9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 4th July, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Plight of Residents of Ultra Slums

Source-This post on Plight of Residents of Ultra Slum has been created based on the article “Residents of ultra-slums should have access to welfare provisions” published in “LiveMint” on 4 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-1– Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Context-The phenomenon of extreme poverty, once confined to large cities, has now spread to many small and mid-sized urban areas. These areas are not just slums but could be considered as ultra-slums, where living conditions are extremely difficult.

The article underscores major societal problems including poverty, inadequate infrastructure and services for marginalized communities. It also highlights the stark contrast between areas with modern highways and urban facilities and those suffering from severe poverty and neglect in urban slums and ultra-slums.

Why do poor people live in these slums?

1) They are not driven away by police, land sharks, or even well-meaning individuals concerned with city cleanliness.

2) The open sewer area serves as their sanctuary, unlike other places in the city where they face eviction.

3) In other parts of the city such as under flyovers, on footpaths, or beside railway lines, they are chased away due to the high value of land.

4) They choose to live there because back in their villages, they struggle to find enough food to prevent starvation.

Read More- Slum Redevelopment in India

What challenges do these people face?

1) Sewer System and Living Conditions -During monsoon rains, the sewer system experiences overflow, impacting the living conditions of residents in the area.

2) Lack of Access to Basic Amenities-They lack proper housing and amenities like sanitation, drinking water, education, and healthcare. For ex- Children often cannot attend school due to the dangers of crossing the railway line or highway.

3) Lack of Access to Ration Cards -They have no ration cards for accessing subsidized food grains, and most do not have documents for accessing public health schemes.

What should be the way forward?

1) Job Opportunities-There is a need to create more decent job opportunities distributed evenly across India

2) Provision of Basic Services-Access to basic services (food, water, health, education) for ultra-slum residents should be enhanced.

3) Recognizing Complexity and Committing Resources -It is important to recognize the complexity of the issue and commit resources to research and policy formulation.

4) Ensuring Welfare Alongside Infrastructure Development -As high-speed highways are built, ensuring basic welfare for all citizens, including those in ultra-slums, is important. Improving these areas is essential to prevent people from seeking shelter in places like sewers.

Question for practice

Why do poor people choose to live in these slums? What difficulties do they encounter?

GS PAPER - 2

Ethical issues and violations in medical trials in India

Source: The post ethical issues and violations in medical trials in India has been created, based on the article “Trials, medical ethics and the orbit of power” published in “The Hindu” on 4th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 governance -Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health and GS paper 4- Ethics-medical ethics

Context: The article discusses ethical issues and violations in medical trials in India, focusing on informed consent, the effectiveness of ethics committees, and the protection of vulnerable trial participants. It highlights the challenges in upholding medical ethics and the need for stronger oversight and whistleblower protection.

What are the Allegations Against Covaxin’s Clinical Trials?

1. Violation of Informed Consent Procedures: The trials reportedly enrolled participants without adequately informing them about the risks involved, which is a crucial aspect of ethical medical practice.
2. Enrollment of Vulnerable Populations: Vulnerable groups were allegedly targeted for the trials, raising concerns about exploitation.
3. Non-reporting of Adverse Events: It was claimed that adverse reactions during the trial were not reported, which is essential for assessing vaccine safety.
4. Lack of Adequate Monitoring and Follow-up: The trials lacked proper monitoring and follow-up of participants, compromising the integrity and results of the study.

How Do Ethics Committees Function in Clinical Trials?

1. Lack of Oversight: Some clinical trials in India proceed without any ethics committee oversight, as highlighted by the 2022 publication by Gayatri Saberwal et al.
2. Insufficient Committees: The study found instances where the number of trial sites exceeded the number of functional ethics committees, indicating inadequate oversight capacity.
3. Functionality Issues: The same study identified 30 problems related to the operation of ethics committees in India, which suggests significant shortcomings in their effectiveness.
4. Competence Concerns: The effectiveness and competence of ethics committee members were also questioned, particularly during high-profile trials such as those for COVID-19 treatments.

What Role Do Whistleblowers Play?

