15-October-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

WHY PRECISION MEDICINE IN INDIA CAN’T ADVANCE WITHOUT BIOBANK LAWS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Precision medicine, driven by advancements in genomics and technologies like gene editing and mRNA therapeutics, is revolutionizing healthcare worldwide.

India’s biobanking ecosystem is expanding but encounters challenge due to inconsistent regulations regarding data protection and ethical standards.

Precision Medicine

• Precision medicine is reshaping healthcare by providing personalized treatments, particularly in areas such as cancer, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders.
• The Human Genome Project has laid the foundation for advancements in genomics, improving diagnostics and therapies for various health conditions.
• Technologies like gene editing, mRNA therapeutics, and organ-on-chips are key contributors to the evolution of precision medicine.

Technological Advancements in Precision Medicine

• Gene editing and mRNA therapeutics are two pivotal emerging technologies.
• Notable successes include the restoration of vision through gene therapy and the reversal of diabetes using reengineered stem cells.
• The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the importance of the mRNA platform in vaccine development, culminating in a Nobel Prize recognition.
• Organ-on-chips present innovative solutions by mimicking human organs in laboratory settings, enabling more accurate drug testing.

Precision Medicine in India

• The precision medicine market in India is rapidly expanding, with a projected CAGR of 16%, potentially exceeding $5 billion by 2030.
• It significantly contributes to India’s bioeconomy alongside advancements in cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and biologics.
• In 2023, India approved NexCAR19, its first domestic CAR-T cell therapy, and established a dedicated center for its development.

Role of Biobanks in Precision Medicine

• Biobanks are essential for precision medicine, as they store biological samples (e.g., blood, DNA, tissues).
• Large and diverse biobanks ensure research benefits a wide demographic.
• Recent studies using biobank data have led to the discovery of rare genetic disorders and the identification of potential therapies for sarcomas through organoid-based research.

Biobanks in India

• India currently has 19 registered biobanks that store a variety of biological specimens, including cancer cell lines.
• Initiatives like the ‘Genome India’ project, which sequenced 10,000 genomes from 99 ethnic groups, and the ‘Phenome India’ project, focusing on cardio-metabolic diseases, support precision medicine research.
• The Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders (PRaGeD) mission aims to develop therapies for genetic disorders in children.

The Need for Regulatory Reform

• Stronger regulations, overseen by an expert committee, would promote public involvement in biobanks and ensure ethical practices.
• Establishing biobanking laws that align with global standards would position India as a frontrunner in next-generation therapeutics, build trust, and facilitate international collaborations.
• India’s participation in international bodies like the Quad and BRICS, along with its pharmaceutical leadership, highlights the necessity of aligning its biobanking policies with global standards.

Conclusion

To unlock the full potential of precision medicine, India must enhance its biobanking regulations, ensuring ethical practices, data protection, and public trust. These reforms will not only benefit domestic healthcare but also elevate India’s standing in global medical research and pharmaceutical diplomacy.

URBAN HEAT ISLANDS

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU

In 2024, heatwaves in India resulted in the loss of over 200 lives, highlighting the urgent need to address urban heat islands (UHIs). These phenomena occur when urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings, primarily due to human activities and infrastructure.

Causes of Urban Heat Islands (UHI)

• Increased Construction Activities: The rapid growth in construction results in the extensive use of materials like asphalt and concrete, which absorb and retain heat, raising surface temperatures in urban regions.
• Air Conditioning: Buildings with dark surfaces heat up quickly, leading to a higher demand for air conditioning. This increased energy consumption often comes from power plants that release pollutants.
• Urban Architecture: The presence of tall buildings and narrow streets hampers air circulation, limiting natural cooling. This phenomenon is termed the Urban Canyon Effect.
• Transportation Systems: The prevalent use of fossil fuels for transportation adds warmth to urban environments, intensifying the UHI effect.
• Lack of Green Spaces: Insufficient trees and vegetation reduce important cooling processes like evapotranspiration and carbon dioxide absorption.

Affected Marginalized Communities

• Delivery Workers: Often exposed to high temperatures while navigating city streets.
• Auto Drivers: Experience direct heat exposure during long work hours.
• Construction Workers: Work outdoors with little to no shade or hydration.
• Domestic Workers: Walk to their jobs in extreme heat conditions.
• Street Vendors: Face decreased sales due to fewer customers braving the heat.

