22-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

INDIA NEEDS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REGULATORY AGENCY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

While global discussions, like the recent COP29, focus on climate financing, India must also address its internal environmental health issues. Establishing an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) could bridge gaps in environmental governance, promote data integration, and protect public health.

Why India Needs an EHRA

• Rising Environmental Risks: Increasing air, water, and soil pollution contribute to non-communicable diseases such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and even mental health disorders.
• Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and low-income communities are disproportionately affected.
• Gaps in Current Governance: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) focuses on pollution control, while the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) handles health surveillance.
• Lack of data sharing between CPCB, MoHFW, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) creates a disconnect in addressing health risks linked to pollution.

Examples from Other Nations

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA), and Japan’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) effectively integrate environmental and health policies.
• These agencies use robust frameworks that India can adapt to its needs.

Role and Benefits of an EHRA

• Integrated Data and Policies: Centralised collection and analysis of environmental and health data to monitor pollution’s impact on public health.
• Evidence-Based Regulations: Conduct India-specific research on issues like air quality, water contamination, and the effects of climate change.
• Economic and Social Advantages: Encourages sustainable practices, green technology, and innovation. Creates new jobs in renewable energy and pollution control sectors.
• Public Awareness and Accountability: Educates citizens on environmental health risks. Empowers communities and local bodies to demand cleaner air, water, and safer living conditions.

Challenges and Solutions

• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Overlapping responsibilities between ministries may lead to inefficiencies.
• Solution: Establish clear roles for inter-ministerial collaboration with measurable objectives.
• Industry Resistance: Stakeholders may oppose stricter environmental regulations.
• Solution: Incentivize cleaner technologies and align economic policies with health goals.
• Regional Diversity: Environmental issues vary across India.
• Solution: Tailor interventions to local needs through collaboration with State and municipal bodies.

The Way Forward

• Operational Independence: The EHRA must function autonomously with a focus on scientific expertise and public health priorities.
• Global Alignment: Help India meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
• Localised Strategies: Implement region-specific policies to address unique environmental challenges effectively.

Conclusion
An Environmental Health Regulatory Agency can transform how India manages pollution and public health. By fostering collaboration, encouraging sustainable practices, and aligning economic growth with environmental goals, the EHRA could ensure a healthier future while supporting India’s global climate commitments.

INDIA-UAE BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATY (BIT)

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India recently signed a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the UAE, replacing the 2014 treaty. This treaty is significant for understanding India’s evolving investment treaty practices and its ongoing negotiations with the UK and EU.

• A BIT aims to balance foreign investment protection with a state’s regulatory sovereignty and reduce the discretion of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) tribunals.

Key Features of the India-UAE BIT

• The treaty mandates foreign investors to exhaust local remedies for three years before initiating ISDS claims.
• This is shorter than the five-year period outlined in India’s 2015 Model BIT and treaties with countries like Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.
• A shorter timeline addresses investor concerns about delays in India’s judicial system, offering quicker access to ISDS.
• The shorter period does not increase India’s risk of treaty claims as long as regulatory actions are fair.
• It removes the subjective condition that the investment must significantly contribute to the host country’s development.
• This change reduces arbitral discretion and clarifies the jurisdictional criteria for investment disputes.

Exclusion of MFN Clause:

• The India-UAE BIT, like the Model BIT, excludes the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause, a common non-discrimination standard in international treaties.
• This exclusion prevents investors from using provisions in other treaties to claim additional benefits.

• Exemption for Taxation Issues: Taxation matters are outside the scope of the treaty, safeguarding India’s ability to regulate tax measures without challenges under the BIT.

• Restricting ISDS Tribunal Jurisdiction: The treaty limits ISDS tribunals from reviewing the merits of domestic court decisions.
  • This ensures that tribunals do not act as appellate bodies over domestic legal judgments, maintaining judicial sovereignty.