1. Highlighting Ethical Concerns: Whistleblowers such as Dr. Jacob Puliyel filed writ petitions in the Supreme Court to ensure transparency and accountability in clinical trials, as discussed in connection with the Covaxin trials.
2. Facing Retribution: Despite their crucial role, whistleblowers often face significant personal and professional risks. Individuals like Satyendra Dubey and Shanmugam Manjunath suffered severe consequences for their actions.
3. Legal Weaknesses: In India, the protection for whistleblowers is limited and was further weakened in 2015, reducing their ability to safely report wrongdoing.

What Are the Broader Implications for Drug Development?

1. Ethical Shortcuts: There are concerns with practices such as the “emergency use authorization in clinical trial mode” for Covaxin, which lacks explicit support in the regulatory framework under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
2. Lack of Specialized Expertise: The management of complex drug development processes often involves medical practitioners without specific expertise in clinical trials, which can lead to inadequate handling of specialized requirements.
3. Ineffective Oversight by Ethics Committees: Failures in ethics committee oversight are evident, such as approving more trial sites than there are functional committees, leading to compromised ethical standards in trials.

What should be done?

1. Enhance the legal framework to protect individuals who expose unethical practices, similar to stronger protections seen in other countries.
2. Ensure every clinical trial has effective oversight by a competent ethics committee, as gaps in this area lead to ethical violations.
3. Appoint specialists with expertise in clinical trials to manage drug development, avoiding the misuse of general medical knowledge for complex drug approvals.

Question for practice:

Examine the ethical issues and violations in medical trials in India.

GS PAPER - 3

Key areas for enhancing India’s internal security

Source: The post key areas for enhancing India’s internal security has been created, based on the article “Why India needs an internal security plan for the next five years” published in “Indian express” on 4th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-internal security

Context: The article discusses the need for a comprehensive plan to enhance India’s internal security over the next five years. It highlights nine key areas requiring attention, including national security doctrine, internal security ministry, and issues in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, among others.

For detailed information on Need for a National Security Doctrine for India read this article here

What are the key areas for enhancing India’s internal security?

To enhance India’s internal security, the following key areas need attention:

1. National Security Doctrine (NSD): Establishing an NSD to systematically define and address security challenges is crucial. Previous attempts to finalize drafts have not been successful.
2. Internal Security Ministry: A separate ministry for internal security is proposed to handle urgent matters efficiently, improving response times and focus.
3. Jammu and Kashmir: Despite a 66% reduction in terror incidents since the abrogation of Article 370, security challenges persist. Steps to reorganize the security setup and restore statehood are needed.
4. Northeast Region: Issues like ethnic conflicts and demands for separate flags and constitutions by rebel groups continue. The government should enforce agreements and manage conflicts effectively.
5. Naxalite Problem: There has been a 73% decline in violence from a peak in 2010. Initiating peace talks and addressing grievances could further reduce conflict.
6. Intelligence Bureau and CBI: The Intelligence Bureau and the CBI need restructuring to ensure they function without bias and with adequate legal and infrastructural support. There is a need to give the IB a statutory basis and to strengthen the CBI’s legal mandate and resources.
7. State Police: Transform the state police from a “Ruler’s Police” to a “People’s Police,” emphasizing community engagement and modern policing standards, similar to the reforms introduced by Robert Peel in Britain It is essential for gaining public trust and effectiveness.
8. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): The CAPFs face issues such as unplanned expansion and inadequate training. A high-powered commission is needed to address these long-term problems and improve the functioning of these forces.
9. Technology in Policing: Implementing advanced technological solutions can enhance policing capabilities and address new challenges effectively.

Way forward

A nation’s global strength is directly linked to its internal unity and its capacity to resolve internal conflicts, thereby preventing any breeding ground for terrorism or extremism. The country’s internal security situation would significantly improve if proactive and visionary measures are implemented as outlined above.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key areas and proposed measures to enhance India’s internal security over the next five years.