Impacts of Urban Heat Islands

• Increased Demand for Cooling: Higher temperatures lead to a greater reliance on air conditioning, causing increased electricity usage and higher utility bills.
• Strain on Energy Infrastructure: The surge in energy demand during heatwaves can overload power grids, resulting in outages, particularly in the summer months.
• Ground-level Ozone Formation: Elevated temperatures can accelerate ground-level ozone production, worsening urban air quality.
• Increased Algal Blooms: Warmer waters promote algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels, threatening aquatic life and water quality.

Strategies to Reduce Urban Heat Islands

• Plant More Trees and Vegetation: Expanding green spaces, parks, and tree cover in urban areas can provide shade and enhance natural cooling through evapotranspiration.
  • Example: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) found that green spaces in Bengaluru can reduce temperatures by 2–3°C during peak summer.
• Rooftop and Vertical Gardens: Promoting green roofs and vertical gardens can significantly lessen heat absorption and encourage cooling.
  • Example: The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) indicates that cool roofs can lower urban temperatures by 1–2°C in cities like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
• Cool Pavements: Implementing permeable or heat-reflective materials for pavements can lower surface temperatures in urban environments.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Encouraging mixed-use developments and decentralization can decrease congestion and improve urban livability.
  • Example: A World Bank report suggests that proper urban planning can reduce UHI effects by up to 30%.
• Restoration of Urban Water Bodies: Revitalizing lakes, ponds, and rivers in cities can create natural cooling zones, helping to lower local temperatures.
  • Example: According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), urban water bodies can reduce temperatures by up to 5°C in nearby areas during heatwaves.

Conclusion

Urban heat islands amplify the adverse effects of climate change in cities, making it essential to implement sustainable solutions to mitigate their impacts on human health, the environment, and economies. Addressing the UHI effect is vital for creating healthier, more livable urban environments for all citizens.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT, 2005

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The Right to Information (RTI) Act has recently marked its 20th anniversary, highlighting its importance in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. Enacted in 2005, this landmark legislation has empowered citizens to seek information from public authorities, fostering a culture of openness in the Indian government.

About the RTI Act

• Historical Context: Prior to the RTI Act, information access in India was limited by laws like the Official Secrets Act. The RTI Act has significantly improved this situation, allowing citizens to request information from various government bodies.
• Foundation in the Constitution: The RTI Act is rooted in the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. It aims to promote transparency and ensure that the government is accountable to its citizens.

Key Features of the RTI Act

• Access to Information: The RTI Act grants citizens the right to request information from public authorities, enabling them to form informed opinions about governance and public policies.
• Structured Process: The Act lays out a clear process for requesting information, including time limits for responses and applicable fees.
  • Exemptions: Certain types of information, such as those concerning national security or personal data, are exempt from disclosure under the Act.

Provisions of the RTI Act

• Section 4: Public authorities must maintain proper records that are cataloged and indexed to facilitate access to information.
• Section 6: Citizens can submit a written request for information to the Central or State Public Information Officer, specifying the details of the requested information.
• Section 7: Public Information Officers are required to respond to requests within 30 days or decline the request with valid reasons as per Sections 8 and 9.
• Section 19: If individuals are dissatisfied with the information received or do not receive it at all, they can appeal to a senior officer.

Right to Information Amendment Act 2019

Key Amendments Introduced in 2019:

• Tenure: The amendment removed the fixed five-year tenure for the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs), allowing the Central Government to define their terms.
• Salary and Allowances: Previously, the salaries of the CIC and ICs were on par with those of Election Commissioners. The amendment gives the Central Government the authority to determine their salaries and allowances.
• Status and Ranking: The amendment eliminated provisions that equated the CIC’s status with that of the Chief Election Commissioner, impacting the status and remuneration of state ICs as well.

Coverage Under the RTI Act

• Public Bodies: The RTI Act covers all bodies established under the Constitution, any law, or government notifications, including NGOs that are government-owned or significantly funded.
• Private Bodies: Private organizations that receive substantial government funding are also encompassed by the RTI Act.

Arguments for and Against Including Political Parties Under RTI

In Favor:

• Transparency in Funding: Making political party funding transparent would bolster public trust and strengthen democratic processes.
• Government Subsidies: Political parties benefit from government subsidies, such as free airtime and tax breaks, justifying their inclusion under the RTI.
• Government Facilities: Political parties receive support, such as office and residential spaces from the government, further supporting their inclusion in RTI.

