CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11/09/2023

G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : The Hindu

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In an unexpected success for India’s G-20 Presidency, member countries reached a consensus on the contentious “Ukraine paragraphs” and welcomed the African Union (AU) as a new member of the group.

• The consensus marks a shift in the positions of the U.S., the European Union, and G-7 countries, softening the criticism of Russia compared to the previous year’s Bali G-20 statement.
• The breakthrough followed a proposal by Indonesia-India-Brazil-South Africa (IIBSA), and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced it during the summit.

Key Highlights

• Consensus on Ukraine Paragraphs:
  • The final G-20 declaration reflects a change in tone regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
  • It no longer contains strong condemnations but instead refers to differing “national positions” on the Ukraine conflict.
  • It emphasizes the need for all states to refrain from using force to acquire territory or threaten the sovereignty of others.
• Role of IIBSA:
  • The consensus was primarily driven by the stand taken by the IIBSA countries, which have a history of working together.
  • These developing nations played a crucial role in shaping the new declaration and ensuring a joint statement was reached.
• Key Points in the Declaration:
  • The 83-paragraph declaration covered various aspects, including the economic impact of the Ukraine war.
  • It highlighted agreements related to strengthening multilateral development banks, regulating cryptocurrencies, and promoting financial inclusion.
  • The declaration also emphasized a significant increase in climate financing and the need for substantial investments in clean energy technologies.
• African Union’s Membership:
  • India’s G-20 Presidency announced the inclusion of the African Union, making it the second regional bloc to join the G-20 after the European Union.
  • The move was welcomed as it enhances the effectiveness of the G-20 and gives a voice to the global south and the African continent in world forums.
  • The African Union expressed the need for investment and skill development assistance from other G-20 members to address global challenges effectively.

Key Points from the G-20 Consensus Declaration:

• UN Charter Principles:
  • All states must adhere to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter in its entirety.
• Use of Force and Nuclear Weapons:
  • States are prohibited from using or threatening to use force to acquire territory, infringing on territorial integrity, sovereignty, or political independence of any state.
  • The use or threat of using nuclear weapons is deemed inadmissible.
• Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy:
  • Peaceful resolution of conflicts and the use of diplomacy and dialogue are emphasized as critical.
  • The current era should not be characterized by war.
• Grain, Food, and Energy Security:
  • Russia and Ukraine are urged to ensure the immediate and unhindered delivery of grain, foodstuffs, and fertilizers/inputs.
  • Importance is placed on sustaining food and energy security and the need to cease military destruction or attacks on relevant infrastructure.
  • There remains a potential for high volatility in food and energy markets.
• Economic and Financial Markets:
  • Commitment to protecting vulnerable populations through equitable growth and enhancing macroeconomic and financial stability.
  • Reaffirmation of exchange rate commitments made by G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in April 2021.
  • Endorsement of high-level recommendations by the Financial Stability Board for regulating crypto-assets and activities.
  • Discussion on the cryptocurrency roadmap by finance ministers and central bank governors in October.
  • Renewed commitment to ensuring fair competition and discouraging protectionism and market-distorting practices.
• Climate Change:
  • The need to accelerate efforts to reduce unabated coal power, in alignment with national circumstances.
  • A commitment to facilitating low-cost financing for developing countries to transition to low carbon.
  • Pursuit of efforts to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, in line with national circumstances.
  • Emphasis on scaling up sustainable finance.
  • Utilization of carbon pricing and incentives toward carbon neutrality and net zero.
  • Recognition of the need for increased global investments to meet climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
  • A call for parties to establish an ambitious, transparent, and trackable New Collective Quantified Goal of climate finance in 2024, starting at $100 billion annually.
• Global Debt Vulnerabilities:
  • Commitment to promoting resilient growth by promptly addressing debt vulnerabilities in developing countries.
  • A call for the swift resolution of debt treatment for Ethiopia.
• Health:
  • Commitment to strengthening the global health architecture.
  • Focus on enhancing the resilience of health systems and developing climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems in collaboration with multilateral banks.

