Current Affairs – March 15, 2024

Table of contents

{GS2 – Governance – Initiatives} NITI Aayog’s Vocal for Local Initiative

Context (PIB): NITI Aayog has launched the Vocal for Local initiative.

About Vocal for Local initiative

It is an initiative of NITI Aayog under its Aspirational Blocks Programme.
The aim is to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
It involves mapping and consolidating local products from 500 aspirational blocks under the Aakanksha brand.
- Aakanksha serves as an umbrella brand with potential for international markets.
A dedicated window on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal has been created for the Aspirational Blocks Programme under the Aakanksha brand.
Partners will offer technical and operational support for e-commerce onboarding, linkages establishment, financial/digital literacy, documentation/certification, and skill enhancement.

Aspirational Blocks Programme

It was launched in 2018, which includes 112 districts nationwide. It follows the model of the Aspirational District Programme.
Goal: To enhance the performance of underdeveloped blocks in various aspects.
Initially, the programme will target 500 districts across 31 States and Union Territories. States can add more blocks to the programme later.
More than half of these blocks are concentrated in six States: Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29), and West Bengal (29).

{GS2 – IR – UN} Global Human Development Index Report 2022

Context (TH | TOI | HT): India climbed one spot on the global Human Development Index (HDI) for the year 2022.

About the Global Human Development Index (HDI) Report 2022

HDI: It is a composite index that measures average achievement in human development, considering four indicators.
- Life expectancy at birth.
- Expected years of schooling.
- Mean years of schooling.
- Gross national income (GNI).
Published by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Title: Breaking the gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarised world.
India’s status in HDI: Placed in the medium human development category.
Rank: 134 (2022) out of 193 countries (Earlier 135 (2021)).
Top ranking country: Switzerland.
Comparison with neighboring countries: Both Sri Lanka (78) and China (75) are in the High Human Development category.
- India ranks lower than Bhutan, placed 125th, and Bangladesh, which is at the 129th position.
Positives: In 2022, India’s HDI indicators improved in all areas.
- Life expectancy increased from 67.2 to 67.7 years.
- Expected years of schooling rose to 12.6.
- Mean years of schooling went up to 6.57.
- GNI per capita also increased from $6,542 to $6,951.

India’s first state-level human development index was brought out by Madhya Pradesh in 1995.

Other Key Findings

Gender inequality

India demonstrated progress in reducing gender inequality, with a value of 0.437 that is better than the global and South Asian averages.
It now ranks 108 out of 166 countries in the gender inequality index (GII) 2022.
The country’s reproductive health performance is better than that of other countries in the medium human development group or South Asia.
India’s adolescent birth rate in 2022 was 16.3 (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19), an improvement from 17.1 in 2021.
Challenges: India also has one of the largest gender gaps in the labour force participation rate, with a 47.8% difference between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%)

Inequality

The report says that inequality across the world is rising again. After 20 years of convergence, the gap between the richest and poorest countries has started to widen from 2020.

{GS2 – MoHA – Initiatives} Digital Criminal Case Management System Platform

Context (PIB): The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation virtually launched the Digital Criminal Case Management System Platform of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The event also marked the inauguration of NIA’s 2 new branch offices in Jammu and Kochi and a residential complex in Raipur.

Criminal Crime Management System (CCMS)

The CCMS is a browser-based software designed to enhance coordination in terrorism and organized crime cases handled by the NIA.
It aims to improve justice delivery by streamlining investigations and prosecution.

Features of CCMS

User-Friendly: The system is easy to deploy and customizable.
State Police Support: It assists state police forces in their investigations and legal proceedings.
Data Integration: CCMS helps organize, integrate, and digitize data generated during investigations, including case documents, evidence, and charge sheets.

Other Initiative

Mobile App ‘Sankalan’

Sankalan serves as a comprehensive guide, bridging old and new criminal laws.
It works offline and ensures accessibility even in remote areas.
It is a compendium of New Criminal Laws by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

{GS2 – MoMSME – Initiatives} MSME Centres

Context (PIB): The Union Minister of MSME approved 2 significant centres at UdyamAlok, Ni-msme, Hyderabad.

