21-March-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

INDIA’S TOP 1% INCOME, WEALTH SHARES HAVE REACHED HISTORICAL HIGHS

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

The World Inequality Lab released a paper indicating historical highs in India’s top 1 percent income and wealth shares.

Authored by economists Nitin Kumar Bharti, Lucas Chancel, Thomas Piketty, and Anmol Somanchi, the paper draws parallels between contemporary inequality and the colonial-era British Raj, emphasizing the urgency for addressing deepening levels of inequality in India.

Need for Tax Restructuring:

• The paper identifies regressive aspects of India’s tax system regarding net wealth and proposes a “supertax” of 2 percent on the net wealth of the 167 wealthiest families.
• This restructuring could generate significant revenues for investments in critical sectors like health, education, and nutrition, aiming to mitigate inequality and create opportunities for average Indians.

Analysis of Income Distribution Trends:

• Data analysis from 1922 to 2020 reveals a significant increase in the share of national income going to the top 10 percent, reaching nearly 60 percent in recent years.
• Conversely, the share going to the bottom 50 percent remains disproportionately low, standing at just 15 percent in 2022-23.

Income Disparities and Skewed Distribution:

• Stark income disparities are evident, with the top 1 percent earning, on average, Rs 5.3 million, 23 times higher than the average income of an Indian.
• In contrast, the average incomes for the bottom 50 percent and the middle 40 percent are substantially lower at Rs 71,000 and Rs 1,65,000, respectively.

Reasons for Rising Income Shares:

• Factors contributing to the rise in the top 1 percent income share include wage growth until the late 1990s, followed by an increasing reliance on capital incomes.
• Lack of quality, broad-based education focused on the masses is cited as a factor contributing to depressed income shares among the bottom 50 percent and middle 40 percent.

INDIA’S SOLAR WASTE COULD REACH 600 KILOTONNES BY 2030 STUDY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE WEEK

India is experiencing rapid growth in its solar energy capacity, which brings along the challenge of managing solar waste effectively. A study by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) highlights the urgency of addressing this issue.

Definition and Categories of Solar Waste:

• Solar waste includes waste generated during the manufacturing of solar modules and during their lifetime in the field.
• Manufacturing waste consists of scrap and waste from modules failing quality tests, while field waste includes transportation damage, damage during the modules’ lifetime, and end-of-life waste.
• The study primarily focuses on waste generated during the modules’ lifetime, excluding manufacturing waste.

Findings of the Study:

• India’s current installed solar capacity is projected to generate around 340 kt of waste by 2030, three times more than the present.
• Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to contribute approximately 67 percent of this waste due to their extensive solar capacity.
• The cumulative waste from existing and new capacity is estimated to reach about 600 kt by 2030 and substantially increase to approximately 19,000 kt by 2050.

Recommendations for Dealing with Solar Waste:

• Establishing a comprehensive database of installed solar capacity to estimate future solar waste generation accurately.
• Incentivizing recyclers and encouraging stakeholders to manage solar waste effectively.
• Creating a market for solar recycling to address the immediate challenge of solar waste generation.

Challenges in Managing PV Waste in India:

• Informal handling of PV waste leading to environmental pollution.
• Limited market for reusing recycled PV waste due to lack of incentives and initiatives.
• Absence of specific guidelines for PV waste treatment, necessitating separate rules under the e-waste guidelines.
• Hazardous waste classification of PV waste requires awareness campaigns and sensitization initiatives.
• Limited local solar PV-panel manufacturing hindering recycling efforts, necessitating investment in domestic R&D projects.

8-HOUR TIME-RESTRICTED EATING LINKED TO A 91% HIGHER RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEATH

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: LIVESCIENCE

Intermittent fasting has become popular for its potential health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and weight loss. However, a recent study raised concerns about its association with increased cardiovascular risks, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Study Methodology and Findings:

• The study analyzed data from 20,000 adults over 8 to 17 years, revealing a 91% increase in the risk of cardiovascular death among individuals practicing intermittent fasting.
• Those consuming all their food within an eight-hour window faced a significant risk of cardiovascular death, especially individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Harmful Aspects of Intermittent Fasting:

• Experts warn about potential risks associated with intermittent fasting, including the tendency to consume unhealthy foods during the eating window and fluctuations in insulin levels, which may negatively impact cardiovascular health.

Expert Perspectives on the Study:

• While the study presents concerning findings, experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions due to limitations such as reliance on self-reported dietary patterns and failure to account for various influencing factors.
• Existing studies on intermittent fasting yield mixed results, with some suggesting benefits like fat loss and improved metabolism, while others question its efficacy compared to traditional diets.

Recommendations and Considerations:

• Experts emphasize that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions and pregnant women.
• Adherence to a regular eating schedule aligned with the body’s circadian rhythm is crucial to mitigate potential risks associated with delayed eating patterns.

Conclusion:

While intermittent fasting has potential health benefits, the recent study underscores the importance of cautious interpretation and further research into its long-term implications.

Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before adopting intermittent fasting practices, considering their unique health status and dietary needs.

Comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate the true impact of intermittent fasting on health outcomes, guiding evidence-based recommendations for its use in clinical and preventive settings.

INDIA’S ‘PROTECTED’ BASMATI VARIETIES RENAMED & CULTIVATED IN PAK, IARI DEMANDS LEGAL ACTION

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has expressed concerns over the illegal cultivation of its blockbuster basmati rice varieties in Pakistan, posing challenges for Indian farmers and exporters.

Demand for Legal Action:

• IARI Director AK Singh advocates for legal action against seed firms in Pakistan involved in the unauthorized cultivation of IARI varieties to safeguard the interests of Indian stakeholders.
• The cultivation began with Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121), registered as ‘PK 1121 Aromatic’ in Pakistan, and has expanded to other popular IARI varieties like Pusa Basmati-6 (PB-6) and PB-1509.

