04-October-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION 2.0

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) or “Clean India Mission” is a flagship initiative launched by the Indian government aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene across the country.

While the first phase of SBM focused on eliminating open defecation, SBM 2.0, which was launched in October 2021, primarily targets urban waste management, with a specific focus on clearing legacy waste dumpsites. This initiative runs for five years, aiming to create “garbage-free cities” by 2026.

Legacy Waste Dumpsites: The Scale and Nature of the Challenge

• Legacy Waste: Refers to solid waste accumulated at dumpsites over several decades in an uncontrolled and unscientific manner.
• Extent of the Problem: India has more than 3,000 such dumpsites, with 2,424 of them having over 1,000 tonnes of waste each. These dumpsites cover valuable land and contribute significantly to environmental degradation.
• Current Progress: As of now, only 19.43% (471 sites) of these dumpsites have been remediated, with work ongoing on 1,226 more. However, a large proportion still remains unaddressed.

Health Hazards Associated with Legacy Waste

Health Risks:

• Waste from these dumpsites releases harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide, leading to respiratory diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, and lung infections.
• Inhaling emissions can cause throat and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and in extreme cases, loss of coordination.
• Workers (ragpickers) at landfills face additional health challenges, often developing skin issues and respiratory problems due to long-term exposure.

Contamination of Soil and Water:

• Leachate (toxic liquid runoff) from dumpsites can infiltrate groundwater and contaminate nearby water bodies, posing significant risks to public health and the environment.
• Soil contamination from these dumpsites also affects agricultural productivity and overall land quality.

Key Components of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0

• Urban Focus: The mission is predominantly urban, addressing waste management in cities, especially with regards to legacy waste dumps.
• Remediation of Dumpsites: One of the core aims is to remediate all legacy dumpsites, converting them into green spaces.
• Scientific Landfills: SBM 2.0 emphasizes the use of scientific landfills to ensure the safe disposal of untreated waste and reduce the creation of new dumpsites.
• Financial Backing: A budget of ₹3,226 crore has been allocated for the remediation of legacy dumpsites. States and Union Territories (UTs) are required to contribute matching funds as part of centrally sponsored schemes.

Progress Under SBM 2.0

Remediation Status:

• Of the 2,424 lgacy dumpsites, 471 have been fully reclaimed.
• Action plans for remediation are in place for 1,226 sites, while 727 sites remain untouched.
• Out of the 17,039.71 acres of land buried under waste, approximately 27% has been reclaimed, while 73% is still pending.

State-Wise Performance:

• Tamil Nadu: Leading in terms of reclamation, with 837 acres (42%) of land reclaimed.
• Gujarat: 698 acres (75%) reclaimed, positioning it as the highest performer in terms of proportion.
• Other states are also making strides, but significant work remains in many areas.

Environmental Impact of Legacy Waste Dumpsites

• Air Pollution: Decomposing organic waste produces greenhouse gases, especially methane, which contributes to global warming and poor air quality.
• Climate Change: The unmanaged emission of methane from landfills plays a significant role in enhancing global warming, making dumpsites one of the primary sources of non-energy emissions.
• Soil Degradation: Waste and hazardous materials seep into the soil, reducing its fertility and contaminating groundwater reserves.
• Aesthetic and Real Estate Impacts: These dumpsites occupy valuable urban land, reducing the availability of real estate for development and contributing to the unsightly landscape of urban areas.

Way Forward

• Capacity Building: For SBM 2.0 to succeed, municipal corporations and local urban bodies (ULBs) need to be empowered with better tools and technology for effective waste management.
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the health and environmental hazards posed by legacy waste is crucial to garner public support for waste segregation and disposal efforts.
• Strengthening Regulations: More stringent regulations for waste segregation, recycling, and scientific disposal can help prevent the creation of new dumpsites.
• Technology Adoption: Encouraging the use of advanced technologies such as biomining and bioremediation for landfill reclamation can expedite the process and reduce costs.
• Monitoring and Accountability: A robust system for monitoring progress at dumpsites needs to be established to ensure that states and cities are on track to meet the 2026 target of making all cities garbage-free.

Conclusion

The Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 is a critical initiative in India’s urban development strategy, addressing a longstanding issue of waste management. The effective remediation of legacy waste dumpsites is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for public health. While the progress so far is promising, much remains to be done to ensure that India’s cities are garbage-free by 2026. Collaborative efforts between the central government, states, and local bodies, along with active public participation, are key to the success of this mission.

