05-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

A CUT IN TIME

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aims to combat plastic pollution worldwide. However, after five rounds of discussions since the resolution was adopted in 2022, the treaty has failed to achieve consensus.

The Global Plastics Treaty

• Initiated by a 2022 UN resolution to eliminate plastic pollution, including marine pollution.
• Aimed to develop a globally coordinated framework over five negotiation rounds, concluding in Busan, South Korea.
• To address the hazards of plastic pollution by considering measures like reducing production and improving recycling.

Diverging Perspectives

• Supporters of Production Cuts: Mostly led by the European Union and Pacific Island nations.

• Argue that plastic’s durability has transformed it into an environmental hazard, affecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
• Believe recycling and reuse strategies alone are insufficient to address the issue.
• Advocate for limiting virgin polymer production as a long-term solution to plastic pollution.

Opponents of Production Cuts:

• Includes many developing countries and oil-dependent economies.
• View production restrictions as trade barriers disguised as environmental action.
• Contend that the 2022 resolution’s intent is being overstretched.

India’s Position

• India aligns with nations opposing production cuts due to the economic importance of plastic.
• It has limited recycling capacity, managing only about one-third of the plastic it produces annually.

Challenges:

• Delaying action on plastic production overlooks the health impacts of plastic pollution.
• Environmental harm includes damage to ecosystems and marine life.

Environmental and Health Concerns

• Plastic pollution enters the food chain, posing risks to human and animal health.
• Microplastics have been found in soil, water, and living organisms.
• Plastics overwhelm municipal recycling systems, contributing to pollution.
• Marine ecosystems are severely affected, with plastic waste harming aquatic species.

Way Forward

• India must plan a gradual reduction in plastic production while enhancing recycling efforts.
• Investing in research on eco-friendly alternatives can provide sustainable solutions.
• Countries need to find creative solutions to break the deadlock and ensure global collaboration.

Revisiting negotiations with a focus on both environmental and economic considerations is crucial.

Conclusion

Plastic pollution poses severe health and ecological risks. While India’s economic dependence on plastic complicates immediate production cuts, a phased reduction plan is essential to align with global environmental priorities. A planned transition can prevent long-term damage and position India as a responsible global player.

IS THE CASTE CENSUS A USEFUL EXERCISE?

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

A caste Census aims to document the population size of different castes in India, enabling proportional allocation of resources and opportunities like jobs and education. However, the exercise faces historical, logistical, and ethical challenges.

Historical Background of Caste Census

• The first caste Census was conducted in 1871-72 across major regions like the North-Western Provinces (NWP), Central Provinces (CP), Bengal, and Madras.
• Caste categories were arbitrarily created, leading to confusion.
• For instance, in the NWP, only four categories were recognized, while Bengal included occupational groups like musicians and cooks.
• Chichele Plowden, who managed the 1881 Census, criticized caste classification as overly complex and misleading.

Modern Attempts:

• The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) recorded over 46.7 lakh castes and sub-castes, exposing 8.2 crore errors in classification.
• Recent controversies, such as the inclusion of ‘hijra’ and ‘kinnar’ categories in the 2022 Bihar caste survey, highlight ongoing challenges.

Challenges in Conducting a Caste Census

• Caste Mobility Claims: Respondents may claim higher caste identities to align with perceived social prestige.
• Example: Communities like Sonar identified as Kshatriya, Rajput, Brahmin, or Vaishya in different regions.
• Downward Claims: Some may identify as lower castes to access reservation benefits. Post-independence, demands for OBC or ST status by certain groups reflect this trend.
• Caste Misclassification: Similar-sounding caste names cause confusion. Example: ‘Dhanak,’ ‘Dhanka,’ and ‘Dhanuk’ are differently classified in Rajasthan. Enumerators may rely on assumptions based on surnames, risking inaccuracies.
• Sensitivity Issues: Respondents and enumerators may feel uncomfortable discussing caste explicitly.

Issues with Proportional Representation

• Population Imbalance: India’s 6,000 castes average a population of 2.3 lakh each.

• Smaller castes with populations below this average are unlikely to benefit under a proportional system.
• Impractical Implementation: Example: A caste with only 10,000 members would require over 1.4 lakh positions to ensure one reserved seat.
• Using the UPSC’s annual vacancy rate (~1,000), it would take over 140 years to benefit the smallest caste.

Conclusion

While a caste Census may provide valuable insights, the logistical, classification, and representational challenges make its implementation and outcomes highly contentious. A more equitable approach to addressing caste-based disparities needs to be explored.

IMPACT OF COMPANY-FUNDED RESEARCH ON SCIENCE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Scientific research often relies on external funding, especially from private companies. While this financial support advances scientific endeavours, it also brings challenges, particularly around intellectual property (IP) and transparency. The conflict between the need for revenue and the ideals of open, reproducible science shapes modern research practices.

• Nature of Intellectual Property (IP): IP protection necessitates confidentiality to safeguard inventions and commercial interests. Science, historically, thrives on openness and the reproducibility of findings.
• Example of AlphaFold 3: Developed by Google DeepMind, AlphaFold 3 predicts protein structures using AI. Unlike earlier versions, its code was not fully released initially, limiting scientific replication.

• The partial release was linked to commercial goals through DeepMind’s spinoff, Isomorphic Labs, which used the tool for drug discovery.

• Reactions from Scientists: Many researchers criticized the lack of transparency, highlighting that science progresses through open sharing. Concerns included the inability to verify or replicate findings.

Balancing Commercial Interests and Science

• The Fundamental Challenge: Scientists must navigate between advancing knowledge and protecting IP for financial sustainability.

• Universities and research institutes often push researchers to patent discoveries for revenue generation.

• Proposed Solutions: Open-source tools can be supplemented with premium versions for commercialization.

• Algorithms and core findings can be disclosed, with additional features reserved for proprietary use.

• Success Stories: Hemmerling’s “McSleepy” anesthesia robot is an example where sharing methods led to recognition while retaining commercial aspects.

Role of Government and Funding

• Government Support: Increased public funding can reduce reliance on commercial interests, promoting open science.

• Subsidies for IP-protected products, as seen with COVID-19 vaccines, ensure accessibility without compromising innovation.

• Continuing Challenges: Even with public funding, the drive for revenue within academic institutions persists, requiring careful regulation.

Conclusion

The conflict between funding needs and scientific openness reflects broader misalignments in research systems. Promoting balanced policies that encourage transparency while enabling commercialization can advance both science and innovation.

WINDFALL GAINS TAX ON OIL PRODUCTION AND FUEL EXPORTS REMOVED

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Indian government has withdrawn the windfall gains tax on domestic crude oil production and exports of fuels like diesel, petrol, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Its removal indicates improved stability in international oil markets and a move toward predictable taxation for the energy sector.

What is Windfall Gains Tax?

A special tax levied to capture unexpected profits of energy companies during periods of high oil and fuel prices.

Application:

• Imposed as Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on domestic crude oil and ATF exports.
• Combined with Additional Excise Duty (AED), or Road and Infrastructure Cess, on petrol and diesel exports.

Objective: To tax super-normal profits and ensure fuel availability for domestic needs. To offset revenue losses from reduced excise duties on fuels sold domestically.

Reasons for Its Introduction in 2022

• Surge in Global Oil Prices: Prices rose sharply after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
• Profit Incentives: Refiners, especially private ones, prioritized exports due to higher margins in foreign markets, creating domestic fuel shortages.
• Global Trend: Many countries introduced similar taxes on energy companies to regulate excess profits during the energy crisis.

Why Was It Removed?

Price Stabilization: Crude oil prices have dropped significantly, from over $100 per barrel in 2022 to below $75 per barrel in 2024.

Revenue Decline:

• FY23: ₹25,000 crore revenue from this tax.
• FY24: Revenue halved to ₹13,000 crore.
• FY25 (so far): ₹6,000 crore only.

Predictable Supply: Global oil and fuel flows have normalized, reducing concerns of domestic shortages.

Limited Impact: By 2024, the tax on petrol, diesel, ATF, and crude oil was already nil due to regular revisions.

Impact of Its Removal

• Industry Relief: Signals stability and predictability in the taxation regime, benefiting oil producers like ONGC, OIL, and exporters like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy.
• No Major Financial Effect: Most companies had already adapted to lower or zero levies.
• Confidence in Market Stability: Reflects the government’s confidence in steady global energy prices and supply chains.

Conclusion

The removal of the windfall gains tax reflects changing global market conditions and the government’s commitment to stable economic policies. It emphasizes improved energy security and ensures a business-friendly environment for the oil and gas sector in India.

WHY GLOBAL PLASTIC TREATY TALKS COLLAPSED

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The global talks in Busan, South Korea, to finalize a legally binding treaty on curbing plastic pollution ended without agreement. The week-long discussions, held under the United Nations framework, aimed to draft measures to tackle the growing plastic pollution crisis. However, key disagreements among participating countries prevented the adoption of a final treaty.

Key Reasons for the Collapse

• Demand for Production Caps: Over 100 countries, including African, Latin American, and most EU nations, demanded production caps and the elimination of specific plastic chemicals and products.

• Opposing this, countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, and Iran argued that these provisions exceeded the mandate of the 2022 resolution, which focused on ending plastic pollution. They viewed the production caps as trade restrictions disguised as environmental measures.
• Divergent Views on Scope: Nations like India and China supported the opposition, emphasizing that the treaty should focus on pollution rather than imposing production caps.

• Arab Coalition Pushback: Led by Saudi Arabia, this coalition resisted goals for reducing plastic production, citing potential impacts on trade and economic competitiveness.

Provisions in the Draft Treaty

• Points of Consensus: Ban on open dumping and burning of plastic waste. Definitions for plastic and plastic products included.
• Points of Contention: No agreement on defining contentious issues like microplastics, nano plastics, or primary plastic polymers. References to single-use and short-lived plastics were present but contested.
• Future Discussions: The draft treaty text will be used as a basis for further negotiations in 2025.