Export Acceleration and Experience Centre (EAEC)

The EAEC aims to empower MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) towards boosting exports and align with Atmanirbhar Bharat for promotion of exports.
The EAEC will provide a range of services, including:
- Market Research: Assisting MSMEs in understanding global markets.
- Logistics Solutions: Facilitating efficient export logistics.
- Digital Marketing Training: Equipping MSMEs with digital marketing skills.
- Access to Funding: Supporting financial needs.
- Global Marketplace: Connecting MSMEs to international markets.
- Academia-Industry Collaboration

Centre of Excellence for MSME Enablement of Technology (COMET)

COMET will be established in collaboration with IIT-Hyderabad.
It will provide interdisciplinary, design-focused technologies, hands-on training & skill development and encourage entrepreneurial activities among MSMEs.
COMET will serve as a platform for:
- Technology Development: Creating and testing innovative solutions.
- Demonstration and Certification: Ensuring quality and reliability.
- Digital Cataloguing: Facilitating easy access to technologies.
- B2B Marketplace: Connecting MSMEs with technology providers.
- Energy Efficiency and Skill Development: It will focus on energy-efficient technologies and address existing technological challenges.

These technologies will enable MSMEs to become global players through indigenous technology development.

National Institute for MSME (ni-msme)

Established in 1960, it serves as a leading institution with the objective of supporting, developing, and equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
Initially known as the Small Industries Extension Training (SIET), it was later renamed ni-msme in 2002.

{GS2 – Polity – IC} Renaming districts by Maharashtra Cabinet

Context (IE | IE): Maharashtra Cabinet renames Ahmednagar as Ahilyanagar and Velha tehsil as Rajgad.

Ahmednagar will be renamed after Ahilyabai Holkar, a queen of the Maratha empire.
Velha, the first capital of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji, will be renamed Rajgad.
This decision follows the renaming of Aurangabad and Osmanabad as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Dharashiv, respectively.

Ahmednagar took its name from Ahmad Nizam Shah I.
Ahmad Nizam Shah I founded the town in 1494.
The town was established on the site of a battlefield where he emerged victorious against superior Bahamani forces.

Process for Renaming a City

A request for renaming a city in the form of a resolution must be raised by any Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
The resolution will be deliberated upon in the State Assembly.
Then, the resolution will be put to vote, and the resolution must be passed by a simple majority.
The resolution as a proposal is submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Ministry considers the proposal and consults with other state agencies.
- The agencies from whom the approval is required are the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Survey of India, and Registrar General of India.
- A ‘No Objection’ certificate is issued by the Ministry if the proposal is approved by the Ministry and all the agencies.
After getting approval from the Ministry, the State Government can issue an official notification in the Gazette and the name of the city stands changed.

Ahilyabai Holkar

Ahilyabai Holkar - PMF IAS

Early Life

Ahilyabai Holkar was born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chaundi (present-day Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India).
Her father, Mankoji Shinde, was a respected scion of a Dhangar (Gadariya) family and served as the Patil.
Despite the prevailing norms, her father taught her to read and write.

Marriage and Rise to Prominence

Ahilyabai gained prominence when Malhar Rao Holkar, a commander in the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao’s army, visited Chaundi.
Impressed by her piety and character, Malhar’s son, Khande Rao Holkar, married Ahilyabai on the Peshwa’s advice in 1733.

Leadership and Administration

After her husband’s death in the 1754 Battle of Kumbher against the King of Bharatpur, Ahilyabai took control of Malwa.
She excelled at administrative and military strategies under the guidance of her father-in-law, who believed she should lead her people and not die by Sati.
After the death of her father-in-law and son a few years later, she petitioned the Peshwa to become the ruler, backed by the support of her army.
She defended the Malwa state against intruders and personally led armies into battle, with Tukoji Rao Holkar as her military commander.
Ahilyabai was known for her administrative acumen, breaking traditional gender norms in 18^th century India.

Contributions

She established Maheshwar (in Madhya Pradesh) as the seat of the Holkar Dynasty.
Ahilyabai was a prolific builder, constructing Hindu temples and Dharmashalas across the Indian Subcontinent.
Benevolence, social reforms, and support for arts and culture marked her reign.

Legacy

Popularly known as Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar, she remains one of the most powerful women in pre-independent India.
Her legacy endures as a symbol of courage, leadership, and devotion to her people.
John Keay, the British historian, gave the queen the title of ‘The Philosopher Queen’.

{GS3 – Envi – Pollution} Fashion Industry & the Environmental Challenges

Context (DTE): The textile industry generates a significant amount of waste, contributing to pollution and landfill overflow.

