5-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NCST CHALLENGES NTCA’S ADVISORY ON VILLAGE RELOCATION IN TIGER RESERVES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has expressed serious concerns regarding a recent directive issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). This advisory advises state forest departments to begin the process of relocating villages from tiger reserves.

NCST’s Response to NTCA Advisory

• NCST requested the NTCA to provide a report regarding the planned village relocations. This decision was ratified in October.
• The NCST is also seeking an action-taken report from the NTCA and the Union Ministry of Environment regarding previous recommendations for improved compensation under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act of 2013.

Compensation and Relocation Issues

• Increased Compensation: In 2021, the NTCA raised the relocation compensation from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per family.
• NCST’s Concerns: The NCST is asking for further information on the NTCA’s compliance with its earlier recommendations from 2018, which emphasized that compensation must adhere to the 2013 Resettlement Act and include comprehensive entitlements like land and infrastructure.

Legal and Rights Considerations

• Conflicts with Existing Laws: Tribal rights advocates argue that the NTCA’s directive to prioritize village relocations conflicts with the Forest Rights Act of 2006 and the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act of 2006.
• Voluntary Relocation: They insist that relocations should be voluntary and respect the informed consent of tribal communities. The NTCA’s advisory has been criticized for failing to recognize these legal provisions adequately.

NCST

• Formation and Purpose: The NCST was established in 2004 through an amendment to Article 338 of the Constitution, creating Article 338A via the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003. This body replaced the earlier National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, dividing it into two separate commissions:
  • National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
  • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
• Objective: The NCST is tasked with overseeing the implementation of protections provided to Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the Constitution and other laws. Its role includes evaluating the effectiveness of these safeguards.
• Composition: The NCST comprises a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members, all appointed by the President of India.
  • At least one member must be a woman.
  • The term of office for members is three years.
  • The Chairperson holds a rank equivalent to a Union Cabinet Minister.

Conclusion:

The NCST’s actions underline the critical need to ensure that conservation initiatives respect the rights of indigenous peoples. By requesting clarifications and a revised compensation framework, the NCST aims to strike a balance between preserving tiger habitats and safeguarding the rights and welfare of tribal populations affected by such relocations.

INDIA’S GREEN LEAP: TRANSITIONING FROM FOSSIL FUELS TO CLEAN ENERGY

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Asia-Pacific Climate Report, highlights the country’s approach to reducing fossil fuel subsidies and implementing innovative tax strategies. As global reliance on fossil fuels continues, India is emerging as a leader in the green energy shift.

• The country has set a bold target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070, signalling a transformative shift in energy policy.
• India’s transition efforts have been recognized in the Asia-Pacific Climate Report by ADB, emphasizing a gradual but determined pivot toward renewable resources.

Asia-Pacific Climate Report Insights

• The ADB Asia-Pacific Climate Report discusses the climate vulnerability of the Asia-Pacific region, including its substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
• The report warns of potential economic impacts from climate change, estimating up to a 17% GDP reduction by 2070 and 41% by 2100 in a high-emissions scenario.
• It calls for immediate climate action, particularly through investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation.

India’s Strategy: Phasing Out Fossil Fuels

• India has adopted a “remove, target, and shift” approach to gradually decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Remove: Reduction of fossil fuel subsidies to free up resources for clean energy.
  • Target: Redirect resources toward renewable energy sources like solar power and electric vehicles.
  • Shift: Shift focus to cleaner energy by building a robust energy grid.
• Between 2014 and 2018, India notably reduced fossil fuel subsidies, moving steadily toward a cleaner energy infrastructure.

Implementing Reforms for a Sustainable Transition

• India’s move away from fossil fuels involved a series of careful, incremental reforms:
  • 2010-2014: Gradual reduction of subsidies on petrol and diesel.
  • 2014-2017: Increasing taxes on fossil fuels, creating fiscal space for renewable energy funding.
• These reforms allowed for a significant investment in renewable projects and infrastructure.

Fiscal Gains and Achievements

• India has successfully cut oil and gas subsidies by 85% — from a high of $25 billion in 2013 to $3.5 billion by 2023.
• Funds saved from reducing subsidies were reallocated to support renewable energy projects and infrastructure.
• Increased excise duties on petrol and diesel during low global oil price periods helped fund targeted subsidies, especially for expanding LPG access in rural areas, thereby reducing the dependency on biomass and other polluting fuels.

Role of Taxation in Promoting Clean Energy

• 2010-2017: The government introduced a cess on coal production and imports to finance clean energy projects.
  • About 30% of cess collections were allocated to the National Clean Energy and Environment Fund, supporting renewable projects and research.
  • This cess bolstered the budget of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), funding initiatives like the Green Energy Corridor scheme and the National Solar Mission, which successfully reduced the cost of utility-scale solar energy.