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G-20 Commitment to Gender Equality in Climate Change and Environmental Efforts

(General Studies- Paper II)

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The G-20 nations have pledged to enhance women’s involvement, leadership, and decision-making roles in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction strategies.

• Gender-responsive solutions, including those related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), will be promoted to build resilience against climate change and environmental degradation.

Key Highlights

• Establishment of a Working Group for Women’s Empowerment:
  • A new Working Group on Empowerment of Women will be established to further empower women and advance gender equality.
  • This group will hold its inaugural meeting during the Brazilian G-20 Presidency.
• Closing Gender Gaps and Economic Participation:
  • G-20 leaders commit to closing gender gaps and promoting women’s full and equal participation in the economy as decision-makers.
  • This commitment involves the following:
    • bridging the labour force gap,
    • encouraging STEM education for girls,
    • advancing women’s roles in the workforce,
    • strengthening social protection,
    • eliminating gender-based violence,
    • promoting financial inclusion,
    • challenging gender stereotypes, and
    • bridging the digital gender divide.
  • Ambitious Goal to Halve the Digital Gender Gap by 2030:
    • G-20 nations aim to reduce the digital gender gap by half by 2030 and stress the importance of gender-responsive policies in the digital economy.
  • Addressing Risks of Increased Digitization:
    • The declaration acknowledges the risks associated with increased digitization and commits to identifying and eliminating potential risks, both online and offline, including various forms of abuse.
    • Safety-by-design approaches in digital tools and technologies will be encouraged to address these risks.
  • Promoting an Inclusive Digital Economy:
    • Gender-responsive policies will be promoted to create an inclusive and non-discriminatory digital economy, with a focus on supporting women-led and -owned businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
    • Initiatives aimed at improving women’s livelihoods and income security will be identified, funded, and accelerated.
  • Investment in Inclusive, Sustainable Agriculture:
    • The G-20 commits to encouraging investments in inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agriculture and food systems.
    • Special attention will be given to addressing women’s food security and nutrition as a critical issue.
    • Gender-responsive and age-sensitive nutrition and food system interventions will be supported.
    • Innovative financing instruments and social protection systems will be leveraged to combat hunger and malnutrition, particularly focusing on women’s needs.

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New Delhi Declaration underlines need for more finance to arrest global warming

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

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The G-20 Leader’s Declaration has formally recognized the substantial financial needs for the world’s transition to a renewable energy-based economy.

• It identifies the necessity of USD 5.8-5.9 trillion in the pre-2030 period for developing countries and USD 4 trillion per year for clean energy technologies by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key Highlights

• Principles of “Common but Differentiated Responsibility”:
  • The commitment to reach “net zero” emissions by the G-20 does not imply that all nations must contribute equally to the associated costs.
  • It acknowledges the principles of “common but differentiated responsibility,” recognizing varying financial capacities among countries.
• Dispute Over Financial Support for Developing Countries:
  • A longstanding dispute between developed and developing nations centres on the transfer of money and technology to aid developing countries in combating climate change.
  • While it was agreed in 2010 that $100 billion annually should be collected and transferred to developing countries by 2020 (until 2025), progress has been limited.
  • The G-20 Declaration reaffirms this commitment and suggests that developed countries are likely to meet this goal for the first time in 2023.
• Acknowledgment of Emission Reduction Targets:
  • The Declaration acknowledges the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
  • It emphasizes that global peaking of emissions must occur before 2025.
• Targets for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency:
  • The G-20 communique encourages the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  • It also calls for voluntary doubling of the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030.
• No Concrete Measures on Coal Transition:
  • The G-20 statement does not outline specific actions for transitioning away from coal, despite it being the primary energy source for most G-20 countries, with numerous coal plants still under construction.
• Criticism and Concerns:
  • Critics argue that while the G-20’s progress is positive, it falls short in terms of providing a clear timeframe for renewable energy targets and financial commitments.
  • Meeting the net-zero target requires significantly higher investment, and without enhanced financial support, developing countries may struggle to achieve their climate goals.