Fashion Industry: The Challenges to Environment

The textile industry globally releases 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually contributing 3% of global CO2 emissions, with future predictions to rise to over 10% by 2050.
Fast fashion brands’ increased production has led to a surge in textile waste, with over 55% of discarded clothing ending up in landfills.
Chemicals used during textile manufacturing pose risks to both the environment and human health.
Polyester and synthetic materials contribute to non-biodegradable waste in oceans.
Pesticides and herbicides used in fibre production affect soil fertility and biodiversity, impacting crop productivity in the agriculture value chain.
The textile and fashion industries consume a staggering 93 billion cubic meters of water.
This has led to a nearly 7% decline in drinking water and groundwater globally.
Mismanaged fashion production and use have severely impacted places like the Atacama Desert in Chile, known as the “Great Fashion Garbage Patch.”

Circular Fashion Solutions

Rental Services: Borrowing clothes through rental services reduces the need for new purchases.
Resale Platforms: Buying and selling preloved fashion items extends their lifespan.
Clothing Repair and Alteration Services: These services help maintain garments.
Clothing Recycling Programs: Repurposing old clothes into new products.
Upcycled Materials: Transforming surplus materials into new fashion pieces.

{GS3 – IE – Inflation} Food inflation and Retail inflation

Context (IE): Retail inflation measured by the consumer price index remained nearly steady since the start of the year, according to the data released by the National Statistical Office.
In February, inflation was at 5.09%, just slightly down from January’s 5.1%.

However, detailed data indicates different trends:
- Food inflation has slightly increased.
- Core inflation, excluding volatile food and fuel, has decreased.

Key Findings

Consumer food price index rose to 8.66% in February, up from 8.3% in January.
Food Inflation was high in various items:
- Vegetables: 30.25%
- Pulses and products: 18.9%
- Eggs: 10.69%
- Cereals: 7.6%
- Sugar: 7.48%
Reason: The surge in inflation for TOP segment (tomato, onion, and potato) possibly due to El Nino effects and subdued production (Crisil).
Core inflation excluding food, beverages, fuel, light, petrol, and diesel, decreased to 3.5% in February, down from 3.7% in January, as estimated by ICRA.

Core inflation is now at its lowest level since January 2015.

Industrial production slowed to 3.8% in January, down from 4.2% in December, mainly due to weak manufacturing performance, according to NSO data.

Retail Inflation

Also known as CPI-based Inflation.
The CPI tracks the change in retail prices of goods and services which households purchase for their daily consumption.
To measure inflation, we estimate how much CPI has increased in terms of percentage change over the same period the previous year.
If prices have fallen, it is known as deflation (negative inflation).
CPI formula: (Price of basket in current period / Price of the basket in base period) x 100
The CPI also helps understand the real value of salaries, wages, and pensions, the purchasing power of the nation’s currency, and the regulation of rates.
It is generally based on the weighted average of the prices of commodities.
It basically gives an idea of the cost of the standard of living.

{Prelims – In News} Pig-butchering Scam

Context (IT): A 37-year-old tech professional based in the US lost $450,000 (3.7 crore rupees) in a pig-butchering scam.

Pig butchering scams are deceptive schemes where people are convinced to invest big money, usually in cryptocurrencies, thinking it’s a real opportunity.
Victims suffer major financial losses worldwide because the scammers disappear after taking large sums of money.
These scams started in 2020 in China but quickly spread to Southeast Asia.

{Prelims – PIN World – NA} Darien Gap

Context (DTE I TG): Panama has ordered Doctors Without Borders/ Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to stop treating people who have crossed the Darien Gap.

Darien Gap is one of the world’s most dangerous and fastest-growing border crossings.
In recent weeks, much of the discussion over illegal immigration to US has focused on Darien Gap.
This route spans parts of Central and South America, and an increasing number of people are attempting to pass on their way to the US to claim asylum.

About Darien Gap

It is a geographic region in the Isthmus of Darién or Isthmus of Panama, which connects the American continents within Central America.
It sits on the border between Panama and Colombia.
It consists of a large watershed, forest, and mountains.
The Darien Gap is home to the Embera-Wounaan and Guna people and was also home to the Cueva people, who became extinct by 1535 following the Spanish invasion of Panama.
There is no paved road in the Darien Gap. Despite this, it has become a significant route for global human migration.
- Prior to 2021, 10,000 people annually took this route on their way north to seek residence in the United States and Canada.
- Then, in 2021, the Panamanian government documented 133,000 crossings, a dramatic increase in human movement in such a volatile stretch of land.
- In 2023, more than half a million people transited through this part of the Isthmus of Panama.
It is a stretch of mountainous jungle 160km long and 50km wide and is controlled by criminal groups known for acts of violence, including sexual abuse and robbery.
Crossing this stretch of land without the help of a smuggler or guide is impossible because the criminal organisations that control the territory demand payment for passage.
The Missing Migrant Project reported 141 known deaths in the Darien Gap in 2023.
Darien Gap is a part of the Donkey Route to the USA.

