Current Affairs – September 04, 2024

{GS1 – Geo – HG} Saora Tribals Granted Habitat Rights

Context (TNIE): Odisha has achieved a significant milestone by granting habitat rights to the Saora tribals of Gajapati district, making it the only state in India to extend such rights to the highest number of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

The status empowers the tribes to protect and preserve natural entities, sacred sites, and places of religious and spiritual importance within their habitat.
Section 2(h) of the Forests Rights Act (FRA) defines habitat as an area comprising the customary habitat and other habitats in reserved and protected forests of primitive tribal groups, pre-agricultural communities, and other forest-dwelling scheduled tribes.
The granting of habitat rights is conducted under section 3(1)(e) of Forests Rights Act (FRA) 2006.

About Saora (Savara) Tribes

Predominantly found in Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal.
Historically, they appear in Hindu mythology and scriptures. In Orissa, they are associated with the cult of Lord Jagannath.
They belong to the proto-Austroloid race, common among tribes of Central and Southern India.
Language: ‘Sora,’ an ancient Mundari dialect with local variation.
Occupation: Shifting and terrace cultivation. They also practice hunting, fishing, wage labour, forest collection, and animal husbandry, supported by traditional labour cooperatives called Ansir.

Read more > Habitat Rights for PVTGs.

{GS2 – IR – Africa} 9^th edition of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

Context (TH): The stance of African leaders at the FOCAC meeting in Beijing could guide India in developing its partnership with the continent.

Key Priorities of Africa at FOCAC 2024

Expanded Trade with China: Africa aims to boost exports to China, focusing on increasing value-added products rather than raw materials.
Sustainable Agriculture: To enhance agricultural resilience, Africa seeks support from China and India for crop development, fertilisers, and local processing.
Green Energy and Industrialization: Africa wants to create more refining and processing hubs, exemplified by Zimbabwe’s push for local lithium refining. However, electricity shortages and environmental issues remain significant hurdles.
Debt Management: Addressing debt sustainability is vital, as China holds 12% of Africa’s public and private debt. Greater transparency and improved negotiation tactics are needed.
Strategic Engagement: To effectively shape the FOCAC agenda, Africa needs to develop a cohesive strategy and harmonise positions among its nations.

Challenges

Traditional Financing Limitations: Reliance on traditional loans is proving inadequate. Exploring alternative financing methods, such as public-private partnerships and blended finance models, is essential.
Chinese Debt Dynamics: Chinese loans to African governments and institutions totalled $170 billion from 2000 to 2022, making China a significant creditor, holding 12% of Africa’s debt. Despite debates on “debt trap diplomacy,” scrutiny of Chinese lending practices is warranted.
Challenges in Financial Integration: Strengthening the presence of Indian banks in Africa and addressing foreign exchange risks remain critical hurdles for enhancing economic ties.
Debt Transparency Issues: A 2022 AidData study found that half of Chinese loans to sub-Saharan Africa are not recorded in sovereign debt records, complicating debt assessment.

What India can do?

Independent and Strategic Engagement: India should leverage its strengths in ICT, human resource development, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals to engage with Africa independently and prioritise holding the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) to build on recent momentum.
Investment in High-Value Sectors: Indian companies need to invest in high-value sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing to establish local operations in Africa, create jobs, and support market development.
Encourage Private Sector Participation: Greater involvement from the Indian private sector should be encouraged through innovative financing options like public-private partnerships and blended finance models to support development projects in Africa.
Enhance Digital and Financial Connectivity: India’s digital technologies, including UPI and RuPay, should be expanded in Africa to enhance financial inclusion and reduce forex risks by implementing rupee-based financial transactions.
Establish Strategic Dialogues: An India-African Union Track 1.5 Dialogue should facilitate ongoing consultations and improve coordination on mutual interests and challenges.

{GS2 – IR – Bangladesh} Bangladesh’s Evolution

Context (IE): Bangladesh’s transition from 1971 independence to economic success highlights current instability due to political repression and insufficient job creation.

Historical Evolution

1971 Liberation War: East Pakistan’s civil war for independence from West Pakistan, fueled by political repression and ethnic tensions, led to Bangladesh’s creation.
Ethnic tension: Pakistan’s efforts to block Bangladesh’s independence were fueled by ethnic bias, viewing Bengalis as culturally inferior.
Post-independence challenges: After independence, Bangladesh faced severe economic and political difficulties, including the Sheikh Mujib assassination in 1975.

Economic Evolution

Economic Hardships: Bangladesh endured severe economic difficulties after gaining independence, highlighted by a devastating famine in 1974 that caused significant loss of life.
Grameen Bank Success: The Grameen Bank, established by Muhammad Yunus, became a global model for microfinance, earning Yunus the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.
Economic Performance: By 2023, Bangladesh’s economic indicators, including per capita income and literacy rates, outperformed its regional counterparts, demonstrating significant development.

Global and Regional Significance

Strategic Location: Bangladesh’s position in South Asia enhances its role in regional supply chains, making it a key player in the area.
Foreign Investment: The country has attracted significant foreign investment, especially in the textile sector, boosting its economic profile.
Regional Impact: The nation’s development and stability are crucial for its influence and role in regional and global economic dynamics.

Read more > India-Bangladesh Relations.

