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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/12/2023

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/12/2023

COP28: Much done, but still not enough

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

COP28 delivered some significant outcomes, including a first-time acknowledgment of the need to move away from fossil fuels.

  • A promise to reduce methane emissions was made, along with the operationalization and capitalization of the loss and damage fund.
  • An agreement on a framework for the global goal on adaptation was achieved.


Key Highlights

  • Unfulfilled Expectations:
    • Despite these achievements, COP28 fell short of expectations, particularly in galvanizing more ambitious climate action in the short term.
    • The meeting was considered a critical opportunity to keep global warming within the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold.
  • Global Stocktake (GST):
    • The primary agenda at COP28 was the Global Stocktake (GST), a comprehensive assessment of the world’s progress in the fight against climate change.
    • Mandated by the Paris Agreement, the GST is a periodic exercise, with the first one scheduled in 2023 and subsequent assessments every five years.
  • COP28 took place amidst record-breaking global warming, with 2023 confirmed as the hottest year ever.
  • Several months witnessed new temperature records, and over 80 days were at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times.
  • Despite the urgency, COP28 disappointed in stimulating more ambitious short-term climate actions, especially before 2030.
  • The final agreement lacked substantial measures to address the immediate challenges posed by climate change.
  • Fossil Fuel Phase-Out:
    • The most contested issue was the fossil fuel phase-out, leading to a prolonged deadlock.
    • The final agreement called for countries to contribute to “transitioning away” from fossil fuels with a goal of achieving net zero by 2050.
    • However, no specific timelines or targets were provided.
    • Some countries expressed disappointment over the absence of the term “fossil fuel phase-out.”
  • Tripling of Renewable Energy:
    • An expected outcome was the agreement to triple global installed capacity of renewable energy and double annual improvements in energy efficiency.
    • These measures have the potential to avoid emissions of about 7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent between now and 2030.
    • It remains unclear how the global target of tripling renewable energy would be implemented on an individual country basis.
  • Coal Phase-Down:
    • Coal, singled out for phase-down in the 2021 Glasgow conference, received separate mention in COP28.
    • The proposal to require new coal-fired power plants to have carbon capture and storage was dropped due to strong resistance from India, China, South Africa, and others.
    • The agreement reiterates the Glasgow language without specifying how the phase-down will be measured or the baseline for assessment.
  • Methane Emission Cuts:
    • The agreement emphasizes the need to “accelerate and substantially reduce” non-carbon-dioxide emissions, specifically methane, by 2030.
    • The agreement does not specify targets for methane emission cuts by 2030, despite a voluntary commitment by about 100 countries in Glasgow in 2021 to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
    • Some countries, including India, are opposed to mandates for methane emission cuts, citing sensitivity in agricultural practices, a major source of methane emissions.
  • Loss and Damage Fund:
    • COP28 operationalized the Loss and Damage Fund, a crucial outcome for poor and vulnerable countries.
    • The fund aims to provide financial assistance to nations recovering from climate-induced disasters.
    • By the end of the conference, commitments totaling about US$ 800 million had been made.
  • Global Goal on Adaptation:
    • A significant step for developing countries, COP28 adopted a global framework for adaptation.
    • The Glasgow conference had initiated a two-year work program to define the framework, identifying common adaptation goals important for the entire world.
    • Goals include reducing climate-induced water scarcity, achieving climate resilience in food production, and addressing health impacts.
    • The adaptation agreement lacks financial provisions, and further work is needed to strengthen it, particularly in identifying progress indicators for each global goal.

Urgent need to control useof e-cigarettes, says WHO

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a statement emphasizing the ineffectiveness of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation tools and highlighting alarming evidence of adverse health effects at the population level.

  • Urgent measures are advocated to control e-cigarettes and protect children, non-smokers, and overall public health.