What is Donkey Route?

The Donkey Route - PMF IAS

The “donkey route” to the United States involves migrants travelling through Latin American countries to reach the US border.
The journey often starts in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, or Guyana, where Indian citizens can obtain visas quickly.
The route includes crossing the Darién Gap, a forested area between Colombia and Panama, facing risks such as lack of clean water, wildlife, and criminal gangs.
From Panama, migrants are often routed through Guatemala to enter Mexico and eventually reach the US border, facing challenges like jumping fences and crossing the Rio Grande River.
The journey is expensive, ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, and involves coordination with human trafficking networks.

Features

This is a hot, humid area typified by tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and low mountain ranges with cloud forest vegetation.
The Pan-American Highway does not traverse Darien, which effectively blocks land transportation between Central and South America.

Pan-American Highway

Pan-American Highway - PMF IAS

The Pan-American Highway is a system of roads measuring about 30,000 km in length.
It runs north–south through the entirety of North, Central and South America.
There is a sole exception of a 106 km (66 mi) stretch of marshland and mountains between Panama and Colombia known as the Darién Gap.

National Parks

A pair of contiguous parks—Darién National Park in Panama and Los Katios National Park in Colombia—administer a large part of the region.
The Darien National Park and Biosphere has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

{Prelims – PIN} Jagannath Shankarseth

Context (IE): The Maharashtra cabinet decided to ask the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central Station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth.

Jagannath Shankarsheth Murkute, known as Nana Shankarsheth, was an Indian philanthropist, social reformer and educationalist.

Birth and Background

Jagannath Shankarsheth Murkute was born on February 10, 1803, into the wealthy Murkute family in Murbad, Thane.
His father, Shankar Murkute, was a successful dealer in jewellery and diamonds.
Shankarsheth was a member of the Bombay Presidency assembly in 1861 and later became an advisor to the governor of the Bombay Presidency in 1862.

Education and Philanthropy

In 1849, Jagannath Shankarsheth opened the first-ever school for girls in Mumbai.
He played a crucial role in establishing the Elphinstone Educational Institution (formerly known as the Bombay Native Institution) and founding the Bombay Native Education Society.
He also contributed to projects such as the English School, the Sanskrit Seminary, and the Sanskrit Library in South Mumbai.
He contributed generously to Hindu temples and played a role in social reforms, including efforts to suppress widow-burning (sati) and provide a cremation ground for the Hindu community.
His philanthropic contributions include support for the construction of the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum and the Bhavani-Shankar Mandir and Ram Mandir temples in Mumbai.

Development works

He was one of the founding members of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, along with Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and David Sasson.
Shankarsheth was instrumental in the development of Mumbai, donating land for development and establishing numerous educational institutions.
Alongside Sir George Birdwood and Dr Bhau Daji, he contributed to major reconstruction efforts in Mumbai, transforming it into a spacious and airy city.
Shankarsheth was the first Indian nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council and the Bombay Board of Education.
He was also the first Indian member of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
Shankarsheth’s involvement extended to the founding of the Bombay Association, the first political organization in Mumbai, in 1852.

Legacy

His contributions earned him the nickname “Maker of Modern Bombay.”

Asiatic Society of Mumbai

It originated from the Literary Society of Bombay, founded in 1804 by Sir James Mackintosh.
The society’s initial aim was to promote helpful knowledge, particularly concerning India.
Affiliated with the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland since 1830, it was known as the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (BBRAS).
Over time, it merged with the Bombay Geographical Society in 1873 and the Anthropological Society of Bombay in 1896.
In 1954, it gained independence from the Royal Asiatic Society and was renamed the Asiatic Society of Bombay.
The Central Government of India funds the society.
Its objectives include promoting research studies in various fields related to India and Asia, publishing journals, maintaining a library and museum, and establishing institutes and centres aligned with its objectives.

Bombay Association

Founded by Jagannath Shankarshet to voice public concerns against British rule.
Notable members included Naoroji Fursungi, Sir Jamshedji Jejibhai, Vinayak Shankarshet, and Dadabhai Naoroji.
Sir Jamshedji Jejibhai was the first president.