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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 14/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14/12/2023

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14/12/2023

Aging Workforce and High Wages Impact MGNREGS Participation in Kerala

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

The state of Kerala faces a unique challenge under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) due to its high daily wages for younger unskilled workers.

  • This has led to a disproportionate participation of elderly workers in the program, affecting both workforce dynamics and the quality of output.

Key Highlights

  • Elderly Dominance in MGNREGS Participation:
    • Kerala has the highest percentage of elderly workers (61-80 years) under MGNREGS, with 28.47% employed in this age group.
    • Only 1.41% of workers fall in the 18-30 age group, indicating a significant imbalance.
    • National averages show 12.1% for workers above 61 and 12.02% for workers under 30.
  • Wage Disincentive for Younger Workers:
    • The state’s high daily wages for unskilled laborers, exceeding Rs 900 in some areas, dissuade younger individuals from opting for MGNREGS, where the daily wage is Rs 330.
    • Kerala pays the highest daily wages to agriculture laborers, as per RBI data.
  • Gender Disparity and Unique Workforce Composition:
    • Women constitute 88% of the MGNREGS workforce in Kerala, well above the national average of 55%.
    • The Kudumbashree Mission, focused on women’s empowerment, plays a significant role in bringing women into the workforce.
  • Elderly Workers’ Motivations:
    • Financial independence and security are major factors motivating elderly individuals to participate in MGNREGS.
    • Many elderly workers express a desire not to depend on their children for expenses, including medical bills.
  • Social Impact and Challenges:
    • The aging workforce has led to a unique social protection network, where co-workers from other age groups support the elderly.
    • However, the large percentage of elderly workers has impacted the quality of work and output.
    • Skill upgradation among elderly workers poses a challenge, affecting overall productivity.
  • Kerala is experiencing a faster aging population compared to other parts of the country.
  • The demand for financial independence among the elderly affects family dynamics and reflects a broader societal shift.
  • The scheme provides a steady income source for older couples without support from relatives.

About Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

  • The Government of India passed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 in September, 2005.
  • The MGNREGA was initiated with the objective of “enhancing livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year, to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work”.
  • Another aim of MGNREGA is to create durable assets (such as roads, canals, ponds, and wells). Employment is to be provided within 5 km of an applicant’s residence, and minimum wages are to be paid.
  • If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, applicants are entitled to an unemployment allowance.
    • Thus, employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement.
  • MGNREGA is to be implemented mainly by gram panchayats (GPs).
    • The involvement of contractors is banned.
    • Labour-intensive tasks like creating infrastructure for water harvesting, drought relief, and flood control are preferred.

Pompe disease: What is this rare genetic disorder?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

Pompe Disease, also known as Glycogen Storage Disease Type II, is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA).

Key Details

  • Causes and Prevalence:
    • Pompe Disease is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme GAA, essential for breaking down glycogen into glucose within cell lysosomes.
    • Prevalence estimates range from 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 300,000 births, occurring across diverse ethnicities.
  • Impact on Individuals:
    • The severity varies, leading to a spectrum of clinical presentations.
    • Key symptoms include progressive muscle weakness, delays in motor milestones for children, degenerative impacts on bones, respiratory complications, cardiac involvement, and implications for daily living.
  • Symptoms and Complications:
    • Muscle Weakness: Affects skeletal and smooth muscles, impacting mobility and daily activities.
    • Motor Skill Delay: Children may experience delays in achieving motor milestones.
    • Degenerative Impact on Bones: Prolonged muscle weakness leads to joint contractures and skeletal deformities.
    • Respiratory Complications: Weakening of respiratory muscles may cause breathing difficulties and respiratory infections.
    • Cardiac Involvement: Can lead to heart-related symptoms and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • Diagnosis:
    • A multi-faceted approach involves enzyme assays to measure GAA activity, genetic testing to identify mutations, and clinical evaluations based on symptoms and medical history.
    • Enzyme tests, often performed on blood or skin cells, and genetic analysis confirm the presence of specific mutations associated with Pompe Disease.
  • Treatment Options:
    • While there is no cure, Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) is a standard treatment.
    • ERT involves infusing the missing enzyme to alleviate glycogen buildup, managing symptoms, and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Kidney transplants in India: the law, the demand, the alleged rackets

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

The Indian government has initiated an investigation into allegations of organ trafficking, particularly kidney transplants involving poor Myanmarese villagers and affluent patients in Myanmar.

