29-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NATIONAL MISSION ON NATURAL FARMING (NMNF)

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a new initiative launched by the Government of India to promote chemical-free and sustainable farming practices.

What is Natural Farming?

• Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural system that relies on inputs derived from livestock and plant resources.
• Initially, it will target regions with high fertiliser consumption to encourage a shift toward sustainable farming practices.

Techniques Used

• Jeevamrit: A natural fertiliser prepared from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and pulse flour to enhance soil fertility.
• Beejamrit: A seed treatment solution using cow urine and lime to protect seeds from pests and diseases.
• Mulching: Covers the soil with organic material to conserve moisture and improve fertility.

Previous Initiatives:

• NMNF builds upon the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), which was part of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY).
• It includes learnings from the Namami Gange scheme, which promoted natural farming along a five-kilometer belt of the Ganga River.

Targets under NMNF:

• Coverage: Add 7.5 lakh hectares of natural farming areas.
• Beneficiaries: Introduce 1 crore farmers to natural farming practices.
• Support: Establish 10,000 bio-input resource centres to provide inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.

Implementation:

• Budget: ₹2,481 crore (Central share: ₹1,584 crore; State share: ₹897 crore).
• Training and Awareness:75 lakh farmers will be trained, and 2,000 model farms will demonstrate practices.

Key Features of NMNF

Mission Goals:

• Reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.
• Promote soil health and biodiversity.
• Address climate risks like droughts and waterlogging.
• 228 districts across 16 states with high fertiliser consumption are identified for implementation.

Challenges

• Initial transition may result in lower yields, discouraging farmers.
• Requires training and awareness as many farmers are unfamiliar with natural farming practices.
• Limited market for certified chemical-free produce, affecting profitability.

Benefits of Natural Farming

• Economic: Reduces input costs for farmers. Less reliance on external inputs like fertilisers and pesticides.
• Environmental: Improves soil fertility and biodiversity. Enhances water-use efficiency and carbon content in soil.
• Health: Reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Provides healthier and more nutritious food.
• Future Generations: Leaves behind a healthier ecosystem for sustainable agriculture.

Conclusion

The National Mission on Natural Farming seeks to revolutionize Indian agriculture by promoting chemical-free practices. It addresses environmental concerns, reduces costs for farmers, and ensures healthier food production, fostering a sustainable and resilient farming system.

CENSUS 2025: BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE CITIZEN REGISTRY

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Census 2025 is expected to include updating the National Population Register (NPR), which serves as a foundation for the creation of the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC). The NRIC aims to create a verified database of Indian citizens, rooted in the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955. This initiative is crucial for both governance and national security.

Key Features of the NRIC

• Legal Framework: Mandated under Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Ensures compulsory registration of citizens and issuance of identity cards.
• Background: Conceptualized after the 1951 Census. Gained focus post-Kargil War (1999) based on Subrahmanyam Committee recommendations.

Purpose and Benefits

• Strengthen national security through a verified citizen database.
• Streamlines identity verification and reduces duplication.
• Facilitates targeted delivery of welfare benefits.
• Differentiates citizens from non-citizens for better governance.

The NPR and NRIC Process

• Demographic Data Collection: Information gathered during house listing as part of the Census.
• Verification: Involves public claims, objections, and an appeals mechanism to ensure accuracy.
• Final Registry: Citizenship status is confirmed, leading to the creation of the NRIC.
• Identity Cards: Issued to citizens as per the Citizenship Act mandate.

NRIC vs Aadhaar

Aadhaar:

• Issued to all residents, not restricted to citizens.
• Primarily an identity verification tool linked to services like banking and subsidies.

NRIC:

• Exclusively for citizens, requiring proof of citizenship.
• Aims to establish a definitive citizen registry.
• While Aadhaar ensures broad inclusion, NRIC focuses on documenting citizenship.

Challenges and Concerns

• Assam’s NRC (2019) highlighted issues of exclusion due to stringent documentation requirements.
• Unique conditions of the Assam Accord guided the process, differing from the proposed national NRIC.
• Concerns over potential misuse of biometric and demographic data.
• Necessitates robust data protection mechanisms.
• Vulnerable groups, especially those lacking documentation, face risks of being left out.
• Logistical and administrative challenges in nationwide implementation.

Conclusion

Census 2025 and the NRIC initiative aim to enhance governance, security, and targeted service delivery. However, addressing concerns around privacy, transparency, and inclusion is crucial. Public awareness and active citizen participation are vital for ensuring the success and fairness of the NRIC process.