Changes in the Tax Framework

• The Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced in 2017, reshaped funding for clean energy initiatives:
  • The coal cess was incorporated into the GST compensation cess, with funds redirected to offset state revenue losses.
  • This shift in tax policy highlights the complexities of balancing state revenues with the needs of clean energy funding, showcasing the challenges India faces in aligning taxation with environmental goals.

Key Government Initiatives Supporting Green Transition

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims to boost the production and use of green hydrogen, seen as a vital component of future energy needs.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Focuses on solar energy generation to empower farmers and support rural livelihoods.
• PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana: Offers free electricity to households, encouraging reduced fossil fuel reliance.

Conclusion

India’s proactive shift toward renewable energy showcases its commitment to a sustainable future. These ongoing efforts not only address climate challenges but also pave the way for economic growth and energy security, setting an inspiring example for global climate action.

INDIA’S GREEN LEAP: TRANSITIONING FROM FOSSIL FUELS TO CLEAN ENERGY

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India is advancing toward a green energy future, prioritizing sustainability in an era reliant on fossil fuels. With an ambitious net-zero target for 2070, the nation is transforming its energy policies, as noted by the Asian Development Bank’s recent climate report, which commends India’s shift from fossil fuel subsidies to investments in renewable energy.

Asia-Pacific Climate Report

• Climate Vulnerability: The Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 by ADB underscores the region’s high vulnerability to climate change, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic Risks: The report warns that, under high-emissions scenarios, climate change could cut the region’s GDP by 17% by 2070 and 41% by 2100.
• Call to Action: It emphasizes the need for swift action to address climate impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and heatwaves.
• Investment in Adaptation: Urges investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency to support climate resilience.

India’s Shift from Fossil Fuels

• Strategy: India employs a “remove, target, and shift” model to reduce fossil fuel dependency, redirecting resources to clean energy sectors.
• Reduced Subsidies: Between 2014 and 2018, India slashed fossil fuel subsidies, signaling a shift toward renewables such as solar power, electric mobility, and a fortified energy grid.

Implementation of Reforms

• Gradual Phase-Out: Petrol and diesel subsidies were phased out from 2010 to 2014, followed by incremental tax increases until 2017.
• Funding for Renewables: These reforms freed up fiscal space, enabling significant investments in clean energy initiatives.

Fiscal Achievements

• Reduction in Subsidies: India’s fiscal subsidies in oil and gas dropped by 85% from $25 billion in 2013 to $3.5 billion in 2023.
• Reinvestment: Savings from subsidy cuts were redirected toward renewable energy projects.
• Revenue Generation: Increased excise duties on petrol and diesel during periods of low global prices helped fund LPG access for rural areas.

Role of Taxation

• Coal Cess: Between 2010 and 2017, a cess on coal supported clean energy efforts, with 30% of proceeds allocated to a clean energy fund.
• Clean Energy Funding: This fund supported initiatives like the Green Energy Corridor scheme and the National Solar Mission, reducing the cost of utility-scale solar energy.

Changes in Tax Structure

• GST Introduction: The 2017 GST rollout subsumed the coal cess, redirecting it toward compensating states for GST-related revenue losses.
• Balancing Act: Adjusting the tax framework for clean energy financing remains a challenge, but these measures reflect the government’s efforts.

Major Government Initiatives

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims to boost hydrogen production and adoption.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Focuses on solar energy for farmers.
• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Offers free electricity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promoting clean energy.

Conclusion
India’s determination to shift toward a sustainable energy future is strengthened by insights from the Asia-Pacific Climate Report. These efforts are essential not only for combating climate change but also for fostering economic growth and job creation, setting a meaningful precedent for other nations.

BIG TECH’S FAILURES: UNSAFE ONLINE SPACES FOR WOMEN

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign is being targeted with AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation, highlighting a broader issue of gender-based online harassment against women in power.

Issue of Targeted Online Abuse Against Women

• Female politicians and public figures worldwide face digital harassment, such as manipulated images and deepfakes.
• Prominent examples include women leaders in the U.S., Italy, and Bangladesh targeted with such content.

Understanding Deepfakes

• Deepfakes are AI-generated videos, images, or audio clips that appear real but are fabricated.
• They distort reality, often invading privacy, spreading misinformation, and posing security risks.
• Such content receives high online engagement, showing a large audience for harmful narratives.

Big Tech’s Role and Accountability Challenges

• Social media platforms often fail to restrict abusive content targeting women.
• While men may face misinformation, women are frequently subject to body shaming, objectification, and explicit content.
• Big Tech often avoids responsibility under ‘safe harbour’ protections, claiming limited control over user-generated content.