  • The controversy, brought to light by an investigation published by The Telegraph, implicates Delhi’s Apollo hospital.
  • Organ donations and transplants for financial gain are prohibited in India to safeguard vulnerable donors from exploitation.

Key Highlights

  • Allegations and Apollo’s Response:
    • The investigation alleges that impoverished villagers in Myanmar were enticed to donate their kidneys to wealthy patients from the country, with Apollo Hospital in Delhi being involved.
    • Apollo asserts that the transplants were approved by the authorization committee and endorsed by the Myanmar embassy, certifying the donors as relatives.
  • Transplant Law in India:
    • The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 prohibits organ donations and transplants for monetary exchange to prevent exploitation of donors.
    • Living donations are allowed from close relatives, with additional scrutiny for altruistic donations from distant relatives, in-laws, or friends.
    • Stringent documentation, including family tree, donor-recipient relationship evidence, and financial standing proof, is required for living donations.
  • Legal Consequences for Organ Trafficking:
    • Offering payment for organs, advertising for such arrangements, or supplying organs for payment is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
  • Factors Contributing to Kidney as a Target:
    • High demand for kidney transplants in India, with approximately 2 lakh Indians reaching end-stage kidney failure annually.
    • Kidney transplants have lower risks for donors.
    • Kidney transplants are cheaper and more accessible, costing around Rs 5 lakh, making them feasible for a larger population.
    • Kidneys can survive outside the body for an extended period (24-36 hours), contributing to ease in logistics.
  • Addressing the Organ Supply Gap:
    • Promoting deceased donations can significantly increase the organ pool.
    • The government has introduced an Aadhaar-linked registry of donors to boost awareness and willingness for deceased organ donation.
    • Only 16% of total transplants in India use deceased organs, indicating potential for significant improvement.
  • Strategies are needed to reduce the number of individuals requiring organ transplants, potentially lessening the pressure on organ supply.

What is the role of Kidney in human body?

  • The kidneys are vital organs in the human body with several crucial functions.
  • Key roles of the kidneys:
    • Filtration of Blood:
      • The primary function of the kidneys is to filter and remove waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood to form urine.
      • This process helps maintain a balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body.
    • Regulation of Electrolytes:
      • The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate, in the body.
      • Proper electrolyte balance is essential for maintaining normal cell function and overall health.
    • Blood Pressure Regulation:
      • The kidneys contribute to the regulation of blood pressure by adjusting the volume of blood and the concentration of sodium in the blood.
      • They produce the enzyme renin, which is involved in the control of blood pressure.
    • Acid-Base Balance:
      • Kidneys help maintain the body’s acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions.
      • This balance is essential for proper cellular function and metabolism.
    • Erythropoiesis Regulation:
      • The kidneys produce and release erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
      • This hormone helps ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to body tissues.
    • Detoxification:
      • The kidneys filter and eliminate various waste products and drugs from the bloodstream, contributing to the detoxification of the body.
    • Fluid Balance:
      • By regulating the amount of water excreted in urine, the kidneys help maintain a proper balance of fluids in the body.
      • This balance is crucial for preventing dehydration or excessive fluid retention.
    • Metabolism of Vitamin D:
      • The kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestines.
      • This process is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
    • Glucose Regulation:
      • While the primary role of the kidneys is not in glucose regulation, they play a minor role in the reabsorption of glucose in the renal tubules.
      • In certain conditions, the kidneys can contribute to glucose homeostasis.

COP28 summit calls for ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

Negotiators at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai reached a significant resolution, termed the Dubai Consensus, marking a notable but cautious stride towards eliminating fossil fuels.