SUPREME COURT’S RULING ON ‘SOCIALIST’ AND ‘SECULAR’ IN THE PREAMBLE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Supreme Court recently upheld the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, which were added through the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency in 1976. Despite challenges questioning their validity, the Court emphasized that these terms align with India’s constitutional ethos and democratic principles.

Evolution of the Preamble

• Original Preamble (1950): The Preamble originally described India as a “Sovereign Democratic Republic” focused on Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
• Influence of the Objectives Resolution (1946): The guiding framework for the Constitution came from Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objectives Resolution, highlighting independence, equality, and minority rights.
• Early Proposals for ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’: Hasrat Mohani and K.T. Shah proposed incorporating ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution, but these were rejected by the Constituent Assembly.

42nd Amendment and Changes to the Preamble

• Introduced during the Emergency under Indira Gandhi’s government in 1976.
• Added ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ to emphasize equality, economic justice, and the State’s impartiality toward all religions.
• Also expanded the Centre’s powers and sought to insulate amendments from judicial review.
• Some provisions of the 42nd Amendment were struck down in Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980), but the changes to the Preamble remained intact.

Challenges to the Amendment

• 2020 Petitions: Advocates argued that the framers deliberately excluded these terms and that ‘socialist’ restricts economic policy choices.
• Supreme Court’s Observations:
  • Secularism: Interpreted as the State maintaining neutrality toward all religions while ensuring freedom of belief.
  • Socialism: Defined as ensuring economic and social justice without restricting private sector growth.
  • The Court noted that these terms do not infringe on the Constitution’s basic structure or limit governance.

Court’s Decision

• The challenges were dismissed due to their weak arguments and the long delay (44 years) in raising the issue.
• The Court held that the additions strengthened the Constitution’s principles of fraternity, equality, and justice.

Conclusion

The inclusion of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble reflects India’s evolving constitutional values and commitment to justice and neutrality. These ideals, the Court asserted, remain fundamental to the nation’s identity and governance framework.

DO NEW SCHEMES AHEAD OF ELECTIONS AMOUNT TO ‘VOTER BRIBES’?

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The introduction of welfare schemes just before elections has sparked debates on whether these initiatives are genuine social support or strategic voter incentives. This issue raises questions about the role and timing of welfare schemes in a democratic setup.

Key Arguments Supporting Welfare Schemes

• Necessity for Welfare Programs: Social welfare schemes address urgent public needs through political mechanisms. Programs like MNREGA have demonstrated long-term impact by creating sustainable systems.
• Cash Transfers as Modern Welfare: Cash transfers are contemporary versions of past welfare promises, like distributing household goods. They cater to marginalized groups, often overlooked outside election periods.
• Democratic Choice: Receiving benefits doesn’t bind voters; they can independently evaluate pressing issues.

Criticism of Election-timed Schemes

• Diverting Funds from Core Welfare: Cash transfers may reduce spending on critical sectors like health and education. For instance, employment opportunities under MNREGA provide greater economic security than limited cash aid.
• Lack of Systematic Evaluation: Recent undermining of evaluation mechanisms like the Planning Commission has reduced program accountability.
• Corruption and Inefficiency: Cash transfer systems often involve intermediaries, leading to leakages, especially in areas with poor banking infrastructure.

Conclusion

Labelling welfare schemes as “bribes” oversimplifies the issue. The focus should be on aligning welfare initiatives with long-term societal goals, ensuring proper implementation, and strengthening evaluation mechanisms. Such steps would ensure genuine welfare and minimize electoral manipulation.

WIKIPEDIA AND ANI’S DEFAMATION SUIT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Asian News International (ANI), a leading Indian news agency, has filed a defamation case against Wikimedia Foundation and three Wikipedia administrators. The legal battle raises important questions about online platforms, their guidelines, and the role of editors in managing content.

What is Wikipedia?

• Wikipedia is a free, community-driven online encyclopaedia.
• It is maintained by volunteers worldwide who follow strict content guidelines.
• The platform’s reliability is attributed to its editorial processes, which require information to be supported by credible sources.

The Defamation Allegations

• ANI alleges that its Wikipedia page contains defamatory statements accusing it of acting as a propaganda tool and misreporting events.
• Attempts by ANI-associated editors to amend the page were reportedly reversed by other editors.
• Wikipedia applied “extended confirmed protection” to the page, preventing further edits by ANI-related editors.
• ANI claims that Wikimedia and its administrators failed to act neutrally, allegedly violating India’s Information Technology Act, 2000, and related rules.