Issues with safety inspections in industrial areas in India

Source: The post issues with safety inspections in industrial areas in India has been created, based on the article “Factory accidents, a pointer to rusty inspection reform” published in “The Hindu” on 4th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-disaster management

Context: The article highlights Maharashtra’s ineffective safety inspections in industrial areas, leading to repeated accidents, including notable incidents in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023. It advocates for reforms aligned with international safety standards. A significant explosion in Dombivli in May 2024 caused multiple fatalities and injuries, underscoring the urgency for change.

What are the issues with safety inspections in industrial areas in India?

1. Low Inspection Rates: Across India, only 14.65% of registered factories and 26.02% of hazardous factories were inspected in 2021. This low nationwide rate reflects systemic issues in industrial safety oversight. This issue is widespread, with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat showing even lower rates than the all-India average.
2. Inspector Shortages: The shortage of inspectors exacerbates the problem. For instance, Maharashtra had only 48 out of 122 sanctioned inspectors appointed in 2021, resulting in each inspector being responsible for inspecting 818 factories annually.
3. Corruption and Bribery: There are reports of informal agreements between inspectors and factory owners, leading to compromised safety inspections. The president of the Maharashtra Industry Development Association admitted that inspections were often done on an “understanding” basis.
4. Ineffective Enforcement: The prosecution rates are low, with Maharashtra at about 14% in 2021, reducing the deterrent effect of inspections. This contributes to repeated safety violations and accidents.

What should be done?

1. Implement ILO Standards: Follow International Labour Organization standards for inspections, including unannounced visits and sufficient staffing. This will enhance safety compliance.
2. Penalize Non-Compliance: Impose penalties on both companies and state officials for safety lapses. This will ensure accountability and prevent negligence.
3. Tackle Corruption: Address corruption by ensuring inspections are genuine and free from bribery. Reports of “understanding” between inspectors and factory owners must be eliminated for effective safety measures.

Question for practice:

Examine the key issues with safety inspections in industrial areas in India and suggest measures for improvement.

Critical Minerals in the 21st Century

Source-This post on Critical Minerals in the 21st Century has been created based on the article “Breaking the minerals monopoly” published in “Business Standard” on 4 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Context-The article highlights the geo-economic and geo-strategic significance of Critical Minerals In the 21st century. Critical minerals and rare earths are crucial for industries like electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, defense, aerospace, and medical devices. The International Renewable Energy Agency projects that renewables will make up 91% of the energy mix by 2050, driving demand for minerals such as silicon, silver, lithium, neodymium, and dysprosium.

The rising global demand has made minerals critical strategic assets and geopolitical tools. They are mainly found in a few nations, with China being dominant, holding significant reserves of dysprosium (50%), neodymium (50%), and graphite (65%).

What are the geostrategic implications of China’s dominance in supply of Critical Minerals?

1) Strategic Agreements –China has bolstered its position through strategic agreements in Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, and Australia, facilitated by initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). For ex- BRI investment in mineral exploration and processing across Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Mali secured exclusive access to bauxite and lithium.

2) Global Processing Monopoly- China dominates global mineral processing with substantial shares: 80% for graphite, 100% for dysprosium etc. This industrial advantage, driven by economies of scale, has lowered processing costs and erected barriers to entry. This has reinforced China’s grip on mineral supply chains.

3) Weaponization of Critical Minerals- China’s monopoly on critical minerals has raised concerns about their use as geopolitical tools. For example, in 2010, China restricted rare earth exports to Japan during a territorial dispute. In 2023, following US semiconductor technology restrictions, China imposed controls on germanium and gallium exports

What is the significance of Critical Minerals for India?

1) Net-zero Emissions– India’s ambitions for net-zero emissions by 2070 and its expansion in semiconductor, defense, nuclear, and space industries highlight the importance of minerals like lithium, nickel, copper etc.

2)  Supply Chain Resilience- India relies heavily on imports for these minerals, highlighting the need for secure supply chains due to potential geopolitical pressures and vulnerabilities in critical sectors. For ex- 100% import dependence for cobalt, nickel, and lithium etc.

3) Global Lithium Refining Leadership -India, like in oil refining, has the potential to lead globally in lithium refining and resolve global challenges in critical minerals.

Read more- Lithium Reserves in India – Challenges and Way forward

What are the challenges in exploration of Critical Minerals?