Multiple choice question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):

1. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched in 2014 to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across India by 2019.
2. Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 focuses on making all urban local bodies in India garbage-free by 2026.
3. The mission aims to scientifically manage and dispose of solid and liquid waste from legacy waste dumpsites.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: D

Explanation:

• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched by the Government of India on October 2, 2014. The primary objective was to eliminate open defecation and ensure cleanliness across the country, targeting an Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by 2019, coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0) was launched in 2021. The mission extends the cleanliness initiatives and aims to make all urban local bodies (ULBs) garbage-free by 2026. It includes a focus on solid waste management and the remediation of legacy dumpsites.
• SBM-U 2.0 includes provisions for the scientific disposal and management of solid and liquid waste, including legacy dumpsites, to convert them into green zones and prevent new dumpsites from forming.

SUPREME COURT ON CASTE BIAS IN PRISONS: A CRITICAL JUDGMENT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a landmark judgment addressing the issue of caste-based discrimination in prisons. The court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, condemned the segregation of prison labor based on caste and denounced the historical practice of treating individuals from de-notified tribes as “habitual offenders.”

These ruling highlights the importance of fundamental human dignity and urges reforms within the prison system. The court also directed the revision of prison manuals to eliminate any caste-based references and biases.

Observations of the Supreme Court

Equality and Dignity:

• The court emphasized that every individual is born equal and deserves respect, irrespective of caste or background.
• It acknowledged that more than 75 years after India’s independence, caste-based discrimination remains entrenched in various systems, including prisons.
• Such discrimination violates the fundamental right to equality, as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Provisions:

• The court referred to Article 15(1) of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on caste, religion, race, or sex.
• It stressed that when the state itself discriminates against citizens, it becomes a violation of the highest order.
• Article 17, which abolishes untouchability, was cited as being directly violated when prisoners are segregated or forced into specific tasks based on their caste.

Caste-Based Discrimination in Prison Work

Segregation of Work:

• The court ruled that assigning prison tasks like cleaning latrines or sweeping based solely on an inmate’s caste is a coercive and discriminatory practice.
• This perpetuates untouchability and caste hierarchy within the prison system.

Violation of Anti-Scavenging Laws:

• The court held that the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, assignment which bans manual scavenging, also applies to prisons.
• The of tasks like cleaning to marginalized communities violates this law and reinforces outdated, oppressive systems.

De-Notified Tribes and Habitual Offender Label

Colonial Legacy:

• Members of de-notified tribes, historically labeled as “criminal tribes” during colonial rule, continue to face discrimination.
• Prison manuals often treat them as habitual offenders, which reaffirms colonial-era prejudices.

Unconstitutional Practices:

• The court declared the use of the term “habitual offenders” in prison manuals unconstitutional, as it stigmatizes certain communities without any basis.
• Arbitrary arrests of individuals from these tribes were condemned, and the court directed that such practices be discontinued immediately.

Supreme Court’s Directives

Revision of Prison Manuals:

• The court mandated that prison manuals be revised within three months to remove the caste column and any caste-based references from the records of undertrial prisoners and convicts.
• It also ordered the removal of all mentions of “habitual offenders” from these manuals, calling the practice unconstitutional.

Implmentation of Changes:

• The Union Government was tasked with making the necessary amendments to the 2016 Prison Manual and the 2023 Act to ensure compliance with the court’s ruling.
• The changes must be carried out within the stipulated time frame of three months.

Significance of the Judgment

Eradication of Caste Discrimination:

• This judgment represents a significant step towards eliminating caste-based biases in Indian prisons.
• It reinforces the state’s responsibility to prevent discrimination and promote equality, as outlined in the Constitution.

Restoring Human Dignity:

• The court’s emphasis on human dignity and the rights of marginalized communities within prison systems aims to correct long-standing injustices.
• This ruling seeks to dismantle structures that perpetuate discrimination and reinforce harmful social hierarchies.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Practical Implementation:

• Revising prison manuals and eliminating caste-based discrimination within a short time frame presents logistical challenges.
• However, the judgment serves as a strong reminder to state governments and prison authorities to ensure compliance with constitutional principles.

Raising Awareness and Sensitization:

• Beyond changing the prison manuals, there is a need for greater awareness and sensitization among prison staff to prevent caste-based prejudices from influencing the treatment of inmates.
• Training programs focused on constitutional values, human dignity, and equality must be implemented to bring about lasting change.