  • The key provision in the 21-page document emphasizes the need for nations to transition away from fossil fuels in their energy systems, striving for net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • However, the language has evolved from earlier drafts that explicitly called for the “phase-out” of all fossil fuels.

Key Highlights

  • Importance of Net Zero by 2050:
    • The resolution aligns with scientific assessments from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), asserting that achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is crucial for preventing global temperatures from exceeding a 1.5-degree Celsius rise by the century’s end.
    • This necessitates a daunting reduction of emissions to 43% of 2019 levels by 2030 and 60% by 2035, posing a significant challenge given the limited timeframe and the ongoing rise in emissions.
  • Compromise Agreement:
    • The consensus text signifies a compromise between developed and developing nations regarding measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
    • The agreement aims to ensure proportional contributions from countries based on their historical responsibility for the climate crisis.
    • While COPs are annual events, progress occurs incrementally due to the requirement that all 198 signatories unanimously agree on every aspect of the text.
  • Representatives from vulnerable nations, such as Samoa and the Marshall Islands, expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that the agreement falls short of the decisive action needed to safeguard their countries’ futures.
  • New Funding Commitments:
    • COP 28 president Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the conference’s success in securing significant funding commitments.
    • Notable among these were $750 million allocated to the Loss and Damage Fund to aid countries dealing with climate disasters.
    • Additionally, pledges totaling $85 million, outside the main COP text, aimed to expedite both private and public sector efforts to decarbonize the global economy.
    • These commitments were seen as crucial steps towards achieving the 1.5 degrees Celsius target.
  • Dilution of Stronger Language:
    • The final text of COP 28 reflects compromises, diluting stronger language found in previous drafts.
    • Explicit terms like ‘phase-out’ were omitted, with some countries, notably Saudi Arabia, opposing references to “phasing out fossil fuels” due to concerns about discrimination against oil-dependent economies.
    • The text also softened language regarding coal, shifting from an initial call to “rapidly phase down” to advocating for the “acceleration of efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power.”
    • This adjustment addresses the concerns of coal-dependent nations like India.
  • Broken Financing Promises:
    • Despite the focus on greenhouse gas emissions, COP negotiations encompass adaptation and means of implementation and support.
    • A major point of contention between developed and developing nations is the failure to fulfill promises made by developed countries.
    • The commitment to mobilize $100 billion annually between 2020 and 2025, aimed at aiding developing nations in transitioning away from fossil fuels, has only been partially realized.
    • The Dubai Consensus acknowledges this shortfall, expressing “deep regret.”
  • Diminishing Carbon Space and Adaptation Challenges:
    • Concerns were raised about insufficient investment and planning for adaptation in a world where temperatures may rise by 2 degrees Celsius or more.
    • The push for global net-zero emissions by 2050 does not imply uniform targets for all countries at that time.
    • Developed nations are urged to achieve net-zero much earlier (2035-2040) to allow developing countries some “carbon space.”
    • Carbon space refers to the atmosphere’s capacity to hold carbon without causing a temperature increase of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius by the century’s end.
    • Developing nations emphasize the need for the remaining carbon space to be reserved for them, demanding more stringent reductions from developed nations.

About Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body established by the United Nations (UN) in 1988.
  • The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in response to growing concerns about the impact of human activities on the global climate.
  • It has a secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, hosted by the WMO.
  • Its primary purpose is to assess and provide comprehensive, objective, and up-to-date scientific information related to climate change.
  • The IPCC periodically publishes comprehensive assessment reports that synthesize the latest scientific knowledge on climate change.
  • Assessment reports include information on observed changes in climate, future climate projections, the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human societies, and strategies for adaptation and mitigation.

End the uncertainty: Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Madras High Court, specifically the Madurai Bench, exemplified the judiciary’s role in granting relief to a petitioner, T. Ganesan, who waited for over 40 years to acquire Indian citizenship.

  • In the case of T. Ganesan vs The Government of India & Others, the court, in its judgment on November 30, directed authorities to recognize the petitioner and his family as Indian citizens.

