21-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS AND THEIR ROLE IN ADDRESSING HUNGER

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Genetically Modified (GM) crops have emerged as a potential solution to meet the growing global food demand while mitigating environmental damage. However, their impact depends on farming methods and regulatory frameworks, sparking debates about their safety, environmental effects, and ethical considerations.

What are GM Crops?

Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using advanced genetic engineering techniques to introduce desirable traits. These modifications are made to improve crop yield, pest resistance, or adaptability to environmental conditions.

Key Features of GM Crops:

• Pest Resistance: Certain GM crops, like Bt cotton, are engineered to produce toxins harmful to specific pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
• Herbicide Tolerance: Some GM crops can tolerate specific herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds without harming the crops.
• Improved Nutritional Value: Genetic modifications can enhance the nutritional content of crops, such as increasing vitamins or proteins.
• Environmental Adaptability: GM crops can be designed to withstand adverse conditions like drought, salinity, or extreme temperatures.

Benefits of GM Crops

• Increased Nutritional Value: GM crops can be engineered to produce higher yields and enhanced nutritional content, reducing the need for extensive land use.
• For instance, Bt cotton and Bt brinjal contain genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, making them pest-resistant.
• Reduced Pesticide Use: Crops with built-in resistance to insects, like Bt crops, have helped reduce reliance on harmful insecticides. Farmers face fewer health risks due to decreased exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Herbicide-Tolerant Crops: These crops allow farmers to use specific herbicides without harming the crops themselves, making weed control more efficient.
• The reduction in tilling practices for weed removal also lowers carbon emissions.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: GM crops can support sustainable agriculture by minimizing the environmental footprint, preserving soil health, and conserving water.

Challenges of GM Crops

• Development of Resistance: Pests and weeds can develop resistance to GM traits, similar to antibiotic resistance in medicine.
• Herbicide Overuse: The extensive use of herbicides, such as glyphosate, has led to concerns about its toxicity and impact on human health and the environment.
• Weeds developing resistance to glyphosate compel farmers to rely on stronger, potentially more harmful chemicals.
• Monopoly and Cost: A few large corporations dominate the GM crop market, restricting farmers’ choices and increasing dependency on expensive seeds and herbicides.
• Environmental and Health Concerns: While short-term studies show negligible health risks, the long-term effects on human health and biodiversity, including pollinator populations, requires further research.

Balancing Benefits and Risks

• Integrated Pest Management: Evidence-based approaches can help regulate pesticide use while maintaining acceptable levels of weeds in fields.
• Crop rotation and mixed cropping can reduce dependence on chemicals and delay resistance development.
• Rethinking Regulations: Regulatory frameworks should focus on the traits and environmental impacts of crops rather than their genetic modification process.
• Modern tools like CRISPR can make crop development cost-effective and safer, provided regulations are updated.
• Improved Data Collection: More longitudinal studies are needed to understand the true impact of GM crops on biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Independent research, free from industrial sponsorship, can provide unbiased insights.

GM Crops Allowed in India

• Bt Cotton: The only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India since 2002.
• GM Mustard (DMH-11): Recommended for environmental release by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2022 but is currently under judicial review.
• Bt Brinjal: Approved for field trials but not for commercial cultivation due to environmental and health concerns.

Conclusion

GM crops offer a promising pathway to address global food security while reducing the environmental burden of traditional agriculture. However, their effectiveness hinges on sustainable farming practices, improved regulations, and balanced reliance on agrochemicals. Striking a middle ground between profit-driven motives and environmental stewardship is essential for harnessing their full potential.

UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Undertrial prisoners are individuals who have been accused of crimes and are awaiting the completion of their trials. They form a significant portion of India’s prison population.

Recent reforms, such as those under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, aim to address this issue by introducing provisions for relaxed bail conditions, especially for first-time offenders.

Key Provisions of Section 479 of BNSS

• Maximum Detention Period: Undertrial prisoners not accused of offences punishable by death or life imprisonment are eligible for bail if they have spent half of the maximum sentence period in detention.
• This provision aligns with the earlier Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
• Relaxed Standards for First-Time Offenders: First-time offenders, with no previous convictions, are eligible for bail after serving one-third of the maximum sentence period.
• They can be released on bond unless they face multiple charges or pending investigations.
• Duties of Jail Authorities: Jail superintendents are mandated to file applications for bail on behalf of eligible undertrial prisoners once the stipulated period is completed.

