18-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

DSR CULTIVATION NEEDS LESS WATER, LABOUR, WHY IS IT STILL NOT POPULAR 

TOPIC: (GS3) AGRICULTURE – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Punjab government is promoting the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technique to reduce water usage and labour in paddy cultivation. Despite incentives and benefits, DSR adoption remains low. 

Benefits of DSR 

• Water Conservation: Reduces water use by 15-20% compared to traditional puddling. 
• Labor Efficiency: Requires less labor. 
• Faster Maturity: Crops mature 7-10 days faster. 
• Paddy Straw Management: Provides more time for managing paddy straw. 

Current Adoption 

• In 2022, only 1.73 lakh acres used DSR out of 79 lakh acres under paddy cultivation. 
• Government’s 2023 target is 7 lakh acres, less than 10% of total rice acreage. 

How DSR Works 

• No Nursery Needed: Seeds are directly sown without nursery preparation. 
• Irrigation Schedule: First irrigation 21 days after sowing, then 14-17 rounds at 7-10 day intervals. 
• Soil Preparation: Fields are irrigated, and laser levelled before seeding. 
• Seed Treatment: Seeds soaked in fungicide solution for 8 hours, dried for half a day before sowing. 

Soil Suitability 

• Soil Texture: Suitable for heavy or medium-to-heavy-textured soils. Light-textured soils require frequent irrigation, negating water-saving benefits. 
• Iron Content: Soil must have adequate iron content. Fields previously cultivated with crops like cotton, maize, or sugarcane may lack necessary iron. 

Challenges and Path Forward 

• Awareness and Training: Lack of awareness leads to poor yields and apprehensions. Negative feedback discourages other farmers. 
• Educational Support: Extensive training and a helpline are essential to guide farmers from pre-sowing to harvesting. 

Conclusion 

Educating farmers and providing ongoing support are crucial for the successful adoption of DSR, which can significantly conserve water and reduce labor costs in paddy cultivation. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Which of the following statements about the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technique in Punjab is/are correct?

1. DSR reduces water usage by 15-20% compared to the traditional puddling method. 

1. DSR is suitable for all types of soils, including light-textured soils. 

1. DSR requires more labor than the traditional method. 

1. Adequate iron content in the soil is crucial for the success of DSR. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 1 and 4 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1, 3, and 4 only 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION: 

The DSR technique is known to reduce water usage by 15-20% compared to the traditional method, which is highly water-intensive. 

DSR is not suitable for light-textured soils because they do not retain water well. It is more suitable for heavy or medium-to-heavy-textured soils. 

DSR requires less labor compared to the traditional method where seedlings are first grown in nurseries and then transplanted to the field. 

Adequate iron content is essential for the success of DSR. Soils deficient in iron can negatively impact crop yields and may require additional iron supplements. 

DECLINE IN MIGRATION TO GULF, RISE IN STUDENT MIGRATION: WHAT THE KERALA MIGRATION SURVEY 2023 SAYS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Kerala Migration Survey (KMS) 2023 report, prepared by the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMD) and Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, presents key findings on migration trends from Kerala. Conducted every five years since 1998, this is the sixth survey and one of the largest socio-economic surveys in the state. 

Sample Selection 

• Households Surveyed: 20,000 households from all 14 districts. 
• Method: Stratified multi-stage random sampling. 
• Localities: 500 localities selected statewide. 
• Data Collection: 300 trained investigators used a digital data collection tool. 

Key Findings 

• Emigrant Numbers: 2.2 million emigrants in 2023, up from 2.1 million in 2018. 
• Returnees: Increased from 1.2 million in 2018 to 1.8 million in 2023. 

Trends 

• Decline in Gulf Emigration: Preference for non-GCC countries grew from 10.8% in 2018 to 19.5% in 2023. 
• Rising Student Emigration: Students now make up 11.3% of emigrants, with numbers almost doubling since 2018. 
• Increase in Female Emigrants: Women emigrants rose from 15.8% in 2018 to 19.1% in 2023, with many working in nursing and higher education. 
• Regional Emigration: 41.8% from North Kerala, 33.1% from Central Kerala, and 25% from South Kerala. 

