Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (07-10-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: India, U.S. sign MoU on critical minerals supply chains |
| Polity and Governance: What is the status of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0? |
| World Cerebral Palsy Day |
| Economy: What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by Bureau of Indian Standards |
| Environment and Ecology: Antarctic Peninsula showed 10-fold greening since 1986 with increased warming: Study |
India, U.S. sign MoU on critical minerals supply chains
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: 6th Commercial Dialogue
Why in News
- The 6th Commercial Dialogue between India and the United States was held recently.
Semiconductor Supply Chains
- Background: Semiconductors are crucial for modern electronics and the global economy. Both India and the U.S. have been working together to create resilient semiconductor supply chains.
- Progress: The US Semiconductor Industry Association and the India Electronics Semiconductor Association completed an industry readiness assessment. This is aimed at identifying business opportunities and developing complementary semiconductor ecosystems in both countries.
- Future Plans: The focus is on facilitating collaboration between U.S. and Indian companies through investments, joint ventures, and technology partnerships, while promoting talent and workforce development in the semiconductor sector.
MoU on Critical Minerals Supply Chains
- New MoU: A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains between the U.S. and India. These minerals are essential for various industries, especially technology and energy.
- Objective: The MoU seeks to leverage the strengths of both countries to ensure greater resilience in the critical minerals sector. This includes exploring equipment, services, and policies to support the exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and recovery of critical minerals.
- Global Engagement: India and the U.S. are exploring partnerships with other countries to source these minerals, enhancing the global supply chain’s security.
Clean Energy and Innovation Handshake
- Clean Energy Partnership: The two leaders discussed progress in clean energy markets, especially in the context of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). An Environmental Technologies Business Development Mission in New Delhi earlier in 2024 saw participation from U.S. companies, aiming to foster secure and sustainable clean energy adoption in India.
- Innovation Handshake: The focus is on bringing the startup ecosystems of the two countries closer. Innovation roundtables held in San Francisco and New Delhi have created opportunities for startups to collaborate in sectors like clean energy and environmental technology.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)
- Supply Chain Resilience: Both leaders reviewed progress made under the IPEF, particularly in improving supply chain resilience in areas such as semiconductors, chemicals, batteries, and healthcare products.
- IPEF Supply Chain Agreement: The partners are focusing on strengthening supply chains, specifically targeting key sectors that are essential for economic stability and growth.
Future Collaborations
- SME Engagement: A significant emphasis was placed on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with plans for an upcoming U.S. trade mission to India in March 2025. The goal is to expand opportunities for U.S. SMEs, particularly those led by underserved communities, in the Indian market.
- New U.S. Consulate in Bengaluru: A new U.S. consulate is being planned in Bengaluru, along with the creation of a special position to assist startups and SMEs. This is part of broader efforts to foster collaboration between U.S. and Indian businesses, particularly in technology and green industries.
Standards and Trade Cooperation
- Standards Cooperation: Both leaders reviewed joint efforts made in standards and conformance cooperation under the Strategic Trade Dialogue and the Standards and Conformance Cooperation Program (SCCP). The dialogue ensures that trade between the two countries is facilitated smoothly, with standards being aligned where possible.
Expanding U.S. Presence in India
- Foreign Commercial Service Expansion: Plans were discussed to increase the number of U.S. Foreign Commercial Service staff in India to around 70 across seven cities. This will help strengthen commercial ties, making it easier for businesses in both countries to navigate trade regulations and collaborate on projects.
Conclusion:
- The Commercial Dialogue demonstrated the commitment of both India and the U.S. to deepen their economic and commercial ties.
- The key focus areas—semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, and SME collaboration—are strategically important for both countries’ long-term economic security and growth.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Q1. During the 6th India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue in October 2024, key initiatives were discussed to foster collaboration in critical sectors. Which of the following initiatives are aimed at promoting innovation and business development between the two countries?
