CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/10/2023

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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/10/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/10/2023

Easing the transport of cargo by Railways

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Indian Railways (IR) has traditionally been a cost-effective means of transporting bulk cargo.

However, it faces challenges in maintaining its share in the movement of goods due to changing logistics dynamics.

Key Highlights

To address this, the Indian government has introduced two key policies:
- the PM GatiShakti (PMGS) policy and the National Logistics Policy (NLP).
The former aims to create a seamless multi-modal transport network, while the latter focuses on building a national logistics portal.
PM GatiShakti (PMGS) Policy
- National Master Plan (NMP):
  - PMGS aims to develop a National Master Plan employing technology and IT tools for coordinated infrastructure planning.
  - Details about the specific components and implementation are limited in official government sources.
- Integration of Postal and Railway Networks:
  - The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade mentions the integration of postal and railway networks as a part of the PMGS initiative.
- One Station – One Product:
  - Another aspect of PMGS is the “one station – one product” concept.
- Introduction of 400 Vande Bharat Trains:
  - The PMGS policy includes the introduction of 400 Vande Bharat trains, but information about increasing the IR’s share in cargo transportation is missing.
- Initiatives in Bulk Cargo Transportation
  - The Indian Railways has relaxed block rake movement rules, allowing loading from/to multiple locations, providing more flexibility.
  - Mini rakes have been permitted, and private freight terminals have been introduced, offering improved logistics options.
  - Gati Shakti Terminal (GCT) Policy:
    - The GCT policy eases the stipulations for the operation of these terminals, converting private freight terminals and sidings into GCTs.
  - The IR has encouraged freight operators to invest in wagons, leading to the induction of privately-owned wagons for specialized cargo, such as automobiles and fly ash.
- Challenges in Increasing IR’s Share in Bulk Cargo
  - Despite these initiatives, the IR’s share in bulk cargo continues to decline, partly due to decentralization of production and a reduced cost advantage.
  - The IR should address non-price barriers and distribute transaction costs to attract more customers.
  - Railway sidings are capital-intensive, favoring large industries.
  - Smaller industries face logistics challenges due to the distances to load their cargo.
  - In the cement sector, smaller plants with less than 1 MT annual capacity had a lower rail share compared to larger plants, highlighting the accessibility issue.
  - Common-user facilities are required at cargo aggregation and dispersal points in mining clusters, industrial areas, and cities.
  - Collaboration with State governments is crucial to develop these facilities and address regional needs.
    - This requires a shift from a patron-client relationship to more proactive planning and cooperation.
  - Utilization of Fly Ash
    - The Indian Railways (IR) has overlooked the potential for transporting commodities like fly ash, despite significant production and utilization.
      - In 2021, fly ash production was 232 million tonnes (MT), with utilization at 214 MT.
      - The IR approved power plant sidings without fly ash loading facilities, which has limited its role in transporting fly ash.
      - It is imperative for the IR to proactively address this issue to tap into the transportation of fly ash effectively.
    - Innovative Wagon Design
      - To adapt to new commodities, the IR needs to encourage and liberalize the design of new wagons that facilitate higher and more efficient loading.
      - By creating wagons tailored to the needs of evolving commodities, the IR can maintain its relevance and efficiency.
    - Environmental Considerations
      - Recent government regulations make environmental clearance mandatory for rail loading/unloading facilities.
        
        However, road loading/unloading facilities do not face the same requirement.
      - Environmental clearances should be based on cargo quantity and potential environmental impact rather than the transport mode.
      - Mode-agnostic regulations are essential to prevent cargo from shifting to more environmentally polluting road transport.
      - Striking a balance between environmental protection and efficient rail transportation is critical to ensure sustainability in cargo movement.

What is block rake movement?

Block rake movement, often referred to as “rake movement”, is a method of transporting freight or goods in a bulk or containerized form.
In this system, a group of railcars or wagons is coupled together to form a single train unit, commonly known as a “rake.”
These railcars are loaded with similar types of cargo or commodities, and they are destined for the same or related locations.

The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP)

The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) was launched on October 13, 2021, and received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on October 21, 2021.
This transformative approach is aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in India through seven key engines:
- Railways
- Roads
- Ports
- Waterways
- Airports
- Mass Transport
- Logistics Infrastructure
These engines work together to drive the economy and are complemented by roles in energy transmission, IT communication, bulk water and sewerage, and social infrastructure.
The approach is powered by clean energy and a collaborative effort involving the central government, state governments, and the private sector, creating substantial job and entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for the youth.
The PMGS-NMP focuses on achieving economic transformation, seamless multimodal connectivity, and enhanced logistics efficiency.
It includes infrastructure developed by state governments as per the GatiShakti Master Plan.
The plan emphasizes planning, innovative financing methods, technology utilization, and expedited implementation.
This approach is expected to boost productivity, accelerate economic growth, and drive overall development in India.
Digital Master Planning Tool by BISAG-N:
- The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) is developed as a Digital Master Planning tool by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics).
- It operates within a dynamic Geographic Information System (GIS) platform.
- Data on specific action plans of all Ministries/Departments is incorporated into a comprehensive database.
- Dynamic mapping of infrastructure projects with real-time updates is facilitated through a map developed by BISAG-N.
- The map is constructed using open-source technologies and securely hosted on the MEGHRAJ cloud of the Government of India.
- It utilizes satellite imagery from ISRO and base maps from Survey of India.
User-Focused Digital System:
- Individual Ministries are provided with separate user identifications (login IDs) to update their data periodically.
- Data from all Ministries is centralized on a single platform for collaborative planning, review, and monitoring.
Stakeholder Support and API Integration:
- The Logistics Division, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI), supports stakeholders through BISAG-N.
- They assist in creating and updating the required data layers in the system through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

About the National Logistics Policy (NLP)

The National Logistics Policy (NLP) envisions driving economic growth and enhancing the business competitiveness of India.

The vision focuses on achieving these goals through an integrated, seamless, efficient, reliable, green, sustainable, and cost-effective logistics network.
The ultimate aim is to reduce logistics costs and improve overall logistics performance.
NLP Targets:
- Reduce Logistics Costs:
  - One of the key targets of the NLP is to reduce the cost of logistics in India.
  - The objective is to cut logistics costs in India from the current 14-18% of GDP to align with global best practices, which typically have a logistics cost-to-GDP ratio of around 8%.
- Improve Logistics Performance:
  - The policy aims to enhance India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking.
  - The endeavor is to position India among the top 25 countries in the LPI ranking by the year 2030.
  - In 2018, India was ranked 44th in the LPI.
- Data-Driven Decision Support:
  - The NLP seeks to establish a data-driven decision support mechanism.
  - This mechanism is intended to foster an efficient logistics ecosystem, aiding in informed and optimized decision-making processes.

The expansion of settlements into flood prone areas

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Urban areas in India, including cities like Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Mumbai, have experienced increased instances of flooding, leading to significant economic losses and displacement of thousands of people.

A recent study conducted by the World Bank, published in the Nature journal, highlights the exacerbating risks associated with urban expansion into flood-prone areas.

Key Highlights

Rapid Urban Expansion into Flood-Prone Areas:
- Since 1985, human settlements in flood-prone regions have more than doubled, reflecting a concerning trend.
- This expansion into vulnerable areas has contributed to the increasing frequency of urban floods in India.
- There is a need for sustainable urban development and the incorporation of flood-related risks in urban planning.
Global Comparison of Settlement Expansion:
- The study utilized satellite data to assess global flood patterns and compared them to maps of urban expansion.
- It revealed that East Asia experienced the highest rate of settlement expansion in flood-prone areas.
- In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa and North America had the least expansion in such areas.
- Middle-income countries, like India, exhibited more urban settlement in flood-prone zones than low- and high-income countries.
India’s Position in Global Rankings:
- While India is not among the top 20 countries with the most exposed settlements to flood hazards, it ranks third globally in terms of contributions to new settlements expanding into flood-prone areas, after China and the U.S.
- This data highlights the significant risk that India faces regarding flood-related issues in the future if not addressed properly.
Concerns about Data and Granularity:
- Some experts have expressed concerns about the data’s granularity.
- The data source, EM-DAT, which mainly records mass disasters, may not provide sufficient detail to assess flood-prone areas in urban and peri-urban regions accurately.
- As a result, assigning ranks to countries based on their exposure to floods might not be entirely comprehensive.
Role of Urbanization in Flooding
- Raj BhagatPalanichamy emphasized the critical connection between urbanization and flood-related hazards.
- He estimated that the 2022 Bengaluru floods cost the city Rs 225 crore.
- Bengaluru’s rapid population growth led to urban expansion, but this growth often overlooked the city’s topography, leading to urbanization in flood-prone areas.
- For example, construction in low-lying “valleys and ridges” reduced soil’s ability to absorb rainfall and disrupted water flow into canals, increasing flood risks.
- Urbanization in flood-prone areas affects both the wealthy and the impoverished.
- The Yamuna floodplains as an example, featuring informal settlements, government structures, and unauthorized colonies.
- Informal settlement residents are at significantly higher risk, as these areas often occupy low-lying, flood-prone land.
- The geography of environmental risk aligns with informal low-income housing, as these populations are forced to occupy less desirable areas to avoid eviction.
Challenges in Governance and Environmental Regulations
- Urbanization into flood-prone and ecologically unsustainable areas is driven by a lack of effective governance processes to identify and regulate environmentally unsustainable development.
- Environmental regulations are often applied to large infrastructure projects but not to medium and small-scale modifications of localities.
- Despite the differences in flood-proneness between localities, flooding and flood risk are not adequately addressed at the locality level.
Examples of Irresponsible Development
- The 2022 Bengaluru floods affected various localities, indicating that heavy construction activity in these areas led to similar flood-related problems.
- Violations of government regulations are common, with instances like the rise of eco-tourism resorts on forest land and the construction of public structures on river floodplains.
- For instance, the construction of the Akshardham Temple on the Sabarmati riverfront significantly narrowed the river and increased flood risks in neighboring areas.
Balancing Urban Expansion and Flood-Prone Areas
- As cities and populations continue to expand, there may be no choice but to expand into flood-prone areas due to market forces.
- Recognizing these areas and the associated risks is a critical first step toward sustainable urban planning.
Solutions and Adaptations
- Cities should conduct scientific mapping of flood-prone areas to inform urban planning decisions.
- Implementing better storm-water management plans, including the installation of storm-water drains in flood-prone areas, is essential.
- There is a need for resilient housing solutions in flood-prone areas, particularly for low-income residents.
  - For example, stilt houses used by communities along the banks of rivers can provide resilience to floods.

The act of photocopying: its origins, working and wide-ranging impact

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

Photocopying is a technique used to duplicate content using light or other methods.

The term “photocopying” is often associated with xerography, a popular method for quick and cost-effective reproduction of printed material.

Key Highlights

Xerography: A Dry Photocopying Method
- The word “xerography” and the name “Xerox” come from the Greek root “xero,” meaning “dry.”
- Xerography is a photocopying method that does not involve liquid chemicals and is widely used worldwide for reproducing printed material.
Components and Process of Xerography
- Photoconductive Surface:
  - This surface is coated with a material that conducts electricity when exposed to light but blocks it in the dark.
- Charging:
  - The photoconductive surface is negatively charged using a high-voltage negatively charged wire.
- Illumination:
  - The sheet of paper to be copied is illuminated with bright light.
  - Printed areas on the paper do not reflect light.
- Image Formation:
  - Reflected light is directed onto the photoconductive surface.
  - Where light falls, the material becomes conductive, leaving negatively charged areas corresponding to printed parts of the paper.
- Toner Application:
  - A powdery substance called toner, positively charged, is applied to the surface.
  - It adheres to negatively charged areas on the surface.
- Transfer:
  - The surface transfers the toner pattern to a sheet of paper with a stronger negative charge, causing the toner to jump.
- Fusing:
  - The toner is heated and melts, fusing with the paper.
  - The finished copy rolls out of the photocopying machine in a matter of seconds.

Innovations and Advancements in Xerography
- Xerography has seen numerous innovations since its development in the 1930s, including improvements in toner supply, materials cost, color copying, laser technology, and user experience.
Invention of Xerography
- The concept of xerography was developed by American attorney Chester F. Carlson in 1938, influenced by Hungarian engineer Paul Selenyi’s work.
- Carlson’s initial version of xerography laid the foundation for further refinement by researchers at the Battelle Memorial Institute in Ohio.
Commercialization of Xerography
- In 1946, Haloid Photographic Company in New York acquired a license from Battelle to build a machine based on the xerography technique.
- Haloid trademarked the name “Xerox machine” in 1948 and released the first model for sale in 1949.
- Haloid later became Haloid Xerox in 1958 and Xerox Corporation in 1961.
- Key models like the Xerox 914 (1959) and Xerox 813 (1963) played a significant role in the widespread adoption of xerography technology.
Introduction of Laser-Based Photocopier
- Xerox introduced a laser-based photocopier that used lasers to inscribe shapes onto a drum, revolutionizing the photocopying process.
- Xerox remained a dominant supplier in the industry and held patents that required competitors to use specially prepared paper.
Impact of Xerography on the World
- Counterfeiting:
  - Xerography technology led to the implementation of anti-counterfeiting features on banknotes, such as the “Omron anti-photocopying feature.”
  - Markings on banknotes prevented counterfeiters from using xerographic machines to duplicate currency notes.
- Copyright and Surveillance:
  - Xerography technology enabled low-cost copying and binding of educational material.
  - Academic publishers filed copyright infringement suits against institutions and photocopy shops.
  - Xerography facilitated the reproduction of texts that might have faced censorship, including militant manifestos and DIY guides.
- Art:
  - The availability of xerography machines in the 1970s in New York contributed to a vibrant arts scene.
  - Artists, musicians, and writers benefited from the low-cost reproduction of posters, art, and literature.
  - Xerography allowed for self-publishing, enabling creative individuals to distribute their work independently.

What are electoral bonds: SC to hear from today

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

Electoral bonds are instruments introduced in India to facilitate anonymous donations to political parties.

The scheme was notified on January 2, 2018, and has faced legal challenges since its inception.

Key Highlights

What Are Electoral Bonds?
- Electoral bonds are interest-free “bearer instruments,” payable to the bearer on demand, similar to promissory notes.
- Indian citizens or bodies incorporated in India can purchase these bonds, allowing for anonymous donations to political parties.
- Bonds are typically available in denominations from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore and can be obtained from authorized State Bank of India (SBI) branches following KYC norms.
- Political parties can encash the bonds within 15 days of receiving them to fund their electoral expenses.
- These bonds are available for purchase during 10-day windows in the months of January, April, July, and October.
- They can only be used to donate to political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951, securing at least 1% of the votes polled in the last election.
Why Were Electoral Bonds Introduced?
- The primary purpose of introducing electoral bonds was to clean the system of political funding in India and promote transparency.
- The scheme aimed to address the issue of political parties receiving funds through anonymous cash donations.
- It was introduced to make political funding more transparent by allowing for traceable donations while limiting the amount of cash donations from anonymous sources.
- The Finance Act(s) of 2016 and 2017 amended several legislations to enable the electoral bonds scheme, including the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the Representation of the Peoples Act, the Income Tax Act, and the Companies Act.
Legal Challenges to Electoral Bonds
- In 2017, the first batch of petitions challenging electoral bonds was filed by NGOs, Common Cause and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
- The petitions aimed to strike down amendments made through the Finance Acts of 2016 and 2017, which were passed as money bills.
- The amendments were seen as opening doors to unlimited political donations, potentially from foreign companies, and raising concerns about electoral corruption.
Previous Court Rulings on Electoral Bonds
- On April 12, 2019, a three-judge Supreme Court (SC) bench issued an interim order requiring political parties receiving donations through electoral bonds to submit bond details to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- In March 2021, a three-judge SC bench, led by then Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, dismissed a plea to stay the sale of new electoral bonds, disputing the claim of complete anonymity of bond purchasers.
- The court noted that the scheme was not impenetrable and had ordered safeguards through the April 2019 interim order.
- The “safeguards” included the requirement for political parties to submit bond details to the ECI, sealed in a cover, disclosing particulars of the donors for each bond.
- The larger constitutional challenge to the electoral bonds scheme, filed in 2017, is still pending in the SC.
- In April 2022, then Chief Justice of India NV Ramana assured that the matter would be heard promptly when advocate Prashant Bhushan mentioned the issue, highlighting concerns about electoral bonds’ impact on democracy.
Pending Issues and Referral to a Five-Judge Bench
- On October 16, Chief Justice of India Chandrachud referred the case to a five-judge bench, including Justices Sanjeev Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and ManojMisra.
- The case involves four petitions challenging the constitutionality of the electoral bonds scheme.
- The petitioners also seek to declare political parties as public offices to subject them to the Right to Information Act, requiring them to disclose their income and expenditure.
- The top court will address these critical issues regarding electoral bonds in India.
- The petitions argued that electoral bonds ensured complete non-transparency in political funding and should not have been introduced bypassing the Rajya Sabha’s approval.
Election Commission of India’s Stance
- In May 2017, the Election Commission of India (ECI) raised objections to the amendments in the Representation of the People Act (RPA) that exempted political parties from disclosing donations received via electoral bonds.
  - The ECI considered this a “retrograde step.”
- The ECI requested the government to “reconsider” and “modify” the amendment in a letter to the Law Ministry.
- In March 2019, as part of the ongoing legal challenge to electoral bonds in the Supreme Court, the ECI filed an affidavit highlighting the issue of changes in laws that allowed political parties to receive contributions from foreign companies.
- This change could lead to “unchecked foreign funding of political parties” and potential influence on Indian policies by foreign companies.
Center’s Stance
- Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the government, argued that the citizens’ right to know is subject to reasonable restrictions.
- He stated that there is no general right to know anything without such restrictions.
- The AG defended the electoral bonds scheme, emphasizing that it provides confidentiality to contributors and encourages the use of clean money.
- He also stated that the scheme complies with tax obligations and does not violate any existing rights.

‘Prisoner’s Dilemma’ in international relations

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh used the concept of “Prisoner’s Dilemma” in his keynote address at the Goa Maritime Conclave to highlight the need for countries to collaborate in international relations rather than act at cross purposes.

In international relations, the Prisoner’s Dilemma concept explains and analyzes situations where countries face strategic decision-making challenges.
For example, in an arms race between countries, mutual fear and mistrust can lead to both parties hoarding more arms, resulting in an arms race.

Key Highlights

The challenge in international relations is to find solutions that promote cooperation, build trust, and mitigate the risks associated with the Prisoner’s Dilemma situations.
What is Prisoner’s Dilemma?
- Prisoner’s Dilemma is a well-known concept in Game Theory, a branch of science that helps understand how people or entities behave under different circumstances and how to achieve the best outcome.
- The dilemma arises when two individuals, A and B, are brought in for questioning about a crime.
- The police have circumstantial evidence, and the best they can achieve is to imprison both A and B for one year each unless they get more credible evidence.
- The police officer gives both A and B a choice:
  - If one prisoner accuses the other, the accuser goes free, and the accused gets a 15-year jail term.
  - If neither confesses, they both get one year’s jail time.
  - If both confess, they both receive 10 years in prison.
- The prisoner’s dilemma presents the paradox of whether to confess or stay silent, as each individual’s decision depends on the other’s action.
- In international relations, similar situations can arise where countries must decide whether to cooperate or act in conflict, considering mutual interests, fear, and mistrust.
- The challenge is to find solutions that promote cooperation and build trust.
Optimal Strategy in the Prisoner’s Dilemma
- In the Prisoner’s Dilemma scenario, the apparent optimal course of action is for both prisoners to stay silent, as it results in the least jail time for each—just one year.
- However, there’s a dilemma.
  - Each prisoner can’t be sure that the other will stay silent, potentially leading to the maximum prison term of 15 years if they stay silent while the other confesses.
- Paradoxically, if one prisoner can’t be sure of the other’s choice, the best individual strategy is to confess, ensuring a lesser prison term if the other prisoner also confesses.
- The overall best outcome is cooperation.
- If both prisoners cooperate and stay silent, they receive the minimum jail time, just one year.
Real-Life Applications of the Dilemma
- The Prisoner’s Dilemma has applications in various real-life scenarios, including international relations and business strategies.
- In business, it can be applied to pricing strategies.
- Two competing companies may continually reduce prices to gain market share, potentially leading to unsustainable price levels.
- Alternatively, they can cooperate and set a floor price, ensuring both companies earn reasonable profits.
- In geopolitics, countries can avoid entering an arms race by setting ground rules to prevent economic and societal harm in the long run.
- Cooperation and diplomatic agreements can serve as alternatives to destructive competitions.