Gender Bias in AI Technology

• Digital technologies and AI, although empowering, can reinforce societal biases against women.
• AI systems, often built on biased datasets, tend to lack gender sensitivity, increasing online harassment for women.
• Low representation of women in AI development may contribute to technologies that inadvertently promote discrimination.

Impact on Women’s Digital Participation

• Online harassment can discourage women from using digital platforms, impacting their personal, professional, and public lives.
• Families may restrict women’s access to digital devices due to online abuse risks.
• Current safety features, like labeling AI-generated content, are insufficient as harmful content still reaches audiences and causes harm.

Recommendations for Big Tech and Policymakers

• Social media companies should have dedicated content moderation and safety teams to address harmful content effectively.
• Big Tech and policymakers need to implement proactive measures, such as fines and restrictions, to curb online abuse.
• Increasing the representation of women in tech roles can help create fair and safe online spaces.
• Conducting bias assessments in AI design can help minimize gender-based discrimination.

Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Digital Environment

• Addressing gender bias in technology requires action from tech companies, governments, and regulatory bodies.
• Legal and governance structures should support efforts to make digital platforms safer for women.
• Only through collaboration can technology truly empower women by providing secure and inclusive online environments.

SHORTAGE OF DI-AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP) FERTILIZER

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India is currently facing a significant shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, which is crucial for the growth of various crops. This situation has arisen due to a combination of factors including ineffective planning and outdated price control measures.

Key Reasons for DAP Shortage

• Decreased Imports: During the April-September period, DAP imports dropped to 19.7 lt, a decline from 34.5 lt in the same timeframe in 2023. This reduction in imports has further restricted the availability of DAP in the market.
• Reduction in Domestic Production: The domestic production of DAP fell from 23.3 lt to 21.5 lt, contributing to the overall decrease in supply for the rabi season.
• Unprofitable Pricing due to Government Controls: This pricing structure does not cover the total cost of Rs 65,000 per tonne, which includes import, bagging, and distribution expenses, making it unviable for companies to import DAP.
• High Demand During Sowing Season: Farmers require DAP for sowing important crops like mustard, potato, and wheat. Favourable monsoon conditions and rising crop prices have led to increased planting enthusiasm among farmers, further raising demand.
• Increased Prices for Farmers: Due to the scarcity of DAP, farmers are paying Rs 250-350 more than the government-fixed price of Rs 1,350 for a 50-kg bag.

Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)

Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) is a widely used fertilizer that provides essential nutrients to crops, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. This fertilizer is crucial for enhancing crop yield and promoting healthy plant growth. However, recent developments in India have led to a significant shortage of DAP, impacting agricultural productivity.

Overview of DAP Fertilizer

Composition:

1. • DAP is composed of two primary nutrients: nitrogen (from ammonia) and phosphorus (from phosphoric acid).
   • It typically contains around 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus, making it an excellent source of these essential nutrients for plants.

Importance in Agriculture:

1. • DAP supports root development, flowering, and seed production in plants.
   • It is especially beneficial for crops like wheat, maize, and pulses.

Suggested Solutions

• Promote Alternative Fertilizers: Encourage the use of complex and water-soluble fertilizers that can be more efficiently applied directly to the root zone of crops.
• Revise Pricing and Subsidy Structures: Shift from current price controls and specific subsidies to flat per-acre payments each crop season, conditioned on the purchase of nutrients. This approach aims to promote efficient fertilizer use and directly enhance crop growth.

Conclusion

Addressing the DAP fertilizer shortage requires strategic changes in policy and a focus on promoting alternative fertilizers. By revising pricing structures and encouraging efficient use of resources, the government can help ensure that farmers have the necessary supplies for successful planting seasons.

ADDRESSING TOXIC WORK CULTURE IN INDIA’S CORPORATE SECTOR

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The tragic death of Anna Sebastian, a young chartered accountant, has highlighted the issue of toxic work culture in India. Her death has raised concerns over workplace exploitation, lack of accountability, and the need for regulatory reforms.

Key Points:

Anna Sebastian’s Case:

• Anna Sebastian’s passing brought attention to the severe stress experienced by young Indian professionals.

Toxic Work Culture in India:

• Toxicity in work culture goes beyond long hours, encompassing lack of respect, appreciation, and fair treatment.
• Companies often understaff to cut costs, increasing the burden on existing employees.
• Terms like “organizational stretch,” “variable pay,” and “bell curve” are used to justify excessive expectations, often resulting in employee burnout.
• Rather than tackling the actual causes of stress, many companies conduct “stress management” workshops.

