04-January-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

A recent report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) highlights the alarming increase in nitrate contamination in India’s groundwater. This poses both health risks and environmental challenges.

Key Findings from the CGWB Report

Rising Nitrate Levels

• The number of districts with excessive nitrate in groundwater rose from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023.
• Over 50% of India’s districts now have nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
• About 19.8% of groundwater samples analyzed had nitrate levels above permissible limits, slightly lower than the 21.6% recorded in 2017.

Health and Environmental Concerns

• Health Risks: Excessive nitrate can cause methemoglobinemia (Blue Baby Syndrome) in infants, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
• Environmental Impact: Nitrates entering lakes and ponds promote algal blooms, harming aquatic ecosystems.

Regional Contamination

• States with the highest contamination:
  • Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%).
• Persistent nitrate issues due to geological factors in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Rising contamination in central and southern India.

Other Contaminants

• Fluoride: A concern in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Uranium: Also affects groundwater quality.

Challenges and Way Forward

Groundwater Overuse

• Over-exploited areas (where water extraction exceeds replenishment) are more prone to contamination.
• Groundwater extraction remains at 60.4%, the same as in 2009.

Need for Action

• While 73% of groundwater blocks are classified as safe, efforts to tackle contamination are insufficient.
• Stronger awareness campaigns and action by state governments are needed to manage this crisis effectively.

CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD (CGWB)

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) was established in 1970.

Purpose: Monitors and manages India’s groundwater under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Activities: Tracks groundwater levels, quality, and publishes annual reports.

Support: Aids states in conservation plans, recharge initiatives, and sustainable use.

Conclusion
India must combine robust monitoring with effective policy implementation to protect its groundwater and address the dual challenge of contamination and over-extraction.

Practice Question

1. Which of the following pollutants are commonly associated with groundwater contamination in India?

1. Nitrate
2. Fluoride
3. Uranium
4. Lead

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2, and 3 only
3. 2, 3, and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Nitrate: A common pollutant from fertilizers and agricultural practices.
• Fluoride: Naturally occurring in some regions, especially in states like Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
• Uranium: Found in certain groundwater sources due to geological factors.
• Lead: Rarely reported as a major contaminant in groundwater in India.

MONITORING OF HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS (HMPV) OUTBREAK IN CHINA

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, which has sparked concerns about its spread. However, the situation in India is under control, with no unusual rise in cases reported.

What is HMPV?

• HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
• It can lead to complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.
• The virus primarily affects children under 14 years of age but can also impact older adults and individuals with weak immune systems.

Current Situation in China

• China has seen a surge in HMPV cases, particularly in northern regions.
• The increase in cases is mainly in children under 14, which is causing concern.
• This follows a period of relative calm since the virus was first detected globally in 2011-12, with outbreaks reported in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Health Ministry’s Response in India

• The Union Health Ministry is actively monitoring the outbreak in China but assures that no unusual rise in respiratory diseases has been observed in India.
• The Ministry is in touch with global health agencies and is continuously monitoring the situation.
• The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is keeping a close watch on respiratory and seasonal flu cases across India.

Current Situation in India

• No cases of HMPV have been reported in India yet.
• Health officials emphasize that respiratory illnesses are common in winter and that hospitals are equipped to handle such cases.
• Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm and that there are no major cases of HMPV in hospitals or as per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data.

Health Guidelines and Treatment

• HMPV does not require special antiviral medications as there are no specific drugs available.
• Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms, like those for the common flu.
• The Ministry has also highlighted that the virus is not a major concern for the general population as of now.

Global Awareness of HMPV

• HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
• With the advancement of diagnostic tools, there has been greater identification of HMPV as a cause of respiratory illnesses.

Conclusion

While India continues to monitor the HMPV outbreak in China, there is no immediate threat to public health. The Health Ministry is prepared to tackle any potential cases and assures that current winter respiratory illnesses are manageable within the existing healthcare infrastructure.