Demographic Insights 

• Religious Composition: Muslims (41.9%), Hindus (35.2%), and Christians (22.3%) among emigrants. 

• Remittances: Total remittances increased to Rs 216,893 crores in 2023, a 154.9% rise since 2018. 

Increase in Returnees 

• Major Reasons: Job loss due to COVID-19, low wages, poor working conditions, illness, desire to work in Kerala, homesickness, and retirement. 

Road Ahead 

• Student Emigration: Need to enhance educational infrastructure and ensure safe migration pathways. 
• Skill Development: Improve skills of labor emigrants for better job opportunities and encourage migration to non-GCC countries. 

Reasons for migration in India: push factors and pull factors. 

• Push factors force people to leave their homes, often due to harsh conditions. These can include: 
• Economic reasons: Lack of jobs, low wages in rural areas, unequal land distribution, and depletion of natural resources in some regions. 
• Social reasons: Caste-based discrimination, violence, or lack of educational opportunities. 
• Environmental reasons: Droughts, floods, or other natural disasters. 

Pull factors attract people  

• Economic reasons: Better job opportunities, higher wages, and better living standards in cities. 
• Social reasons: Educational opportunities, access to healthcare, and the chance for a better life. 

Benefits of migration for India: 

• Economic growth: Migrants contribute to the workforce in cities, filling labor shortages and boosting economic activity. 
• Urban development: Migration fuels the growth of cities, which can lead to better infrastructure and services. 
• Social change: Migrants bring new ideas and skills to their new communities, promoting cultural exchange. 

Disadvantages of migration for India: 

• Strain on urban resources: Rapid urbanization can lead to overcrowded slums, inadequate housing, and pressure on resources like water and electricity. 

• Social problems: Migrants can face discrimination and social isolation in new cities. 
• Rural decline: Large-scale migration can leave rural areas with a shortage of labor, leading to a decline in agriculture and infrastructure. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements about migration in India:

1. Lack of educational opportunities in rural areas is a major push factor for migration. 

1. Migration to cities leads to a decline in agricultural productivity in rural areas. 

1. Remittances sent by migrants contribute significantly to India’s foreign exchange reserves. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. All of the above 

ANSWER – C 

EXPLANATION: 

Limited access to quality education in rural areas pushes many young people to migrate to cities for better educational opportunities. 

While large-scale migration can lead to a shortage of labor in agriculture, it doesn’t necessarily cause a decline in productivity. Modernization, mechanization, and improved agricultural practices can offset the labor shortage. 

Money sent back home (remittances) by migrant workers is a significant source of income for many rural families and contributes to India’s foreign exchange reserves. 

INFANTILISING LEARNERS 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

Recent revisions in the NCERT Class 12 Political Science textbook have sparked debate over the exclusion of significant historical events. 

• Omissions: Gujarat riots, Babri Masjid violence, and other communal incidents have been removed. 
• Director’s Justification: DP Saklani cited the aim to avoid depressing content and focus on creating positive citizens. 

Rationale Behind NCERT Syllabus Changes 

• Alignment with New Educational Policies: Updates are essential to meet the objectives and guidelines of the new education policy. 
• Outdated Content: Revising outdated sections to include contemporary issues like Swachh Bharat and Digital India. 
• Bias and Controversy: Addressing potential biases and controversial portrayals in historical and political contexts. 
• Lack of Inclusivity: Ensuring diverse representation of India’s cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds. 
• Heavy Workload: Reducing the vast and demanding syllabus to ease students’ mental and physical burden. 
• Feedback from Stakeholders: Incorporating suggestions from educators and stakeholders for a more effective and engaging curriculum. 

