30-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

A RICE VARIETY TO CURB FARM FIRES: PUSA-2090

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Stubble burning has long been a major environmental challenge, especially in North India, due to its contribution to air pollution. The rice variety Pusa-2090 promises a solution, providing farmers with an alternative to Pusa-44, a popular but environmentally detrimental crop.

With shorter maturity time, Pusa-2090 reduces the need for stubble burning, making it an attractive choice for farmers and policymakers.

WHAT IS STUBBLE BURNING?

• Definition: Stubble burning, also known as parali burning, is the process of setting fire to the remaining crop residue or stubble in fields after harvesting.
• Purpose: It is primarily done to quickly clear the fields for the next crop, usually wheat after paddy harvesting, without spending on labor or machinery.
• Regions: It is common in the Indo-Gangetic plains, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Mechanized Harvesting: In areas where combine harvesters are used, they leave behind crop stubble (10-30 cm), which is burned to avoid the cost of removal.
• Time Constraints: Farmers often resort to stubble burning due to the short window of time (10-15 days) between harvesting paddy and sowing the next crop, such as wheat.

Key Features of Pusa-2090:

• Shorter Growing Cycle: Pusa-2090 matures around 30-35 days earlier than Pusa-44. This allows for timely sowing of wheat after harvesting rice, avoiding the need for stubble burning.
• Comparable Yield: Yields of Pusa-2090 are nearly the same as Pusa-44, giving farmers 35-36 quintals of grain per acre.
• Water Savings: By maturing earlier, Pusa-2090 requires 5-6 fewer irrigation rounds, helping conserve water, a critical resource in paddy cultivation.

Environmental Benefits:

• Reduction in Stubble Burning: The shortened harvest window allows farmers to clear fields without burning the stubble. This contributes significantly to reducing air pollution and improving soil health.
• Less Water Usage: Early harvesting leads to significant water savings, important for water-scarce regions like Punjab and Haryana.

Adoption by Farmers:

• Farmer Experiences: Farmers like Harpreet Singh, who shifted from Pusa-44 to Pusa-2090, report positive outcomes, such as timely sowing of wheat and reduced labor for clearing fields.
• State Initiatives: States like Punjab have banned Pusa-44 and promoted Pusa-2090 to tackle stubble burning and associated environmental issues.

Challenges and Alternatives:

• Pusa-44 Ban and Transition: While the ban on Pusa-44 is in effect, some farmers are exploring alternatives such as Pusa-1718, which matures earlier and offers good yields. Other short-duration varieties are also under development.
• Costs and Viability: Though Pusa-2090 is viable for large-scale adoption, challenges such as the availability of high-quality seeds and the affordability of new varieties need to be addressed.

Why Stubble Burning is Practiced:

• Clearance for Next Crop: Stubble burning is a method used to clear paddy crop residue from fields to prepare for wheat sowing.
• Limited Time Window: Farmers have only 10-15 days between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat. Delays can impact the wheat crop yield.
• Cheap Method: It is one of the most affordable ways to clear fields, as alternatives like manual labor or machines are more costly.
• Labor Shortage: Especially in states like Punjab and Haryana, the large size of farms makes it difficult to hire labor for manual removal of stubble.
• Mechanized Harvesting: Combined harvesters leave 10–30 cm of stubble in the field, unlike manual harvesting, which cleared it fully.
• Low Economic Value of Residue: The crop residue has little commercial or economic value, and high costs of processing make alternatives less attractive for farmers.

Supreme Court’s Remarks on Stubble Burning:

• Cost of Machines: The court asked Punjab to consider funding crop residue management machines for marginal farmers.
• Challenges in Execution: Punjab noted issues with manpower and fuel for running these machines.
• Environmental Concerns: The court expressed concern that paddy cultivation is depleting the water table and recommended switching to less water-intensive crops to reduce pollution.

Conclusion:

Pusa-2090 represents a promising step toward sustainable agriculture, addressing both environmental concerns and farmers’ needs. Its early maturity and comparable yields make it a suitable alternative to traditional varieties, offering a long-term solution to the problem of stubble burning and water overuse in paddy farming.