Against:

• Internal Governance: Political parties maintain their own internal governance structures, and RTI could disrupt their operations and credibility.
• Lack of Accountability: As private entities not established by the Constitution, political parties argue they are not accountable to the public like government bodies.
• Risk of Misuse: The RTI could be weaponized by rival parties, leading to harassment through unnecessary information requests and detracting from constructive political discourse.

Conclusion

The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a vital instrument for democracy and effective governance in India. By empowering citizens to demand information, it enhances government transparency, accountability, and encourages active participation in the democratic process. Strengthening and safeguarding the RTI is essential for fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

LADAKH AURORAE: VALIDATION OF SPACE WEATHER TRACKING

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Recent auroral sightings in Ladakh have demonstrated significant progress in space weather monitoring capabilities. These events, predicted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the Centre of Excellence in Space Sciences India (CESSI) at IISER Kolkata, indicate heightened solar activity.

Significance of Auroras in Ladakh

• Location Insights: The occurrence of auroras in Ladakh, a region situated at lower latitudes than typically expected for such phenomena, underscores significant solar activity and the presence of coronal mass ejections.
• Understanding Solar Activity: These events are part of the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, which is anticipated to reach its peak in 2024. The current cycle is closely monitored as solar storms can have various impacts on Earth, including on communication systems and satellite operations.

Auroras:

Natural light displays predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic.

Caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

Types of Auroras:

• Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): Visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Aurora Australis (Southern Lights): Visible in the Southern Hemisphere.

Formation Process:

• Solar winds carry charged particles from the sun towards Earth.
• When these particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere (mainly oxygen and nitrogen), they excite the gas molecules, causing them to emit light.
• Different gases produce different colors: oxygen can produce green or red light, while nitrogen can produce blue or purple hues.

Conditions for Visibility:

• Best viewed in regions close to the magnetic poles.
• Occur during periods of high solar activity, such as solar storms or coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
• Clear, dark skies away from city lights enhance visibility.

Conclusion

The auroral sightings in Ladakh not only provide a captivating visual display but also serve as a testament to the advancements in space weather tracking technologies. The ability to predict and monitor these events enhances our understanding of solar dynamics and their implications for life on Earth.

SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO) SUMMIT

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

External Affairs Minister visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit holds both low expectations and potential possibilities. This visit comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly concerning terrorism and cross-border issues.

Looking Back at Indo-Pak Relations:

• The bilateral dialogue resumed in 2015 but was halted following the Pathankot and Uri attacks.
• The February 2019 Balakot airstrike, carried out by India in response to the Pulwama attack, marked a significant escalation, resulting in a further deterioration of ties.

Diplomatic Challenges:

• India’s foreign policy towards Pakistan has been firm, especially after various terror attacks linked to Pakistan, including the Uri attack (2016), the Pathankot attack (2016), and the Pulwama attack (2019).
• Despite these challenges India’s presence at the SCO meeting indicates commitment to regional diplomacy and cooperation within the SCO framework.
• India continues to emphasize its security concerns related to terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, which remains a core issue in India-Pakistan relations.

Possibilities for the Future:

• While significant breakthroughs in India-Pakistan relations are unlikely during this visit, could open the door for future diplomatic conversations.
• The Indian government has made it clear that any progress with Pakistan would depend on how the latter addresses issues of terrorism and cross-border violence.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Introduction:

• Established: June 15, 2001.
• Founding Members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
• Current Members: 9 – China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, and Iran (joined in 2023).
• Observer States: Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia.
• Dialogue Partners: Includes countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, and others.
• Headquarters: Beijing, China.
• Language: Russian and Chinese are the official languages of the SCO.

Objectives of SCO:

• Security Cooperation: Focus on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism through intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.
• Economic Cooperation: Enhance trade, investment, and connectivity among member states.
• Cultural Exchange: Promote cultural cooperation and exchange programs between member countries.
• Regional Stability: Work toward maintaining peace and stability in Central Asia.

Key Structures of SCO:

• SCO Council of Heads of State: The highest decision-making body, responsible for setting overall policies and strategies.
• SCO Council of Heads of Government: Focuses on economic and trade cooperation, including approving the budget.
• Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): A permanent organ aimed at combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
• SCO Secretariat: Based in Beijing, it manages daily administrative and coordination activities.