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G-20 nations to work towards food and nutritional security for all

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

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The G-20 leaders’ declaration at the recent meeting highlights the importance of ensuring global food and nutritional security, aligning with the G-20 Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition 2023.

Key Highlights

• Promotion of Climate-Resilient Grains and Traditional Crops:
  • The leaders express their commitment to encourage research cooperation in climate-resilient and nutritious grains, including millets, quinoa, sorghum, and traditional crops such as rice, wheat, and maize.
• Support for Access to Fertilizer and Agricultural Inputs:
  • The declaration emphasizes the importance of increasing access to, availability of, and efficient use of fertilizer and agricultural inputs.
  • It calls for strengthening local fertilizer production and improving soil health.
• Investment in Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability:
  • G-20 leaders commit to accelerating innovations and investments aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
  • Efforts will be made to reduce food loss and waste throughout the value chain, improve marketing and storage, and create more sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture and food systems.
• Support for Developing Countries:
  • The declaration includes a commitment to support developing countries in addressing their food security challenges.
  • The goal is to enable access to affordable, safe, nutritious, and healthy diets and to progressively realize the right to adequate food.
• Promotion of Open and Fair Agricultural Trade:
  • The G-20 leaders pledge to facilitate open, fair, predictable, and rules-based agriculture, food, and fertilizer trade.
  • They oppose imposing export prohibitions or restrictions and aim to reduce market distortions, adhering to relevant WTO (World Trade Organization) rules.
• Strengthening Data and Transparency:
  • Commitment is made to strengthen the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) and the Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM).
  • This is aimed at enhancing transparency to prevent food price volatility, expanding AMIS to include vegetable oils, and collaborating with early warning systems.

What is Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS)?

• The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) is an international initiative aimed at enhancing food market transparency and promoting collaboration among countries to mitigate food price volatility and ensure food security at the global level.
• AMIS was established in 2011 in response to the global food price crisis of 2007-2008, which highlighted the need for improved information-sharing and coordination in agricultural markets.
• AMIS consists of a group of major food-exporting and -importing countries, international organizations (such as the Food and Agriculture Organization – FAO, the World Food Programme – WFP, and the International Grains Council – IGC), and regional organizations.
• Member countries include both developed and developing nations, recognizing the global nature of food markets and the importance of cooperation in ensuring food security for all.

About the Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM)

• The Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) is an international initiative that leverages Earth observation satellite data and technology to improve global agricultural monitoring and food security.
• GEOGLAM was launched in 2011 as a response to the growing need for accurate and timely information on global crop production and agricultural conditions.
• GEOGLAM’s primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of countries and international organizations to monitor and assess global agricultural production and food security.
• By providing access to satellite data and tools, GEOGLAM aims to enhance decision-making, policy development, and disaster management related to agriculture.

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G-20 to push forward on crypto regulation, MDB reforms next month

(General Studies- Paper III)

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India’s G-20 presidency has paved the way for a coordinated global approach to regulating cryptocurrencies.

• Discussions on a regulatory framework for crypto assets will continue in Morocco during the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting.

Key Highlights

• Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs):
  • The G-20 has recognized the need to enhance the lending capacity of MDBs to meet the developmental demands of the world.
  • This effort aims to improve the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making within these institutions.
• Global Consensus on Crypto Assets:
  • The Indian presidency has contributed to a global consensus on the need for clear policies and regulations regarding crypto assets.
  • The New Delhi Declaration emphasizes monitoring the risks associated with the crypto-asset ecosystem and endorses the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) recommendations for regulating crypto-assets and global stablecoin arrangements.
• G-20 Roadmap for MDB Reforms:
  • A G-20 roadmap has been endorsed for the implementation of recommendations from an independent panel on the capital adequacy framework of MDBs.
  • This roadmap is expected to help MDBs utilize their existing resources effectively and potentially increase lending capacity by approximately $200 billion over the next decade.
• Global Engagement Continues:
  • Discussions on cryptocurrency regulation and MDB capacity strengthening will continue during the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, as part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank autumn meetings.

What are Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)?

• Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are international financial institutions that provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world.
• These institutions are established to promote economic development, reduce poverty, and support various development projects and initiatives.
• MDBs operate as cooperative entities with member countries contributing funds and resources to support the development goals of recipient countries.
• Few examples include:
  • World Bank Group: The World Bank Group is one of the largest and most well-known MDBs.
    • It consists of five institutions, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB): The ADB focuses on promoting economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • African Development Bank (AfDB): The AfDB is dedicated to enhancing economic and social development in African countries.
  • Inter-American Development Bank (IDB): The IDB focuses on development initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • New Development Bank (NDB): Also known as the BRICS Development Bank, the NDB was established by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.

What are Crypto assets?

• Crypto assets, also known as cryptocurrencies or digital assets, are digital or virtual forms of value that are secured by cryptography and exist solely in electronic form.
• These assets are decentralized and typically rely on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger system, to record transactions and maintain the integrity of the asset.

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PM Modi announces launch of Global Biofuel Alliance

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

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The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was officially launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the launch ceremony, attended by leaders from partner countries.

Key Highlights

• A Key Initiative Under India’s G20 Presidency:
  • The GBA is a significant initiative and priority during India’s G20 presidency, reflecting its commitment to sustainable biofuels.
• Objectives of the GBA:
  • The GBA aims to promote international cooperation and the use of sustainable biofuels.
  • It also seeks to facilitate global trade in biofuels and provide technical support for national biofuel programs.
• Founding Members of the GBA:
  • The alliance was initiated by India, the United States, and Brazil.
  • Nine founding members include India, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Observer Countries:
  • Canada and Singapore are observer countries in the GBA.
• Support from Various Countries and Organizations:
  • A total of 19 countries and 12 international organizations have agreed to join the GBA.
  • Among these, seven countries are part of the G20, four are G20 invitee countries, and eight are neither G20 members nor invitees.
• Several international organizations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, and International Civil Aviation Organization, have expressed support for the alliance.

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Saudi Arabia, India, U.S. and EU launch economic corridor

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : The Indian Express

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe mega economic corridor during the G-20 summit.

• The project involves several countries, including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany, and the US.

Key Highlights

• A Historic Partnership:
  • PM Modi emphasized the historic significance of this partnership and its potential to serve as a major medium of economic integration between India, West Asia, and Europe.
• Part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII):
  • The economic corridor is part of the PGII, a collaborative effort by G7 nations to fund infrastructure projects in developing countries.
  • PGII is seen as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Multimodal Transport and Energy Corridor:
  • The concept of ship and rail connectivity between India and the Arabian Peninsula was introduced during a meeting between National Security Adviser AjitDoval and US counterpart Jake Sullivan in May.
  • The corridor aims to build a railway line across the Arabian Peninsula through the UAE and Saudi Arabia and develop shipping connectivity between India and Europe.
  • It may also include transportation of energy through pipelines and data via optical fiber links, potentially involving other nations like Israel once normal relations are established between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.
• The project aims to facilitate greater trade among the participating countries, including energy products.
• It includes various components such as a rail link, an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline, and a high-speed data cable.
• Three Major Objectives:
  • Increasing prosperity among the involved countries through enhanced energy and digital communication flows.
  • Addressing the infrastructure gap in lower- and middle-income nations to support their growth.
  • Mitigating turbulence and insecurity originating from the Middle East.
• Transparency and High Standards:
  • The project is characterized by transparency, high standards, and a non-coercive approach, making it appealing to the countries involved and the global community.
• Strengthening the G20 Group:
  • The project may also serve as an effort by President Biden to bolster the G20 group as a counterbalance to the influence of China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
• Bypassing the Suez Canal:
  • The use of land routes in the Arabian Peninsula could potentially bypass the congested Suez Canal, providing an alternative trade route.
• Geopolitical Significance:
  • India-US-Middle East Cooperation:
    • The project showcases the growing geopolitical cooperation between India, the United States, and the Middle East.
    • It extends beyond the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing shared interests in the Middle East.
  • Key Partnerships:
    • Key nations involved in the initiative include India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union.
  • Breaking Pakistan’s Veto:
    • The project circumvents Pakistan’s veto over India’s overland connectivity to the West, a challenge faced for decades.
  • Enhanced Engagement with the Arabian Peninsula:
    • It deepens India’s strategic engagement with the Arabian Peninsula, strengthening connectivity between India and Arabia.
  • Infrastructure for Peace:
    • The corridor could contribute to reducing tensions in the Arabian Peninsula by promoting intra-regional connectivity, potentially becoming an “infrastructure for peace.”
  • Alternative to BRI:
    • It is presented as an alternative to China’s BRI, which several countries in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have embraced.
  • Involvement of Europe:
    • Europe’s participation in the corridor makes the EU a major stakeholder in integrating India with Arabia and Europa.
  • Trans-African Corridor:
    • The US and EU plan to build a Trans-African corridor connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
    • India may seek collaboration in African infrastructure development.
  • Restoring India’s Role:
    • This project re-establishes India’s historical role as a driver in shaping regional connectivity.

What is Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII)?

• The Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) is a collaborative initiative led by the United States aimed at promoting and financing infrastructure projects in developing nations.
• The primary goal of PGII is to mobilize investment in high-quality infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to boost economic development and connectivity.
• The initiative seeks to address the global demand for infrastructure financing by attracting major investors.
• Key features and objectives of PGII:
  • High-Quality Infrastructure: PGII emphasizes the development of infrastructure projects that meet high standards in terms of quality, sustainability, and transparency.
  • Global Connectivity: The initiative aims to establish economic corridors and connectivity networks that can link multiple countries and regions, fostering economic integration and trade.
  • Multi-Sectoral Approach: PGII covers various sectors, including transportation, energy, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure, to address diverse infrastructure needs.
  • Transparent and Non-Coercive: PGII operates with transparency and is not coercive in its approach, ensuring that partner countries have the freedom to make informed decisions about infrastructure projects.
  • Alternative to Other Initiatives: PGII is often seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to its emphasis on high standards and sustainability.

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G20 Members agree to triple green energy capacity by 2030

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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The G20 countries have committed to working towards tripling the global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

• If achieved, this goal could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by seven billion tonnes by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
• The G20 nations also pledged to make lifestyle changes to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Highlights

• Significant Climate Action despite Some Contentious Issues:
  • While the G20 declaration represents important progress in climate action, it does not address contentious issues like phasing out all fossil fuels, which faced major disagreements among member countries.
  • The declaration recognizes that the scale of climate action remains insufficient, and trillions of dollars are needed to meet the Paris Agreement objectives.
• Tripling Renewable Energy Capacity as a Key Lever:
  • The tripling of global renewable energy capacity is considered a critical lever for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving climate goals.
  • The IEA identifies this as the single most important lever to bridge the emissions gap needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
  • Expanding renewable capacity on this scale could avoid around seven billion tonnes of CO2 emissions between 2023 and 2030.
• Importance of G20 Agreements in Climate Action:
  • While G20 climate agreements are not legally binding, they hold significant influence in global climate action.
  • The collective commitment of these major economies can set a precedent and create momentum for other governments and industries to follow suit.
• Recognizing Diverse National Circumstances:
  • The G20 declaration acknowledges that not all countries need to reach their peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
  • It recognizes the importance of considering sustainable development, poverty eradication needs, equity, and national circumstances when setting emission reduction timeframes.
• Supporting Uninterrupted Energy Flows and Access to Financing:
  • The G20 countries emphasize the importance of uninterrupted energy flows from various sources, suppliers, and routes to support sustainable development and climate goals.
  • They also commit to facilitating access to low-cost financing for developing countries to deploy clean and sustainable energy solutions.

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Education Ministry asks States to bring all data under one platform

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : The Hindu

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The Ministry of Education is urging Indian states to establish VidyaSamikshaKendras (VSKs) under the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR).

• These VSKs will serve as data repositories, containing information from all Ministry of Education (MoE) schemes, including mid-day meal programs, teacher training, textbooks, school dropout rates, student learning outcomes, and performance grading.

Key Highlights

• Central and State-Level VSKs:
  • A central VSK center is currently housed in the Central Institute of Educational Technology building on the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) campus, managed by Ernst and Young.
  • It operates on open-source C-Qube software.
  • The MoE plans to transition from manual data entry to automatic mode through Application Programming Interface (API) integration, allowing platforms at central, state, and district levels to seamlessly communicate and integrate data.
• Advisory Role of EkStep Foundation:
  • The EkStep Foundation, a non-profit organization co-founded by NandanNilekani, former Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India, is advising on the VSK project’s implementation.
• Allocation of Funds to States:
  • The central government has allocated funds ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore to each state to establish VSKs, including pre-configured open-source hardware and software and human resources.
  • Several states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Jharkhand, have initiated the setup process.
• Data Integration for Enhanced Analytics:
  • The primary goal of VSKs is to consolidate data and enable analytics for correlation.
  • The MoE manages extensive data from various schemes, serving 15 lakh schools, 96 lakh teachers, and 26 crore students.
  • Effective data correlation and analysis are essential for informed decision-making.
• Examples of Data Correlation:
  • VSKs can help analyze correlations between data sets.
  • For instance, the system can examine attendance patterns captured through biometrics in schools and correlate them with student dropout data to identify trends and potential relationships.
  • It can also assess the impact of mid-day meal programs on student attendance.
• Improving Educational Outcomes:
  • In pilot VSK centers like the one in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, data from students’ weekly tests is entered to monitor their progress over time, enabling personalized education based on grades.
• Planning and Decision Support:
  • VSKs aim to map school locations with population data to assess Gross Access Ratios.
  • This information can guide decisions on new schools, industry skill requirements, and the establishment of higher education institutions.

About National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR)

• The National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) is a framework and initiative established by the Ministry of Education in India to modernize and digitize the education system in the country.
• NDEAR aims to provide a comprehensive digital infrastructure that supports various educational initiatives and programs, making education more accessible, efficient, and data-driven.
• Data Repository:
  • One of the key components of NDEAR is the establishment of VidyaSamikshaKendras (VSKs), which serve as data repositories.
  • These VSKs collect and store data from various educational schemes and programs run by the Ministry of Education.
• Data Sources:
  • NDEAR aggregates data from a wide range of sources, including mid-day meal programs, teacher training initiatives, school attendance, dropout rates, students’ learning outcomes, and the Performance Grading Index (PGI) that evaluates the school education system at the state and union territory (UT) levels.
• Analytics and Decision Support:
  • The collected data is used for analytics and decision support.
  • By analyzing educational data, policymakers and educators can make informed decisions to improve educational outcomes, allocate resources more effectively, and address specific challenges in the education sector.

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What should be done with electronic waste?
(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

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E-waste management in India has largely been informal, with a significant portion of collection and recycling handled by the informal sector.

• However, recent government initiatives and regulations aim to formalize and improve the management of electronic waste.

Key Highlights

• Informal E-Waste Management
  • Approximately 90% of e-waste collection and 70% of recycling in India are managed by the competitive informal sector.
  • This sector is skilled at salvaging components from older devices and profiting from repairs and recycling.
  • Some regions, like Moradabad, have become hubs for e-waste recycling, where valuable materials such as gold and silver are extracted from electronic waste, especially printed circuit boards.
• Government Regulations and Digitization
  • The Indian government has taken steps to formalize e-waste management.
  • In November 2022, it notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, to digitize the e-waste management process and increase visibility of e-waste movements in the economy.
• The level of e-waste is expected to grow further as mobile phones become cheaper, leading to increased usage and disposal.
• Challenges in E-Waste Management
  • One of the challenges in formalizing e-waste management is the competitive advantage of the informal sector, which relies on tools like “cannibalization” (breaking down devices for spare parts) to stay competitive.
  • Tariffs for finished products are sometimes lower than those for parts, making it more economical for repair shops to buy whole devices and use them for parts.
• Importance of a Circular Economy
  • A circular economy approach is crucial to address the growing demand for electronics while reducing the environmental impact.
  • It seeks to bring discarded components and materials back into the electronics ecosystem.
  • The circular economy approach emphasizes that every material produced on Earth is a resource, not waste, and should be considered wealth.
• Policy Recommendations for E-Waste Recycling
  • Public-private partnerships are suggested to establish a reverse supply chain for e-waste, involving collecting devices from users, wiping personal data, and processing and recycling.
  • An auditable database of collected materials and geographical clusters for processing are also proposed.
  • Incentivizing “high-yield” recycling centres that can extract maximum value from products is recommended.
  • Encouraging repair and extending the lifespan of electronic products, possibly through a “right to repair” policy, can reduce the environmental impact of e-waste.
• Challenges and Opportunities
  • Challenges include the large informal sector, concerns about personal data, and a substantial number of devices lying unused in consumers’ homes.
  • Establishing large-scale recycling plants requires more than just initial capital costs; the availability and clustering of materials are also significant challenges.
  • As the availability of “virgin” components decreases, there is a growing need to focus on giving a second life to products and parts through formalized and reliable recycling processes.
• Market Opportunity
  • The report suggests that there could be an additional $7 billion market opportunity in harnessing e-waste by implementing a circular economy approach.

About E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022

The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in India include the following key provisions:

• Applicability:
  • The rules apply to manufacturers, producers, consumers, bulk consumers, collection centers, dealers, e-retailers, refurbishers, and dismantlers involved in the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, collection, storage, refurbishing, and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
  • Manufacturers and producers of EEE are responsible for the implementation of EPR plans, including collection, transportation, recycling, and environmentally sound management of e-waste.
• E-Waste Exchange Platforms:
  • The rules encourage the establishment of e-waste exchange platforms to facilitate the exchange and trade of e-waste and promote recycling and reuse.
• Collection Targets:
  • The rules prescribe collection targets for manufacturers and producers based on their market share and EEE sales.
• Registration:
  • All stakeholders, including producers, dismantlers, recyclers, refurbishers, and collection centers, must obtain registration from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or Pollution Control Committees (PCCs).
• Extended Timeframe:
  • The rules provide for an extended timeframe for the collection of e-waste, allowing for efficient and sustainable management.
• Consumer Awareness:
  • Producers and manufacturers must create consumer awareness programs to educate the public about the hazards of improper disposal of e-waste and promote responsible recycling.
• Importers:
  • Importers of EEE must ensure that the products conform to the specified standards and regulations.
• Reporting and Record-Keeping:
  • Stakeholders are required to maintain records and submit annual reports to regulatory authorities.
• E-Waste Treatment and Recycling:
  • The rules emphasize environmentally sound treatment, recycling, and disposal of e-waste to minimize its adverse impact on the environment.
• Penalty and Non-Compliance:
  • Non-compliance with the rules can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment, as per applicable laws.

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