Multiple choice question:

1. With reference to stubble burning and the Pusa Decomposer, consider the following statements:

1. Stubble burning is commonly practiced to quickly clear agricultural fields of paddy crop residue for sowing the next crop, such as wheat.
2. The Pusa Decomposer is a microbial solution developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) that helps in the rapid decomposition of crop stubble into organic manure.
3. The use of the Pusa Decomposer has been made mandatory by the Government of India in Punjab and Haryana to curb stubble burning.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Stubble burning is a widespread practice in the Indo-Gangetic plains, primarily used to clear fields quickly for the next crop.
• The Pusa Decomposer is a microbial solution developed by IARI that aids in the faster breakdown of stubble into manure, reducing the need for burning.
• The use of the Pusa Decomposer is not mandatory but has been promoted as an alternative solution to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.

URBAN CONSUMPTION AND INDIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH DYNAMICS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s economic growth in 2023-24 saw an impressive rise of 8.2%. However, despite this strong GDP performance, concerns have emerged regarding declining private consumption, particularly in urban areas.

The slowdown in private consumption is crucial because consumption drives economic growth, investment, and job creation. Understanding the factors behind this decline is essential for ensuring sustained economic development.

Key Concerns

• Weak Rural Demand: A key factor contributing to the consumption slowdown was the poor performance of the agriculture sector due to an erratic monsoon. This reduced rural purchasing power, negatively impacting overall demand.
• K-shaped Consumption Pattern: The economy is showing signs of unequal growth, with high-end goods and services seeing increased consumption while lower-end products lag behind. This indicates growing inequality in spending patterns between different income groups.

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE)

• Slow Growth in PFCE: In 2023-24, private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) grew by just 4%, which is significantly lower than the GDP growth rate. This is the weakest growth in consumption since 2002-03, except for the COVID-19 period in 2020-21.
• Importance of Consumption: Consumption plays a pivotal role in spurring overall economic growth. A rebound in rural demand and stronger consumption growth is necessary for increasing industrial capacity utilization and triggering higher private investments.

Rural Demand and Economic Recovery

• Early Signs of Improvement: In the first quarter of 2023-24, PFCE growth picked up to 7.4%, outpacing the GDP growth of 6.8%. This was partly due to better rural demand, as indicated by positive trends in two-wheeler sales and increasing rural wages. Cooling inflation also contributed to the rise in rural purchasing power.
• Monsoon’s Role: A normal monsoon was expected to boost agricultural output and support rural demand, providing a much-needed uplift to consumption. Improved rural consumption would create a ripple effect, benefiting the entire economy.

Challenges in Urban Consumption

• Urban Demand Fatigue: Despite the early signs of recovery in rural demand, urban consumption is showing signs of slowdown. High interest rates have been a key factor dampening urban demand, as pointed out by S&P Global Ratings.
• Declining Consumer Confidence: The RBI’s consumer confidence survey for July revealed a dip in both current and future confidence levels among urban consumers, signaling potential trouble for urban consumption going forward.
• Impact of High Food Inflation: Persistently high food inflation is straining household budgets, leaving less room for discretionary spending. This could hamper consumer demand during the festive season and beyond, which is crucial for driving growth.

The Role of Policy

• Fuel Prices and Inflation: To support urban consumption and relieve pressure on household finances, the government could consider reducing fuel prices. Lower retail fuel prices would increase disposable incomes and help offset the impact of high food inflation.
• Investment Cycle: For a virtuous cycle of investment to begin, demand must recover and rise to levels that encourage private sector investment. A balanced approach, involving both monetary policies (interest rates) and fiscal measures (fuel price adjustments), could ensure a stable consumption-led recovery.

Conclusion

India’s economic growth has shown promise, but weak private consumption, particularly in urban areas, is a cause for concern. While rural demand has seen signs of recovery, high inflation and interest rates are curbing urban consumption. Effective policy measures, including a reduction in fuel prices and easing inflationary pressures, are essential to ensure a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. Restoring consumer confidence, especially in urban areas, is vital for sustaining the investment cycle, creating jobs, and maintaining growth momentum.

Multiple choice question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the K-shaped consumption pattern and Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) in India:

1. The K-shaped consumption pattern indicates unequal growth in consumption, with higher-end goods and services seeing more demand compared to lower-end products.
2. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) growth rate in India was 6%, which was higher than the GDP growth rate.
3. A rebound in rural demand is necessary to increase industrial capacity utilization and encourage higher private investments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The K-shaped consumption pattern reflects unequal growth in consumption, with wealthier consumers purchasing more high-end goods while lower-end products see lesser demand.
• In 2023-24, the PFCE grew by only 4%, which is significantly lower than the GDP growth rate.
• A recovery in rural demand is critical to improving industrial capacity utilization and boosting private investments.