1) Raw Material Export-India has 210 million tonnes of graphite and 665 million tonnes of ilmenite and rutile reserves.However,their production is minimal, with most exported as raw material.

2) Focus on Bulk Materials-Many critical minerals remain undiscovered because of the focus on bulk minerals, neglecting deeper-seated critical minerals.

3) Lack of Investment -Exploration was limited to government entities, which hindered investment and the adoption of advanced prospecting technologies.

4) Lack of Mineral Processing Capabilities -India does not have a robust mineral processing capabilities to meet its specific end-use requirements and handle low-concentration ores. Current capacities fall below international productivity norms and are inadequate.

What are some recent initiatives undertaken by the government to enhance production of Critical Minerals?

1) The government has identified 30 critical minerals and taken over their prospecting to streamline state efforts.

2) The Geological Survey of India has initiated over 250 projects to explore deep-seated critical minerals.

3) Amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act in 2023 and the Offshore Areas Minerals Act now permits private sector entry through auctions. In 2019, India allowed 100% foreign direct investment.

4) Certain minerals previously classified as atomic have been reclassified, facilitating private-sector mining.

5) Offshore blocks are scheduled for auction, creating new opportunities.

6) India has launched startup challenges to develop advanced processing technologies. There are initiatives to stockpile key minerals for sectors like renewable energy, automotive, space, defence, and semiconductors.

7) India is collaborating with other countries; Khanij Bidesh India is assisting Argentina in lithium exploration and discussing lithium and cobalt blocks in Australia.

8) India joined the Mineral Security Partnership, a US initiative involving 13 countries and the EU.

What should be the way forward?

1) Investment in Beneficiation and Processing Facilities -India should invest in beneficiation and processing facilities in Africa to promote local economies and sustainable relationships.

2) Public-Private Partnership-The government should involve both the private sector and public-sector undertakings to accelerate international initiatives.

3) Enhance Mineral Processing Capabilities -India needs to enhance its mineral processing capabilities to meet specific end-use requirements and handle low-concentration ores, as current capacities are insufficient and below international norms.

4) Path to Global Leadership– India can emulate Indonesia’s success in nickel to become a global leader in critical minerals, utilizing access to both domestic and international raw materials.

5) Aligning Mineral Incentives-The production-linked incentive scheme for minerals should align with global aspirations, creating employment opportunities.

6) Addressing the Gap- Policy initiatives have been implemented, but there is an urgent need for investments and technological advancements.

Question for practice

Why are Critical Minerals important for India? What recent steps has the government taken to boost their production?

Changes Expected from Upcoming Budget

Source-This post on Changes Expected from Upcoming Budget has been created based on the article “Budget must signal change” published in “Business Standards” on 4 July 2024.

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

Context– The article highlights the importance of the upcoming Budget to usher in transformative changes focusing on employment and rural distress relief. It should offer sustainable jobs and dignity through employment, rather than mere welfare provisions.

What are the issues plaguing Indian economy?

1) Optimal Land Use-Land in India is currently underutilized, allocated to unproductive farms and sprawling urban areas instead of compact and efficient urban centers.

2) Capital Market Development -India’s capital market is not able to develop fully because it has to finance a large fiscal deficit of 8-9% of GDP. This ties up resources that could otherwise fuel private sector growth.

3) Faulty Disinvestment Approach-The current disinvestment system, which involves setting targets, has proven ineffective. Directly transferring state assets to selected corporations, resembling Russian oligarch-style privatization, is not the appropriate approach.

4) Sustainability Concerns -Business lobbies are pushing for additional production-linked incentive schemes, seeking more subsidies. However, these schemes are not sustainable for promoting   private sector-led growth that generates more jobs.

Read More- An analysis of PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme

What should be the way forward?

1) Factor-market Reforms-There is a need to promote factor-market reforms such as land, labor, capital, and digital public infrastructure, especially focusing on enhancing our digital public infrastructure.

2) Fiscal Consolidation-The goods and services tax (GST) has finally stabilised and is generating more revenue. Thus, fiscal consolidation should be pursued more aggressively.