Addressing Systemic Issues:

• While this judgment addresses a critical issue, it is also part of a larger movement towards prison reform in India.
• Comprehensive changes in prison administration, including improved living conditions, access to legal rights, and rehabilitative measures, are necessary to ensure that the dignity of all prisoners is upheld.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s judgment on caste discrimination in prisons is a landmark step toward creating a more just and equitable prison system. By ordering the removal of caste-based segregation of work and arbitrary treatment of de-notified tribes, the court has reaffirmed the fundamental principles of equality, dignity, and justice. However, the success of this ruling will depend on its effective implementation and the willingness of authorities to embrace these constitutional values.

Multiple choice question:

1. Which of the following provisions in the Indian Constitution aim to prevent discrimination and promote equality?

1. Article 14 – Right to Equality
2. Article 15 – Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, Sex, or Place of Birth
3. Article 16 – Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment
4. Article 17 – Abolition of Untouchability
5. Article 25 – Right to Freedom of Religion

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2, 3, and 4
2. 1, 2, and 5
3. 2, 3, 4, and 5
4. 1, 3, 4, and 5

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Article 14: Ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all individuals within the territory of India. It prevents arbitrary discrimination by the state.
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. This article ensures that the state does not discriminate against any citizen in various aspects like public services, education, etc.
• Article 16: Provides for equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and prevents discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence, except under special provisions such as affirmative action for backward classes.
• Article 17: Abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. It is a key article that eliminates a form of caste-based discrimination.
• Article 25: Relates to the freedom of religion and ensures individuals the right to practice, profess, and propagate their religion. This article is about religious freedom but is not directly focused on preventing discrimination or promoting equality.

SPEAKER’S ROLE, AND DEFECTION IN INDIAN POLITICS

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

In the context of political defections and party splits, the role of key institutions such as the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Speaker’s office becomes crucial.

Recent events, especially in Maharashtra, where the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) split into factions, highlight challenges in managing defection, allocation of party symbols, and the fair recognition of party groups.

Political Context of Defections and Party Symbols

Background of the NCP Split:

• The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, split into two factions: one led by Sharad Pawar and the other by his nephew, Ajit Pawar.
• Ajit Pawar’s faction allied with the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition (Mahayuti), while Sharad Pawar’s group remained with the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (which includes Congress and Shiv Sena UBT).
• The division has impacted the party’s identity and electoral presence in the run-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Dispute Over the NCP Symbol:

• The ‘clock’ symbol, long associated with the NCP, was awarded to the Ajit Pawar group by the ECI in February 2024.
• Sharad Pawar’s faction challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, arguing that allocating the clock symbol solely to one group creates confusion among voters and is unfair.

Role of the Election Commission of India (ECI)

ECI’s Decision-Making Process:

• The ECI based its decision to allot the clock symbol to Ajit Pawar’s group on a legislative majority test, as the group had more legislative support at that time.
• The ECI ruled that other tests, such as determining the organizational majority or adherence to party principles, were inconclusive.
• The legislative majority test used by the ECI has faced criticism, as it may not reflect broader party support outside the legislature.

ECI’s Role in Party Recognition:

• The ECI plays a significant role in recognizing factions within political parties after splits. It is responsible for allocating party symbols, which are crucial for electoral identity.
• In cases like the NCP and Shiv Sena splits, the ECI’s decisions have become contentious and are frequently challenged in courts.

Supreme Court’s Involvement and Considerations

Challenge to the ECI’s Decision:

• The Supreme Court is now tasked with reviewing the ECI’s decision to allocate the NCP’s symbol to Ajit Pawar’s faction.
• Sharad Pawar’s argument is that using the legislative majority as the sole criterion is insufficient. He claims that the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections, where his faction won more seats and votes, indicates broader popular support.

Potential Court Ruling on the Symbol:

• The court may need to decide whether to deny the clock symbol to both factions, ensuring a level playing field, or allow the recognized faction (Ajit Pawar’s) to retain the symbol until a final decision is made.
• The court’s decision will have broader implications for how parties and symbols are recognized during splits, especially in cases of internal rebellion and defection.