1. The Innovation Handshake initiative, aimed at strengthening collaboration between Indian and U.S. startup ecosystems. 2. The Global Diversity Export Initiative, which focuses on expanding opportunities for U.S. small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India. 3. The Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP), facilitating clean energy trade and market development between India and the U.S. 4. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Supply Chain Council, which focuses on healthcare and green technologies. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: |
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2022)
How many pairs given above are correctly matched? A. Only one pair B. Only two pairs C. Only three pairs D. All four pairs Ans. C |
| Answer 1– D
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: The Innovation Handshake focuses on collaboration between U.S. and Indian startups, enhancing innovation ecosystems. · Statement 2 is correct: The Global Diversity Export Initiative promotes opportunities for U.S. SMEs in India, particularly from underserved communities. · Statement 4 is correct: The IPEF Supply Chain Council aims to collaborate in sectors like healthcare and green technologies. · Statement 3 is incorrect: While the SCEP is important for clean energy collaboration, it is primarily focused on energy markets rather than directly promoting innovation or business development.
|
What is the status of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0?
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance
Context: Legacy Waste Dumpsites and the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
Why in News
- Launched with much fanfare, the legacy waste management project of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 has been a slow starter.
Overview
- The issue of legacy waste management and the role of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0 is a significant aspect of urban governance, environmental sustainability, and public health in India.
- The SBM 2.0 has set ambitious targets for cleaning India’s cities and addressing the growing problem of legacy waste.
Legacy Waste Dumpsites
- Legacy waste dumpsites refer to old, accumulated solid waste that has been improperly stored in unscientific and uncontrolled conditions for many years.
- These dumpsites were originally on the outskirts of cities but are now often found within expanding urban areas, covering 15,000 acres of prime land and containing an estimated 16 crore tonnes of waste.
Key Points
- Definition: Legacy dumpsites are aged waste deposits with high environmental and health risks.
- Current Status: 2,424 dumpsites in India have over 1,000 tonnes of waste each, of which only 19.43% have been remediated.
- Health Hazards: These sites emit greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change, while also posing health risks, including respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, skin allergies, asthma, and depression, especially for ragpickers and nearby residents.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0
- The Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 was launched in October 2021 with the objective of making all urban areas “garbage-free” by 2026.
- This builds on the success of SBM 1.0, which aimed at eliminating open defecation through the construction of toilets and making villages ODF (Open Defecation Free).
Key Features of SBM 2.0:
- Garbage-Free Cities: Aiming for complete scientific management of municipal waste, including 100% source segregation, door-to-door collection, and scientific disposal of all waste.
- Legacy Waste Remediation: SBM 2.0 has set a goal to remediate all legacy dumpsites and convert them into green zones.
- Scientific Landfills: Provisions have been made to ensure untreated waste and processing rejects are safely disposed of in scientific landfills to prevent new dumpsites from being created.
Progress Under SBM 2.0
- As of September 24, 2024, only 471 dumpsites (19.43%) have been fully remediated. However, the process of remediation is ongoing for 1,226 sites, while 727 sites have yet to be addressed.
- In terms of land area, 27% of the 17,039.71 acres has been reclaimed, and 73% remains buried under waste.
Performance by States:
- Tamil Nadu has reclaimed the most land, with 837 acres (42%) of dumpsites remediated.
- Gujarat has the highest percentage of landfill remediation, with 75% of its landfill area (698 out of 938 acres) reclaimed.
Challenges and Financial Commitments
- The project is partially funded by ₹3,226 crore from the Central government, with States and Union Territories contributing matching funds as per centrally sponsored scheme norms.
- Despite this financial commitment, the slow pace of remediation highlights issues such as bureaucratic delays, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient technical expertise.
SBM-Urban
- SBM-Urban was launched on 2nd October 2014 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- The programme includes elimination of open defecation, conversion of unsanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, municipal solid waste management and bringing about a behavioural change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices.
- Under the programme, community toilets will be built in residential areas where it is difficult to construct individual household toilets.
- 4,324 urban local bodies have been declared Open Defecation Free, which has been made possible through the construction of more than 66 lakhs individual household toilets and over 6 lakhs community/public toilets, far exceeding the Mission’s targets.
- Digital enablements such as Swachhata App, the digital grievance redressal platform introduced by MoHUA in 2016, has reinvented the way in which citizen grievance redressal is managed.