Supreme Court’s Observations and Actions

Court’s Role

• The Supreme Court, hearing a case on prison conditions, emphasized the implementation of Section 479 to reduce overcrowding.
• It ordered retrospective application of the section for cases registered before July 1, 2024.

Guidelines for Implementation

• States and Union Territories were directed to submit affidavits detailing the number of eligible undertrial prisoners and steps taken for their release.
• Jail superintendents were instructed to identify eligible prisoners and send reports to facilitate bail.

Challenges in Compliance

• As of October 2024, only 19 out of 36 states and UTs had submitted reports.
• The court reiterated its directions, emphasizing the release of eligible prisoners, especially women, under the new provisions.

Status of Undertrial Prisoners in India

• Prison Population Data: According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report Prison Statistics India 2022: India’s prisons house 5,73,220 inmates, of whom 4,34,302 (75.8%) are undertrials. Among 23,772 incarcerated women, 18,146 (76.33%) are undertrials.
• Prolonged Detention: Around 8.6% of undertrial prisoners have been in jail for over three years as of December 2022. The report does not specify the number of first-time offenders among undertrials.
• Overcrowding Issues: High numbers of undertrial prisoners contribute significantly to overcrowding in Indian prisons, exacerbating poor living conditions and strain on resources.

Significance of Recent Reforms

• Alleviating Overcrowding: Implementing Section 479 can significantly reduce prison overcrowding by expediting bail for eligible prisoners.
• Promoting Justice: The relaxed standards aim to ensure that first-time offenders and those held for minor crimes do not languish in jail for excessive durations.
• Strengthening Judicial Efficiency: The mandated actions by jail authorities and courts could streamline processes, providing timely relief to undertrial prisoners.

Conclusion

India’s undertrial population highlights systemic challenges in the judiciary and prison management. Reforms under BNSS, especially Section 479, are a step towards ensuring justice and reducing prolonged detentions. Effective implementation of these provisions, coupled with judicial efficiency, is crucial to upholding the rights of undertrial prisoners while addressing the issue of overcrowded prisons.

ACCESSIBILITY AND DIGNITY FOR PRISONERS WITH DISABILITIES IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Indian prisons have long been criticized for their harsh conditions, overcrowding, and neglect of basic human rights. Despite constitutional rights and legal frameworks advocating humane treatment, their rights are often ignored of individuals like Professor G.N. Saibaba and Father Stan Swamy highlight the urgent need for reforms.

Key Challenges Faced by Prisoners with Disabilities

Overcrowded and Neglectful Prison Conditions

• Indian prisons house around 5.73 lakh inmates, exceeding their official capacity of 4.36 lakh, with many operating at over 100% capacity.
• Overcrowding worsens the living conditions, leaving little room for addressing the special needs of prisoners with disabilities.
• Violence, neglect, and poor hygiene are rampant, making disabled inmates particularly vulnerable.

Inaccessibility in Prison Infrastructure

• A 2018 audit of Delhi’s Tihar, Rohini, and Mandoli jails revealed multiple barriers:
  • Lack of functional wheelchairs.
  • Inaccessible prison cells, toilets, and mulaqat rooms.
  • Essential facilities like water coolers were out of reach for individuals with mobility issues.
• Prisoners with disabilities often depend on fellow inmates for daily tasks, risking injuries and humiliation.

Neglect of Assistive Devices and Medical Needs

• Inmates like Father Stan Swamy, who had Parkinson’s disease, were denied basic assistive tools such as a straw and a sipper, compromising their dignity and health.
• The absence of data on disabled inmates reflects the lack of attention to their challenges.

Rights and Legal Framework

Constitutional and Judicial Protections

• The Constitution guarantees all prisoners the right to equality, freedom, and dignity.
• In Upendra Baxi vs State of U.P. (1983), the Supreme Court emphasized the need for humane conditions in prisons.