3) Reforms in Disinvestment-

A) Transparent processes, competitive bidding, and earmarking funds for worker compensation are important for successful strategic disinvestment.

B) Open market sales (share sales) can be structured to broaden ownership and increase public involvement in disinvestment.

C) Providing employees with shares through Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) when companies move to private management helps reduce opposition to sales and enables them to share in the growth after privatization.

4) Optimizing Government Spending –Reducing business costs, such as cutting rail freight subsidies, covering more discom losses to lower electricity prices for producers, and bringing petrol and diesel under GST at 28% would better optimize government spending.

5)  Boost to Tourism-India must develop a five-year plan focusing on women’s safety, cleanliness, and transforming “Incredible India” into a “Credible, Safe India” to attract more tourists and boost employment, leveraging diverse attractions like heritage sites, religious destinations, etc.

6) Strategic Focus on Industrial Growth and Human Development- India should pursue an industrial policy aimed at enhancing exports and employment, while also prioritizing improvements in education and health.

Question for practice

What are the problems affecting the Indian economy? What steps should be taken to move forward?

Fiscal Management and the Upcoming Union Budget

Source-This post on Fiscal Management and the Upcoming Union Budget has been created based on the article “RBI’s surplus: To spend or not to spend” published in “The Indian Express” on 4 July 2024.

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

Context- The article discusses how the Indian government faces tough fiscal choices after receiving a surprise dividend from the RBI. It stresses the need to follow sound fiscal policy carefully, consider spending on infrastructure, and accurately understand the real condition of the economy for making wise budget decisions.

What are the principles of fiscal management?

1) Prudent Fiscal Deficit Levels -Deficits should be kept at prudent levels. In India, that level should ideally be around three per cent of GDP for the Centre according to the long-standing Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.

2) Balanced Approach-Governments should spend slightly more during economic downturns to boost demand. In periods of economic recovery, they should spend slightly less to avoid inflation from excessive demand. This balanced approach ensures government debt remains stable and prevents financial crises.

What are the fiscal problems in India?

1) Consistent High Fiscal Deficit-Governments in India have consistently found it difficult to control spending, whether the economy is growing slowly or rapidly. From 2000-01 to 2019-20, the average fiscal deficit of the Centre was 4.6 percent of GDP, well above the FRBM Act’s target of three percent.

Read More- Fiscal Consolidation of state governments in India

2) Debt Burden -Currently, the combined deficit of central and state governments is about 8.5-9 percent of GDP, exceeding the FRBM Act’s recommended limit of six percent. Total government debt has also risen, now surpassing 80 percent of GDP, up from an average of 74 percent in the years from 2010-11 to 2019-20.

Against this backdrop, the RBI recently announced it will transfer Rs 2.11 lakh crore to the central government as dividend, twice the anticipated amount.

What should the government do with this amount?

1) Boost Capital Expenditure–

A) Critics warn that not all capital spending is necessary for sustainable growth. They advise against ambitious infrastructure projects, pointing to China’s debt problems caused by excessive development.

B) They advocate for a careful assessment of infrastructure needs in India to avoid over-investment in non-essential projects. For ex- Spending Rs 1.6 lakh crore to revive telecom MTNL and BSNL isn’t essential, especially since private operators already offer affordable cellphone services nationwide.

2) Fiscal Prudence– Some suggest prioritizing fiscal prudence by using the surplus dividend to reduce the fiscal deficit closer to the FRBM Act’s target of three percent of GDP. This approach aims to strengthen fiscal metrics and stabilize economic growth cycles.

Thus, there is no certainty on how this surplus transfer should be used.

Question for practice

What are the principles guiding fiscal management? What are the fiscal challenges faced by India?

GS PAPER - 4

Importance of virtues like humility and care in public discourse

Source: The post importance of virtues like humility and care in public discourse has been created, based on the article “Humility in public discourse” published in “The Hindu” on 4th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper4-Ethics-virtues

Context: The article discusses how political debates have degraded into personal attacks, overshadowing meaningful discussions. It emphasizes the importance of virtues like humility and care in public discourse, highlighting views from philosophers and the need for character education in maintaining democratic ideals.

What Is the Current State of Political Discourse?

1. Political discourse has become dominated by personal attacks rather than discussions of relevant issues.
2. The culture of verbal harassment in response to political criticism is prevalent, largely influenced by TRP-driven media.
3. Discussions often devolve into gladiatorial contests where participants aim to impress with verbal aggressiveness rather than constructive dialogue.
4. The aggressive approach in public discourse teaches citizens to value the harshness of comments over their relevance to public welfare or national issues.
5. Such trends in political communication are widespread across liberal democracies, not just in specific regions.

What Is the Importance of Virtues in Politics?

1. Virtues such as humility and care are essential for maintaining the integrity of democratic discourse, as emphasized by historical thinkers like Montesquieu.
2. Montesquieu advocated for the use of education to cultivate a preference for public over private interests among citizens, highlighting the role of virtues in supporting democratic institutions.
3. The decline in emphasis on character training in modern political philosophy has led to a lack of virtue in public discourse, which is now more about individual achievement than collective well-being.
4. Charles Taylor and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have also highlighted the importance of character traits in politics, suggesting that the quality of governance depends on the virtues of those in power.

What Does Traditional Indian Thought Say About Knowledge and Character?

1. Traditional Indian thought does not view the pursuit of knowledge as solely an individual achievement; it sees it as a moral and collective endeavor.
2. The Mahabharata, a key text in Indian philosophy, emphasizes the importance of character in the pursuit of knowledge.
3. Prof. Vrinda Dalmiya’s work illustrates this by comparing the Mahabharata and Western philosophy, focusing on the role of humility and care in acquiring knowledge.
4. An example from the Mahabharata shows Sage Kausika learning from a butcher and a housewife, underscoring that knowledge and understanding are enhanced through humility and relational interactions with others.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the emphasis on virtues like humility and care can reshape political discourse and enhance democratic values.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

International Conference on Steel Slag Road

Source-This post on International Conference on Steel Slag Road has been created based on the article “International Conference on Steel Slag Road: Member (Science) Niti Aayog, Dr.V.K.Saraswat releases the Guidelines for Utilization of Steel Slag in Road Construction” published in “PIB” on 1 July 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, First International Conference on Steel Slag Road jointly organized by CSIR-CRRI and PHDCCI at New-Delhi.

About International Conference on Steel Slag Road

1. About: The international Conference on Steel Slag Road held on 29th June 2024 at New Delhi.

2. Organized by: CSIR-CRRI and PHDCCI

3. Key Outcomes:

i) Guidelines for the utilization and processing of steel slag in road construction were released, promoting sustainable infrastructure.

ii) The steel slag road technology has received international attention, demonstrating confidence in its efficacy and environmental benefits.

iii) Utilization of steel slag in road construction reduces greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint, contributing to the Clean India Mission.

4. Significance:  The conference underscored the importance of converting waste to wealth through innovative technologies.

5. It emphasized the collaboration between various ministries and the steel industry to promote sustainable development.

About Steel Slag Road Technology:

1. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel and major steel manufacturing companies, has developed this technology.

2. Purpose: To address environmental challenges posed by steel slag waste.

3. Usage: Utilizes steel slag, a byproduct of steel production, to build robust and durable roads.

4. Process: Steel slag is processed to remove impurities and metal content, then used as an aggregate for road base or sub-base layers.

5. Advantages:

i) Eco-friendly: Reduces landfill burden and minimizes environmental impact.

ii) Cost-effective: Approximately 30% cheaper than conventional paving methods.

iii) Durable: Resists weather changes, leading to reduced maintenance costs.

iv) Resource Conservation: Eliminates reliance on natural materials.

6. Successful Implementation: The first Steel Slag Road in Surat, Gujarat has received recognition for its technological excellence.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Air Pollution and Mortality in Indian Cities

Source- This post on Air Pollution and Mortality in Indian Cities has been created based on the article “Air pollution spikes may raise death rates in cities with cleaner air, says study” published in “The Hindu” on 4 July 2024.

Why in the news?

A new study analyzed the health effects of short-term exposure to air pollution, specifically PM 2.5, in ten Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Shimla, and Varanasi.