Significance of SCO for Member States:

• Counter-Terrorism Efforts: SCO plays a crucial role in addressing security challenges, particularly related to terrorism, drug trafficking, and cyber threats.
• Energy Cooperation: Central Asia’s energy resources (oil, gas) are critical for China and Russia, making energy security a priority within the SCO framework.
• Economic Cooperation: The SCO encourages trade, investment, and the development of transport and infrastructure projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Military Cooperation: The SCO regularly conducts joint military exercises, strengthening defence cooperation among its members.

India’s Role in SCO:

• Joined in 2017: India became a full member along with Pakistan, marking its entry into the Central Asian security and economic landscape.
• Security Concerns: India uses the SCO platform to highlight its concerns over terrorism, particularly from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Strategic Interests: The SCO allows India to engage with Eurasian countries, especially in areas of energy cooperation, trade, and connectivity.
• Balancing China and Russia: India’s membership in the SCO helps balance its relations with China and Russia, two significant global powers in the region.

Challenges within SCO:

• Internal Conflicts: Rivalries among member states, such as India and Pakistan, limit the effectiveness of the SCO in addressing security and political issues.
• Diverse Interests: The varying political, economic, and security interests of members sometimes hinder collective decision-making.
• China-Russia Influence: The SCO is often perceived as being dominated by China and Russia, leaving smaller member states with less influence.

Recent Developments:

• Iran’s Membership: Iran became a full member in 2023, expanding the organisation’s influence in West Asia.
• Counter-Terrorism: Recent SCO meetings have focused on combating the spread of extremism, particularly in Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover.
• Expanding Influence: The SCO is considering admitting more members, including countries from South Asia and West Asia, indicating its growing geopolitical relevance.

Conclusion:

Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan for the SCO meeting holds symbolic importance but comes with low expectations for major advancements in bilateral relations. The focus remains on regional cooperation through the SCO, and any future engagement with Pakistan will depend on its actions concerning terrorism and security issues.

NASA’S EUROPA CLIPPER MISSION: EXPLORING JUPITER’S MOON EUROPA

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

NASA has launched a spacecraft named Europa Clipper to study Jupiter’s moon, Europa, and explore whether the icy moon could harbour conditions suitable for life. This mission is part of NASA’s continued efforts to study celestial bodies in our solar system that could potentially support life.

Key Details of the Mission:

• Objective: The primary goal of the Europa Clipper mission is to determine if the vast ocean beneath Europa’s ice shell contains ingredients essential for life.
• Timeline:
  • The spacecraft will take 5.12 years to reach Jupiter, where it will orbit and perform 49 flybys of Europa.
  • Expected to begin its main study in 2030.

Features of Europa Clipper:

• The spacecraft is equipped with advanced instruments that can analyse Europa’s ice-covered ocean, study its chemical composition, and look for signs of habitability.
• Onboard equipment includes:
  • Nine scientific instruments, including radar to penetrate the ice and study the ocean beneath.
  • Devices to measure radiation levels, assess ice thickness (15-24 km), and explore potential plumes of water vapor from the moon’s surface.
• Flyby Plan: Clipper will circle Jupiter every 21 days, coming as close as 16 miles (25 km) to Europa’s surface.

Importance of the Mission:

• Potential for Life: Europa is considered one of the most promising places in the solar system to find conditions that might support life, primarily due to its vast subsurface ocean.
  • Scientists believe that under Europa’s ice layer, conditions might be suitable for life due to liquid water, energy sources, and chemical nutrients.
• Technological Challenges: The mission faced delays due to engineering challenges related to radiation from Jupiter. Despite these, the spacecraft was successfully launched using SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket.

Comparisons to Other Missions:

• Europa Clipper is building on previous missions like NASA’s Galileo spacecraft (which first captured detailed images of Europa) and the Voyager probes (which flew by in the 1970s).
• Europa Clipper will also complement future missions like the JUICE mission (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer), launched by the European Space Agency, aimed at studying the icy moons of Jupiter.

Conclusion:

NASA’s Europa Clipper mission represents a crucial step in understanding whether life can exist beyond Earth. By studying Europa’s hidden ocean, scientists hope to uncover insights that could broaden our understanding of life in the cosmos.

SPACEX STARSHIP

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

SpaceX has made a significant leap in space technology by developing a fully reusable rocket system. On October 14, 2024, the company used a pair of robotic arms to catch the first stage booster of its Starship spacecraft, marking a key milestone in creating a rapid, cost-effective launch system.

What is Starship?

