for children’s survival and health.

– Note: Preterm births occur earlier than 37 weeks of an expected 40-week full-term pregnancy.

Almost half of all pre-term births in 2020 happened in five countries — India, Pakistan, Nigeria, China and Ethiopia.

In 2020, Bangladesh had the highest estimated pre-term birth rate (16.2 per cent), followed by Malawi (14.5 per cent) and Pakistan (14.4 per cent).

The total pre-term birth numbers for the five countries are alarming as India tops the list with 30.16 lakh births.

– Note: A report published in 2022 in PloS-Global Public Health showed that West Bengal reported 16% of such preterm births, Tamil Nadu 14% and Gujarat 9%.

What are the leading causes of pre-term births?

The report found gaping inequalities related to race, ethnicity, income, and access to quality care, determine the likelihood of preterm birth, death, and disability, even in high-income countries.

Other factors are also making an impact such as air pollution is estimated to contribute to six million preterm births each year.

At the same time, nearly one in 10 preterm babies are born in the 10 most fragile countries affected by humanitarian crises.

What are the recommendations given by the report?

The report has called for a set of actions to save lives such as: boosting investments in newborn health, accelerating the implementation of national policies, integrating efforts across sectors, and supporting locally led innovation and research to support improvements in quality of care and equity in access.

Progress must also advance in prevention, which means every woman must be able to access quality health services before and during pregnancy to identify and manage risks.

NCGG started 3 capacity building programmes for the civil servants of Maldives & Bangladesh

Source: The post is based on the article “NCGG started 3 capacity building programmes for the civil servants of Maldives & Bangladesh” published in PIB on 9th May 2023

What is the News?

The National Centre for Good Governance(NCGG) has started three capacity-building programmes (CBPs) for the civil servants of Bangladesh and the Maldives.

What is the National Centre for Good Governance(NCGG)?

The National Centre for Good Governance(NCGG) was set up in 2014 by the Government of India as an apex–level autonomous institution under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. 

Origin: The Centre traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), which was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).NIAR was subsequently rechristened and subsumed into NCGG.

Mandate: The Centre is mandated to work in the areas of governance, policy reforms, capacity building and training of civil servants and technocrats of India and other developing countries. It also works as a think tank.

Governing Body: The affairs of the NCGG are managed under the overall superintendence and direction of the Governing Body, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary. 

– It has Secretaries of 9 ministries/ departments and 5 eminent persons viz. academicians, eminent administrators, specialists, eminent innovators, and heads of reputed institutions as members.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) complete 8 years of providing social security cover

Source: The post is based on the article “Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) complete 8 years of providing social security cover” published in PIB on 9th May 2023

What is the News?

The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has completed 8 years of providing social security cover.

What are the three social security schemes?

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): It is a one-year life insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death due to any reason.

– Eligibility: Persons in the age group of 18-50 years having an individual bank or a post office account are entitled to enrol under the scheme. 

– People who join the scheme before completing 50 years of age can continue to have the risk of life cover up to the age of 55 years upon payment of regular premium.

– Benefits: Life cover of Rs. 2 Lakh in case of death due to any reason against a premium of Rs. 436/- per annum.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY):  It is a one-year accidental insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death or disability due to accident.

– Eligibility: Persons in the age group of 18-70 years having an individual bank or a post office account are entitled to enrol under the scheme.

– Benefits: Accidental death cum disability cover of Rs.2 lakh (Rs.1 lakh in case of partial disability) for death or disability due to an accident against a premium of Rs.20/- per annum.

Atal Pension Yojana(APY): It was launched to create a universal social security system for all Indians, especially the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganized sector.

– Administered by: APY is administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the overall administrative and institutional architecture of the National Pension System (NPS).

– Eligibility: APY is open to all bank account holders in the age group of 18 to 40 years who are not income taxpayers and the contributions differ, based on the pension amount chosen.

– Benefits: Subscribers would receive the guaranteed minimum monthly pension of Rs. 1000 or Rs. 2000 or Rs. 3000 or Rs. 4000 or Rs. 5000 after the age of 60 years, based on the contributions made by the subscriber after joining the scheme.

– Disbursement of the Scheme Benefits: The monthly pension is available to the subscriber, and after him to his spouse and after their death, the pension corpus would be returned to the nominee of the subscriber.

Contribution by Central Government: The minimum pension would be guaranteed by the Government, i.e., if the accumulated corpus based on contributions earns a lower than estimated return on investment and is inadequate to provide the minimum guaranteed pension, the Central Government would fund such inadequacy. 

– Alternatively, if the returns on investment are higher, the subscribers would get enhanced pensionary benefits.

Indian scientist-led team witnesses star engulfing Jupiter-sized planet

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian scientist-led team witnesses star engulfing Jupiter-sized planet” published in Indian Express on 10th May 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have witnessed a bloated star in our own galaxy swallowing a planet. This star has been identified as “ZTF SLRN-2020”.

What is ZTF SLRN-2020?

ZTF SLRN-2020 is a Sun-like star that swallowed a Jupiter-sized planet, causing the star to expel some material into space in an energetic belch.

The star is similar to our sun in size and composition and is located in our Milky Way galaxy about 12,000 light-years from Earth in the direction of the constellation Aquila.

After running out of fuel in its core, the star began to grow in size, shrinking the gap with its neighbouring planet, eventually consuming it entirely.

What is the significance of these findings?

Life cycles of stars have been well studied and understood. Older stars, eventually, ingest the nearby planets (like Mercury and Venus with respect to our Sun), too are scientifically known.

Even Earth could face a similar fate five billion years from today. At the end of its life, the Sun will swell up to a size that will certainly be bigger than the present-day orbit of Earth. 

So nominally, the Earth would get engulfed when the Sun runs out of fuel in about 5 billion years.

However, what had never been observed until now was the actual process of a dying star consuming a planet. Now, this has finally happened.

Why question of ED chief’s tenure is back in Supreme Court

Source: The post is based on the article “Why question of ED chief’s tenure is back in Supreme Court” published in Indian Express on 9th May 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has said it might revisit its 2021 ruling that the tenure of a superannuated officer may be extended only in exceptional circumstances.

What is the case about?

The tenure for directors of CBI and ED was two years. In 2020, the Central Government extended the tenure of the ED Director by a year. 

This extension was challenged in court. The court in 2021 upheld the Centre’s order extending the tenure beyond two years. 

However, the court said that extension of tenure to officers who have attained the age of superannuation should be done only in rare and exceptional cases and that such extensions should be for a short period.

Later in 2021, with the one-year extension of the ED Director coming to an end, then President signed ordinances that amended the laws governing the CBI and ED, enabling the government to keep the two chiefs in their posts for one year after the completion of their two-year terms and to keep giving these one-year extensions until they complete five years as chiefs.

This extension has now been challenged in the Supreme Court on the grounds that it violated the 2021 ruling of the Supreme Court.

What are the observations made by Supreme Court on this case?

The Supreme Court said that it was of the prima facie view that the 2021 ruling had not been rightly decided, and required reconsideration.

The amicus curiae appointed by the Supreme Court argued that the extension of the tenure of the director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) should be scrapped to preserve democracy.

He claimed that the extensions were invalid as they were longer than the director’s primary tenure and that if this precedent were not set aside, it would be misused by successive governments.

Note: An amicus curiae (friend of the court) is an individual or organization who is not a party to a legal case, but who is permitted to assist a court by offering information, expertise, or insight that has a bearing on the issues in the case.