Unique Features of the India-UAE BIT

• Prohibition of Third-Party Funding: The treaty specifically bars third-party funding for ISDS claims, ensuring greater accountability in investor claims.
• Exclusion of Fraud and Corruption Cases: ISDS mechanisms cannot be invoked if the investor is accused of fraud or corruption.

Implications of the Treaty

• For Investment Protection: By shortening the waiting period and clarifying investment definitions, the treaty balances investment protection with regulatory powers.
• Developed countries may view the reduced waiting period positively but remain concerned about the exclusion of MFN and tax-related issues.
• For India’s Regulatory Autonomy: Excluding MFN and taxation issues maximizes India’s control over key policy areas, ensuring economic sovereignty.
• For Future Negotiations: Departures from the Model BIT may reflect India’s willingness to adjust its stance for specific partners.

BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATIES (BITS)

BITs are agreements between two countries aimed at promoting and protecting foreign investments in each other’s territories.

India began signing BITs in the mid-1990s to create favourable conditions for foreign investors and offer treaty-based protection.

Key Features of BITs

Minimum Guarantees for Investors:

• National Treatment: Equal treatment of foreign investors and domestic companies.
• Fair and Equitable Treatment: Adherence to international legal standards.
• Protection from Expropriation: Restricts countries from seizing foreign investments without compensation.

Dispute Resolution through Arbitration:

• BITs provide a mechanism for resolving disputes between investors and the host country.
• Arbitration allows disputes to be settled by a neutral arbitrator instead of domestic courts.

History of BITs in India

• India’s first BIT was signed with the UK in 1994.
• Significant Developments:
  • In 2010, India faced its first investor treaty claim.
  • In 2011, India lost a case under the Australia-India BIT, leading to a $4.1 million penalty.
  • By 2015, India faced 17 BIT claims, including a $1.2 billion award against it in the Cairn Energy case.
• Revised Model in 2016:
  • Due to financial liabilities, India replaced its 1993 BIT model with a new framework in 2016.
  • Following this, India terminated 68 out of 74 treaties and sought to renegotiate based on the new terms.

Conclusion

The India-UAE BIT represents a strategic mix of continuity and innovation. It addresses investor concerns by reducing procedural delays while safeguarding India’s regulatory powers. This treaty could serve as a framework for India’s future BIT negotiations, balancing investment promotion with economic sovereignty.

IS SOCIAL MEDIA DOING MORE HARM THAN GOOD TO DEMOCRACY?

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Social media has transformed communication and information-sharing globally. It empowers individuals, amplifies voices, and facilitates civic engagement. However, concerns have emerged about its misuse in manipulating discourse, spreading misinformation, and eroding democratic values.

Ownership and Its Impact

• Influence of Ownership: The identity and actions of social media platform owners can significantly shape political narratives. Elon Musk’s ownership of X (formerly Twitter) has raised questions due to his use of algorithms to promote personal posts and views.
• Media Organisations’ Concerns: Platforms like X have been labelled toxic by outlets such as The Guardian, which stopped using it due to perceived bias.

• Large organisations may afford to leave such platforms, but smaller entities and individuals often lack this privilege.
• Role in Information Dissemination: Social media platforms are primary sources of information for many, yet their centralised nature makes them vulnerable to censorship and monopolistic control.

• Declining Importance: Although social media was once critical for driving web traffic and amplifying journalism, its influence has declined as audiences spread across diverse platforms.

Comparison of Platforms

• Toxicity and Misinformation: X has faced criticism for poor content moderation, especially for non-English or regional languages. Facebook, while imperfect, invests more in moderation.
• Inadequate Moderation: Platforms often lack sufficient moderators for diverse languages and cultural nuances, particularly in countries like India.

• This gap allows hate speech and harmful content to proliferate unchecked.