Key Findings of the Study

1. Higher Death Rates in Cleaner Cities: Spikes in air pollution in cities with cleaner air, such as Bengaluru, may lead to higher death rates compared to cities with already high pollution levels, like Delhi. For example, a similar increase in PM 2.5 levels raises death rates more in Bengaluru than in Delhi.

2. Annual Deaths Attributable to Air Pollution: Delhi experiences approximately 12,000 deaths per year linked to air pollution. Bengaluru has about 2,102 deaths per year, while Shimla has the lowest number, with 59 deaths per year.

3. Fraction of Annual Deaths Due to Air Pollution: In Delhi, 11.5% of annual deaths are attributable to air pollution. In Bengaluru, 4.8% of annual deaths are linked to air pollution. Additionally, Bengaluru’s population experiences 30% of the daily air pollution exposure compared to Delhi residents.

4. Impact of PM 2.5 Increases: Nearly 30,000 deaths, or 7.2% of annual deaths in the ten cities, were due to short-term PM 2.5 exposure. The study found that total daily deaths rose by 1.42% for every 10 microgram per cubic metre increase in PM 2.5 exposure over a two-day period.

5. Risk of Mortality and PM 2.5 Levels: The study confirmed that the risk of mortality rose more quickly at lower PM 2.5 levels and plateaued as levels increased. A significant mortality risk of 2.65% was observed even on days with PM 2.5 levels below the Indian national air quality standard of 60 microgram per cubic metre.

Comparative Findings:

A 272-city study in China reported a 0.22% increase in death rates per 10 microgram per cubic metre increase in PM 2.5.

In contrast, higher death rates were observed in countries with lower base pollution levels: Greece had a 2.54% increase, Japan had a 1.42% increase, and Spain had a 1.96% increase.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Codex Alimentarius Commission

Source- This post on Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission has been created based on the article “India participates in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission” published in “PIB” on 3 July 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, India participated in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission.

About the 86th Session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission

1. India is actively participating in the 86th session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which is being held from 1st to 5th July 2024 at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.

2. Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, the CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is representing India at this important session.

3. India’s Contributions:

i) India strongly supported the advancement of standards development for various spices, including small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla. This initiative is particularly significant for India, a major producer and exporter of these spices, as it will facilitate smoother international trade.

ii) Additionally, India backed the progression of standards for named vegetable oils, guidelines for controlling Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, and the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.

iii) India also championed the proposal for developing Codex guidance on food safety considerations related to the use of recycled materials in food packaging. This initiative is crucial for addressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability.

iv) India’s participation as a member elected on a geographic basis (Asia) underscores its dedication to establishing robust food safety standards and promoting fair practices in the global food trade.

About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

Centre issues advisory for ads on food and health products only

Source-This post on Centre issues advisory for ads on food and health products only has been created based on the article “Centre issues advisory for ads on food and health products only” published in “The Hindu” on 4 July 2024.

Why in the news?

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has recently issued a new advisory specifically targeting advertisements for food and health products.

About Advisory for Ads on Food and Health Products

1. This advisory requires advertisers and advertising agencies in these sectors to upload an annual self-declaration certificate on designated platforms.

2. This new directive supersedes all previous advisories from the Ministry and is solely applicable to the food and health sectors. This means that only these sectors are required to submit the self-declaration certificate annually.

3. According to the advisory, the platforms for uploading the self-declaration certificates are the Broadcast Seva Portal for TV and radio advertisements and the Press Council of India Portal for print media and internet advertisements.

4. Advertisers and advertising agencies involved in promoting products and services in the food and health sectors are advised to comply by uploading their annual self-declaration certificates on these specified platforms.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Exercise MAITREE

Source-This post on Exercise MAITREE has been created based on the article “INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA- THAILAND JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE MAITREE” published in “PIB” on 3 July 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, the Indian Army contingent departed to take part in India- Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE.