Practice Question

1. Which of the following statements regarding viruses is/are correct?

1. Viruses are living organisms as they can reproduce and metabolize on their own.
2. Viruses require a host cell for replication and are incapable of independent metabolic activity.
3. The genetic material of viruses is always RNA.
4. Viruses do not have a cellular structure and consist of a protein coat surrounding genetic material.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2, and 4 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1, 3, and 4 only
4. 3 and 4 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Viruses are considered non-living because they cannot carry out metabolic activities or reproduce on their own. They require a host cell to replicate and carry out essential processes.
• Viruses cannot perform metabolic activities on their own and must infect a host cell to reproduce and replicate. They hijack the cellular machinery of the host cell to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles.
• Viruses can have either RNA or DNA as their genetic material. Depending on the virus type, it can be single-stranded or double-stranded RNA or DNA.
• Viruses lack a cellular structure, and their basic structure consists of a protein coat called the capsid, which encases their genetic material (either RNA or DNA).

CROSS-BORDER INSOLVENCY IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The rise in international trade has made cross-border insolvency a critical issue for India. A well-structured legal framework is vital for resolving such cases, boosting investor confidence, and supporting economic stability.

Evolution of Insolvency Laws in India

Colonial Era Laws:

• The Indian Insolvency Act of 1848 was the first law addressing domestic insolvencies.
• It was replaced by the Presidency-Towns Insolvency Act, 1909, for major cities, and the Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920, for other regions.
• These laws did not cover cross-border insolvencies, leaving a major legal gap.

Post-Independence Developments:

• Despite recommendations by the Third Law Commission (1964), insolvency laws remained outdated.
• The 1990s economic reforms highlighted the need for comprehensive cross-border insolvency laws.
• Committees like the Eradi Committee (2000) and Irani Committee (2005) recommended adopting the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, 1997.

Provisions in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016

• Sections 234 and 235: Allow reciprocal agreements with foreign countries for enforcing IBC provisions and seeking assistance from foreign courts. These sections remain unenforceable due to lack of notification by the government.
• Case Study: Jet Airways (2019): Highlighted issues with reciprocal agreements and the inactivity of Sections 234 and 235. The case underscored the need for a robust cross-border insolvency framework.

Challenges in Cross-Border Insolvency

• Ad Hoc Protocols: Protocols like the one used in Jet Airways provide temporary solutions but increase costs and delay resolutions.
• Judicial Communication Gaps: Lack of modern mechanisms for communication between Indian and foreign courts hampers efficiency.
• Limited NCLT Powers: The NCLT cannot enforce foreign judgments, limiting its role in cross-border insolvency cases.

Recommendations for Reform

• Adopt UNCITRAL Model Law: Create a structured and internationally aligned insolvency framework.
• Modernize Communication: Implement Judicial Insolvency Network (JIN) Guidelines for better court coordination.
• Expand NCLT Jurisdiction: Enhance NCLT’s powers to recognize and enforce foreign insolvency judgments.

PROCEDURE OF INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION UNDER IBC

Initiation of the Process:

• When a company or individual fails to pay debts, creditors or the debtor can approach the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to start the insolvency process.

Appointment of a Resolution Professional (RP):

• Once the NCLT accepts the case, a Resolution Professional (RP) is appointed. The RP takes control of the debtor’s assets and manages the process.

Forming a Committee of Creditors (CoC):

• A Committee of Creditors (CoC), consisting of financial creditors, is formed. They decide on the future of the debtor, including restructuring or liquidation.

Resolution Plan Submission:

• Interested parties, like investors, submit a plan to revive the debtor’s business. The CoC evaluates and approves the best plan.

Time-Bound Resolution:

• The entire process must be completed within 330 days. If no resolution plan is approved, the company goes into liquidation.

This process ensures that debts are settled fairly and efficiently, benefiting both creditors and the economy.

Conclusion:
India must modernize its cross-border insolvency framework to address legal gaps and align with global practices, ensuring smoother resolutions and fostering economic growth.

Practice Question

1. With reference to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, consider the following statements:

1. Sections 234 and 235 of the IBC deal with cross-border insolvency provisions, enabling the government to enter into reciprocal agreements with foreign countries.
2. The UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, 1997, has been fully adopted by India under the IBC.
3. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is the sole adjudicating authority for insolvency cases in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Sections 234 and 235 allow the Indian government to enter into reciprocal agreements for cross-border insolvency and seek assistance from foreign courts.

• India has not yet fully adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, though it has been recommended by several expert committees.

• The NCLT is the designated adjudicating authority for insolvency cases under the IBC.