Advantages of NCERT Syllabus Changes 

• Modern Schemes and Programs: Inclusion of current government initiatives helps students stay informed. 
• Emphasis on Ancient Knowledge: Focus on yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedic mathematics enhances cultural appreciation. 
• Recognition of Nationalist Figures: Highlighting freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar and Subhash Chandra Bose. 
• Reduced Content Load: Decreased syllabus by 30% reduces student burden and allows deeper concept understanding. 
• Updated Content: Reflects latest developments in various fields, preparing students for the future. 

Challenges Associated with NCERT Syllabus Changes 

• Implementation Challenges: Sudden changes may require additional teacher training and new resources. 
• Controversial Changes: Removal of topics like the Mughal era and Gandhi’s assassination raises political concerns. 
• Impact on Student Learning: Risk of incomplete or biased understanding due to omitted historical events or figures. 
• Resistance to Change: Opposition from teachers, students, and parents who may see changes as unnecessary. 

• Unequal Access to Resources: Financial disparities may prevent some schools from affording new textbooks and aids. 
• Impact on Standardized Tests: Adjustments needed in exams and college admissions criteria to align with the new syllabus. 

Concerns: 

• Sanitizing history may hinder critical thinking. 
• Important events like Ayodhya dispute, Emergency, and social inequalities are crucial for understanding India’s democratic processes. 
• Importance of Textbooks: They play a vital role in educating students about the country’s history and promoting informed debates. 

US, EU ANTI-SUBSIDY ACTION: MECHANISM TO VERIFY TAX REFUNDS IN THE PIPELINE 

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Finance Ministry and the Commerce and Industry Ministry in India are developing a system to verify tax refunds for exporters under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. This is to avoid countervailing duties (CVDs) from major importers like the EU and US. 

• RoDTEP Scheme: Launched in January 2021 to refund embedded duties and taxes on exports, replacing the previous MEIS scheme. 
• Budget Allocation: Rs 15,070 crore allocated for FY24 to support various export sectors, including pharmaceuticals and chemicals. 
• Verification Need: The US and EU demand clarity on the verification of RoDTEP rates to prevent subsidies that can harm their domestic industries. 
• New Verification Mechanism: The Commerce Ministry, with the Department of Revenue, will create an official system to validate RoDTEP rates. Field teams will be deployed to ensure rates align with actual duties paid by exporters. 

This mechanism aims to maintain transparent and fair trade practices, satisfying international standards and reducing trade disputes. 

various schemes to boost exports  

• Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS): This scheme provides duty credit scrips (like vouchers) to service exporters as a percentage of their net foreign exchange earnings. 
• Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): This scheme offered duty credit scrips to merchandise exporters, but it has been discontinued. However, the government may introduce a new scheme in its place. 
• Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme: This scheme allows duty-free import of capital goods for exporters setting up new manufacturing units or expanding existing ones. 
• Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) Scheme: This scheme permits duty-free import of inputs required for the production of export items. 
• Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES): This scheme provides pre- and post-shipment export credit at subsidized interest rates to specific sectors. 

Other benefits for exporters include: 

• GST refund: Exporters can claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on exported goods. 
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Units located in SEZs enjoy various tax and duty benefits to promote exports. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. With reference to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India, consider the following statements:

1. SEZs offer tax benefits and duty-free imports to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). 

1. Units operating in SEZs have to sell a minimum percentage of their products in the domestic market. 

1. SEZs have been criticized for creating enclaves with limited job creation for the local population. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2 and 3 

ANSWER – C 

EXPLANATION: 

SEZs are designed to be attractive locations for businesses by offering tax concessions, simplified regulatory procedures, and duty-free import of capital goods and raw materials. This aims to boost exports and attract foreign investment. 

There is no minimum domestic market obligation for units operating in SEZs. Their primary focus can be on exports. 

SEZs can become isolated zones with minimal integration with the local economy. This can limit job creation for the surrounding population and lead to uneven development. 

EXERCISE RED FLAG 2024: INDIAN AIR FORCE PARTICIPATION 

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

Exercise Red Flag 2024, hosted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, is a biannual aerial combat training event organized by the US Air Force. It brings together air forces from various nations to simulate realistic combat scenarios and enhance interoperability. 