The Role of the Speaker Under the Anti-Defection Law

Speaker’s Discretion in Defections:

• The Speaker plays a crucial role in determining whether defectors should be disqualified under the anti-defection law. However, their decisions often come under scrutiny for alleged political bias.
• In cases like Maharashtra’s, the Speaker’s delay or reluctance to act can influence the balance of power, allowing defectors to continue holding office until their status is decided.

Supreme Court’s Oversight:

• The Supreme Court has often had to intervene to ensure fairness and accountability from the Speaker’s office, especially when the latter appears to be aligned with political interests.
• The Court’s role in keeping both the Speaker and the ECI “honest” highlights the need for institutional reform to minimize delays and ensure impartial decisions in defection cases.

Impact on Political Stability and Party Unity

Challenges to Party Cohesion:

• Defections and splits, like those seen in the NCP and Shiv Sena, undermine party unity and often lead to prolonged legal and political battles over legitimacy, representation, and symbols.
• This trend poses challenges to maintaining internal democracy and cohesion within parties, as rebels seek to capitalize on legislative majorities or alliances with ruling coalitions.

Electoral Implications:

• In the current scenario, the division between Sharad Pawar’s and Ajit Pawar’s factions will have significant implications for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
• Voters may face confusion due to the split in party identity, and the allocation of symbols may further complicate voter perception.

Conclusion

The recent developments surrounding the NCP split and disputes over party symbols illustrate the complexities of defection, rebellion, and party recognition in Indian politics. Both the ECI and the Speaker’s office play crucial roles in these scenarios but have faced criticism for their handling of sensitive cases.

Multiple choice question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Speaker’s role in defection cases under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution:

1. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is empowered to decide on disqualification of members on grounds of defection under the Tenth Schedule.
2. The decision of the Speaker in defection cases is final and cannot be challenged in a court of law.
3. The Supreme Court has the power to review the Speaker’s decision on defection cases.

Which of the statements given above 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:

• Under the Tenth Schedule, commonly known as the Anti-Defection Law, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (or the Chairman in the case of the Rajya Sabha) has the authority to decide whether a member of the legislature should be disqualified on grounds of defection.
• Initially, the Speaker’s decision on defection was considered final, but in the Kihoto Hollohan case (1992), the Supreme Court ruled that the Speaker’s decisions on defection are subject to judicial review. This means the decision can be challenged in a court of law if there is any violation of natural justice or constitutional provisions.
• The Supreme Court and High Courts can review the Speaker’s decision under their powers of judicial review to ensure that the decision was fair, unbiased, and in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

INTERNAL DEMOCRACY IN POLITICAL PARTIES AND THE ROLE OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION (EC)

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

India’s democracy relies heavily on political parties, but many of these parties are often controlled by individual leaders, leading to a lack of internal democracy. There are debates about whether the Election Commission (EC) should regulate internal democracy within political parties. While the EC has some oversight powers, there are legal and practical limits to its involvement.

EC’s Role and Mandate

• The EC registers political parties and monitors whether they follow their own constitutions and hold regular internal elections.
• However, the EC is restricted from interfering deeply in the internal workings of political parties, such as mandating internal elections, as per a Supreme Court ruling.
• The EC’s primary role, according to the Constitution, is to conduct free and fair elections for national and state legislatures, and it must focus on this core responsibility.

Limits on De-registration

• The EC cannot de-register a party for not holding internal elections. It can only act if a party’s registration was obtained through fraud.
• Expanding the EC’s mandate to include regulating internal party democracy may risk politicizing the institution, which could harm its credibility and impartiality.

Challenges in Internal Democracy

• Even when political parties are required to hold internal elections, they are often symbolic, with outcomes already decided.
• The EC has intervened in rare cases where party decisions were clearly undemocratic, but it generally has limited power to enforce real internal democracy.

Conclusion

The responsibility for ensuring internal democracy in political parties ultimately lies with the electorate. Voters can choose to support or reject parties based on how democratic they are in practice. The EC should continue to focus on its core duty of ensuring free and fair elections.

SIPCOT AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN TAMIL NADU

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) plays a vital role in the industrial development of Tamil Nadu. Established in 1971, SIPCOT was created to promote and support medium and large-scale industries, which have since played a significant part in the state’s economic growth. Over the decades, SIPCOT has been instrumental in creating jobs and developing industrial hubs across Tamil Nadu.