Key Highlights

  • Ganesan, a 69-year-old resident of a refugee camp in Karur, arrived in India in 1990 with an Indian passport issued in 1982 under bilateral treaties related to hill country Tamils or Indian Origin Tamils (IOT).
  • Despite possessing a genuine passport, his identity was questioned due to a perceived age discrepancy in the photograph.
  • Broader Implications for Refugees:
    • The court’s decision extends beyond T. Ganesan, as it revealed that approximately 5,130 applicants under the Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) category have sought citizenship.
    • The judgment challenges the general legal position of the Union government, which typically treats refugees as illegal migrants, though entitled to benefits.
    • Over the last 15 months, Justice G.R. Swaminathan and the Bench have consistently ruled in favor of refugees, interpreting provisions of the Citizenship Act and advocating for their rights.
  • Union Government’s Stand and DMK Government’s Study:
    • While the Union government, not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, upholds the principle of non-refoulement, it did not include Sri Lankan refugees in the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
    • The DMK State government’s study revealed that nearly 8,000 refugees in Tamil Nadu are eligible for Indian citizenship without violating legal exclusions.
    • The Union government’s stance emphasizes voluntary repatriation, and talks with Sri Lanka should be initiated for a structured assistance program.
  • Call for Proactive Measures:
    • The Madras High Court’s proactive approach underscores the need for a dignified life for refugees.
    • The Union government is urged to follow up on the DMK government’s study, identify eligible candidates for citizenship, and seek their consent.
    • For those pursuing higher studies or seeking livelihood opportunities abroad, permissions can be granted with a clean criminal record.
    • Additionally, negotiations with Sri Lanka for voluntary repatriation and a structured assistance program are recommended to address the broader issue of refugees leading lives of dignity.

About Acquisition of Indian Citizenship by Naturalization

  • Foreigners, who are not illegal migrants, can acquire Indian citizenship through naturalization if they meet the following criteria:
    • Residency Requirement:
      • The foreigner must be ordinarily resident in India for twelve years.
      • This includes residing throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application.
    • Aggregate Residency:
      • The foreigner should have been a resident in India for eleven years in the aggregate within the fourteen years preceding the twelve months mentioned above.
      • This means that the person should have lived in India for a total of eleven years during any part of the fourteen years leading up to the application.
    • Other Qualifications:
      • The foreigner must fulfill other qualifications as specified in the third schedule to the Citizenship Act, 1955.
      • These qualifications typically include conditions related to good character, language proficiency, and renunciation of citizenship in the previous country, among others.

Indians vulnerable to climate change induced health issues

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : TH

There is a profound impact of climate change on health vulnerability in India, particularly in 344 districts where over half of the country’s population resides.

  • Prolonged summers, erratic weather patterns, and rising sea levels contribute to health risks, affecting livelihoods, increasing poverty, and forcing migration.
  • The study emphasizes the need for localized strategies to address the diverse and localized nature of exposure and consequences.

Key Highlights

  • District-Level Vulnerability Assessment:
    • The vulnerability assessment framework from the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is employed to measure exposures, sensitivities, adaptive capacities, and health vulnerabilities in all 640 districts of India (Census 2011).
    • The study utilizes 50 indicators from national data sources to create separate indices for exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacities.
  • Key Findings:
    • Approximately 298 districts face high or very high exposure levels, encompassing 52% of India’s population.
    • Nearly 30% of the population in 184 districts experiences very high and high sensitivity to climate-induced health risks.
    • About 153 districts, housing a fifth of India’s population, exhibit moderate and low adaptive capacities.
    • The study identifies underlying causes of vulnerability, such as poorly developed primary healthcare systems, high infant mortality rates, and poor child health indicators in certain districts.
    • Addressing these issues through increased public expenditure on health is suggested to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Policy Responses and Recommendations:
    • The study emphasizes the importance of formulating multi-sectoral policy responses to address the diverse causes of vulnerability.
    • Addressing inequalities in the distribution of social determinants of health, providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, improving working conditions, and enhancing education can reduce sensitivity and enhance adaptive capacities.
    • To facilitate effective policy action, a robust and dynamic data system is required.
      • The current health system data architecture is criticized for being weak, incomplete, and lacking collaboration and data sharing.
    • The climate and health agenda must engage institutions of local self-governance for effective policy implementation.
    • The health system needs to be made more accountable to the people, requiring trust in generated data and evidence-based policymaking.