Key Highlights

  • Ineffectiveness and Population Health Concerns
    • The WHO stated that e-cigarettes have not proven effective for quitting tobacco use at the population level.
    • Alarming evidence indicates adverse population health effects associated with e-cigarette use, prompting the need for stringent control measures.
  • Children and Youth Vulnerability
    • WHO Director-General expressed concern over the recruitment and addiction of children to e-cigarettes, emphasizing the risk of nicotine addiction at an early age.
    • Urgent measures are recommended to prevent e-cigarette uptake, especially among children and young people, with a call for strict implementation by countries.
  • Global Regulatory Landscape
    • E-cigarettes have been aggressively marketed globally, and 34 countries have banned their sale.
    • However, 88 countries lack a minimum age restriction for e-cigarette purchase, and 74 countries have no regulations on these products.
    • In India, possession of e-cigarettes is a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019, according to the Union Health Ministry.
  • Impact on Youth Behavior
    • Brief exposure to e-cigarette content on social media is associated with increased intention to use these products and more positive attitudes towards them.
    • Studies consistently show that young e-cigarette users are almost three times more likely to use traditional cigarettes later in life.
  • Health Risks and Addictiveness
    • E-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive, posing health risks.
    • Long-term effects include the generation of toxic substances, some causing cancer and increasing the risk of heart and lung disorders.
    • E-cigarette use can affect brain development, leading to learning disorders in young people.
    • Foetal exposure during pregnancy can adversely impact foetal development.
    • E-cigarette emissions pose risks to bystanders, emphasizing the need for comprehensive tobacco control measures.

More about E-Cigarettes

  • E-cigarettes, or vaping devices, involve inhaling vapor from a heated liquid.
  • The liquid typically contains nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco, but lacks some harmful elements present in traditional cigarettes, such as tar and carbon monoxide.
  • Nicotine in e-cigarettes can impact brain development, particularly in individuals under 25, and may have detrimental effects on adult brains.
  • E-cigarette liquids do not contain carcinogenic tar and carbon monoxide, contributing factors to cardiovascular diseases associated with smoking.
  • The vapor does contain tiny particles, with potentially toxic substances, including metals like nickel and lead, likely originating from the heating coil.
  • Additives, considered safe in food, may pose risks when vaporized or lack sufficient study in the context of vaping.
  • E-cigarette liquids come in various flavors, including tobacco, menthol, fruit, vanilla, candy, and cremebrulee, leading to concerns about potential appeal to youngsters.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023

(General Studies- Paper I)

Source : TH

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 has been jointly awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their remarkable efforts in fostering non-violent resolutions to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Key Highlights

  • Achievements of Daniel Barenboim
    • Daniel Barenboim, an Argentine-born classical pianist and conductor, renowned for his global performances, has directed leading orchestras worldwide.
    • Inspired by his friendship with Palestinian scholar Edward Said, Barenboim envisioned a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict through mutual respect, discourse, and dialogue.
    • Founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Barenboim-Said Akademie to bring together youth from Israel, Palestine, and other Arab and North-African countries, fostering unity and understanding through music.
  • Barenboim has received numerous awards, including the Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Prince of Asturias Awards, and the Commander of the Legion of Honour.
  • Contributions of Ali Abu Awwad
    • Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, has tirelessly worked towards a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
    • Raised in a politically-active refugee family, Awwad’s realization of the power of non-violent action occurred during a hunger strike with his mother, leading to permission for a visit during their imprisonment.
    • Co-founded the local Palestinian-Israeli initiative called Roots in 2014, promoting understanding, non-violence, and transformation.
  • Awwad’s peace-building efforts led to the creation of Taghyeer, a Palestinian non-violence movement launched in 2016, involving over 3,000 Palestinians advocating for social development and a non-violent path to end the Occupation.

About Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development

  • The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development is an esteemed award presented annually by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in India.
  • The prize aims to honour individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to international peace, disarmament, and development.
  • The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize was established in 1986 in memory of Indira Gandhi, who served as the Prime Minister of India.
  • The award is presented annually.

Logistics costs pegged at 7.8%-8.9% of GDP

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

According to a report commissioned by the Commerce and Industry Ministry and conducted by the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER), India’s logistics costs have shown a significant reduction.