- SBM-U 2.0, announced in Budget 2021-22, is the continuation of SBM-U first phase. The government is trying to tap safe containment, transportation, disposal of faecal sludge, and septage from toilets.
- It will be implemented over five years from 2021 to 2026 with an outlay of Rs.1.41 lakh crore.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. With reference to the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0) and legacy waste management, consider the following statements:
1. SBM-U 2.0 aims to make all urban areas in India “garbage-free” by the year 2026. 2. Legacy waste dumpsites are hazardous as they are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and carbon dioxide. 3. As of September 2024, more than 50% of legacy waste dumpsites in India have been fully remediated. 4. SBM-U 2.0 provides for the construction of scientific landfills to prevent the creation of new dumpsites. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2 and 4 only
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Q. According to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which of the following statements is correct? (2019)
(a) The waste producer will have to separate the waste into five categories. (b) These rules will apply only to notified urban local bodies, notified cities and all industrial cities. (c) These rules provide precise and detailed criteria for landfill sites and waste processing facilities. (d) It will be mandatory for the waste producer not to take the waste produced in one district to any other district. Ans. (c)
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| Answer 2– A
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: SBM-U 2.0 aims to make all cities garbage-free by 2026. · Statement 2 is correct: Legacy dumpsites emit harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. · Statement 3 is incorrect: As of September 2024, only about 19.43% of legacy waste dumpsites have been fully remediated. · Statement 4 is correct: SBM-U 2.0 includes provisions for scientific landfills to manage untreated waste and prevent the creation of new dumpsites. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by Bureau of Indian Standards
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Economy
Context: National Agriculture Code (NAC)
Why in News
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
What is the National Agriculture Code?
- The BIS is the national body which sets standards for different products across various economic sectors.
- In agriculture, it has already set standards for machinery (tractors, harvesters, etc.) and various inputs (fertilisers, pesticides, etc.)
- However, there are still many areas not covered by the BIS standards.
- For example, there is no standard for agriculture practices like preparation of fields, micro irrigation and water use.
- Thus, for a long time, policymakers have felt a need for a comprehensive standards framework, like the one now being formulated by the BIS.
- The NAC will cover the entire agriculture cycle, and will also contain a guidance note for future standardisation.
- The code will have two parts.
- The first will contain general principles for all crops,
- the second will deal with crop-specific standards for the likes of paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
- The NAC will serve as a guide for farmers, agriculture universities, and officials involved in the field.
What will the NAC cover?
- In addition to standards for agriculture machinery, the NAC will cover all agriculture processes and post-harvest operations, such as crop selection, land preparation, sowing/transplanting, irrigation/drainage, soil health management, plant health management, harvesting/threshing, primary processing, post-harvest, sustainability, and record maintenance.
- It will also include standards for input management, like use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides, as well as standards for crop storage and traceability.
- Crucially, the NAC will cover all new and emerging areas like natural farming and organic farming, as well as the use of Internet-of-Things in the field of agriculture.
What are the stated objects of the National Agriculture Code?
According to the BIS, the objectives are:
- To create an implementable national code covering recommendations for agriculture practices taking agroclimatic zones, crop type, socio economic diversity of the country and all aspects of agrifood value chain into consideration;
- To act as an enabler of quality culture in Indian agriculture by providing the required reference to policy makers, agriculture departments and regulators for incorporating the provisions of NAC in their schemes, policies, or regulations;
- To create a comprehensive guide for the farming community to ensure effective decision making in agricultural practices;
- To integrate relevant Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.
- To address the horizontal aspects of agriculture such as SMART farming, sustainability, traceability and documentation; and
- To aid in the capacity building program organized by agriculture extension services and civil society organisations.
What is the proposed timeline for this project?
- The BIS has already formulated a strategy to standardise practices.
- It has formed working panels for 12-14 specifically identified areas, which will include university professors and R&D organisations. These panels will draft the code, with a tentative deadline for the NAC set as October 2025.
- After this, the BIS plans to provide training to farmers on the NAC and its standards.
What are Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms? How are they important?