International Obligations

• The Nelson Mandela Rules (2015) mandate reasonable accommodations for prisoners with disabilities.
• The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities prohibits inhuman treatment, ensuring protection from abuse and violence.

Domestic Legislation

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 requires safeguarding individuals from violence and denial of essential services.
• The Model Prison Manual (2016) and 2024 Accessibility Guidelines outline standards for accessible prison infrastructure.

Gaps in Implementation

• Despite robust legal frameworks, enforcement remains weak.
• Disability rights, often seen only on paper, fail to translate into practice due to societal indifference and lack of political will.
• Cases like Prof. Saibaba’s imprisonment underscore the state’s failure to ensure basic accessibility and humane treatment.

Way Forward

• Reforming Prison Infrastructure: Ensure that all prison facilities are accessible, including toilets, cells, and recreational spaces, per established guidelines.
• Data Collection and Monitoring: Maintain records of prisoners with disabilities and regularly audit facilities for compliance.
• Training and Awareness: Sensitize prison staff on the rights and needs of disabled inmates to reduce abuse and neglect.
• Political and Social Will: Promote a change in societal attitudes toward prisoners to prioritize their dignity and rights.

Conclusion

The tragic stories of prisoners like Prof. G.N. Saibaba highlight the inhumanity faced by disabled inmates in Indian prisons. States must act decisively to ensure accessible facilities and dignified treatment, fulfilling both legal and moral obligations. Recognizing the inherent dignity of all individuals is essential for a just and humane society.

PM VIDYALAXMI SCHEME: FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on November 6, 2024, aims to assist meritorious students pursuing higher education by providing collateral-free and guarantor-free loans. It simplifies the loan application process and focuses on increasing accessibility for middle-income families.

Key Features of PM Vidyalaxmi

• Eligibility Criteria: Students who secure admission into 860 quality institutions ranked under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) are eligible. Priority is given to students from government institutions enrolled in technical or professional courses.
• Income Limit: Students from families with an annual income of up to ₹8 lakh qualify. The scheme specifically targets those not covered under any other government scholarship programs.
• Loan Benefits: Loans up to ₹10 lakh are provided without the need for collateral or a guarantor. A 3% interest subvention is available during the moratorium period, easing the financial burden for borrowers.
• Coverage: The scheme is expected to benefit seven lakh fresh students during the period 2024-2031. A total financial outlay of ₹3,600 crore has been earmarked for the scheme.

Differences from Previous Schemes

• Expanded Coverage: Unlike earlier initiatives, PM Vidyalaxmi also includes middle-income families. Previous schemes primarily catered to low-income groups and involved more restrictive eligibility criteria.
• Institutional Criteria: Eligibility is restricted to institutions ranked by NIRF, including those in overall and category-specific rankings.
• Simplified Process: The Vidyalaxmi portal streamlines the application process, allowing students to track loan applications directly through links to major banks.
• Loan Accessibility: Past schemes often required additional documentation or co-signers, whereas Vidyalaxmi eliminates these barriers, ensuring a more inclusive approach.

Concerns and Limitations

• Exclusion of Institutions: The emphasis on NIRF rankings limits eligible institutions, leaving out many colleges and universities that do not participate in the ranking process.
• Institutions with multiple category applications may appear more frequently on the list, but this reduces unique institutional representation.
• Impact on Students: Students from non-NIRF-ranked institutions may face challenges accessing loans. Banks might impose higher interest rates or deny loans outright to students outside the eligible institutions.
• Increased Competition: The reliance on rankings adds pressure on students to excel in entrance exams and secure admission into top-ranked institutions.

Implications

• Focus on Quality: The scheme encourages institutions to strive for higher rankings to attract students and funding.
• Challenges for Accessibility: The narrow eligibility could hinder students from unranked institutions, exacerbating inequalities in accessing education loans.
• Banking Practices: The scheme may lead to stricter loan evaluation criteria for non-eligible institutions, creating financial hurdles for many students.

Conclusion

PM Vidyalaxmi is a progressive step towards supporting meritorious students in higher education, particularly from middle-income groups. However, its strict reliance on NIRF rankings and exclusion of many institutions raise concerns about accessibility and equity. Addressing these limitations could make the scheme more inclusive and impactful in achieving its goals of higher education support.