Expansion of Illicit Cultivation:

• Pakistan has extended its illegal cultivation to newer IARI varieties such as Pusa Basmati-1847 (PB-1847), PB-1885, and PB-1886, released in 2021.
• Despite being protected under Indian law, these varieties are grown and marketed under different names in Pakistan.

Method of Cultivation:

• Pakistani seed firms acquire seeds from fields across the border or wholesale markets in India for multiplication and sale within Pakistan.
• The high yield potential and low seed requirement of IARI varieties facilitate their illegal cultivation in Pakistan.

Impact on Basmati Rice Exports:

• India’s basmati rice exports, including IARI-bred varieties, have been increasing steadily, while Pakistan’s exports, though rising, remain lower.
• The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee enables competitive pricing, affecting India’s export competitiveness.

Concerns and Challenges:

• The unauthorized cultivation raises concerns about intellectual property rights and the exploitation of Indian research and development efforts.
• It poses economic challenges for Indian exporters and farmers and underscores the need for stricter enforcement and international cooperation.

Conclusion:

• Strict enforcement of intellectual property rights and international collaboration is necessary to address the issue of illegal cultivation.
• Raising awareness about the origin and ownership of IARI basmati varieties is crucial to protect the interests of Indian stakeholders and ensure fair trade practices in the basmati rice market.

IIT KHARAGPUR, INDIAN NAVY PARTNER TO DRIVE INNOVATION THROUGH RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: INDIATODAY

IIT Kharagpur and the Indian Navy have joined forces to foster innovation and research, focusing on propulsion systems, instrumentation, and operational research.

Collaboration Details:

• The partnership aims to facilitate innovation and knowledge exchange between academia and the military.
• It centers on propulsion systems, systems and controls, instrumentation, and operational research.
• This collaboration symbolizes a significant relationship between academia and the military, enhancing capabilities crucial for defense and industrial sectors.

Importance of Industry-Academia Collaboration in R&D:

Significance:

• Innovation Catalyst: Combining academic research with industry needs drives technological advancements.
• Economic Growth: Joint R&D efforts enhance competitiveness, leading to the development of new products, industries, and job opportunities.
• Addressing Societal Challenges: Collaboration enables solutions to complex societal problems through interdisciplinary research and practical applications.
• Talent Development: Industry-academia partnerships provide students with real-world experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Challenges:

• Misaligned Objectives: Differences in priorities and timelines between academia and industry.
• Intellectual Property Concerns: Conflicting interests over ownership and commercialization of research findings.
• Funding Constraints: Limited funding for collaborative projects may impede progress and innovation.
• Cultural Barriers: Varied work cultures and communication gaps between academia and industry.

Way Forward:

• Clear Communication: Establish open channels of communication to align objectives and expectations.
• IP Frameworks: Develop transparent intellectual property agreements to address ownership and commercialization concerns.
• Funding Mechanisms: Implement funding mechanisms to support collaborative R&D initiatives and incentivize partnerships.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Encourage interdisciplinary research to address complex challenges and promote innovation.
• Skill Development: Provide training and resources to researchers and students to enhance their collaborative capabilities.

22 ARTIFACTS LOOTED AFTER THE BATTLE OF OKINAWA RETURNED TO JAPAN

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

The United States recently returned twenty-two historic artifacts to Japan that were looted following the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.

Battle of Okinawa Overview:

• The Battle of Okinawa (April 1–June 21, 1945) was the last major battle of World War II and one of the bloodiest.
• Fought between U.S. and Japanese forces on Okinawa, the largest of the Ryukyus Islands.
• Okinawa, located 350 miles from mainland Japan, was strategically important due to its airfields supporting tactical and strategic air operations.
• Code named Operation Iceberg, it was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War, involving over 1,500 ships and approximately 548,000 American forces.
• The battle resulted in immense casualties, with over 49,000 American casualties, about 150,000 Okinawan civilians killed, and approximately 110,000 Japanese defenders dead.
• The brutality and casualties of the battle influenced the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Return of Artifacts:

• The returned artifacts were looted during or after the Battle of Okinawa and hold historical significance for Japan.
• Their return signifies a gesture of reconciliation and acknowledgment of the cultural heritage of Japan.

VERNAL EQUINOX

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

March 19 marks the spring or vernal equinox, signifying the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

                                

• Equinoxes occur twice a year when the Sun is exactly above the equator: around March 19-21 and September 22-23.
• The term “equinox” means “equal night,” as day and night are nearly equal in duration globally during these times.
• The March equinox indicates the Northern Hemisphere tilting toward the sun, resulting in longer and sunnier days.
• In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s known as the vernal equinox, marking the onset of spring.
• Conversely, the September equinox signals the start of fall, known as the autumnal equinox.
• As the Northern Hemisphere embraces spring, the Southern Hemisphere starts its tilt away from the sun, ushering in fall.
• Consequently, in the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox is the autumnal equinox, while the September equinox becomes the vernal equinox.
• Effects of the March equinox include later sunrises, earlier sunsets, chillier winds, and falling leaves in the Southern Hemisphere, with the opposite occurring in the Northern Hemisphere.

INTER-STATE COORDINATION FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu Forest departments formed an interstate agreement to protect forest communities and animals under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

• The agreement outlines action plans for conservation and conflict mitigation, emphasizing collaboration in intelligence sharing and resource exchange.
• Synchronized population estimation in protected areas will be conducted as part of the agreement.
• An advisory board comprising wildlife conservation experts will provide insights to enhance conflict mitigation strategies.
• The agreement advocates for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for managing human-animal conflict.