- Apart from drafting the NAC, the BIS has also taken an initiative for setting up of ‘Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farm’ (SADF) in selected agriculture institutes in the country.
- These farms will serve as experimental sites for testing and implementing various agricultural practices and new technologies in accordance with Indian Standards, according to the BIS.
- For the development of these specialised farms, the BIS plans to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with premier agricultural institutes.
| CARE MCQ | upsc pyq |
| Q3. With reference to the National Agriculture Code (NAC) being formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), consider the following statements:
1. The NAC will cover the entire agricultural cycle, including processes such as crop selection, land preparation, and post-harvest operations. 2. The NAC will provide separate sections for general principles for all crops and crop-specific standards for paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses. 3. The NAC will only cover traditional farming methods and exclude new and emerging areas like natural farming and organic farming. 4. The NAC aims to act as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators to incorporate standardization into their schemes and policies. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2 and 4 only |
Q. What is/ are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market Scheme’? (2017)
1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities. 2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a. 1 only b. 2 only c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: C |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: The NAC will cover all agriculture processes and post-harvest operations, including crop selection, land preparation, and others. · Statement 2 is correct: The NAC will have two parts, one with general principles for all crops and the other with crop-specific standards. · Statement 3 is incorrect: The NAC will also cover new and emerging areas such as natural farming, organic farming, and the use of Internet-of-Things in agriculture. · Statement 4 is correct: The NAC aims to serve as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
World Cerebral Palsy Day
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2062468
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: World Cerebral Palsy Day
Why in News
- The World Cerebral Palsy Day, on October 6, 2024, will once again serve as a platform to amplify the voices of individuals living with cerebral palsy (CP).
Overview
- World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed on October 6 every year to raise awareness about cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and coordination.
- The theme for 2024 is ‘#UniquelyCP’, which celebrates the uniqueness and individual identities of those living with cerebral palsy, encouraging society to recognize their abilities beyond their disability.
Key Points
- Theme – ‘#UniquelyCP’:
- The theme for 2024 emphasizes that individuals with cerebral palsy are not solely defined by their disability.
- It focuses on celebrating their unique passions, talents, and identities, stressing the need for societal acceptance and inclusion.
- Role of Government of India:
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, leads the national efforts to mark this day.
- Awareness campaigns are organized across the country by national institutes and regional centres to educate people about cerebral palsy and promote inclusivity.
- Objective:
- The day aims to break the stereotypes associated with cerebral palsy and foster an inclusive society where individuals are respected for their identities and capabilities.
- It seeks to highlight both the challenges faced by people with CP and their unique abilities, promoting the idea that they can achieve their goals with the right support and recognition.
- Societal Impact:
- Through the #UniquelyCP campaign, the day advocates for the dismantling of barriers that limit the opportunities of individuals with cerebral palsy.
- It promotes diversity and inclusion, encouraging society to look beyond disabilities and appreciate the strengths and talents of each person.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only
|
Q. In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: (2021) 1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg. 2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father. Which of the statements given above is’/are correct? Ans . A
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| Answer 4 B
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct. The theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 is ‘#UniquelyCP’, which focuses on celebrating the unique identities and talents of people with cerebral palsy. · Statement 2 is incorrect. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. · Statement 3 is correct. The day aims to break stereotypes, raise awareness, and promote inclusivity for people living with cerebral palsy. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
Antarctic Peninsula showed 10-fold greening since 1986 with increased warming: Study
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3-Envrionement and Ecology
Context: Impact of Climate Change
Why in news
- Recent research has revealed that the Antarctic Peninsula is experiencing significant ecological changes, marked by a dramatic increase in vegetation cover.
Overview
- The report from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the All-India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) highlights the severe impacts of climate change on cotton farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra, two major cotton-producing states in India.
Increase in Vegetation Cover:
- The vegetation cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased tenfold since 1986, expanding from less than 1 km² to nearly 12 km² by 2021.
- The study indicated an accelerated rate of change in vegetation from 2016 to 2021, with a notable increase in plant growth.
Impact of Climate Change:
- The Antarctic Peninsula is warming at an alarming rate—five times faster than the global average, with a temperature rise of almost 3°C since 1950.