• Starship: A two-stage rocket designed by SpaceX for deep space missions. It consists of:
  • A Super Heavy booster (first stage), which provides the thrust to lift the spacecraft into orbit.
  • An upper stage (Starship spacecraft) that completes the journey to destinations like the Moon or Mars.
• Size: Standing 120 meters tall, it is the largest rocket system ever built.
• Purpose: Starship is designed to carry crew and cargo to destinations beyond Earth, such as the Moon and Mars, and even further, as part of its goal to revolutionize space travel with reusable rockets.

What Happened on October 14, 2024?

• On this day, the Starship rocket system took off from SpaceX’s launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas, powered by 33 Raptor engines in the Super Heavy booster.
• After 3 minutes and 40 seconds of flight, the booster separated from the Starship spacecraft and began its descent back to Earth.
• Robotic Catching Mechanism: Rather than letting the booster splash into the ocean, which is typical for expendable rockets, SpaceX used giant robotic arms (called Mechazilla) to catch the booster mid-air, demonstrating their ability to safely recover the rocket.

Why is this Mission Important?

• Reusability: Most traditional rockets are single-use, making space launches expensive and time-consuming. SpaceX’s aim is to create a fully reusable rocket system that can lower costs and increase the frequency of launches.
• Reduced Recovery Time: Instead of needing a splashdown and recovery from the ocean, catching the booster mid-air allows SpaceX to prepare the rocket for another launch in a much shorter time frame, potentially within 30 minutes.
• Innovation in Rocket Design: SpaceX is pushing the boundaries by combining the largest rockets ever built with innovative methods to recover and reuse them efficiently.

Why is Starship Important for Space Exploration?

• Future Missions: Starship plays a key role in SpaceX’s broader plans to send astronauts and cargo beyond Earth. This includes missions to the Moon and Mars, with the Starship Human Landing System (HLS) already selected by NASA for the Artemis III mission, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2026.
• Government Support: SpaceX has received contracts worth up to $4 billion to develop this system. The hope is that Starship will be the spacecraft to carry the first humans to Mars.
• Reliability: To achieve these ambitious goals, the company needs to perfect a reusable, reliable launch system. Starship has shown significant promise in both aspects.

Historical Context and Challenges:

• Past Efforts: SpaceX has spent years refining reusable rocket technology. Its Falcon 9 rocket is already reusable, landing on droneships at sea, but Starship aims to take this further by catching rockets with mechanical arms.
• Challenges in Development: While SpaceX has demonstrated reusable rocket systems before, fine-tuning the Super Heavy booster and making its reusability seamless is a complex task. Early versions of the booster were prone to accidents, with some tipping over or needing expensive refurbishments after landing.

Conclusion:

SpaceX’s efforts to develop a fully reusable rocket system are a game-changer for space exploration. By catching the Super Heavy booster with robotic arms, the company has taken a major step towards creating a rapid, efficient space launch system. This innovation not only reduces costs but also paves the way for future deep space exploration, making space travel more accessible and sustainable.

ENSURING A PROPER SOCIAL SAFETY NET FOR THE GIG WORKER

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment is working on a new law aimed at providing social security benefits to gig workers. This move reflects the changing nature of employment in the country, with a growing number of workers engaged in the gig economy.

Who are Gig Workers?

Gig workers are individuals who engage in temporary, flexible, or freelance jobs, often facilitated through digital platforms. These workers are not typically employed under a formal contract but are instead paid per task, project, or assignment, making their work arrangements less stable than traditional employment.

Common Types of Gig Workers:

• Ride-hailing Drivers: Drivers for companies like Uber, Ola, and Lyft who provide transportation services.
• Food Delivery Workers: Individuals working with platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and DoorDash delivering food.
• Freelancers: Independent workers providing services like writing, graphic design, programming, or consultancy via platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
• Task-based Workers: Those offering a wide range of services (cleaning, repairs, etc.) via platforms like UrbanClap or TaskRabbit.

Key Proposals for Gig Worker Welfare

• Social Security Fund: The government proposes to create a social security fund for gig workers, to which aggregators would contribute 1-2% of their revenue. This fund would cover benefits like health insurance and retirement savings.
• Welfare Board: The legislation would introduce a welfare board that would manage the fund and ensure gig workers are registered for social security benefits.
• Employment Protection: Aggregators will need to provide a 14-day notice with valid reasons before terminating a worker and ensure transparency in the use of automated systems that assign tasks.