Key Findings

  • The logistics costs in India have decreased from a range of 8.6% to 9.8% of GDP in 2013-14 to a new range of 7.8% to 8.9% of GDP in the fiscal year 2021-22.
  • The report relied on National Accounts Statistics, incorporating data on the output of transport services, storage, and warehousing sectors to estimate logistics costs.
  • The new findings contradict earlier estimates that suggested India’s logistics costs were as high as 14% of GDP.
  • Refinement and Regular Tracking:
    • The report acknowledges the need for refinement in cost estimates and plans to regularly track and update the figures in the coming years.
    • The government intends to improve the robustness of the estimation process by conducting a primary survey to assess actual time and costs experienced by industries.
  • Framework Enhancement:
    • The estimation framework for logistics costs is set to undergo further refinement.
    • This will involve the integration of primary survey data, along with real-time big data sources such as E-way bill data and FASTag data.
    • The goal is to enhance the accuracy and credibility of logistics cost estimates.
    • The existing non-official estimates of logistics costs, ranging from 8% to 14% of GDP, lack a conclusive and scientific calculation framework.
    • The refined approach seeks to overcome these challenges, providing more accurate and comprehensive insights into the logistics landscape in India.
  • Task Force Formation:
    • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) took the lead by constituting a task force dedicated to the scientific calculation of logistics costs in India.
    • The task force adopted a consultative approach, incorporating representatives from various sectors, includingAsian Development Bank(ADB), NCAER, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), academia, and logistics industry stakeholders.
  • National Logistics Policy:
    • The release of the National Logistics Policy by the government underscores its commitment to reducing logistics costs to below 10% of GDP.
    • Additionally, the policy aims to elevate India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) from the current 38th position to below 25.
    • The new framework is expected to reflect the advancements in India’s infrastructure, including roads and ports.
    • These improvements will be essential for demonstrating progress to global ranking agencies, including the World Bank.

About National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER)

  • The National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) is an autonomous, non-profit, and premier economic research institution in India.
  • Established in 1956, it plays a crucial role in conducting applied economic research, policy analysis, and providing evidence-based recommendations to contribute to India’s economic development.
  • NCAER covers a wide range of research areas, including:
    • Macroeconomic Policy
    • Agricultural Economics
    • Industrial Development
    • Trade and Investment
    • Environment and Sustainable Development
    • Social and Human Development
    • Health Economics
    • Infrastructure and Urban Development
    • Innovation and Technology
  • NCAER is governed by a Board of Governors and operates as an independent research institution with a multidisciplinary team of economists, social scientists, and researchers.
  •  NCAER’s headquarters is located in New Delhi, India.

The nature of the future

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded with sobering outcomes.

Key Highlights

  • Global Stocktake Findings:
    • The first global stocktake, mandated by the Paris Agreement, revealed that current nationally determined contributions (NDCs) will only result in a 2% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, falling far short of the needed actions.
  • The latest assessment reports from the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasize the urgency, stating that a 50% chance of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050 requires peaking emissions by 2025, with reductions of 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035.
  • The stark reality is an enormous gap between the current actions and the ambitious targets required to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
  • Financial Commitments:
    • Developed countries committed in 2009 to provide $100 billion per year to support climate action in developing countries.
    • However, this target has never been achieved, and the claimed figures include questionable sources.
    • There is a call for a clear definition of climate finance.
  • Controversy over Figures:
    • The $89.6 billion claimed by the OECD for 2021 has faced skepticism, with concerns raised about the diverse definitions of climate finance.
    • More rigorous analyses suggest figures closer to $25 billion.
  • Financial Challenges and IPCC Estimates:
    • In 2024, negotiations for climate finance post-2025 will commence, with the $100 billion per year target as the baseline.
    • IPCC estimates indicate a significant financial gap, with developing countries requiring $5.8-$5.9 trillion for implementing their NDCs and $215-$387 billion annually for adaptation from now until 2030.
  • Loss and Damage Fund:
    • COP28 established a loss and damage fund, a positive development, but it has only received $770.6 million in pledges.
    • Criteria for irreversible loss and damage and potential beneficiaries are unclear.
  • Reorienting Global Economy:
    • COP28 is the first to acknowledge the need to transition away from the fossil fuel-based energy system, with historic language adopted in the final declaration.
    • The goal is to achieve net-zero by 2050, but transitional fuels, including natural gas, are recognized.
  • Credible Targets and Initiatives:
    • Targets include tripling global renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030.
    • Doubling the rate of energy efficiency gains from 2% to 4% annually by 2030.
    • Nuclear energy is acknowledged as a clean energy source for the first time.
    • The declaration also recognizes green and blue hydrogen.
  • Initiatives and Groupings:
    • New alliances, including the Powering Past Coal Alliance and the Nuclear Power Group, emerged at COP28.
    • India has generally followed UNFCCC consensus targets but is a participant in areas like renewable energy and nuclear power.
    • The declaration calls for the “phase-down” but not the phase-out of unabated coal power, providing relief to India.
    • COP28 recognizes the explicit link between climate change, adverse impacts on health and food security, and biodiversity loss.
    • A move towards acknowledging climate change as part of a larger ecological challenge requiring cross-disciplinary approaches.

