8-March-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

 MEDIUM OF EXCHANGE – OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: BUSINESS STANDARD

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and EY, in their recent report on the media and entertainment sector, have uncovered crucial insights shaping the industry’s future. These findings provide a roadmap for businesses within this sector to adapt and thrive amid dynamic market changes.

Important Findings:

Size of the Industry:

• The industry showcases a commendable growth rate exceeding 8%.
• Television, print, and radio segments exhibit slower growth compared to digital media, online gaming, and filmed entertainment.
• Projections for 2023-26 highlight online gaming, digital media, animation, and music as key revenue drivers.

Internet Penetration:

• Witnessing an 8% increase, internet subscriptions reached a substantial 938 million by December 2023.

Time Consumption:

• Indians spent an average of 4.8 hours daily on their phones in 2023.
• Social media accounted for 50% of this time, with 28% allocated to entertainment and news.

Online Gaming:

• Online gaming surged by 22% in 2023, surpassing filmed entertainment to become the fourth-largest industry segment.
• Boasting 450 million gamers, 83% of the revenue in this sector came from real money gaming.

Low Advertising Revenue:

• Advertising revenue in India stands at an estimated 0.33% of GDP, significantly lower than the 0.6 to 1% in developed markets.

Opportunities in Digital Media:

Democratizing Digital Market Advertisement:

• Around one million small-scale businesses invested ~20,000 crore in digital advertising in 2023, providing them a platform to reach their target audience effectively.

Immense Growth Potential:

• Predictions indicate that by 2026, the digital media space will be over three times the size of print media and will surpass television.

Challenges and Risks:

Domination of Large Firms:

• Large technology firms may monopolize incremental revenue in the advertising industry, potentially marginalizing smaller businesses.

Abuse by Social Media Giants:

• Dominant social media platforms might exploit user vulnerabilities and biases to push content and advertisements, raising concerns about fair competition.

Social Disorder:

• Digital media content may be manipulated by vested groups to polarize society, potentially sowing seeds of social disharmony.

A BOLD STEP TOWARDS A CERVICAL CANCER-FREE FUTURE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The push for HPV vaccination for girls in the 2024-25 interim Budget marks a new era in women’s health in India.

Cervical cancer poses a significant health burden in India, being the second most common cancer among women with alarming rates of mortality.

However, concerted efforts and initiatives are underway both nationally and globally to combat this disease and its underlying cause, the Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Initiatives to Eliminate Cervical Cancer:

Initiatives in India:

• Development of Cervavac: India’s indigenous HPV vaccine, Cervavac, has made significant strides in making vaccination more affordable and accessible.
• Sikkim’s Successful Model: Through effective community education and outreach, Sikkim achieved an impressive 97% HPV vaccination rate.
• U-WIN Portal Rollout: Similar to Co-WIN, the U-WIN portal aims to track immunizations across the country, including HPV vaccines.

Initiatives Worldwide:

• WHO’s ‘90-70-90’ Targets: The WHO aims for ambitious vaccination, screening, and treatment targets by 2030 to combat cervical cancer effectively.
• Rwanda’s Campaign: Rwanda’s vaccination program has shown promising results in reducing HPV prevalence, particularly among women.
• Southeast Asia Region: Several countries in this region, including Bhutan and Thailand, have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination programs.
• Bhutan’s Leadership: Bhutan has been a pioneer in implementing nationwide HPV vaccination programs, achieving high coverage rates among targeted populations.

Challenges in Eliminating Cervical Cancer:

• Combatting Vaccine Hesitancy: Addressing misinformation and myths surrounding the HPV vaccine remains a significant challenge.
• Achieving Equitable Access: Ensuring access to HPV vaccination for all, especially in underserved areas, is crucial.
• Building Robust Infrastructure: Developing adequate healthcare infrastructure for widespread vaccination presents challenges.
• Implementing Tracking Systems: Efficient tracking systems like the U-WIN portal pose logistical challenges.
• Raising Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness and understanding of HPV and cervical cancer in diverse cultural contexts is essential.
• Ensuring Vaccine Affordability: Making vaccines like Cervavac affordable and accessible remains critical.

UNDERSEA MESSAGE: INDIA, GET MORE CABLE-ABLE

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Undersea cables, also known as submarine cables, are physical mediums like wires, optical fibers, or tubes used for transmitting communications through guided electromagnetic energy.

Damage and Causes:

• The Red Sea hosts 14 undersea cables, vital for 90% of net traffic between Europe and Asia.
• The responsible party for the recent damage remains uncertain. The Houthis claim responsibility, while others suspect damage from old ship anchors.

Significance for India:

Economic Importance:

• Undersea cables carry 99% of internet traffic, impacting India’s service sector significantly.
• TATA Communication’s involvement in the TGN Red Sea cable highlights India’s stake in the cable network. Damage could lead to substantial economic losses.

Geostrategic Importance:

• Data Security: Cables carry valuable data, making them critical in wartime strategies, historically used to disrupt enemy communications.
• Maritime Positioning: India’s strategic location at maritime crossroads enhances its geopolitical significance. Submarine cables follow these routes, potentially giving India diplomatic leverage.

TREES IN CORBETT FELL PREY TO GREEDY NEXUS, SAYS SUPREME COURT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court has castigated the political-bureaucrat collusion involved in illegal construction and tree felling at Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, asserting a breach of public trust. This iconic national park, nestled in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, boasts rich biodiversity and is renowned for its flora and fauna.