Exploring Alternatives

• Emerging Platforms: Decentralised options like Mastodon and Bluesky are gaining attention but face usability issues. Threads, a product of Meta, is criticised for perpetuating centralised control despite its user-friendly design.
• Decentralisation Benefits: Decentralised platforms reduce risks of monopolistic control and censorship but require user patience and adaptation.

Social Media’s Democratic Role

• Potential for Good: Social media facilitates grassroots movements, real-time crisis updates, and citizen journalism. Ethical usage can promote civic engagement and collective action.

Conclusion

Social media can strengthen or weaken democracy depending on its use. While it holds immense potential for good, addressing issues like misinformation, toxicity, and monopolistic control is essential for safeguarding democratic values.

IS DELHI BECOMING AN UNINHABITABLE CITY?

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Delhi, India’s capital, faces severe environmental and climatic challenges, making it increasingly unlivable.

About Air Quality Index (AQI)

• Definition of AQI: Measures eight pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), ammonia (NH3), and lead (Pb). Categorizes air quality into ranges, from “good” (0-50) to “severe” (401+).
• Delhi’s Air Quality Trends: Over the past seven years (2017-2023), Delhi has averaged just two days of “healthy” air annually.

• More than half the year, the air quality is hazardous, indicating systemic environmental issues.

Why is Delhi’s Air Quality So Poor?

• Stubble Burning: Often blamed as the primary cause of pollution in Delhi, particularly during peak winter months.

• While contributing up to 35% of PM2.5 during intense episodes, it is not the sole reason for Delhi’s poor AQI.

• Local Emissions: Studies by IITs and TERI show that even in winters, around 50% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution is locally generated. Vehicles are the largest contributors, accounting for 58% of emissions (34% from exhaust and 24% from tire and brake wear).
• Seasonal Factors: Winter pollution worsens due to cold air trapping pollutants close to the ground. Limited wind and rainfall in winter exacerbate the issue, whereas higher temperatures and rainfall in other months help disperse pollutants.

The Impact of Air Pollution

• Health Effects: Pollutants like PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of diseases. WHO notes that nearly every organ can be affected by air pollution.
• Mortality Rates: A 2019 Lancet study estimated 1.67 million deaths in India were linked to pollution, with ambient PM pollution causing one in ten deaths. Delhi’s PM-related death rate surpasses the national average.
• Class Divide in Exposure: Children from poorer areas are exposed to higher pollution levels than those from affluent neighbourhoods, potentially shortening their lifespan by several years.

Current Measures and the Need for Action

• Ineffective Responses: Initiatives like the odd-even traffic scheme, water sprinklers, and mask distribution are largely symbolic and fail to address root causes. Political blame-shifting between the state and central governments hampers meaningful progress.
• Long-term Solutions: Transitioning to cleaner public transport and reducing private vehicle use are critical steps.

• Political will and imaginative policymaking are essential to improve Delhi’s air quality sustainably.

Conclusion

Delhi’s worsening air quality and climate conditions require urgent attention to prevent further harm to its residents. Political collaboration, technological interventions, and systemic reforms are necessary to make the city habitable again. Without these measures, the health and well-being of millions remain at significant risk.

CLIMATE CHANGE: A MAJOR DISRUPTOR IN AQUACULTURE

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised concerns about the growing challenges that climate change poses to aquaculture and fisheries globally, with a particular emphasis on India. These disruptions include reduced ocean productivity and changing fish species composition, impacting livelihoods and food security.

Impact of Climate Change on Fisheries

• Decline in Fish Productivity: Climate change is reducing the capacity of oceans to produce fish. Changes in water temperatures and ecosystems are altering the types of fish available, impacting the traditional fish catch.
• Need for Adaptation: India’s aquaculture and fishing industries must adjust to these changes to sustain growth and ensure long-term viability.