Formation and Purpose of SIPCOT

• Established: March 25, 1971
• Objective: To develop, operate, and promote industrial growth in Tamil Nadu.
• Reason: At the time of SIPCOT’s formation, Tamil Nadu was at an early stage of industrial development, with a focus on MSMEs. SIPCOT was intended to help expand industrial infrastructure for medium and large-scale industries.

First SIPCOT Industrial Park

• Location: The first SIPCOT industrial park was established in Ranipet in 1973.
• Initial Firms: Thirumalai Chemicals, Ultra Marines & Pigments, and SRP Tools were the first firms to set up operations in this park.
• Land: The first phase of the Ranipet park covered 729.79 acres.

Expansion and Growth

• Initial Parks: Two major industrial parks were developed in the early years—one in Ranipet and another in Hosur.
  • Ranipet: Focused on leather, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Hosur: Known for automobile and general engineering sectors.
• Other Key Hubs:
  • Kanchipuram: Developed as an auto and electronics cluster due to its proximity to Chennai and the presence of major companies like Hyundai, Yamaha, and Foxconn.
  • Chengalpattu: Emerged as an IT hub with firms like TCS, CTS, and Hexaware, and is now a data center hub.
  • Hosur: Leveraged the talent pool from nearby Bangalore to become an industrial hub.
• Industrial Backward Districts: SIPCOT also focused on industrializing less developed districts like Manamadurai, Nilakotai, Pudukottai, and Gangaikondan.

Contribution to Job Creation

• Number of Industrial Units: SIPCOT has helped establish 3,290 industrial units over 53 years.
• Investment: These units have attracted investments worth ₹1.85 lakh crore.
• Job Opportunities: Over 8.20 lakh jobs have been created due to SIPCOT’s efforts.

Sector-Specific Industrial Parks

SIPCOT is now focusing on sector-specific parks:

• International Furniture Park: Coming up in Thoothukudi.
• Medical Devices Park: At Oragadam.
• Electronic Manufacturing Clusters: At Manallur and Pillaipakkam.
• Mega Food Parks: Being developed at Manapparai, Tindivanam, and Theni.
• Future Mobility and E-Vehicle Parks: Planned for Shoolagiri and Manallur.

Industrial Housing and Water Management

• Housing for Workers: SIPCOT has developed housing facilities with over 18,000 beds in areas like Vallam-Vadagal. Additionally, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called the Tamil Nadu Industrial Housing Private Limited (TNIHPL) has been formed to provide affordable housing for industrial workers, including a hostel for women workers at Siruseri.
• Water Management: SIPCOT, in collaboration with Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), supplies treated water to industries. A 20 MLD Tertiary Treatment Reverse Osmosis (TTRO) plant is also being set up in Hosur to meet industrial water demands.

Startups and Innovation

• SIPCOT Industrial Innovation Centres (SIIC): Established in Hosur and Sriperumbudur to foster technology-powered startups and innovations in the manufacturing sector.
• Goals: SIPCOT aims to evaluate over 1,000 innovative ideas, support the development of 200 prototypes, and promote 30 startups to the seed investment stage.
• Skill Development: A state-of-the-art skill development center is also under development in the SIPCOT Industrial Park at Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri.

Conclusion

SIPCOT has been a cornerstone in Tamil Nadu’s industrialization journey. From setting up industrial parks across the state to fostering a startup-friendly environment, SIPCOT continues to contribute significantly to job creation, infrastructure development, and sector-specific industrial growth. Its ongoing efforts are expected to help Tamil Nadu achieve its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

FARMERS’ EARNINGS IN THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SECTOR      

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

Recent working papers from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shed light on the earnings of farmers from the sale of fruits and vegetables.

These reports reveal that farmers receive less than 40% of the price consumers pay for these goods. This discrepancy highlights the significant role of middlemen and retailers in the food supply chain, particularly during periods of high inflation.

Key Findings of RBI Papers

• Study Source: The insights are derived from working papers by the RBI’s Department of Economy & Policy Research.
• Focus: The studies concentrate on the earnings of farmers in comparison to the prices paid by consumers for various agricultural products.

Farmers’ Earnings from Fruits and Vegetables

Low Share for Farmers:

• Farmers earn a small fraction of the consumer price for several key fruits and vegetables.
• In contrast, the earnings from dairy, poultry, and pulses are comparatively higher.

Specific Earnings:

Fruits:

• Bananas: Approximately 31% of the consumer rupee.
• Grapes: About 35% of the consumer rupee.
• Mangoes: Around 43% of the consumer rupee.