About Exercise MAITREE

Aspects	Description
About	1. The 13th edition of Exercise MAITREE is scheduled to be conducted from 1st to 15th July 2024 at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand. 2. The last edition of this exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2019.
Participants	The Indian Army contingent, comprising 76 personnel, is represented mainly by a Battalion of the LADAKH SCOUTS along with personnel from other arms and services.
Aim	The aim of Exercise MAITREE is to foster military cooperation between India and Thailand.
Focus Areas	1. The exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. 2. The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills
Tactical Drills	1. Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise will include the creation of a Joint Operation Centre and establishing an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre. 2. The exercise will involve the employment of drones and counter-drone systems, securing a landing site, and conducting small team insertion and extraction. 3. Special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and the demolition of illegal structures will also be part of the training.
Significance	1. Exercise MAITREE will enable the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations. 2. The exercise will facilitate the development of interoperability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between soldiers of both countries.

UPSC Syllabus: Defence 

Sampoornata Abhiyan

Source- This post on Sampoornata Abhiyan has been created based on the article “NITI Aayog to launch ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan” published in “PIB” on 3 July 2024.

Why in the news?

NITI Aayog will launch ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ which is a 3-month campaign to achieve saturation of 6 key indicators in Aspirational Districts and 6 key indicators in Aspirational Blocks across the country.

About Sampoornata Abhiyan

1. About: It is a 3-month campaign initiated by NITI Aayog.

2. Objective: To achieve saturation of 6 key indicators in Aspirational Districts and 6 key indicators in Aspirational Blocks.

3. Programs Involved: Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) which targets 112 Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) which targets 500 Aspirational Blocks.

4. Key Indicators for Aspirational Districts:

i) Number of Soil Health Cards distributed

ii) Percentage of schools with functional electricity at the secondary level

iii) Percentage of children fully immunized (9-11 months) (BCG+DPT3+OPV3+Measles 1)

iv) Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester

v) Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly

vi) Percentage of schools providing textbooks to children within 1 month of the start of the academic session

5. Key Indicators for Aspirational Blocks:

i) Percentage of persons screened for Diabetes against the targeted population

ii) Percentage of persons screened for Hypertension against the targeted population

iii) Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester

iv) Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly

v) Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated against the soil sample collection target

vi) Percentage of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that have received a Revolving Fund against the total SHGs in the block

About Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programme

Aspirational Districts Programme	Aspirational Blocks Programme
It was launched in 2018 under NITI Aayog.	It was launched in 2023 under NITI Aayog.
Aims: To quickly and effectively transform 112 districts across the country.	Aims: It aims for saturation of essential government services in 500 Blocks(329 Districts) across the country
Focuses on five themes: Health & Nutrition Education Agriculture & Water Resources Financial Inclusion & Skill Development Infrastructure	Focuses on five themes: Health & Nutrition Education Agriculture and Allied Services Basic Infrastructure Social Development
The progress is measured on 81 indicators of development.	The progress is measured on 40 indicators of development.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programmes

Exercise Nomadic Elephant

Source-This post on Exercise Nomadic Elephant has been created based on the article “INDIA-MONGOLIA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE NOMADIC ELEPHANT COMMENCES IN MEGHALAYA”  published in “PIB” on 3 July 2024.

Why in the news?

India and Mongolia will conduct the bilateral joint military exercise “NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23” in Ulaanbaatar from 17 to 31 July 2023.

About Exercise Nomadic Elephant

1. It is the 15th edition of bilateral joint military exercise.

2. Date and Location: It would commence from 03 -16 July 2024 at Umroi, Meghalaya.

2. Participants: Indian contingent comprising of 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of SIKKIM SCOUTS along with personnel from other arms and services. The Mongolian contingent is being represented by personnel from 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mangolian Army.

3. Aim: Enhance joint military capability for counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate

4. Primary Theme: Counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under United Nations mandate

5. Focus Areas:

i) Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain.

ii)  Sharing best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.

iii) Developing inter-operability, camaraderie, and bonhomie between the two armies.

iv) Augmenting defence cooperation and bilateral relations.

6. Significance of the exercise:

i) It is an annual training event alternating between India and Mongolia.

ii) It enhances defence cooperation and bilateral relations.

iii) It promotes interoperability and shared military strategies.

UPSC Syllabus: Science sand technology