Role of Wikimedia and Wikipedia Editors

• Wikimedia Foundation’s Role: Provides technical infrastructure for Wikipedia but does not control content. Ensures adherence to community-created guidelines.
• Wikipedia Editing Guidelines: All edits must cite reliable and verifiable sources. Original research is not allowed. Content on controversial topics undergoes strict scrutiny.
• Page Protection Mechanisms: Certain pages may receive “extended confirmed protection” or “full protection” to prevent frequent edits. Only experienced editors with specific permissions can edit protected pages.
• Selection of Administrators: Community members elect administrators based on their contributions and experience. Wikimedia does not participate in this process.

Impact of Losing Safe-Harbor Protection

• Under Indian law, intermediaries like Wikimedia enjoy safe-harbour protections if they adhere to specific rules.
• Losing this protection could make Wikimedia legally accountable for user-generated content.
• Forcing disclosure of editor identities may deter contributors and undermine Wikipedia’s democratic and anonymous editing model.

SAFE-HARBOR PROTECTION

Safe-harbor protection is a legal provision that shields intermediaries, such as online platforms, from being held liable for third-party content hosted on their platforms, provided they comply with certain regulations. This framework is crucial for platforms like Wikipedia to operate effectively while maintaining editorial independence.

What is Safe-Harbor Protection?

• It ensures that intermediaries are not legally responsible for user-generated content.
• Established under laws like the Information Technology Act, 2000 in India.
• Intermediaries must adhere to guidelines, such as removing unlawful content upon notification, to retain this protection.

Importance of Safe-Harbor Protection

• Fosters Free Expression: Encourages users to share knowledge and ideas without fear of immediate censorship or liability.
• Supports Platform Operations: Protects platforms from constant legal challenges for user actions, allowing them to focus on providing services.
• Enables Collaborative Models: Platforms like Wikipedia rely on volunteers; safe-harbour laws enable these contributors to work without fear of legal reprisals.

Consequences of Losing Safe-Harbor Protection

• Legal Accountability: Wikimedia could be held liable for user-generated content, increasing operational risks.
• Reduced Anonymity for Editors: Court-mandated disclosure of editor identities may deter contributors due to fear of retaliation.
• Impact on Content Quality: Increased oversight and potential self-censorship could undermine Wikipedia’s open editing model.

Conclusion

This case underscores the challenges of balancing content regulation with user freedom on collaborative platforms like Wikipedia. Its outcome may have far-reaching implications for online content management and intermediary liability.

FOSSILIZED POOP REVEALS HOW DINOSAURS DOMINATED EARTH

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

A recent study has shed light on this mystery by analysing fossilized poop (coprolites). The findings highlight how dietary diversity and adaptability during the Late Triassic period helped dinosaurs become dominant.

Key Findings of the Study

• Researchers analysed fossilized faeces (coprolites) and vomit (bromalites) to study undigested food remains.
• These remains provided insights into the diet and ecosystems of early dinosaurs.
• Scientists used synchrotron imaging to closely examine hundreds of coprolites.
• The research covered a 25-year period, combining data on plants, prey, bite marks, footprints, and bones.
• The research focused on the Late Triassic period (230–200 million years ago) in the Polish Basin, part of the northern supercontinent Pangea.
• Findings were combined with climate data to reconstruct ancient ecosystems.

Insights from the Study

• Dietary Diversity: Coprolites revealed a variety of undigested remains, including fish, insects, plants, and bones. Early herbivorous dinosaurs, like sauropods, consumed tree ferns, other plants, and even charcoal, possibly to detoxify their diet.
• Bone-Crushing Predators: Some coprolites showed evidence of predators crushing bones, similar to modern hyenas, to access nutrients like marrow and salts.
• Adaptability: Dinosaurs adapted their diets to survive environmental changes, with herbivorous species thriving by consuming diverse plants. This adaptability played a significant role during mass extinctions and climate shifts.

Broader Implications

• Understanding Evolutionary Success: The research addressed a 30-million-year gap in dinosaur evolution during the Late Triassic. Dietary adaptability was a crucial survival trait for early dinosaurs.
• Insights into Ecosystem Dynamics: By studying prehistoric ecosystems, researchers gained knowledge about how life responds to environmental changes, offering lessons for modern biodiversity challenges.
• Relevance to Climate Change: The study highlights parallels between past and present, emphasizing how adaptability can prevent extinction in the face of changing climates.