THE MYSTERY OF MARS’ ATMOSPHERE DISAPPEARANCE

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Mars, now a cold and barren desert, wasn’t always like this. Recent studies suggest that the Red Planet once had flowing water on its surface, which hints at a thicker atmosphere in its past. This thicker atmosphere would have trapped enough heat to prevent the planet from freezing.

However, around 3.5 billion years ago, Mars lost much of its carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, dramatically thinning it. Scientists have been investigating how and why this atmospheric transformation occurred.

Role of Water in Mars’ Atmospheric Loss:

• Recent research by scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) indicates that water may have played a crucial role in the thinning of Mars’ atmosphere.
• The researchers suggest that water interacted with certain rock types on Mars, triggering a series of chemical reactions. These reactions led to the breakdown of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, converting it into methane, a form of carbon stored in the planet’s surface.

Geological Insights and Smectite:

• The MIT researchers focused on a specific type of clay-like material known as smectite. This material is capable of trapping large amounts of water and carbon.
• Over millions of years, smectite formed deep folds in Mars’ crust, drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and slowly transforming it into methane. This gradual process likely contributed to the thinning of the planet’s atmosphere.

Implications for Future Mars Exploration:

• The findings provide critical clues for understanding Mars’ geological history and atmosphere. Understanding the role of smectite and water in the planet’s transformation helps scientists model how Mars’ surface has changed over billions of years.
• Additionally, smectite holds promise as a potential resource for future Mars missions. The clay material could help in understanding the availability of water and other essential resources for future human exploration of the Red Planet.

Conclusion:

The study on Mars’ atmospheric loss sheds light on the critical role water played in shaping the planet’s history. By identifying how water reacted with Martian rocks and drew carbon from the atmosphere, scientists are one step closer to solving the mystery of how Mars’ once-thick atmosphere disappeared. Furthermore, this research holds valuable insights for future exploration and the potential of using Mars’ natural resources for sustained human missions.

Multiple choice question:

1. Which of the following statements about Mars is/are correct?

1. Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons.
2. Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos.
3. Mars is known for its extensive ring system.
4. Mars has a similar length of day to Earth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2, and 4 only
3. 1, 2, and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANSWER – B

Explanation:

Olympus Mons is a massive shield volcano on Mars, standing about 22 km (13.6 miles) high, making it the tallest volcano in the solar system.

Mars indeed has two small moons: Phobos and Deimos. Both moons are irregularly shaped and are thought to be captured asteroids.

Mars does not have an extensive ring system. Unlike Saturn or Jupiter, Mars has no rings.

A day on Mars (called a sol) is approximately 24 hours and 37 minutes, making it quite similar to a day on Earth.

MAKE IN INDIA: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Make in India (MI) initiative was launched in 2014 with ambitious goals for boosting the manufacturing sector in India.

The policy aimed to increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP and create millions of jobs by 2025. However, after nearly a decade, the results have been mixed, with significant challenges in achieving these goals.

Objectives of Make in India:

• Goal 1: Increase the share of manufacturing in GDP from 14-15% to 25%.
• Goal 2: Create 100 million additional jobs in the industrial sector by 2025.
• The policy was designed to stimulate domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

Manufacturing Sector Performance:

• The growth rate of the manufacturing sector’s real Gross Value Added (GVA) slowed to 5.5% during 2012-23, down from 8.1% in 2001-12.
• The share of manufacturing in GDP remains stagnant at 15%-17%, with only minor increases due to changes in GDP calculation methods.
• Despite efforts, there has been no significant rise in manufacturing output over the last decade.

Employment Challenges:

• Manufacturing employment has declined from 12.6% in 2011-12 to 11.4% in 2022-23.
• The informal sector in manufacturing saw a sharp drop, with 8.2 million fewer jobs between 2015-16 and 2022-23.
• Instead of industrial jobs growing, there has been a reverse shift to agriculture, with the workforce in agriculture rising from 42.5% in 2018-19 to 45.8% in 2022-23. This shift indicates premature de-industrialisation.

Causes of De-industrialisation:

• Fixed investment in the manufacturing sector has collapsed, with growth in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) being nearly zero during 2012-2020.
• Rising imports, particularly from China, have met domestic demand, limiting the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector.
• The government’s focus on improving India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business (EDB) Index was misplaced, as the index has been criticised for lacking solid analytical backing.