Vegetables:

• Tomtoes: Farmers receive roughly 33%.
• Onions: Approximately 36%.
• Potatoes: Around 37%.

Earnings from Dairy and Poultry

Higher Returns: The studies indicate that farmers earn significantly more from dairy and poultry products.

• Milk: Farmers earn an estimated 70% of the price paid by consumers.
• Eggs: The share for farmers is about 75%.
• Poultry Meat: The combined share for farmers and aggregators stands at around 56%.

Impact of Middlemen and Retailers

• Profiteering: The analysis suggests that middlemen and retailers take a substantial portion of the price paid by consumers, which limits the income of farmers.
• Role of Inflation: During periods of high inflation, this issue becomes more pronounced, as the difference between consumer prices and farmer earnings widens.

Pulses Sector Overview

• Gram (Chana): About 75% of the consumer rupee goes back to farmers.
• Moong: Farmers receive around 70%.
• Tur: The share is approximately 65%.

Implications for Policy and Agriculture

• Need for Reform: The findings highlight the need for reforms in the agricultural supply chain to ensure that farmers receive a fairer share of consumer spending.
• Promoting Direct Sales: Encouraging direct sales from farmers to consumers may help reduce the influence of middlemen, improving farmers’ earnings.

Conclusion

The working papers by the RBI reveal a concerning trend regarding the share of earnings that farmers receive from the sale of fruits and vegetables. With many farmers earning less than 40% of the consumer price for these products, it is evident that middlemen and retailers significantly benefit at the farmers’ expense. A focus on reforming the agricultural supply chain and increasing farmers’ profits is essential for the sustainable development of India’s agriculture sector.

SARTHIE 1.0 INITIATIVE

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The SARTHIE 1.0 initiative was launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Government of India.

Purpose: It aims to empower disadvantaged communities, including:

• Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
• Senior Citizens
• Transgender Persons
• Victims Scheduled Castes (SCs)
• of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
• Individuals engaged in begging
• Denotified and Nomadic Tribes

Alignment with UN Goals: The initiative is in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on:

• Eradicating poverty
• Reducing inequality
• Promoting social protection policies for greater equality

Objectives:

• Bridge the awareness gap regarding social welfare programs
• Provide legal assistance for the effective implementation of these programs
• Strengthen the synergy between the executive and the judiciary to enhance social justice

Key Facts about NALSA

Establishment: NALSA was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987.

Mandate:

• Provide legal aid to disadvantaged groups
• Promote legal literacy among the public

Leadership:

• Chief Justice of India serves as the patron-in-chief.
• The second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India is the Executive Chairman.

Structure:

• Located at the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi.
• Each State has a State Legal Services Authority.
• Each High Court has a High Court Legal Services Committee.

SICKLE CELL DISEASE (SCD)

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYY: PIB

Pfizer recently announced a voluntary withdrawal of its sickle cell disease therapy, oxbryta, from global markets. the decision follows the emergence of clinical data linking the drug to “fatal events.”

• Definition: SCD is an inherited blood disorder characterized by flawed hemoglobin.
• Role of Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a molecule in red blood cells (RBCs) responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Impact on Blood Flow

• Normal RBCs: Typically, RBCs are disc-shaped and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels.
• Atypical Hemoglobin: Individuals with SCD have abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S, which causes RBCs to become distorted into a sickle or crescent shape.
• Consequences: Sickled RBCs are rigid and can obstruct blood flow, impairing oxygen delivery to various body tissues.

Causes of Sickle Cell Disease

• Genetic Cause: SCD is caused by a defective gene called the sickle cell gene.
• Inheritance: A person inherits SCD only if they receive two copies of the sickle cell gene—one from each parent.

Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease

Early Stage:

• Extreme tiredness or fussiness due to anemia
• Painfully swollen hands and feet
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Later Stage:

• Severe pain episodes (crises)
• Anemia
• Organ damage
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Treatments for Sickle Cell Disease

• Cure: A bone marrow transplant (stem cell transplant) can potentially cure SCD.
• Symptom Relief: Other treatments are available to help alleviate symptoms, reduce complications, and extend lifespan.
• Emerging Therapies: Gene therapy is being investigated as another potential cure for SCD.
• Recent Approvals: The UK has recently become the first country to approve a gene therapy treatment specifically for SCD.