CHINA’S MEGA YARLUNG TSANGPO DAM AND ITS POTENTIAL IMPACT ON INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

China’s approval of the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project, the world’s largest, could have significant implications for India. The dam, planned on the Tsangpo river in Tibet, might affect India’s water resources, ecology, and downstream communities.

The Yarlung Tsangpo Dam Project:

• Location: The project is planned at the “Great Bend” of the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet, close to Arunachal Pradesh.
• Purpose: Aimed to boost China’s energy production and help it move toward carbon neutrality by 2060. It is expected to produce 60,000 MW, three times more than China’s Three Gorges Dam.
• Progress: The project is advancing, with smaller dams already constructed along the river.

China’s Motive Behind the Project:

• Energy Goals: The dam will allow China to generate large amounts of hydropower from the fast-flowing Yarlung Tsangpo.
• Environmental Concerns: Critics highlight the environmental risks, such as potential earthquakes and displacement, as seen in China’s other mega-dams like the Three Gorges Dam.

Potential Impact on India:

• Water Flow: The dam may disrupt the flow of water to India’s northeast, affecting the Brahmaputra River system, which is vital for agriculture and water supply in India.
• Ecological Consequences: Interruption in silt flow could damage agriculture, while changes in river flow may harm local biodiversity.
• Earthquake Risks: The region is prone to earthquakes, and the dam’s construction in this area could lead to risks, as experienced with China’s other large dams.
• Diplomatic Concerns: India has expressed concerns over China’s projects on transboundary rivers. The Brahmaputra MoU expired in 2023, and coordination mechanisms need to be strengthened.

India’s Response and Options:

• Diplomatic Channels: India has raised concerns about the dam’s potential negative impact on downstream communities.
• Call for Transparency: India urges China to be transparent and consult with downstream countries to avoid detrimental consequences.
• Limited Cooperation: The current agreements on water sharing are insufficient, and India must push for stronger, binding agreements to protect its interests.

YARLUNG TSANGPO:

• Origin: The Yarlung Tsangpo originates in the Tanggula Mountains in Tibet, China, near the northern Tibetan Plateau.
• Length: It is approximately 2,900 kilometers long, making it one of the longest rivers in Asia.
• Flow and Name Change: The river flows eastward through Tibet, and after entering India, it is known as the Brahmaputra River.
• Importance to India: The Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) is crucial for water supply, agriculture, and transportation in the northeastern states of India, especially Assam.
• Strategic Significance: The river’s path through Arunachal Pradesh, India, has strategic implications due to its proximity to India-China borders and the potential for hydroelectric projects along the river.Bottom of Form

Conclusion:

China’s decision to build the mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river poses significant challenges for India. Strong diplomatic efforts and international cooperation are required to address the potential risks.

TRANSGENDER PEOPLE CAN CHANGE THEIR NAME AND GENDER ON BIRTH CERTIFICATES

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The Karnataka High Court recently allowed a transgender woman to change her name and gender on her birth certificate as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. This ruling support the right of transgender people to amend their identity in official documents.

Background:

• Case Overview: A transgender woman filed a case after being denied the ability to update her birth certificate, despite successfully changing her identity on documents like Aadhaar, passport, and driver’s license.
• Legal Hurdle: The Registrar of Births and Deaths cited the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, which only allows changes to birth certificates in cases of incorrect or fraudulent information.

Key Points:

• Transgender Persons Act, 2019: The law allows transgender individuals to change their name and gender in official documents.

• It grants transgender individuals a certificate of identity which can be used to revise documents like birth certificates.

• Karnataka HC Ruling: The Court ruled that the 1969 Act must comply with the Transgender Persons Act, as it is a special law protecting the rights of transgender individuals.

• The Court emphasized that the 1969 Act, a general law, must yield to the specific provisions of the Transgender Persons Act.

Process for Changing Identity:

• Application Procedure: Transgender individuals must apply for a certificate of identity from the District Magistrate, including an affidavit declaring their gender identity.

• The certificate is typically issued within 30 days and can be used to amend official documents.

• For Reassignment Surgery: After undergoing surgery, individuals can apply for a revised certificate of identity.