Work Culture Comparisons:

• Long work hours are common in the U.S., but European companies often operate with a 35-40 hour work week while remaining competitive.
• Importing U.S.-style work practices to India overlooks social and economic differences; India’s per capita income is significantly lower than that of the U.S.

Lack of Employee Protections in India:

• Indian employees have limited avenues to contest unfair treatment, unlike in Western countries where employees can seek legal recourse.
• Performance evaluations can be arbitrary, and practices like “weeding out dead wood” show insensitivity toward employee welfare.
• Public sector jobs, although lower-paying, generally offer better job security, union support, and fairer work environments.

Need for Systemic Change:

• Superficial measures, like updated codes of conduct or town hall meetings, are unlikely to create lasting change.
• Corporate boards should take responsibility for employee welfare, but they often lack engagement with employees’ day-to-day realities.
• Regulatory intervention may be required to ensure corporate boards prioritize fair practices and employee well-being.

Conclusion:

Improving work culture in India’s corporate sector demands genuine commitment from corporate leaders, regulatory reforms, and a focus on fostering respectful, supportive workplace environments.

RBI’S MAJOR MOVE: REPATRIATION OF 100 TONNES OF GOLD TO INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently repatriated over 100 tonnes of gold from the UK to India. This is the largest transfer of gold since the early 1990s.

Key Points about the Repatriation

Significance of the Move:

• The repatriation highlights the RBI’s evolving strategy in managing gold reserves.
• It reflects growing confidence in India’s economic stability.

Reasons for the Repatriation:

• Logistical Efficiency: Bringing gold back to India improves logistical control. It reduces reliance on foreign storage facilities.
• Cost Savings: Storing gold domestically eliminates storage fees paid to foreign custodians, like the Bank of England.
• Diversified Storage: This action encourages holding gold in multiple locations, reducing risks associated with foreign reserves.
• Current Gold Holdings: As of March 2024, the RBI held a total of 822.10 tonnes of gold. With this repatriation, the amount stored domestically increased to approximately 408.31 tonnes.
• Strategic Approach: The repatriation aligns with the RBI’s proactive strategy to protect India’s economic interests. It aims to decrease dependence on foreign storage facilities.
• Global Context: This move is part of a broader global trend where central banks are increasing their gold reserves. Gold acts as a safeguard against currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks.

Future Implications:

• The RBI may consider repatriating more gold in the future.
• This aligns with objectives of improving logistical efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing economic security.

Conclusion

The RBI’s decision to repatriate 100 tonnes of gold marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s gold reserves and reflects a strategic shift in the management of the country’s financial assets.

FIRST SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS OF ADITYA-L1 MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, has released its initial scientific findings, marking an important development in solar research.

• Significant Milestone: The first scientific results from Aditya-L1 represent a major step forward in understanding solar activity.
• Data Collection by VELC: The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), the primary instrument on board, has successfully captured data to estimate the onset time of a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun.
• Impact of CMEs: CMEs are powerful solar eruptions that can affect Earth’s space environment, disrupting satellite operations and communication systems.

About Aditya-L1

• Launch Details: Launched on September 2, 2023, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
• Mission Focus: Aditya-L1 is dedicated entirely to solar observation, aiming to enhance understanding of solar dynamics.
• Role of VELC: VELC monitors solar activities by observing CMEs and other energetic solar phenomena. Unlike traditional methods, VELC’s spectroscopic capabilities allow for the study of CMEs close to the Sun’s surface, providing valuable insights into their characteristics.
• Unique Observations: VELC’s findings offer a closer examination of the thermodynamic properties of CMEs near their source, improving knowledge of solar eruptions.

Conclusion

The Aditya-L1 mission’s initial scientific findings underscore its importance in advancing solar research and understanding the Sun’s impact on Earth’s environment.

HYDROGEL

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

Researchers at the Bose Institute’s Department of Chemical Sciences have found a new method to create hydrogels using tiny protein fragments made of five amino acids from the SARS-CoV-1 virus.

This new hydrogel could enhance targeted drug delivery and reduce side effects.

What are Hydrogels?

• Composition: Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks formed by crosslinking water-soluble polymers.
• Water Retention: They can hold a significant amount of water within their structure without altering their original form.
• Properties: Hydrogels are flexible and can swell, allowing them to adapt to different conditions.
• Smart Material: They can change their structure in response to environmental factors such as temperature, pH, salt concentration, or water content.

About SARS

• Definition: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-1 virus.
• Transmission: The virus is airborne and spreads through small droplets of saliva, similar to how colds and influenza spread. It can also spread indirectly via contaminated surfaces.
• Symptoms:
  • Persistent high fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Body aches
• Treatment: Currently, there is no specific established treatment for SARS.