Conclusion

The research revealed that dietary diversity and adaptability were critical factors in the evolutionary success of dinosaurs. Understanding ancient ecosystems provides valuable lessons for addressing modern challenges like climate change and biodiversity conservation. Dinosaurs’ ability to thrive was a testament to their ecological flexibility and dietary innovation.

THE STIGMA OF HIV AND THE BIRTH OF BIOMEDICAL WASTE REGULATIONS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and the subsequent rise in public health concerns led to significant changes in biomedical waste management. This led to the creation of biomedical waste management laws, both in the United States and India, aiming to safeguard public health and the environment.

The Early Days of HIV and Waste Management

• In 1983, scientists identified HIV as the virus responsible for AIDS. By the mid-1980s, HIV/AIDS was seen as a deadly disease, fueling fear and stigma.
• In August 1987, a crisis known as the “Syringe Tide” occurred in the U.S. where used syringes and medical waste washed up on beaches, amplifying fears of HIV transmission and leading to a public outcry.
• The incident underscored the dangers of improper disposal of medical waste and brought global attention to the need for strict waste management regulations.

The U.S. Response: Medical Waste Tracking Act (1988)

• In response to the syringe tide, the U.S. government passed the Medical Waste Tracking Act in 1988, which introduced strict guidelines for medical waste disposal.
• This act officially classified hospital waste as hazardous and required systematic oversight for its management and disposal.
• The legislation became a key milestone in the development of medical waste regulations, shaping public health policies worldwide.

India’s Journey Towards Biomedical Waste Management

• In India, the first environmental protection law, the Environmental Protection Act, was enacted in 1986, coinciding with the identification of the first HIV case in India.
• Initially, medical waste was not recognized as hazardous, and disposal regulations were inadequate.
• In 1996, a landmark Supreme Court case highlighted Delhi’s waste management issues, triggering legal reforms and leading to the introduction of the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules in 1998.
• These rules recognized hospital waste as hazardous and empowered the Pollution Control Boards to regulate its disposal.

Linking HIV to Waste Management Reforms

• The HIV/AIDS epidemic played a significant role in shaping global and national attitudes towards biomedical waste management.
• The fear of disease transmission through improper waste disposal and the need for occupational health protection led to the development of more stringent waste management protocols.
• India’s regulations have evolved over the years, with updates in 2016 and 2020, ensuring better handling of biomedical waste.

Challenges and Progress

• Despite significant progress, challenges remain, such as mishandling of biomedical waste in rural areas and the occupational hazards faced by healthcare professionals.
• However, the improvements in waste management since the 1990s show the importance of responding to crises and creating lasting change.

Conclusion
The stigma surrounding HIV and the fear it generated played a crucial role in the development of biomedical waste regulations. It highlighted the need for environmental and public health safeguards, leading to a cleaner and safer healthcare system.

BAL VIVAH MUKT BHARAT CAMPAIGN

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: PIB

The “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign” was recently launched by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development. The campaign aims to eliminate child marriage in India through a collective effort involving various stakeholders.

Key Features of the Campaign:

• Launch and Purpose: Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Focuses on eliminating child marriage across the country.
• Target Areas: The campaign will focus on seven high-burden states: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, Andhra Pradesh. Nearly 300 high-burden districts, where child marriage rates are higher than the national average.
• Goals: Each State and Union Territory is encouraged to create an action plan to reduce child marriage rates below 5% by 2029.
• Progress Over the Years: Government data shows a decrease in child marriage rates, from 47.4% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21.
• Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal: A new platform called the “Child Marriage Free Bharat” portal has been launched.
• Purpose: To raise awareness, report child marriage cases, and monitor the progress of the campaign.
• Enhanced Public Access: The campaign aims to make information more accessible to the public, enabling better communication and support for preventing child marriages.

Functions of the Portal:

• Facilitates the registration of complaints related to child marriage.
• Complaints are directed to Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) across the country for action.
• Real-time monitoring of cases will be done through the portal.

CMPOs and Monitoring:

• The portal will ensure effective supervision and evaluation of CMPOs to make sure they play an active role in preventing child marriages and helping those affected.
• Nodal officers at the Centre will oversee the monitoring of the portal.

Conclusion:

The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign is a comprehensive initiative to reduce child marriage rates in India by engaging stakeholders and using technology to monitor and report cases effectively. The goal is to make India child marriage-free by 2029.