Key Features of Jim Corbett National Park:

Location and Flora:

• Located in Uttarakhand, it houses diverse flora including Sal, Semal, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, and various other tree species.
• Prominent trees like Sal, Khair, and Sissoo dominate the landscape.

Fauna:

• Diverse wildlife includes Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Deer species, Wild Boar, Langur, and several reptiles like Crocodile and King Cobra.

Rivers Associated:

• The Kosi River feeds the eastern periphery, while the Ramganga River (West) and its tributaries serve as crucial hydrological resources.

Historical Significance:

• Established in 1935, its India’s oldest national park, initially named Hailey National Park after its founder.
• Renamed Corbett National Park in 1956, honoring Jim Corbett, a pioneer in wildlife preservation.

Tiger Population:

• Home to the highest tiger population in India, contributing significantly to tiger conservation efforts.

News Summary:

• In 2023, allegations of illegal construction and water body creation within the park surfaced.
• Petitioners highlighted environmental norm violations and wildlife habitat encroachments.
• Evidence presented included unauthorized constructions and felling of over 6,000 trees under the pretext of safari development.

Supreme Court’s Observations and Directives:

• Raised concerns about developing facilities within natural forest environments, especially in areas designated for endangered species.
• Directed the government to form a committee to assess whether tiger safaris should be allowed in buffer or fringe areas.
• Emphasized the need for guidelines if such safaris are permitted.

About Core and Buffer Areas in Tiger Reserves:

• As per the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2006, a Tiger Reserve comprises core critical habitat and a peripheral buffer zone.
• Core areas have legal protection equivalent to a National Park or Sanctuary.
• Buffer zones, a mix of forest and non-forest land, function to mitigate poaching pressure on wildlife populations.

RUPA TARAKASI

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Cuttack, Odisha’s millennium city, has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its renowned silver filigree craft, known as Rupa Tarakasi.

About Rupa Tarakasi:

• Exquisite Silver Craft: Rupa Tarakasi is a sophisticated and exquisite silver craft practiced in Cuttack, Odisha.
• Centuries-Old Tradition: With roots as far back as the 12th century, this art form flourished under Mughal patronage and evolved through different rulers in Cuttack.

Process:

• Silver Transformation: Silver bricks are intricately transformed into thin wires or foils known as “tara,” forming the basis for silver filigree with various designs (kasi).
• Metal Alloy: Various grades of silver are used in the alloy, supplemented by metals like copper, zinc, cadmium, and tin.

Artists and Craftsmanship:

• Craftspeople: The skilled artisans involved in filigree work are referred to as “Rupa Banias” or “Roupyakaras” in Odia.
• Diverse Creations: Rupa Tarakasi extends to crafting diverse items, including Odissi dance jewelry, decorative artifacts, accessories, and religious and cultural pieces.

Historical Significance:

• Origin and Evolution: While the exact origin remains unclear, the art form’s presence dates back to the 12th century and evolved through different ruling periods in Cuttack.
• Mughal Patronage: The craft gained prominence and refinement under Mughal patronage.

PM MODI INAUGURATES INDIA’S FIRST UNDERWATER METRO IN KOLKATA

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Prime Minister inaugurated a metro train service between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade in Kolkata, marking the opening of India’s first under-river metro tunnel.

Features of India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel:

• East-West Corridor: The tunnel is part of Kolkata Metro’s East-West Corridor.
• Under the Hooghly River: It passes 13 meters below the Hooghly River’s bed and 37 meters below ground level.
• Stretch Details: The 4.8 km underground section connects Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.
• Cost: Built at a cost of Rs 4,965 crore.
• Deepest Metro Station: Howrah Maidan station is the country’s deepest metro station, located 32 meters below ground level.
• Travel Time: The metro is expected to cover the 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly River in 45 seconds.

Key Facts about River Hooghly:

• Distributary of Ganges: Hooghly is a distributary or arm of the Ganges River, about 260 km long.
• Course: Formed in Murshidabad, it flows through a heavily industrialized area of West Bengal, entering the Bay of Bengal through a 32-kilometer-wide estuary.
• Water Source: Majority of its water comes from the Farakka Feeder Canal, supplied by the Farakka Barrage diverting water from the Ganges.
• Feeder Rivers: Haldi, Ajay, Damodar, and Rupnarayan feed the lower reaches.
• Important Cities: Cities like Jiaganj, Azimganj, Murshidabad, and Baharampur are situated along the Hooghly.
• Bridges: Spanned by a cantilever bridge between Haora and Kolkata and the Bally Bridge between Bally and Baranagar.

85% OF GIG WORKERS WORK FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS: STUDY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

A Delhi-based NGO, Janpahal, conducted a survey interviewing over 5,000 gig and platform workers in 32 Indian cities.

Key Findings:

• Excessive Working Hours: 85% of gig workers, particularly drivers and riders, exceed eight hours of work daily, with 21% working over 12 hours a day.
• Safety Concerns: 65% of women gig workers feel unsafe in their jobs.

Recommendations:

• Renaming Workers: The report recommends renaming gig, platform, and e-commerce workers as “e-commerce workers” to better reflect the sustained nature of their work.
• Fair Payment Regulations: Suggestions include implementing regulations for fair payment structures, stipulating regular working hours, and ensuring payment of a minimum wage to prevent worker exploitation.

Additional Information:

• Income Insufficiency Concerns: The report condemns practices such as indefinite blocking of worker IDs and calls for platforms to address income insufficiency by reducing commissions and separately compensating fuel expenses, especially given the rising fuel prices.