IMPORTANT JUDGMENTS BY THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA ON TRANSGENDERS:

K. S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017)

• Key Judgment: In this case, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the right to privacy as a fundamental right, which includes the right to gender identity. It held that transgenders have the right to live with dignity and autonomy, free from discrimination based on gender identity.

Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)

• Key Judgment: The Supreme Court decriminalized consensual same-sex relations between adults, thereby also benefiting transgender persons who may be in same-sex relationships. It was a significant step toward equality for LGBTQ+ communities.

Supreme Court on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

• Key Judgment: While not a judgment on the Act itself, the Court has emphasized the need for effective implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, highlighting the importance of recognizing the rights of transgenders to live with dignity, access education, and employment.

Conclusion:

This judgment strengthens the legal framework for transgender individuals to align their identity across all official documents, ensuring their rights to a dignified life.

FERTILIZER SUBSIDIES: LET THE MARKET DECIDE

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The weakening of the rupee has raised concerns over the sustainability of fertilizer subsidies and the fiscal burden on the government. As global commodity prices remain high, it is crucial to reassess the government’s role in price control and subsidy allocation.

Impact of Rupee Depreciation:

• Exchange Rate and Costs: The depreciation of the rupee from 83.8 to 85.8 per dollar has made imported goods, including fertilizers, more expensive.

• With global commodities priced in dollars, the exchange rate now plays a significant role in costing, adding complexity to economic calculations.

• Fertilizer Import Prices: Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), a key fertilizer in India, has seen a price increase due to the rupee depreciation. A Rs 2 depreciation per dollar increases the cost of DAP imports by Rs 1,260 per tonne.

• Fertilizer companies are concerned about higher costs and the government’s willingness to allow price hikes for farmers.

Government’s Dilemma:

• Subsidy Extension: The government has extended a special subsidy of Rs 3,500 per tonne for DAP, but this may not be sufficient to cover the impact of the rupee’s depreciation.
• The government faces two choices: either allow an increase in the maximum retail price (MRP) of fertilizers or bear an even higher subsidy burden.

• Fiscal Strain: The rising fertilizer subsidy bill due to the rupee’s depreciation is becoming unsustainable for the government.

• The overvalued rupee in the past allowed the government to keep prices artificially low, but that is no longer the case with the rupee’s slide.

Market-Driven Approach:

• Reevaluating Subsidy Policies: The current situation calls for the government to reconsider its role in controlling fertilizer prices and subsidies.

• It may be more practical to allow market forces to determine the MRP of fertilizers, while the government can focus on addressing other structural issues in the sector.

• Encouraging Domestic Production: The rise in import costs highlights the need for strengthening domestic production of fertilizers and reducing dependence on imports.

• This can be achieved by investing in domestic manufacturing and building more resilient supply chains.

CURRENT DESIGN OF FERTILIZER SUBSIDY

• Allocation Process: The Union Government calculates the Recommended Dose of Fertiliser (RDF) based on nutrient data provided by states for each season.
• Distribution: States sell fertilisers to farmers through dealers and primary agricultural cooperative societies using Point of Sale (PoS) devices.
• Subsidy Payment: The Department of Fertilisers pays subsidies to fertiliser companies based on the quantity of fertilisers sold to farmers.

Issues in the Current System

• PoS Devices Not Integrated with Land Records: There is no connection between the PoS devices and land records, leading to inefficiencies.
• Misuse Due to Aadhaar: Anyone with an Aadhaar card can purchase fertilisers, allowing misuse by non-farmers.
• No Limits on Quantity: There are no restrictions on the amount of fertiliser one person or family can buy, leading to excessive purchases.
• Overuse and Waste: The overuse of fertilisers, including for non-agricultural purposes, results in financial and ecological consequences.
• Imbalanced Fertiliser Consumption: Urea accounts for over 82% of nitrogenous fertilisers, creating an imbalance in NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) ratios, damaging soil health and posing health risks.

Key Recommendations

• Targeting Farmers More Effectively: Use Agri Stack, a digital platform, to improve targeting and agricultural outcomes.
• Subsidy Based on Land Ownership: Ensure subsidised fertilisers are sold to farmers identified based on land ownership and crops grown.
• Adequate Fertiliser Quantity: Determine the required quantity based on factors like land size and crop type.

• E-RUPI Implementation: Use E-RUPI, a digital payment mechanism, to directly transfer the subsidy to eligible farmers, reducing misuse and ensuring transparency.