Key Initiatives Undertaken to Enable Make in India

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: INR 1.97 lakh crore allocated for PLI projects in 14 industrial sectors to boost manufacturing and exports.
• PM Gati Shakti & National Logistics Policy: Aimed at creating multimodal logistics infrastructure and reducing logistics costs by 10% over the next few years.
• Industrialization and Urbanization: National Industrial Corridor Programme to develop competitive greenfield industrial regions; 11 corridor projects approved.
• New Design, Innovation and R&D: “Start-up India” initiative to foster entrepreneurship and support over 79,100 tech-driven startups.
• One-District-One-Product (ODOP) Scheme: Promotes indigenous products from each district, enhancing socio-economic development of local artisans and manufacturers.

Challenges of Make in India

• Impact on Other Industries: Focus on industrialization may negatively impact agriculture and local farmers.
• Exhausting Natural Resources: Rapid industrialization risks depleting natural resources, despite green initiatives.
• Environmental Concerns: Increased industrial focus may lead to pollution and environmental degradation.
• Need for Improved Infrastructure: India’s infrastructure requires enhancement to support manufacturing growth.
• Global Market Development: India has struggled to create a competitive global market for its products and services.

Way Forward:

• India needs to rethink its industrial policy to better align with trade policies that promote domestic manufacturing and technological development.
• Instead of focusing on cash subsidies, India should pursue policies that help industries gain a dynamic comparative advantage.
• The country must adopt an investment-led growth model, supported by domestic research and development (R&D) to foster technological advancements and the indigenisation of imported technology.
• Development finance institutions or “policy banks” should be established to provide affordable long-term credit, helping businesses manage the risks associated with innovation and technology adoption.

Conclusion:

While the Make in India initiative had ambitious targets, the policy outcomes have fallen short in terms of boosting manufacturing growth and employment. To reverse the current trend of de-industrialisation, India must focus on policies that foster long-term investments, domestic R&D, and technological catching-up.

ADDRESSING FOOD LOSS AND WASTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Food loss and waste (FLW) is a significant global issue, impacting economic efficiency, food security, and environmental sustainability. The United Nations (UN) has designated September 29 as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (FLW).

Reducing food waste is essential not only to feed the hungry but also to protect natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The issue of food waste and post-harvest losses needs to be addressed through efficient infrastructure and technological interventions.

Importance of Reducing Food Loss:

• According to FAO and UNEP estimates, 17% of total global food production is wasted at the consumer level.
• Reducing FLW is key to improving food security, nutrition, and the environment.
• Efficient use of food would not only ensure better resource allocation but also reduce the pressure on natural resources such as water and soil.
• By decreasing food waste, countries can make significant progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable consumption.

Post-Harvest Losses in India:

• India faces substantial post-harvest losses, with a NABCONS 2022 report estimating losses worth ₹1.53 lakh crore (approx. $18.5 billion) annually.
• The report highlights losses of 21 million metric tonnes (MMT) of oilseeds, 13.7 MMT of pulses, and 49.9 MMT of horticultural produce.
• Poor cold storage facilities and inadequate transportation infrastructure contribute to food loss, reducing farmer income and access to perishable commodities.

Storage and Mechanization:

• India’s All-India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) from 2019 reveals that only 44% of cultivator households own storage facilities.
• In Bihar, nearly 97% of paddy-producing households use combine harvesters, but small and marginal farmers lack the means to afford advanced machines.
• Mechanization and improved storage capacity could play a pivotal role in minimizing losses at the farm level.

Government Initiatives:

• The Indian government has initiated a major grain storage plan to modernize the agricultural sector, aiming to increase storage capacity by 70 MMT over five years.
• This initiative, if implemented effectively, holds promise to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the preservation of food grains.

Technological Solutions:

• Technology can aid in reducing post-harvest losses. Innovations such as combine harvesters, crop drying systems, and smart storage solutions are crucial.
• Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can provide affordable access to farming machinery and improve productivity, especially for small farmers.

Role of Farmers’ Organizations:

• FPOs and CHCs play a vital role in making modern machinery accessible to small and marginal farmers.
• Through group buying and leasing of equipment, these organizations can promote better resource use and reduce food wastage.