FAO Recommendations for Sustainable Aquaculture

• Diversification of Fish Varieties: Encourage marketing of less popular or alternative fish species. Reduce dependency on traditional fish varieties by offering new options to consumers.
• Support for MSMEs in Fisheries: Develop policies to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the blue economy. Focus on enhancing their competitiveness in a changing environment.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Balance environmental sustainability with industry growth. Adopt eco-friendly techniques in aquaculture and fisheries to minimise ecological damage.
• Encourage Research and Innovation: Develop advanced fishing gear and farming methods to improve productivity. Focus on reducing the environmental impact of aquaculture activities.

Potential of Aquaculture in India

• Rapid Growth of Aquaculture: Globally, aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector. India’s aquaculture industry is growing faster than the global average, showing vast potential for expansion.
• Economic and Employment Opportunities: Aquaculture provides significant livelihood options, especially for rural and coastal populations. Offers a reliable source of income and boosts the local economy.
• Enhancing Food Security: Rising global demand for protein can be met by aquaculture.  Reduces reliance on wild fisheries, ensuring stable food supplies.
• Role of Technology: Innovations in aquaculture practices, such as efficient farming techniques, can enhance production while maintaining environmental health.

Way Forward:

• Sustainable Growth: Develop eco-conscious practices to ensure that aquaculture growth does not harm the environment. Strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

• Equity in Development: Ensure that the benefits of aquaculture are shared across all communities, particularly vulnerable coastal and rural populations.
• Adaptation to Climate Change: Embrace innovative techniques and policies to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. Proactively plan for long-term resilience in aquaculture and fisheries.

Conclusion:

The aquaculture sector holds immense potential for ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. However, adapting to climate change is crucial to safeguard the livelihoods of millions and to meet future demands. By following FAO’s recommendations, India can lead the way in sustainable aquaculture practices.

PLANETARY CRISIS AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN: UNICEF REPORT

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The 2024 UNICEF State of the World’s Children report emphasizes the severe challenges children face due to climate change, demographic shifts, and emerging technologies. Nearly one billion children live in areas highly vulnerable to climate hazards, impacting their health, education, and livelihoods.

Impact of Climate and Environmental Risks

• Health Challenges: Air pollution harms children’s respiratory systems, causing developmental issues. Rising temperatures increase diseases like malaria and dengue.

• Floods contaminate water supplies, spreading waterborne diseases such as cholera.

• Food Insecurity: Extreme weather disrupts food production, increasing risks of malnutrition.
• Displacement and Trauma: Climate disasters displace millions of children annually, leading to anxiety and instability.

Education Disruptions

• Over 400 million students have faced school closures due to climate-induced disasters, hampering education and growth.
• Displaced children often lose access to schools and social networks.

Demographic and Technological Shifts

• Population Growth: By 2050, child populations will grow mainly in South Asia and Africa, regions already vulnerable to climate impacts.
• Technological Divide: Only 26% of low-income populations have internet access, compared to 95% in high-income countries. Digital exclusion worsens inequalities, while risks like online abuse grow.

Recommendations

• Climate Resilience: Build infrastructure to withstand climate shocks. Promote renewable energy and sustainable practices.
• Digital Inclusion: Invest in internet access and digital literacy for low-income regions. Safeguard children against online abuse.
• Child-Centric Policies: Strengthen health systems to combat climate-induced diseases. Address mental health needs of displaced children.

Conclusion:
The report highlights the urgency of global action to protect children from the compounded threats of climate change, demographic shifts, and technological inequalities. Collaborative efforts are essential to ensure a sustainable and secure future for the world’s youngest generation.

ADDRESSING UNDERTRIAL INCARCERATION: RELAXED BAIL NORMS AND SUPREME COURT’S PUSH FOR REFORM

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized releasing undertrial prisoners who have served over one-third of their maximum sentence. This reform, part of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons and ensure timely justice.