Conclusion:

The weakening rupee serves as a wake-up call for the government to reevaluate its approach to fertilizer subsidies. A more market-driven approach, alongside a focus on enhancing domestic production, could offer a sustainable solution.

WHY DELHI NEEDS TO SHIFT TO EV

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Delhi faces severe pollution issues, and a transition to electric vehicles (EVs) can provide substantial benefits in terms of public health, economic savings, and environmental sustainability. This shift can reduce air pollution and healthcare costs while addressing climate change concerns.

Air Pollution and Health Impact:

• PM 2.5 Emissions: The transport sector in Delhi contributes significantly to PM 2.5 emissions, with cars accounting for 25.54% of total emissions and commercial vehicles contributing 39% despite comprising only 2.56% of the fleet.

• These emissions lead to premature deaths and increased healthcare costs, placing a financial strain on the city’s economy.

• Health Costs of Pollution: The high concentration of pollutants in Delhi’s air, especially PM 2.5, contributes to various health issues, including respiratory diseases, which increase healthcare expenses.

• A transition to EVs could drastically reduce these health costs, saving approximately Rs 11,000 crore by cutting down on premature mortality and morbidity-related costs.

Benefits of Transitioning to EVs:

• Environmental Benefits: The complete adoption of EVs could reduce PM 2.5 concentrations by up to 40%, significantly improving air quality.

• With a nearly 9% reduction in PM 2.5 from replacing older cars with EVs, the overall air quality would improve, leading to lower pollution-related health risks.

• Economic Savings: EV adoption will result in a 25% reduction in per capita healthcare costs, offering long-term savings for the government and residents.

• The switch to EVs will also mitigate the economic burden caused by pollution-related diseases, including hospital admissions and medical treatments.

Challenges to EV Adoption:

• High Initial Costs: The high upfront cost of EVs remains a barrier to widespread adoption. Charging infrastructure is limited, and battery production, which relies on imported materials like lithium-ion, raises concerns about environmental sustainability.
• Low Awareness and Infrastructure Issues: Consumer awareness about EVs is still low, and charging stations are insufficient. Charging speeds are also slower compared to traditional fuel refills.

Government Initiatives:

• Delhi EV Policy: The Delhi government has introduced incentives such as subsidies up to Rs 30,000 for two-wheelers and Rs 1.5 lakh for electric cars to encourage EV adoption.

• The policy also plans to install 25 new charging stations across the city to address infrastructure challenges.

Conclusion:

A shift to electric vehicles in Delhi offers a promising solution to tackle pollution, reduce health-related costs, and combat climate change. While challenges remain, the long-term benefits make it a critical step towards sustainable urban mobility.

PALLAS’S CAT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The recent photographic evidence of Pallas’s cat in Himachal Pradesh emphasizes the importance of conserving lesser-known species in the Indian Himalayas. The discovery underscores the need for focused conservation efforts for these elusive animals.

About Pallas’s Cat:

• Scientific Name: Otocolobus manul
• Common Name: Pallas’s cat or manul
• Family: Felidae
• Named After: The species is named after Peter Simon Pallas, who first described it in 1776 near Lake Baikal, Russia.

Distribution:

• Geographical Range: Pallas’s cat is primarily found in Central Asia, including regions in western Iran, Mongolia, China, Russia (near the borders of Mongolia and China), Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
• Habitat: It inhabits the mountainous plains and semi-desert foothills of these areas.

Features:

• Size: About the size of a domestic cat, with a body length of 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches) and a tail length of 23–30 cm. It typically weighs between 2.5 to 3.5 kg (5.5 to 7.7 pounds).
• Appearance: The cat has soft, pale silvery gray or light brown fur, with a broad head, high-set eyes, and low-set ears. Its tail is ringed with a black tip, and some individuals show dark markings on their body.
• Adaptations: The cat’s underbelly fur is twice as long as the upper fur, helping it stay comfortable when lying or crouching on cold ground.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• CITES: Appendix II

Conclusion:

The sighting of Pallas’s cat in Himachal Pradesh highlights the need for more focused conservation efforts to protect lesser-known species in the Himalayan region, ensuring the survival of these unique creatures in their natural habitats.