- The region’s sensitivity to climate change is underscored by the significant loss of glacier mass (over 90% since the 1940s) and alterations in biological systems.
Research Methodology:
- The findings are based on data from NASA’s Landsat satellite mission, which provided comprehensive imagery of the region from 1986 to 2021.
- The analysis highlighted a change rate of 0.424 km² per year during the latter part of the study, compared to 0.317 km² per year over the entire 35-year span.
Ecological Concerns:
- The growth of vascular plants has extended their range, but there are rising concerns regarding moss ecosystems, which play a crucial role in soil formation and vegetation cover.
- The ability of mosses to colonize bare rock surfaces may lead to more significant ecological changes, potentially allowing non-native and invasive species to establish in the region.
Future Implications:
- Projections indicate that temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula could rise by an additional 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2044, further accelerating ecological changes.
- The ongoing warming and ice shelf dynamics may continue to alter the landscape and ecosystems, posing risks for biodiversity and the integrity of native species.
Antarctica Becoming Increasingly Significant
- Climate Change Implications: Antarctica plays a crucial role in Earth’s climate system, and the melting of its ice sheets has far-reaching consequences for global sea levels and weather patterns.
- The recent satellite pictures showed that the Antarctic iceberg called A23a was moving beyond the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Resource Potential: Antarctica is believed to hold significant reserves of valuable minerals, including rare earth elements, coal, and potentially untapped oil and gas deposits.
- With the growing global demand for resources and the depletion of traditional sources, the potential for responsible and sustainable resource exploration in Antarctica has gained attention.
- Scientific Research Opportunities: Antarctica’s unique and pristine environment offers unparalleled opportunities for scientific research across various disciplines, including glaciology, astronomy, geology, and biology.
- As technological advancements enable more sophisticated research methods, the scientific value of Antarctica continues to increase.
- Example: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica.
- Rising Geopolitical Interests: As nations seek to establish their presence and influence in strategically important regions, Antarctica has become an area of growing geopolitical interest.
- Countries are vying for a stronger voice in the governance and decision-making processes related to the Antarctic region, driven by potential resource opportunities and a desire for global influence.
- Environmental Monitoring and Conservation: Antarctica serves as a critical indicator of global environmental changes, and monitoring its ecosystems and wildlife provides valuable insights into the health of the planet.
- The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the regions experiencing the fastest warming on Earth, leading to significant changes in penguin and krill populations.
What is the Antarctic Treaty?
- Signed in 1959 by 12 countries active in Antarctic research during the International Geophysical Year (1957-58).
- Currently has 57 member nations including India (joined the treaty in 1983).
- Key Provisions:
- Peaceful Use: Antarctica is dedicated to peaceful purposes only (Article I).
- Scientific Collaboration: Freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation are encouraged (Article II).
- Information Sharing: Scientific observations and results must be exchanged and made readily available (Article III).
- Territorial Claims:
- Seven signatory countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK) have overlapping territorial claims.
- Other countries do not recognize these claims.
- The US and Russia maintain a “basis of claim” without asserting it.
- Article IV maintains the status quo by:
- Disallowing any existing activity to be used to support or deny territorial claims.
- Prohibiting new or expanded territorial claims while the Treaty is in force.
- Inspection Regime: To ensure adherence to the Treaty, all areas of Antarctica, including stations and installations, are subject to inspection by any Party at any time (Article VII).
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements:
Which of the following is correct? A. 1 only |
Q. On 21st June, the Sun (2019)
(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle Ans: (a)
|
| Answer 5 B
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct. Mosses play a crucial role in the Antarctic ecosystem by colonizing bare rock surfaces and contributing to organic soil formation. This process allows for higher plants to establish themselves in the region as the soil develops, facilitating further plant growth and vegetation cover. · Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary concern regarding the greening of the Antarctic Peninsula is not the decline of native vascular plants but rather the potential for invasive species to arrive in the region. The warming temperatures are leading to the greening of the landscape, which raises the risk of non-native and invasive species being introduced, potentially disrupting the local ecosystem. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |