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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/01/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/01/2024

China’s population fell for the second year in a row in 2023

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

In 2023, China witnessed a decline in its total population for the second consecutive year, reporting 11.1 million deaths and 9 million births.

  • The total population stood at 1.4 billion, marking a significant shift in demographic dynamics.

Key Highlights

  • Fertility Rate Decline:
    • The decline in population is attributed to a decreasing Total Fertility Rate (TFR) since 2016.
    • TFR represents the average number of children a woman is expected to bear in her lifetime.
    • China’s TFR, according to the 2020 Census, was 1.3 births per woman.
    • This figure is slightly higher than the 2010 and 2000 censuses but falls well below the replacement rate of 2.1.
    • The replacement rate is crucial for maintaining a stable population over generations.
    • A replacement rate of 2.1 means that, on average, each woman needs to have 2.1 children to replace the current generation.
    • China’s TFR being below this rate raises concerns about potential long-term demographic challenges.
  • Potential Impact on China:
    • The decline in birth rates contributes to an aging population, posing challenges for the workforce and social welfare systems.
    • An older population may strain healthcare and pension systems, affecting the economy’s productivity.
    • A shrinking population may impact economic growth, as a smaller workforce can lead to decreased productivity and consumption.
    • Additionally, a smaller pool of young workers may limit innovation and entrepreneurial activities.
    • The Chinese government may respond with policies aimed at encouraging higher birth rates, such as family-friendly initiatives, improved maternity leave, and childcare support.
    • However, reversing demographic trends is a complex challenge that requires comprehensive and sustained efforts.
  • India’s Population Surpassing China:
    • In 2023, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous country.
    • This shift marks a significant milestone in global demographic trends, with India’s population experiencing steady growth.
  • India’s population surge presents both challenges and opportunities.
  • While a large and youthful population can contribute to economic growth and innovation, managing this growth requires effective infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.
  • Introduction of the One-Child Policy (1980):
    • In 1980, China implemented the One-Child Policy, restricting couples to have only one child under the threat of severe penalties.
    • The policy was initiated by the Communist Party of China with the goal of accelerating economic growth.
    • Mao Zedong Era:
      • Before the One-Child Policy, birth control was a topic of discussion but not a primary focus during the era of Chinese President Mao Zedong.
      • The 1958-62 Great Leap Forward, a socioeconomic reform, aimed to increase production but resulted in millions of deaths through starvation.
      • As the policy was rolled back, population growth rebounded.
    • 1970s Initiatives:
      • In the 1970s, government Five-Year Plans began emphasizing the reduction of the birth rate.
      • The concept of birth control was widely promoted, sometimes coercively.
      • The slogan “later, longer, and fewer” encapsulated the campaign, encouraging late marriages, longer gaps between childbirths, and fewer children.
    • Impact of One-Child Policy:
      • Throughout the decade, the Total Fertility Rate in China fell.
      • However, the need for such a stringent policy by 1980 was questioned.
      • Critics raised concerns about privacy, state overreach, and whether the policy was necessary at all.
      • Researchers labeled the One-Child Policy as a “damning indictment of the Chinese record,” comparing it unfavorably to neighboring East Asian countries.
      • They argued that countries like Japan and South Korea achieved fertility rate declines through robust economic growth and voluntary birth planning campaigns, avoiding the abuses associated with China’s one-child program.
      • Japan and South Korea have also expressed concerns about falling fertility rates, emphasizing the need for a balance between population control and preserving social harmony.
    • Post One-Child Policy Era:
      • The One-Child Policy, in effect since 1980, officially ended in 2016, allowing couples to have up to two children.
      • In 2021, the limit was further increased to three children.
      • Despite these policy changes, China’s population growth goals have not been met.
    • Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors:
      • China’s demographic trends are influenced by an increasingly educated population, particularly women.
      • Higher education and employment provide women with agency over reproductive choices.
      • Modern societal pressures, including intense job competition, contribute to delayed marriages and decisions to have fewer children.
      • The high cost of education in urban areas, coupled with a competitive academic environment, leads to families opting for fewer children.
      • Economic factors play a role, with reports suggesting a vicious cycle: an economic slowdown prompts couples to delay having children, leading to a decline in fertility rates, which, in turn, impacts the economy’s productivity.
    • Impact of Falling Population on China:
      • The working-age population (15 to 59 years), crucial for economic productivity, has decreased to 61% of the total population.
      • Meanwhile, the proportion of individuals aged 60 and older has increased.
      • This shift requires increased investments in elderly care, including palliative care, and additional medical professionals and nursing staff.
      • In the short run, there is a need for greater resources to support the aging population.
      • In the long run, the burden on the younger population to support both the young and elderly increases.
      • This trend comes at a time when China’s overall economic growth is lower than the levels reached in the 2000s.
      • Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged the challenges and stressed the need to guide young people’s views on marriage, parenthood, and family.
      • He emphasized the promotion of policies supporting parenthood and addressing the aging population.
      • The focus includes reinforcing traditional family values and creating a new culture of family civilization.

ASER report: Cues for reform

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 focuses on 14-18 year-olds in rural India, indicating a heartening trend of increased enrollment in secondary education.

  • Despite pandemic-induced economic distress, older children seem to be staying in school, driven by aspirations linked to education.

Key Highlights

  • While more children have more years of schooling than before, ASER 2023 raises concerns about the quality of education.
  • Foundational skills, such as reading Grade 2 level texts and basic arithmetic at Grade 5 level, remain deficient for a significant portion of students, impacting the quality of the country’s future labor force.
  • Challenges and Pressures in Education:
    • The report addresses the growing pressure on students, not limited to urban areas.
    • ASER 2023 reveals that students in rural areas face heightened academic competition, exacerbated by responsibilities like working in family farms.
    • The report suggests reforming pedagogic processes to alleviate pressure on these students.
  • Smartphone Usage and Educational Opportunities:
    • The increasing use of smartphones in rural areas, with 95% of surveyed households having these devices, presents an opportunity to extend education.
    • However, the challenge lies in encouraging students and parents to utilize digital technologies for learning, as the current usage is primarily for entertainment.
    • The report aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions integrating digital technologies into the educational landscape and shifting focus from a curriculum-centered approach to one centered on individual learners.
    • While emphasizing the potential of digital technologies, the report advises caution against lapsing into technological fundamentalism.
    • It underscores the need to balance the implementation of NEP’s vision with an awareness of potential pitfalls.
  • Vocational Education Challenges:
    • The report highlights a significant gap in vocational skilling, with only 6% of surveyed individuals currently pursuing vocational courses.
    • This raises concerns about India’s readiness to tap into its demographic dividend, contrasting with China’s success in reforming technical and vocational education.
    • The low interest in vocational education serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to reimagine and make vocational education aspirational, aligning with the goals outlined in NEP 2020.

About the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

  • The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework for the development of education in India.
  • It was approved by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020, with the aim of bringing significant reforms to the education system.
  • The NEP 2020 replaces the National Policy on Education, 1986, and is designed to address the evolving needs of the education system in the 21st century.
  • Key features:
    • The NEP emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy by 2025.
    • School Education:
      • The 10+2 structure has been replaced with a 5+3+3+4 structure, where the foundational stage (ages 3-8), preparatory stage (ages 8-11), middle stage (ages 11-14), and secondary stage (ages 14-18) are defined.
      • There is a flexible curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, experiential learning, and multidisciplinary approach.
      • Board exams will be redesigned to assess core capacities and promote holistic development.
      • A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), will be set up as a standard-setting body.
      • NCERT will develop a National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (NCPFECCE) for children up to the age of 8.
      • The planning and implementation of ECCE will be carried out jointly by the Ministries of HRD, Women and Child Development (WCD), Health and Family Welfare (HFW), and Tribal Affairs.
      • A new and comprehensive National Curricular Framework for School Education, NCFSE 2020-21, will be developed by the NCERT.
    • Higher Education:
      • The higher education system aims to be more multidisciplinary with flexibility for students to choose subjects.
      • A single regulatory body for higher education called the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will replace multiple regulatory authorities.
      • The academic bank of credit will be introduced, allowing for the transfer of credits between institutions.
      • NEP 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education including vocational education from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035.
      • 5 Crore new seats will be added to Higher education institutions.
    • Vocational Education:
      • Vocational education will be an integral part of the curriculum from the secondary level onward.
      • Multiple entry and exit points will be provided to students in vocational education.
      • Vocational education will start in schools from the 6th grade, and will include internships.
    • Multilingualism and Promotion of Indian Languages:
      • The policy promotes the use of the mother tongue or local language as the medium of instruction up to at least the fifth grade.
      • Sanskrit is to be offered at all levels, and other classical languages will also be available.
      • Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be standardized across the country, and National and State curriculum materials developed, for use by students with hearing impairment.
    • Teacher Training:
      • There will be a focus on continuous professional development for teachers, and a National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) will be developed.
      • A new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education, NCFTE 2021, will be formulated by the NCTE in consultation with NCERT.
    • The use of technology in teaching and learning is emphasized, including the creation of an online repository for digital resources.
    • The assessment system will shift from a rote-learning approach to one that focuses on understanding and critical thinking.
    • The government aims to increase the public investment in education to 6% of GDP.
    • The NEP encourages collaboration with international institutions and the adoption of best practices from around the world.

India’s domestic air passenger traffic set to touch 300 million by 2030

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, envisions a substantial surge in domestic air passenger traffic, projecting to reach 300 million by 2030, nearly double the 153 million recorded in 2023.

  • Despite this growth, India aims to address its under-penetration in the global aviation market, currently at 3-4%, with a target to reach 10-15% by the end of the decade.

Key Highlights

  • Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization:
    • Since 2014, 75 airports, waterdromes, and heliports have been modernized or added, a significant increase compared to the 74 in the preceding 65 years.
    • The aviation map expansion includes tier II and III cities, alongside enhancing capacities in key metropolitan areas for the “hub and spoke” model.
    • The throughput of six metros is set to rise from 261 million to 420 million passengers in the next four years, supported by new greenfield airports in Navi Mumbai and Jewar.
  • Fleet Expansion and Strength:
    • India’s attractiveness in the civil aviation market lies in its potential to scale up the fleet.
    • The fleet size, already expanded from 400 to over 700, is expected to surpass 2,000 in the next decade, positioning India as the world’s third-largest purchaser of aircraft after the U.S. and China.
  • Air Traffic Control and Human Resource Growth:
    • The strength of air traffic controllers has increased from 2,700 to nearly 4,000, with plans to add 500 more employees this year.
    • This workforce expansion contributes to the sector’s overall growth and efficiency.
  • The aviation sector’s growth aligns with India’s broader economic goals, aiming for a $20 trillion economy by 2047.

Crafting a new phase in India-U.K. defenceties

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the United Kingdom marks a significant development after a 22-year hiatus, reflecting the growing opportunities in the bilateral defense partnership.

  • The shift in strategic priorities is influenced by the rise of Chinese military power, particularly its expansion into the Indian Ocean, posing threats to India and crucial Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) vital to the U.K.

Key Highlights

  • Addressing Indian Navy’s Capability Shortfalls:
    • The Indian Navy faces capability-related challenges compared to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), necessitating efforts to bridge technological gaps.
    • Rajnath Singh’s visit to the U.K. focuses on securing key technologies to bolster the Indian Navy’s capabilities against the Chinese.
    • A crucial facet of the Indo-UK defense collaboration is the advancement of electrical propulsion technology for aircraft carriers.
    • Currently, Indian Navy carriers lack this technology, while the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers excel in electric propulsion.
    • The U.K. stands poised to assist India in acquiring and implementing this technology.
    • The maritime landscape underscores the urgency for India to address its naval technology shortcomings, especially as the Chinese Navy makes strides in integrating electric propulsion in its warships.
    • Electric propulsion offers advantages such as a low acoustic signature and enhanced electrical power generation for major warships in the Indian Navy’s surface fleet.
    • Prior to Rajnath Singh’s visit, preliminary engagements between Indian and U.K. governments laid the groundwork for potential collaboration on electric propulsion technology.
    • Recognizing the PLAN’s struggles with technical challenges, India aims to proactively secure this critical maritime technology, preventing China from gaining an edge in advanced surface combatants.
    • The integration of electric propulsion not only enhances acoustic stealth but also provides increased electrical power for subsystems in major warships.
    • This technology is considered a crucial component for the future capabilities and competitiveness of the Indian Navy.
  • Establishment of the India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership:
    • The collaborative effort between India and the United Kingdom in the realm of defense has taken a significant step forward with the establishment of the “India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership.”
    • The joint working group convened for the first time in February 2023, followed by a delegation-level discussion on the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster during its port visit to Kochi in March of the same year.
    • In subsequent meetings, extensive discussions centered on the transfer of technical know-how and leveraging the Royal Navy’s expertise in maritime electric propulsion.
    • The partnership aims to equip the Indian Navy’s major surface combatants with electric propulsion technology in the future.
    • The British side has committed to providing training, equipment, and assistance in establishing the necessary infrastructure for developing an electric propulsion system.
    • The initial phase of implementing electric propulsion technology is anticipated to involve testing on landing platform docks, progressing to surface vessels like guided missile destroyers in the next generation, characterized by a displacement of over 6,000 tonnes.
  • Challenges in the Indo-UK Defense Relationship:
    • While opportunities for collaboration abound, challenges persist, particularly concerning historical ties with India and Pakistan.
    • The UK’s dual supply of weapons to both nations has been a source of frustration in India, raising questions about British motives and objectives in the Subcontinent.
    • Legacy issues related to Khalistan and Sikh separatism may further complicate the relationship.
  • Strategic Shifts and Rationale for Closer Ties:
    • Changing strategic realities, notably China’s emergence as a major naval power, have prompted a reevaluation of defense ties between the UK and India.
    • The People’s Republic of China’s expanding naval deployments in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) create a compelling reason for stronger defense cooperation.
    • Both nations have engaged in joint military exercises, signaling deeper defense industrial cooperation.
    • During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the UK, it was officially declared that the British would deploy a littoral response group in 2024 and a carrier strike group in 2025.
    • These deployments aim to enhance training and interoperability with the Indian Navy.
  • The visit underscores London’s reinvigorated military involvement and presence in regions east of the Suez Canal, a strategic shift from its reduced engagement in the late 1960s.

How satellites track the weather?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

Since December 2023, several northern Indian states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab, have been experiencing persistent and heavy fog, creating challenging visibility conditions.

  • The situation has persisted into January, prompting alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Key Highlights

  • IMD Warnings and Alerts:
    • On January 16, the IMD issued warnings of “very dense fog” in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, with visibility anticipated to be lower than 50 meters during night and morning hours.
    • Similar alerts were issued for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, where visibility could be limited to 50-200 meters.
    • These alerts aim to caution residents and travelers about hazardous conditions.
  • Use of Satellite Maps:
    • The IMD has been utilizing social media platforms to disseminate alerts accompanied by maps sourced from the INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR satellites.
    • These maps provide a visual representation of the fog, annotated by the IMD.
    • The key question arises about the interpretation of the colors on these satellite maps.
    • An examination of maps displaying fog alerts in North India reveals clues to their interpretation lies in the combination of solar reflectance and brightness temperature.
    • These factors are crucial in determining the colors in images captured by the INSAT 3D satellite, shedding light on the density and extent of fog in the region.
  • RGB Imager and Color Determination:
    • The INSAT 3D satellite employs a red-green-blue (RGB) imager, where the colors in the images are influenced by two key factors:
      • solar reflectance and brightness temperature.
    • Solar reflectance signifies the ratio of solar energy reflected by a surface to the incident solar energy, while brightness temperature relates to the temperature of an object and the brightness of its surface.
  • Day Microphysics Data Component:
    • The ‘day microphysics’ data component of INSAT 3D focuses on studying solar reflectance at three specific wavelengths: 0.5 µm (visible radiation), 1.6 µm (shortwave infrared radiation), and 10.8 µm (thermal infrared radiation).
    • Detectors on the satellite track radiation in these wavelengths over India, providing valuable insights into the atmospheric conditions.
  • Color Determination Process:
    • The strength of signals in these wavelengths determines the colors in the images. The 0.5-µm visible signal influences the amount of green color, the 1.6-µm shortwave infrared signal affects the amount of red color, and the 10.8-µm thermal infrared signal dictates the amount of blue color.
    • By analyzing these signals, the INSAT 3D computer assigns specific colors to each point on the image, allowing for a detailed representation of the atmospheric conditions, including fog density.
    • The utilization of color schemes in satellite imagery, particularly in the day and night microphysics components, serves various meteorological purposes.
    • These include the analysis of different cloud types, early stages of convection, thunderstorm maturation, identification of snow areas, and fire detection, offering a comprehensive tool for weather monitoring.
  • Tracking Snow with Solar Reflectance:
    • In the day microphysics component, the INSAT 3D satellite employs solar reflectance to track snow.
    • While the visible part of the spectrum shows similar solar reflectance for both snow and clouds, snow strongly absorbs radiation at a wavelength of 1.6 µm (shortwave infrared).
    • This leads to a distinctive color scheme where the red component becomes weak when the satellite observes snow-covered areas.
  • Night Microphysics and Color Determination:
    • The night microphysics component involves a more intricate process where two colors are determined by the strength of the difference between two signals.
    • The summary provides an illustrative example of the satellite data interpretation, showcasing three types of clouds.
      • A mature cumulonimbus (“CB”) cell over West Bengal, likely part of a tropical storm, appears mostly in red, with the blue component indicating its very cold nature.
      • North of Delhi, green dominates, suggesting a prevalence of lower clouds.
      • Further north, a high and dense cloud system encompasses both lower and higher clouds.
    • Unlocking Atmospheric Insights:
      • The integration of day and night microphysics data from INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR satellites allows atmospheric scientists to unravel crucial information about the presence of moisture droplets with different shapes and temperature variations over time.
      • This, in turn, facilitates the tracking of the complete life cycle of weather events, including the formation, evolution, and depletion of cyclones.
      • Scientists leverage the capability of INSAT 3D, which produces images based on signals from multiple wavelengths, to propose day and night microphysics data as an indicator of an impending thunderstorm within one to three hours.
      • This advanced prediction is made possible by analyzing the atmospheric conditions revealed by the satellite’s spectral measurements.
      • Both INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR are equipped with radiometers and atmospheric sounders to gather critical data for meteorological analysis.
      • Radiometers measure various properties of radiation by exploiting its interaction with matter, such as temperature or electrical activity.
      • Simultaneously, atmospheric sounders function to measure temperature, humidity, and study water vapor distribution at different altitudes from the ground.
      • The synergy of radiometer and sounder measurements enables scientists to gain a comprehensive understanding of various atmospheric characteristics.
      • This holistic approach aids in deciphering the complex dynamics of the atmosphere, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing weather phenomena.
    • Upgraded Radiometer Technology:
      • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the INSAT 3DS meteorological satellite in February 2024, marking another milestone in the country’s meteorological observation capabilities.
      • The INSAT 3DS comes as an upgraded version, featuring advanced technology, building upon the success and technological advancements of its predecessors, including Kalpana 1, INSAT 3A, 3D, and 3DR.
      • According to the INSAT 3DR brochure, the radiometer on INSAT 3DR represents an enhancement of the very-high-resolution radiometer (VHRR) previously used by Kalpana 1, INSAT 3A, and other satellites.
      • The radiometers on 3D and 3DR showcase significant improvements in spatial resolution, spectral channels, and overall functionality compared to their predecessors.
    • Historical Progression:
      • The evolution of Indian meteorological satellites demonstrates a continuous effort to enhance technology and capabilities.
      • The Kalpana 1 and INSATs 3A, 3D, and 3DR satellites played crucial roles in India’s weather monitoring and warning services, with each subsequent satellite being a better-equipped version of the previous one.
    • INSAT 3DS Features:
      • INSAT 3DS is expected to weigh around two tonnes and will be launched aboard the GSLV Mk II launch vehicle.
      • The satellite will carry upgraded VHRR, a sounder, a data-relay transponder, and a search-and-rescue transponder.
      • The launch is anticipated to contribute to India’s ongoing efforts in advancing meteorological observation and providing improved weather monitoring services.
    • Launch Mass and Naming Convention:
      • While INSAT 3DR stood for “3D repeat,” INSAT 3DS signifies “3D second repeat.”
      • The nomenclature reflects the satellite’s position in the series of INSAT 3D satellites and emphasizes its enhanced capabilities compared to the previous models.
    • As of now, INSAT 3D and 3DR are active in geostationary orbits around the Earth, positioned at inclinations of 82 degrees and 74 degrees east longitudes, respectively.
    • Kalpana 1, launched in 2002, served for 15 years before being deactivated in September 2017.

About INSAT Satellites

  • The Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • These satellites play a crucial role in providing a wide range of services, including telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations.
  • The INSAT program began in 1983 with the launch of INSAT-1B.
    • The primary objective was to establish a reliable and extensive communication infrastructure and meteorological observation capabilities.
  • INSAT-3 series includes satellites like INSAT-3A, INSAT-3C, INSAT-3DR, and the upcoming INSAT-3DS.
    • These satellites feature advanced technologies for improved meteorological observations, including radiometers and sounders.

GM crops will make edible oil cheaper: govt.

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Supreme Court of India engaged in discussions regarding the cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, specifically GM mustard, as the government argued that it would contribute to making quality edible oil more affordable for the public.

  • The government emphasized the potential benefits of reducing foreign dependency on edible oil imports and enhancing food security.

Key Highlights

  • Key Arguments by the Government:
    • The government contended that GM oil, including GM mustard, has been utilized in India for decades.
    • The focus was on making edible oil more cost-effective for the common man by promoting the indigenous cultivation of oilseeds.
    • Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that 50 to 60% of edible oil in India is imported, and the cultivation of GM mustard would serve national interests by reducing foreign dependence.
  • Statistics on Edible Oil Demand and Imports:
    • The government presented statistics from the Directorate of Economic and Statistics, indicating a growing demand for edible oil in India due to an increasing population.
    • The total edible oil demand in 2020-21 was 24.6 million tonnes, with 54% of this demand being met through imports.
    • In 2022-23, 55.76% of the total edible oil demand was fulfilled through imports.
  • Concerns Raised and Environmental Impact:
    • Public interest litigation (PIL) petitions raised concerns about the environmental impact of open-field testing of GM crops.
    • The court acknowledged the environmental issues highlighted by the petitioners but emphasized the government’s duty to address the people’s right to food.
    • The Supreme Court conveyed its commitment to the welfare of India and suggested that it seeks what is best for the country.
    • Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol indicated a balance between considering potential benefits and addressing environmental and food security concerns.
  • Focus on Fundamental Right to Access Basic Food:
    • The Supreme Court of India engaged in a debate on the cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard, emphasizing the daily use of edible oil as a fundamental food commodity.
    • The government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that the court should prioritize the people’s fundamental right to access basic food at affordable prices over concerns raised by public interest litigation (PIL) petitioners regarding environmental damage.
  • Key Arguments by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta:
    • Mehta criticized the reliance on a study conducted 14 years ago by PIL petitioners and emphasized the need to consider the right to access basic food at a cheaper price.
    • He highlighted that open field testing of GM crops, particularly GM mustard, occurred in controlled circumstances across eight sites of 600 sq m each.
    • The increase in yield per hectare of the genetically-engineered variant of mustard, Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), was emphasized, indicating potential economic benefits.
    • Mehta pointed out that India imported Canola oil largely from GM canola seeds, highlighting the prevalence of GM crops in global agriculture.
    • Mehta provided a global context, stating that countries like Argentina, the U.S.A, Brazil, and Canada cultivate GM soybean, which constitutes around 80% of global soybean production.

About

  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops, also known as genetically engineered or biotech crops, are plants whose DNA has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or natural recombination.
  • This modification is achieved through genetic engineering techniques that introduce specific genes into the plant’s genome to confer desired traits, such as resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides, as well as improved nutritional content or tolerance to environmental conditions.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Insertion of Foreign Genes: GM crops often involve the insertion of genes from other organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, into the plant’s DNA.
    • Targeted Traits: The genetic modifications are designed to impart specific traits that enhance the crop’s productivity, quality, or resistance to stressors.
    • Selective Advantages: GM crops can offer advantages such as increased yield, reduced need for chemical inputs, and enhanced nutritional profiles.
    • Controversies and Concerns: The cultivation and consumption of GM crops have sparked debates and concerns related to environmental impact, potential health risks, and the socio-economic implications for farmers.

About Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11)

  • Mustard, a significant oilseed crop in India, led to the development of the genetically modified Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH – 11) with the goal of reducing the country’s reliance on edible oil imports.
  • Mustard occupies a substantial portion of agricultural land in India, particularly in the North-western dry land regions.
  • Despite being one of the top oilseed crops, mustard yields have not seen significant increases, remaining below 7.5 million tonnes.
  • India annually spends a significant amount (Rs. 60,000 crore or $10.5 billion) on importing 14.5 million tonnes of edible oil.
  • Over 60% of domestic edible oil demand is met through overseas supplies.
  • DMH – 11 is a genetically modified hybrid variety of Brassica juncea, created through transgenic technology.
    • It is a result of a cross between Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ and East European ‘Early Heera-2’ mustard.
  • Developed by Professor Deepak Pental and colleagues at the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, University of Delhi, South Campus.
  • The primary objective was to address India’s dependence on foreign oil imports, which incurs a considerable annual cost.
  • The development of DMH – 11 required approximately 14 years and Rs. 700 million in funding.
  • Support came from the National Dairy Development Board of India and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

About Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee

  • The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a regulatory body operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in India.
  • The committee is a statutory committee established under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989).”
    • These rules are framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • It plays a crucial role in evaluating and overseeing activities related to the use of hazardous microorganisms, recombinants, and genetically engineered (GE) organisms in various applications.
  • GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary or Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
  • The committee’s co-chair is a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
  • Mandatory Clearance for GM Crops:
    • Clearance from GEAC is mandatory for the environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) crops.
    • Applications are considered in accordance with the provisions of the Rules, 1989, and subsequent amendments.
    • For the consideration of applications related to confined field trials of GM crops by GEAC, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State/UT Government is a prerequisite.
  • Bt Cotton Approval:
    • Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.
    • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducted a study (2012-2015) on the impact of Bt cotton, revealing an increase in the average seed cotton yield after its adoption by farmers.
    • Feeding studies of Bt cotton on various animals, including broiler chickens, lambs, cows, and goats, conducted by ICAR, found it to be safe.

Sub-categorisation of SCs: panel to look into even distribution of benefits

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Union government has established a five-member committee of Secretaries, led by the Cabinet Secretary, to assess and devise a method for ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, schemes, and initiatives among the more than 1,200 Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India.

  • The focus is on addressing the concerns of the most backward communities within the SC category, which have faced challenges due to the dominance of relatively forward sections.

Key Highlights

  • The decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to examine the demand for sub-categorization of SCs, particularly raised by the Madiga community during the Telangana Assembly election.
  • Supreme Court’s Role:
    • A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is set to initiate hearings on the permissibility of sub-categorization among SCs and Scheduled Tribes.
    • The government committee, however, is instructed not to delve into questions related to reservations, respecting the sub-judice nature of the matter.
  • Committee’s Mandate:
    • The committee will explore alternative strategies to address the grievances of the most backward communities among SCs.
    • It is prohibited from discussing the reservation break-up for employment and education, focusing instead on initiatives like special programs and targeted implementation of existing schemes.
  • Composition and Deadline:
    • Formed in the current month, the committee comprises Secretaries from the Home Ministry, Law Ministry, Tribal Affairs Ministry, and Social Justice Ministry.
    • Although no explicit deadline is provided, the committee is urged to present its findings at the earliest convenience.
  • Historical Context:
    • The Madiga community, since 1994, has been advocating for the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs).
    • This demand prompted the formation of the Justice P. Ramachandra Raju Commission in 1996 and later a National Commission in 2007, both concluding that avenues exist for sub-categorisation.
  • Madiga Community’s Share and Grievances:
    • Madiga community constitutes at least 50% of Telangana’s total SC population.
    • Allegations persist that benefits, including reservations, meant for SCs have been dominated by the Mala community, leaving Madigas marginalized.
  • Multiple states like Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have attempted state-level reservation laws for sub-categorising SCs, awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.
  • The Supreme Court’s seven-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, is expected to provide clarity on the constitutionality of sub-categorisation.
  • Past Considerations and Legal Perspectives:
    • In 2005, the Union government explored legal options for sub-categorisation, considering unimpeachable evidence as a prerequisite.
    • National Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes opposed amending the Constitution, emphasizing prioritizing the effective implementation of existing schemes for SCs.
    • Legal experts argue that a caste census with socio-economic data for each community and sub-community is crucial for justifying sub-categorisation.
    • Empirical data would provide a basis to determine the extra share of benefits each community requires, supporting the government’s move.