• Participating Forces: Indian Air Force joined with RSAF, RAF, RNLAF, German Luftwaffe, and USAF. 
• Exercise Structure: Involves Red Force (focused on Air Defence) and Blue Force (emphasizing Offensive Composite elements). 
• IAF Debut: Featured the first participation of IAF’s Rafale aircraft, alongside RSAF and USAF jets. 
• Mission Focus: Included Beyond Visual Range combat exercises, emphasizing Offensive Counter Air and Air Defence roles. 

Conclusion: 

Exercise Red Flag 2024 provided a crucial platform for IAF to showcase its capabilities alongside global partners, enhancing mutual understanding and readiness in challenging air combat environments. 

GLOBAL GENDER GAP REPORT 2024 

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024 provides a comprehensive assessment of gender equality worldwide. This annual index measures disparities across economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment. 

• Overall Progress: The global gender gap score improved marginally to 68.5%, indicating slow advancement. 
• India’s Ranking: India slipped to 129th place, closing 64.1% of its gender gap, ranking fifth in South Asia. 
• Regional Comparisons: Iceland maintained the top position globally, while India’s neighbors like Bangladesh and Nepal fared better. 
• Economic Parity: India, along with Bangladesh, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, and Morocco, lagged with less than 30% gender parity in earned income. 
• Educational and Political Empowerment: India performed well in secondary education enrollment but ranked 65th in political empowerment. 
• Long-term Outlook: At the current pace, achieving full gender parity globally will take approximately 134 years. 

Conclusion: 

The report underscores the need for accelerated efforts to close gender gaps, particularly in economic opportunities and political representation, to achieve true gender equality worldwide. 

MONTREAL PROTOCOL AND KIGALI AMENDMENT 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987 under the Vienna Convention, addresses ozone-depleting substances (ODS) critical to protecting the Earth’s ozone layer. Recently, research indicates a decline in atmospheric concentrations of these substances, marking progress in compliance with the Protocol’s mandates. 

• Purpose and Scope: The Montreal Protocol regulates nearly 100 ODS used in various products, aiming to safeguard the ozone layer from harmful ultraviolet radiation. 
• Implementation: It mandates phased reductions in ODS production and consumption, tailored timelines for developed and developing nations. 
• Global Impact: Universal ratification underscores its effectiveness, supported by annual Meetings of the Parties and technical guidance from the Ozone Secretariat. 
• Kigali Amendment: Adopted in 2016, this amendment extends the Protocol’s goals to include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used as alternatives to phased-out ODS. 
• Environmental Benefits: The Kigali Amendment targets an 80-85% reduction in HFCs by 2045, crucial for mitigating climate change, potentially preventing up to 0.5°C of global temperature rise by 2100. 

Conclusion: 

These protocols exemplify global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, offering a pathway towards sustainable development and climate resilience through targeted reduction of ozone-depleting and greenhouse gases. 

PALAMU TIGER RESERVE (PTR) 

TOPIC: (GS3) EVIRONEMNT– SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS 

Palamu Tiger Reserve, situated in the Chhota Nagpur plateau region of Jharkhand, is renowned for its biodiversity and historical significance in wildlife conservation. Established as one of the first nine tiger reserves under ‘Project Tiger’, PTR plays a crucial role in preserving India’s rich natural heritage. 

• Location and Formation: Located within Betla National Park, PTR boasts diverse terrain of valleys, hills, and plains traversed by rivers like NorthKoyal, Auranga, and Burha. 
• Historical Importance: Notably, it conducted the world’s first tiger census in 1932 using pugmark counts, led by J.W. Nicholson. 
• Geological and Mineral Wealth: The reserve’s geological composition includes gneiss, granite, and limestone, rich in minerals like bauxite and coal. 
• Flora and Vegetation: Dominated by Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous and Sal Forests, PTR also features species like Shorea robusta, Acacia catechu, and Madhuca indica. 
• Fauna: Home to keystone species such as Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, and Sloth Bear, PTR supports a diverse ecosystem crucial for biodiversity conservation.