Top of Form

COFFEE BOARD’S 10-YEAR ROADMAP TO BOOST PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Coffee Board of India has launched an ambitious 10-year roadmap (2024-2034) to double the country’s coffee production and exports. This initiative also aims to enhance domestic consumption and establish India as a significant player in the global coffee market.

Key Features of the Roadmap

• Doubling Production and Exports: The goal is to double coffee production from 3.7 lakh tonnes (2024-25) to 9 lakh tonnes by 2047. Coffee exports will also be doubled by 2034.
• Focus on High-Yielding Varieties: New high-yielding coffee varieties will be developed. Existing plantations will adopt advanced practices and technological upgrades to boost productivity.
• Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): 100 FPOs will be established across India, with 60 in Karnataka. These FPOs aim to strengthen domestic and international market presence.
• Promotion of Specialty Coffee: 10,000 small farmers will grow specialty coffee varieties targeting export markets. Specialty coffee is expected to fetch premium prices globally.
• Increase in Domestic Consumption: 10,000 coffee kiosks, mainly managed by women entrepreneurs, will be set up. Per capita coffee consumption is targeted to rise from 107 grams to 250 grams over the next decade.

Expected Outcomes

• Global Recognition: The initiative aims to enhance the global standing of Indian coffee.
• Support for Small Farmers: Targeted efforts will enable small farmers to access lucrative markets.
• Growth in Domestic Consumption: The establishment of kiosks will popularize coffee among Indian consumers.

Additional Recommendations

• The Karnataka Planters’ Association (KPA) has proposed including coffee under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to protect farmers against crop losses.

COFFEE CULTIVATION IN INDIA:

India is one of the largest producers of coffee globally, with coffee cultivation primarily concentrated in the southern states. The country’s unique agro-climatic conditions contribute to the production of high-quality coffee varieties, including Arabica and Robusta.

Agricultural Conditions for Coffee Cultivation

Climate Requirements:

• Grows best in tropical regions with moderate temperatures (15°C-28°C).
• Requires a combination of dry and wet seasons for optimum yield.

Altitude:

• Arabica: 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
• Robusta: 500 to 1,000 meters.

Rainfall:

• Needs 120-200 cm of well-distributed annual rainfall.
• Excessive rain can damage flowers and fruit.

Soil:

• Prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.5).
• Volcanic red and laterite soils rich in organic matter are ideal.

Shade and Intercropping:

• Coffee requires shade and thrives in plantations with intercropped plants like pepper and cardamom.
• Natural forest cover is often retained to provide a canopy.

Labor:

• Coffee cultivation is labour-intensive, requiring manual picking and processing.

Top Coffee-Producing States in India (2022-23 Data)

Karnataka

• Production: Approximately 2.3 lakh tonnes.
• Share: ~70% of India’s coffee production.
• Districts: Kodagu, Chikmagalur, and Hassan are the primary coffee belts.

Kerala

• Production: Around 70,000 tonnes.
• Share: ~20% of the national production.
• Regions: Wayanad, Idukki, and Palakkad are the key coffee-growing areas.

Tamil Nadu

• Production: Nearly 18,000 tonnes.
• Share: ~6% of India’s total.
• Areas: Nilgiris, Yercaud, and Kodaikanal are prominent coffee regions.

Conclusion

The Coffee Board’s roadmap is a comprehensive strategy to transform Indian coffee production, boost exports, and strengthen domestic consumption, thereby establishing a strong global presence for Indian coffee.

SEBI’S PROPOSAL ON REGULATING DIGITAL PLATFORMS

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently proposed a regulatory framework for digital platforms, such as YouTube and WhatsApp. The proposal aims to regulate “finfluencers” (financial influencers) and their content. However, the move raises significant concerns about free speech, market efficiency, and an overreach of SEBI’s powers.

Key Features of SEBI’s Proposal

• Regulation of Digital Platforms: SEBI seeks to regulate platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp by requiring them to take measures such as blocking or removing securities-related content.
• Platforms would need to prevent the sharing of certain information, blacklist identified entities, and report regularly to SEBI.