Delay in New Industrial Policy as Government Focuses on PLI

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The new industrial policy, in development for over two years, has been deferred as the government emphasizes its production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme as the primary driver for manufacturing growth.

  • The industrial policy, expected to replace the historic 1991 framework, aimed to address emerging challenges and stimulate private investments.

Key Highlights

  • The government prioritizes the PLI scheme, considering it a key tool to boost manufacturing and counterbalance economic disadvantages.
  • PLI is viewed as essential for encouraging manufacturing activity, but doubts persist regarding its adequacy in attracting companies seeking alternatives to China amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and persisting challenges.
  • Industrial Policy Delay:
    • The comprehensive industrial policy, initially expected this year, has been deferred and is not anticipated in the near term.
    • Discussions on the policy have occurred, but the current focus is on leveraging free trade agreements (FTA) and the flagship PLI scheme to substantially enhance the manufacturing base.
  • PLI as an Incentive:
    • PLI serves as an incentive, compensating for existing economic disadvantages to stimulate manufacturing.
    • The scheme aims to enhance the manufacturing share in GDP, which currently stands at a low 15%, posing challenges for employment generation.
  • Limitations and Concerns:
    • Despite the PLI’s positive impact, concerns remain about its adequacy in attracting companies seeking alternatives to China.
    • Challenges such as high logistics costs, infrastructural bottlenecks, and financial constraints for MSMEs persist.
  • Draft Industrial Policy Highlights:
    • The draft policy proposed the creation of a specialized Specialised Development Finance Institution (DFI)to address financing needs, advocating the use of India’s forex reserves to provide low-cost finance to companies.
    • Titled ‘Industrial Policy 2022—Make in India for the World,’ the draft emphasized global manufacturing competitiveness.
  • PLI’s Role and Limitations:
    • Currently, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is considered the de facto industrial policy, outshining the delayed comprehensive industrial policy.
    • PLI encourages selective sector growth and can be extended to new sectors based on global developments.
    • The scheme’s responsiveness is crucial for tracking policy objectives.
    • PLI serves as a partial solution by subsidizing sectors to compensate for disadvantages.
    • To be a viable alternative under the China+1 strategy, India needs to enhance its attractiveness beyond PLI incentives.
  • Government Initiatives Proposed in Draft Industrial Policy:
    • The draft policy proposed establishing a technology fund to support innovative companies in advanced technology.
    • Addressing MSME funding challenges, the policy suggested measures to improve small businesses’ access to corporate bond markets.
  • To become a compelling China+1 alternative, India must enhance overall attractiveness beyond PLI incentives.
  • PLI Schemes Overview:
    • The NDA government introduced PLI schemes for 14 sectors with incentives exceeding Rs 1.90 lakh crore.
    • Crisil estimates the PLI scheme’s contribution at 13-15% of average annual investment spending in key industrial sectors over the next three to four years.
  • National Manufacturing Policy Goals:
    • The National Manufacturing Policy of 2011 aimed to raise the manufacturing share in GDP to 25% and generate 100 million jobs by 2022.
    • The NDA government maintained the 25% target, despite the current manufacturing share hovering around 17% of GDP.

About Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)

  • The PLI scheme was launched in March 2020 as a strategic initiative to bolster domestic manufacturing, promote import substitution, and stimulate employment generation in India.
  • Originally targeting three sectors, the scheme was subsequently expanded to include a total of 14 sectors, reflecting its broad industrial impact.
    • Initial Focus:
      • Mobile and allied Component Manufacturing
      • Electrical Component Manufacturing
      • Medical Devices
    • Later Expansion:
      • Mobile manufacturing
      • Medical devices
      • Automobiles and auto components
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Drugs
      • Specialty steel
      • Telecom & networking products
      • Electronic products
      • White goods (ACs and LEDs)
      • Food products
      • Textile products
      • Solar PV modules
      • Advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery
      • Drones and drone components
    • Operational Mechanism:
      • Companies, both domestic and foreign, receive financial rewards for engaging in manufacturing activities within India.
      • The incentives are calculated based on a percentage of their revenue over a period of up to five years.
      • Incentives are tied to incremental sales, encouraging companies to enhance their production and sales figures.
      • The scheme places emphasis on R&D investments, ensuring that industries align with global trends and maintain competitiveness in the international market.
    • PLI is a key driver for elevating India’s manufacturing capabilities and making the nation a preferred destination for industries across diverse sectors.
    • The scheme aims to boost economic growth, reduce dependency on imports, and create substantial employment opportunities.