Efforts Related to Food Loss and Waste

• Constitutional Provision: Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, while not explicitly stating the right to food, can be interpreted to include the right to live with dignity, encompassing basic necessities like food.
• Buffer Stock: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is responsible for procuring food grains at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and storing them in warehouses for distribution to state governments based on need.
• National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA): This act shifts the approach to food security from welfare to a rights-based framework, ensuring access to food for the population.
• Coverage Under NFSA: The NFSA provides coverage to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population for food security.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana: Targets the poorest-of-the-poor, providing 35 kg of food grains per household per month.

Conclusion:

Addressing food loss and waste is essential not just for economic growth but also for environmental sustainability and hunger eradication. With proper policies, infrastructure development, and technology adoption, India can significantly reduce its post-harvest losses.

Efforts such as expanding storage capacities and promoting mechanization will enable the country to better utilize its agricultural resources, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and food-secure future.

MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Recent reports from Rwanda’s health ministry indicate that six individuals have died due to an outbreak of the Marburg virus.

About Marburg Virus Disease

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), formerly referred to as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a rare yet severe hemorrhagic fever affecting humans and non-human primates.

Causative Agent

• MVD is caused by the Marburg virus, a unique zoonotic RNA virus. It belongs to the Filoviridae family, which also includes Ebola viruses.
• The virus was first identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, among laboratory workers who had been in contact with infected green monkeys imported from Uganda.
• The primary reservoir host for the Marburg virus is the African fruit bat, specifically Rousettus aegyptiacus.

Transmission: The virus can be transmitted from bats to primates, including humans. Once transmitted, it spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of Marburg disease: Fever, Chills, Headache, Muscle aches, Chest pain, Sore throat

As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe:

• Liver failure, Delirium, Shock
• Bleeding (haemorrhaging), Multi-organ dysfunction

Fatality: The average fatality rate for Marburg Virus Disease is approximately 50%. Historical case fatality rates have varied between 24% and 88% in past outbreaks, influenced by the virus strain and the effectiveness of case management.

Treatment: Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Marburg disease. Supportive care is crucial and may involve:

• Intravenous fluids, Electrolyte replacement, Supplemental oxygen, Replacement of blood and blood products

RATAPANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENRT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Ratapani Sanctuary is seeking recognition as a tiger reserve, and the government is actively pursuing this status.

About Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Located in the Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, the sanctuary covers an area of 825.90 square kilometers.
• Geography: The sanctuary features a rocky forest environment on the Vindhya Hills, running parallel to the northern side of the Narmada River. The Kolar River defines its western boundary.
• Heritage Sites: It is home to Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock shelters and ancient paintings. The sanctuary also includes several historical and religious sites, such as:
  • Ginnourgarh Fort
  • POW camp
  • Keri Mahadeo
  • Ratapani Dam
  • Jholiyapur Dam

Landscape

• The terrain is characterized by rugged hills, valleys, plateaus, and plains.

Flora

• The sanctuary comprises dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests.
• Approximately 55% of the area is dominated by teak trees, while the remaining area features a variety of dry deciduous species.

Fauna

• The apex predator in the sanctuary is the regal striped tiger, with an estimated population of 40 tigers inhabiting the area.
• The sanctuary is home to the endangered Chinkara species, along with other wildlife

SEA ROBINS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENRT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Recent research has provided new insights into evolutionary adaptations by studying the unique “walking” abilities of sea robins, which are bottom-dwelling fish utilizing leg-like appendages to move across the ocean floor.

About Sea Robins

• Classification: Sea robins are part of the Triglidae family, a group of ray-finned fish.
• Habitat: They inhabit a variety of environments, from shallow salt marshes to deep ocean waters, primarily in warm and temperate seas globally.
• Behavior: As benthic specialists, sea robins spend most of their time on the ocean floor, where they hunt for fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates buried in the sand.

Adaptations

• Leg-like Appendages: Sea robins have evolved six unusual appendages that resemble legs, aiding their navigation and foraging on the seabed.
• Physical Features:
  • They possess elongated bodies and armored bony heads.
  • They feature two dorsal fins that enhance their swimming abilities.
• Pectoral Fins:
  • The name “sea robin” is derived from their large wing-like pectoral fins.
  • When threatened or excited, they fan out these fins to appear larger and camouflage themselves against the sandy bottom.
  • Their pectoral fins move in a manner similar to bird wings during swimming.

Additional Characteristics

• Body Coverage: Some sea robins have scales, while others are covered in bony plates.
• Coloration: They typically exhibit bright colors and may have ornate patterns on their pectoral fins.
• Vocalization: Sea robins are capable of producing audible sounds using their swim bladders and associated muscles.