• Control Over Finfluencers: SEBI proposes that only SEBI-regulated financial intermediaries can associate with “finfluencers” who share information on securities.

• This regulation aims to ensure that only accredited individuals share investment-related advice, potentially limiting the diversity of financial opinions available to the public.

Concerns Over the Proposal

• Impact on Free Speech: Free speech is a fundamental right, and any restriction on it must be justified by a clear and urgent need.

• Regulating speech in the securities market can undermine the democratic exchange of ideas and limit the diversity of opinions that contribute to market efficiency.

• Threat to Price Discovery: The price discovery process, a key feature of securities markets, depends on the free exchange of information.

• The public market benefits from diverse views — whether optimistic or pessimistic — which help determine the fair price of assets. Restricting this flow of information could distort the market and harm investors.

Disproportionate Expansion of SEBI’s Powers:

• SEBI already has the authority to regulate fraudulent or misleading securities-related speech under the SEBI Act.
• The new proposal suggests an unnecessary expansion of SEBI’s powers to control digital platforms, which might be outside its jurisdiction.
• SEBI cannot regulate digital platforms like YouTube or WhatsApp, as these platforms fall under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), not SEBI.

Existing Regulatory Framework

Current Regulations on Securities Market Speech:

• SEBI already regulates misleading or deceptive speech related to securities under the SEBI Act, which includes penalties for fraudulent content.
• SEBI has been actively using its powers to penalize unregistered “finfluencers” who offer advice on securities without proper registration, thus protecting investors from manipulation.
• SEBI mandates that anyone wishing to advise on securities be registered as an investment advisor or research analyst, ensuring that only qualified individuals provide advice.
• This regulation also extends to digital content creators, who must comply with SEBI’s rules if they provide investment advice.

Issues with the Proposal

• SEBI’s proposal to regulate digital platforms should be approved by Parliament, as it represents a significant expansion of its jurisdiction.
• Currently, the primary regulator for digital platforms is MeitY, which governs issues like misinformation.
• A jurisdictional overlap between SEBI and MeitY could create confusion and inefficiencies.
• SEBI’s power to issue circulars without parliamentary oversight raises concerns about the unchecked expansion of its authority.
• Such regulatory changes should undergo legislative review to ensure they align with public interests and safeguard fundamental rights.

CONCLUSION:

SEBI’s proposal to regulate digital platforms and control finfluencers’ speech risks overstepping its jurisdiction and undermining free speech. While protecting investors is crucial, existing regulations already address financial misinformation effectively. A more balanced approach is needed to ensure both investor protection and the free flow of ideas in the market.

ABOUT ARMY TACTICAL MISSILE SYSTEM (ATACMS):

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

ATACMS is a surface-to-surface missile system designed to hit targets at a much greater distance than regular artillery, rockets, and other missiles.

• Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a US defense company.
• Known as M39 in the US Army and designated MGM-140 by the US Department of Defense (DoD).
• First used during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
• Other countries using this missile include Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Features of ATACMS:

• It is an all-weather, surface-to-surface, guided ballistic missile, operational 24/7.
• Range: Approximately 190 miles (305 km).
• Propulsion: Single-stage, solid propellant engine.
• Fired from platforms such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
• It can carry cluster munitions, which release many small bomblets over a target area instead of a single warhead, causing widespread damage.

CLOUD SEEDING

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Cloud seeding, also called artificial rain, is a technique used to modify weather by enhancing precipitation. The goal is to stimulate rainfall by adding substances into clouds to encourage the formation of rain or snow.

How Cloud Seeding Works:

• Materials like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice are dispersed into clouds.
• These substances act as nuclei, providing a surface for water droplets to form around.
• Once droplets form and grow large enough, gravity causes them to fall as rain or snow.
• The process can be carried out using aircraft, ground-based machines, or even rockets.

Benefits and Uses:

• Cloud seeding can help increase the size of cloud droplets, leading to more rainfall.
• It is considered a potential method to “clean” the air by helping remove dust and pollutants through rainfall, improving air quality temporarily.

Challenges:

• The technique requires specific atmospheric conditions, such as clouds with enough moisture, to be effective.