Key Provisions of Section 479 in BNSS

• General Bail Norms: Accused persons (excluding those charged with life imprisonment or death) must be granted bail after serving half their maximum sentence.
• First-Time Offenders: Those with no prior convictions are eligible for bail after serving one-third of their sentence.
• Exceptions: The provision excludes cases where multiple charges or additional cases are pending.
• Improvement Over CrPC: Section 479 extends the scope of Section 436A of the CrPC by offering relaxed bail norms, particularly for first-time offenders.

Supreme Court’s Role

• Retrospective Application: The Supreme Court has ruled that Section 479 applies retrospectively to first-time offenders.
• Mandatory Reporting: Jail superintendents must identify eligible undertrials and apply for their bail in court.
• Monitoring Progress: States and Union Territories are required to report on their compliance, though implementation remains slow.

State of Undertrial Prisoners in India

• High Proportion: As of December 2022, 75.8% of prisoners in India were undertrials. Among women prisoners, 76.33% were undertrials.
• Extended Detentions: 8.6% of undertrials had been in jail for over three years.
• Challenges: Limited data on first-time offenders complicates the effective application of Section 479.

Reasons for High Undertrial Numbers

• Judicial Delays: Backlogs in courts lead to prolonged trials.
• Preventive Detention: Authorities frequently misuse preventive detention laws to extend incarceration.
• Lack of Legal Aid: Marginalized individuals often lack access to effective legal representation.
• Overcrowded Prisons: Resource constraints hinder speedy trials and adequate care for prisoners.

Conclusion:

Section 479 of BNSS offers a much-needed framework to address undertrial incarceration and prison overcrowding. However, successful implementation requires active monitoring, enhanced state compliance, and judicial reforms to resolve systemic inefficiencies, aligning with the principles of justice and fairness.

DR.JITENDRA SINGH LAUNCHES VISION PORTAL FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: PIB

The VISION initiative, launched by Minister of Science and Technology, focuses on empowering underprivileged youth by providing access to skill development and innovation opportunities. This effort supports India’s goal of technological leadership and inclusive economic growth, as part of Vision India 2047.

VISION Portal

• Objective: The portal aims to foster education, skill development, and innovation among underprivileged children in India.

• Ministry Involved: The initiative is under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Focus Area: It works to democratize access to startup skills and opportunities for students across India, including those in remote and rural areas.
• Key Features: The portal offers mentorship, training, and resources to aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs.
• Inclusivity: The platform enables underprivileged youth to be part of the startup ecosystem and gain exposure to advancements in education and technology.
• Technology as a Bridge: It helps students in rural areas use technology to further their educational and professional growth.
• Role in Vision India 2047: The portal supports India’s aim to become a global leader in technology, education, and economic development.
• Support and Partnerships: Encourages public-private partnerships and links with the industry to ensure the initiative’s sustainability.

Conclusion:

The VISION Portal is a significant step towards fostering inclusive growth, providing underprivileged children with the tools and resources to thrive in the modern, technology-driven economy.

AQUACULTURE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Aquaculture refers to breeding and raising aquatic plants and animals for commercial, recreational, and scientific purposes.

It is the aquatic counterpart of agriculture, aimed at supplementing natural water resources.

The practice has gained significance due to its role in food production, industrial use, and biodiversity conservation.

Key Features

Aquaculture involves farming aquatic organisms like fish, shellfish, and seaweed in controlled environments.

Purpose:

• Produces food and industrial products.
• Supports other aquaculture operations and sport fisheries.
• Supplies bait, ornamental aquatic species, and pharmaceutical feedstocks.

History:

• Practiced since 500 BC.
• Gained commercial significance in the mid-20th century.

Types:

• Marine Aquaculture: Involves ocean species like salmon, shrimp, and shellfish.
• Freshwater Aquaculture: Includes species like carp and catfish.

Global Trends

• A fast-growing source of food, aquaculture contributes over half of seafood consumed globally.
• More than 550 species, including seaweed (27% of annual tonnage), are farmed.

Leading Producers

• China: Produces nearly 60% of global aquaculture output.
• Other Leaders: Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.