Gaps in Worker Protections

• Limited Entitlements: The Social Security Code provides only limited benefits to gig workers, such as social security schemes, but excludes them from institutional protections such as paid leave and job security under laws like the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
• Occupational Safety: Gig workers do not receive the same safety and health protections as formal workers, nor do they have access to dispute resolution mechanisms under the Industrial Relations Code 2020.

Problem with the Gig Worker Definition

• Employer-Employee Relationship: The primary issue lies in the lack of a clear employer-employee relationship for gig workers. Aggregators present gig workers as independent contractors, which prevents them from receiving the full benefits of labor laws.
• Camouflage of Employment Relations: This ambiguous employment status allows aggregators to bypass labor regulations, leading to the classification of gig workers as part of the informal sector.

Need for Clear Definitions

• Precedent from the UK: The U.K. Supreme Court ruling in 2021 on the Uber case set an important precedent, recognizing Uber as an employer and its drivers as workers, thus making them eligible for full labour law protections.
• Formalization of Gig Work: Defining gig work in explicit terms would help in formalizing this segment of the workforce, enabling the application of the labour codes without the need for separate legislation.

Importance of Providing Social Security Benefits to Gig Workers

• Economic Security: Gig workers face job insecurity due to the “demand-based” nature of their work, which makes social security benefits like unemployment insurance and retirement savings crucial for their financial stability.
• Health and Productivity: Without employer-provided health insurance, gig workers are vulnerable to unexpected medical costs. Providing health benefits would promote a healthier and more productive workforce.
• Fair Treatment and Equity: Gig workers are often exempt from traditional employment protections, leading to exploitation and inadequate pay. Offering social security would create a fairer working environment.
• Long-term Financial Stability: Many gig workers do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Social security programs would help them save for the future and avoid financial difficulties later in life.

Challenges in Providing Social Security to Gig Workers

• Employment Classification: Gig workers operate in a Gray area between self-employment and dependent employment, complicating how companies should be obligated to provide benefits.
• Flexibility of Work: The gig economy thrives on flexibility, allowing workers to choose their hours and employers. Designing a social security system that fits this model is a complex task.
• Funding Issues: In traditional systems, both employers and employees contribute to social security. In the gig economy, where workers are often self-employed, finding the right funding mechanism is difficult.
• Coordination and Data: Gig workers may work for multiple platforms, making it difficult to track their income and eligibility for social security benefits. Coordination between platforms, government, and financial institutions is necessary.
• Awareness and Education: Many gig workers are unaware of their rights or how to access social security benefits. Raising awareness and educating them on these issues is a significant challenge.

Steps to Ensure Social Security for Gig Workers

• Implementation of the Social Security Code, 2020: The Code contains provisions for gig workers, but states need to frame rules and establish a board to manage gig workers’ benefits. The government should expedite this process.
• Learn from International Examples: The UK classifies gig workers as “workers,” providing them with minimum wage, paid holidays, and retirement benefits. Indonesia also offers gig workers health and accident insurance.
• Increase Employer Responsibility: Gig companies should be required to treat gig workers like regular employees, offering them similar benefits. The practice of classifying gig workers as self-employed should be revisited.

Conclusion

To ensure that gig workers are adequately protected, the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment must clearly define the employer-employee relationship in the gig economy. Recognizing aggregators as employers would bridge the gap in worker protections and align the rights of gig workers with those of formal sector employees. Without this clarity, gig workers will continue to face limited benefits and protections, despite the new legislation being drafted.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN: ADDRESSING CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India represents a significant step forward in the battle against child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM). This judgment highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to protect children from online sexual abuse and ensure their safety. The decision is crucial not only for India but can also have far-reaching implications globally.

Background of the Judgment

In January 2024, the Madras High Court ruled that merely downloading or viewing child pornography was not a crime, leading to widespread criticism.

This ruling contradicted the spirit of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and risked normalizing child exploitation.

On September 23, the Supreme Court corrected this oversight by:

• Classifying the downloading and storing of CSEAM as an offense.
• Mandating social media intermediaries to adhere to Indian law and take responsibility for reporting such material.
• Reframing the conversation from “child pornography” to “CSEAM,” emphasizing the serious nature of the crime.

Importance of the Ruling

• The ruling aims to create a robust framework to combat CSEAM, acknowledging the demand-supply chain that fuels child exploitation.
• It addresses the ongoing victimization of children, as exploitative images persist online, often without the victims’ awareness.
• It represents a shift in recognizing the role of online platforms in preventing the spread of abusive material.