India’s Position

• Balanced Approach: Advocated for addressing plastic pollution while ensuring the right to development for developing countries.

• Opposed measures like production caps and pollution fees, arguing they could impact national growth.

• Focus on Pollution Reduction: Emphasized that polymer production is not directly linked to plastic pollution. Stressed the need for global financial and technical support for waste management.
• Avoiding Overlap: Called for a clear scope to prevent conflicts with existing environmental agreements.

Conclusion

The breakdown of the talks reflects deep divisions on how to address plastic pollution. While countries agree on the urgency of the issue, disagreements over production caps, financial support, and trade implications hindered progress. Future discussions must balance environmental priorities with developmental needs, particularly for developing nations.

INDIA’S LIMITED SUCCESS IN CAPTURING THE CHINA PLUS ONE STRATEGY: NITI AAYOG REPORT

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: ECONOMIC TIMES

The “China Plus One” strategy emerged as multinational corporations sought to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China and rising costs. a report by NITI Aayog indicates that India’s performance in leveraging this trend has been modest compared to Southeast Asian nations.

Success of Southeast Asian Countries:

Nations like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia have outperformed India by attracting a larger share of relocated industries.

Factors contributing to their success include:

• Cheaper labour costs
• Simplified tax structures
• Lower tariffs
• Proactive free trade agreements (FTAs)

Global Trade Fragmentation:

• The U.S. imposed higher tariffs and stricter export controls on China, leading to a fragmentation of global supply chains.
• This has driven companies to seek alternative manufacturing destinations, opening opportunities for other nations.

India’s Challenges:

Despite being an attractive option for industries, India’s success has been limited due to:

• Higher costs in labour-intensive sectors.
• Challenges in competing with China across key product categories.
• Lack of sufficient competitiveness in global trade.

Opportunities for India

• India has a strong market presence in developed regions like the U.S., U.K., and Germany in certain product categories.
• There is significant potential to explore and expand into emerging markets.

IMPACT OF EU’S CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM):

What is CBAM?

• A carbon tax by the EU to prevent carbon leakage.
• Applies to imports such as cement, steel, aluminium, fertilizers, and electricity starting in 2026.

Implications for India:

The iron and steel industry, accounting for 23.5% of India’s exports to the EU, is most exposed.

Indian firms may face:

• Tariffs of 20-35%, reducing competitiveness.
• Higher compliance costs due to emissions reporting.

Conclusion

India’s ability to capitalize on the “China Plus One” strategy is critical to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and global trade presence. Addressing competitiveness issues and preparing for challenges like CBAM will be essential for long-term success.

ARAVALLI GREEN WALL PROJECT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: PIB

The Aravalli Green Wall Project is an initiative launched by the Union Environment Ministry of India to combat desertification and land degradation. The project aligns with India’s commitments to global environmental goals and aims to restore the ecological health of the Aravalli Hills.

Key Features

Geographical Scope

• Covers parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, spanning 6 million hectares of the Aravalli hill range.
• Focuses on greening a 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hills.

Restoration Efforts

• Involves planting native trees and shrubs on degraded lands such as wastelands and scrublands.
• Revitalizes surface water bodies, including ponds, lakes, and streams.

Livelihood Development

• Promotes agroforestry and pasture development for income generation and food security of local communities.

Objectives

• Improve the ecological health of the Aravalli region by curbing soil erosion and preventing desertification.
• Act as a barrier to the eastward spread of the Thar Desert.
• Enhance biodiversity, water resources, and carbon sequestration.
• Involve local communities in sustainable activities to provide employment and social benefits.

This project contributes to India’s goals under international agreements such as UNCCD, CBD, and UNFCCC.

SUBABUL SEEDPODS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: PIB

Recent research highlights the medicinal value of the Subabul tree’s seedpods in managing insulin resistance linked to type II diabetes. Scientists have identified four active compounds and a marker-assisted fraction from Subabul seedpods for therapeutic use.

About Subabul Tree

General Characteristics

• A fast-growing leguminous tree originating from Mexico.
• Small to medium-sized perennial tree with dense branching.
• Known as Kubabul (Hindi), Naattu Cauvindal (Tamil), and Kantisubabul (Telugu).

Distribution in India

• Found in states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.

Uses

• Food: Leaves and immature seeds are consumed raw or cooked, offering high protein and fiber content.
• Fodder: Used as animal feed in various regions.
• Wood: Valued for charcoal, furniture, and paper pulp production.

About Diabetes

• A chronic condition caused by insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin use in the body.
• Insulin regulates blood sugar levels.

Type II Diabetes

• The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t use it efficiently, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
• Commonly affects adults but increasingly seen in younger populations.

Subabul’s potential offers a promising avenue for managing diabetes, aligning traditional knowledge with modern healthcare.