Road fatalities rise in India,despite global drop: WHO

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The latest Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates a 5% decline in the annual number of road traffic deaths globally, totaling 1.19 million per year.

  • Despite this reduction, road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death for children and youth aged five to 29 years, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address this issue on a global scale.

Key Highlights

  • Regional Disparities and Vulnerable Road Users:
    • Globally, over 3,200 road traffic deaths occur each day, with more than two deaths per minute.
    • WHO Director-General emphasizes the preventability of road crash deaths and calls for a shift towards prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and vulnerable road users in transport systems.
    • Vulnerabilities vary, with 28% of global road traffic deaths in the WHO South-East Asia Region, 25% in the Western Pacific Region, and disparities in risk between low-income and high-income countries.
  • India’s Situation:
    • In India, the number of road crash deaths has risen from 1.3 lakh in 2010 to 1, 53,792 in 2021, despite a global trend of reduced road traffic deaths since 2010.
    • The report highlights the urgent need for focused interventions in India to address the increasing numbers.
  • Progress Among UN Member States:
    • Of the UN Member States, 108 countries reported a decrease in road traffic-related deaths between 2010 and 2021.
    • Ten countries achieved a reduction of over 50% in road traffic deaths, with 35 countries making notable progress by reducing deaths by 30% to 50%.
  • Vulnerable Road Users and Risk Factors:
    • Fifty-three percent of all road traffic fatalities are among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, riders of two- and three-wheelers, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices.
    • Pedestrian deaths rose by 3%, accounting for 23% of global fatalities, while cyclist deaths increased by nearly 20%, comprising 6% of global deaths.
    • Lack of pedestrian safety standards and limited cycling infrastructure pose significant challenges.
  • Lack of Progress in Safety Laws and Standards:
    • The report highlights an alarming lack of progress in advancing laws and safety standards globally.
    • Only six countries have laws meeting WHO best practices for all risk factors, and just 35 countries legislate on all key vehicle safety features.
    • Major gaps exist in ensuring safe road infrastructure, with only 51 countries having laws requiring safety inspections covering all road users.
  • Call for Urgent Action:
    • The WHO emphasizes the need for urgent action, especially in the context of the global motor-vehicle fleet projected to double by 2030.
    • The report underscores the importance of prioritizing road safety laws, infrastructure, and standards to achieve the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 target of halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.

In Image: Road Fatalities in India 2010-2021.

‘New Delhi Declaration’ on artificial intelligence adopted

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

Representatives from 28 countries and the European Union have adopted the ‘New Delhi Declaration’ during the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit hosted by India.

  • The declaration emphasizes the commitment to principles for the responsible and trustworthy development of artificial intelligence (AI), rooted in democratic values and human rights.

Key Highllights

  • GPAI Overview:
    • GPAI is a multinational grouping that includes countries from North and South America, Europe, and East Asia.
    • The summit, chaired by India, aims to promote trustworthy development, deployment, and use of AI.
  • Key Points of the ‘New Delhi Declaration’:
    • The declaration underscores the commitment to principles for responsible stewardship of trustworthy AI, emphasizing democratic values and human rights.
    • GPAI commits to being an inclusive movement, involving countries in the Global South, with the goal of making the benefits of AI accessible worldwide.
    • The declaration identifies specific concerns related to AI, including misinformation and disinformation, unemployment, lack of transparency and fairness, protection of intellectual property and personal data, and threats to human rights and democratic values.
    • Countries commit to discussing ways to pool resources and collaborate on the deployment and governance of AI to benefit their populations.
    • Thematic Priority:
      • Sustainable Agriculture: The declaration acknowledges India’s contribution by embracing the use of AI innovation to support sustainable agriculture, making it a new thematic priority for GPAI.