Measures Required for Implementation

Comprehensive Cybercrime Legislation

• Explicit Definition of Cybercrime: Indian laws should specifically categorize CSEAM as an economic and organized crime.
• Outlaw Emerging Crimes: Crimes like online enticement and trafficking should be explicitly criminalized.
• Address AI-Generated Material: Amendments are needed to classify the creation of AI-generated CSEAM as equivalent to real child abuse, given its potential to confuse law enforcement.

Accountability of Social Media Platforms

• Real-Time Reporting: Social media platforms must be mandated to report instances of CSEAM to law enforcement promptly.
• Clear Responsibilities: Establish clear guidelines for intermediaries regarding their obligations in preventing the circulation of CSEAM.

Establishing Forensic Labs

• Domestic Forensic Capability: Set up a forensic lab equipped with advanced technology to respond swiftly to reports of CSEAM.
• Local Reporting System: A domestic lab will enable immediate local responses to flagged activities, reducing the time taken to alert authorities.

National Database for Offenders

• Registry of Offenders: Individuals found guilty of searching or downloading CSEAM should be included in a National Database on Sexual Offenders.
• Employment Restrictions: Offenders should be barred from working in sectors involving children to prevent future victimization.

International Collaboration

• Borderless Crime Requires Borderless Solutions: The global nature of CSEAM necessitates a coordinated international response.
• International Convention: Advocate for a legally binding international convention to combat CSEAM effectively.
• Database of Offenders: Establish an International Database of Sex Offenders to facilitate the tracking of perpetrators globally.

Financial Institutions’ Role

• Monitoring Financial Transactions: Financial institutions should monitor and disrupt the funding of networks involved in child exploitation.
• Accountability Measures: Implement measures for financial accountability to dismantle the economic structures sustaining CSEAM.

Global Context

• The United Nations Summit of the Future 2024 failed to adequately address the rising challenges posed by CSEAM.
• The multibillion-dollar global industry requires unified action from nations to combat child exploitation effectively.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling and the proposed measures provide a comprehensive framework to safeguard children from sexual exploitation. By implementing these strategies, India can not only transform its approach to child protection but also set a precedent for other nations. A multi-faceted approach involving legislation, accountability, and international cooperation is crucial to eradicate child sexual exploitation and ensure a safer future for children worldwide.

STRENGTHENING INDIA’S POWER TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s rapid economic growth has led to a surge in demand for electricity. To meet this rising demand, a robust and efficient power transmission infrastructure is crucial. However, the current system faces several challenges, including supply chain constraints and rising costs. The Power Secretary has emphasized the need for a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme or similar measures to bolster domestic manufacturing of transmission equipment.

Challenges in Transmission Infrastructure

• Rising Demand: India’s increasing industrialization and urbanization have driven up electricity consumption. This necessitates a significant expansion of the transmission network.
• Supply Chain Constraints: Global supply chain disruptions, particularly for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) equipment, have hindered the timely completion of renewable energy projects.
• Rising Costs: The cost of developing transmission infrastructure is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% over the next five years.
• Global Trends: The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports a global shortage of grid infrastructure, with 1,650 GW of renewable energy capacity waiting for connection.

PLI Scheme as a Solution

• Domestic Manufacturing: A PLI scheme would incentivize domestic manufacturers to produce transmission equipment, reducing reliance on imports and mitigating supply chain risks.
• Job Creation: Promoting domestic manufacturing would create jobs and boost the economy.
• Cost Optimization: A strong domestic supply chain could potentially lead to lower costs for transmission equipment.
• Technological Advancements: Government support could encourage research and development in transmission technology, improving efficiency and reliability.

Other Considerations

• Policy Measures: In addition to PLI, the government could consider other policy measures, such as tariffs, subsidies, or tax incentives, to support the development of the transmission sector.
• Infrastructure Investment: Adequate investment in transmission infrastructure is essential to ensure the efficient integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
• Grid Modernization: Upgrading and modernizing the existing transmission grid is crucial to accommodate the growing demand for electricity and enhance its reliability.

Addressing the challenges faced by India’s power transmission infrastructure is vital for achieving sustainable and equitable economic growth. The implementation of a PLI scheme, coupled with other policy measures, can significantly contribute to strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply for the nation.