{GS2 – IR – India-SE Asia} PM’s Brunei Visit

Context (IE): Prime Minister’s visit to Brunei marks 40 years of diplomatic ties, highlighting Brunei’s strategic role in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy.

Significance of visit

Inauguration of the Chancery: The Indian PM inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India in Brunei, symbolising strengthened diplomatic relations.
Cultural Engagement: The Prime Minister visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Brunei’s most iconic landmarks, highlighting cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Population and Indian Diaspora: Brunei has a population of approximately 450,500, with around 14,000 Indians contributing significantly to healthcare and education.
Strategic Importance: Brunei is crucial to India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision as a partner in enhancing regional cooperation and countering China’s influence.
Economic Ties: The visit aims to bolster trade and investment. Brunei is a significant oil and gas producer, which aligns with India’s energy needs.
Meeting with the Sultan: Indian PM met with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, to discuss enhancing bilateral relations.

About Brunei

Official name: Brunei Darussalam. Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan.
Location: Southeast Asian country located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo.
Geographical Position: It consists of two non-contiguous parts and is bordered by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Its coastline is along the South China Sea.
Highest Peak: Bukit Pagon.
Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo; the rest of the island is divided between Malaysia and Indonesia. It is a constitutional absolute monarchy, with the Sultan as the ruling monarch.

{GS2 – MoAFW – Initiatives} AgriSURE Fund & Krishi Nivesh Portal

Context (PIB): Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister launched the AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal.

Krishi Nivesh Portal

It is a centralised, one-stop portal for all agri-investors to benefit from various government schemes.

Significance

Enhanced Investment: It simplifies the investment process, boosting agricultural growth by attracting domestic and international investors.
Centralised Information: The portal centralises information on government schemes, streamlining access and application for agricultural funding.
Empowering Women: Offers special provisions and training to empower women farmers, promoting gender inclusivity in agriculture.
Market Entry Guidance: Provides crucial guidelines on market entry and regulatory frameworks, facilitating smoother operations for investors.

Agriculture Infrastructure Financing (AIF) Scheme

Aims to enhance agricultural infrastructure by providing medium to long-term debt financing for post-harvest management projects and community farming assets.

Key Features

Funds infrastructure projects at farm-gate and aggregation points, including supply chains, warehouses, cold chains, and smart agriculture assets.
Assistance: 3% annual subvention on loans up to two crore rupees for up to 7 years.
The scheme is operational from 2020-21 to 2032-33, with loan disbursement to be completed by the end of the financial year 2025-26.
24% of total grants-in-aid must be utilised for SC/ST entrepreneurs (16% for SC and 8% for ST).

{GS2 – MoAFW – Initiatives} Schemes for improving farmers livelihoods

Context (PIB | TH): The Union Cabinet approved seven schemes to improve farmers’ lives and increase their incomes at a total outlay of Rs 14,235.30 Crore.

About the newly approved Schemes

Digital Agriculture Mission Scheme

It is based on the structure of Digital Public Infrastructure to use technology to improve farmer’s lives.
It comprises of 2 foundational pillars
- Agri Stack: An open farm, farmer, and crop data database by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to foster innovation in Indian agriculture.
- Krishi Decision Support System: Utilise satellite imagery to enhance crop management and productivity while delivering early warnings about potential disasters such as pest attacks and extreme weather events; the system is developed using RISAT-1A and Visualisation of Earth Observation Data and Archival System (VEDAS) from Department of Space.

Crop science for food and nutritional security

It is aimed at preparing farmers for climate resilience and providing for food security by 2047.
Focus on research and education, plant genetic resource management, genetic improvement for food and fodder crops, pulse and oilseed crop improvement, research on insects, microbes, pollinators, and improvement of commercial crops are the six pillars of the scheme.

Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences

This initiative aligns with NEP 2020 to modernise agricultural education and equip future agricultural professionals with essential skills.
It will also integrate AI, Big Data, and remote sensing while also promoting natural farming.

Sustainable livestock health and production

It aims to increase farmers’ income from livestock and dairy.
It comprises animal health management and veterinary education, dairy production and technology development, animal genetic resource management, production and improvement, animal nutrition, and small ruminant production and development.

Sustainable Development of Horticulture

It is aimed at increasing farmers’ income from horticulture plants.
It will support tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate horticulture crops; root, tuber, and arid crops; vegetable, floriculture, and mushroom crops; and plantation, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants.

Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

An integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), aims to assess location-specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises through technology assessment, refinement & demonstrations.

Natural Resource Management

To ensure agricultural practices’ long-term viability while protecting the environment.

Context (PIB): The “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” (Virus War Exercise) was a national mock drill conducted in Ajmer, Rajasthan, under the National One Health Mission (NOHM).

The exercise aimed to assess India’s pandemic preparedness by testing the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), which includes experts from human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors. It is the first of its kind under the One Health Mission.

One Health is a comprehensive approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

National One Health Mission

It was created by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) to streamline ongoing One Health initiatives

Key Goals

Developing integrated surveillance systems to provide early warnings for endemic, epidemic, or pandemic threats. Engaging communities closely to maintain and enhance response readiness.
Focusing on targeted R&D to develop vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Ensuring preparedness and streamlining data and information sharing across sectors.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Low Soil Organic Carbon

Context (DTE): Over half of Karnataka’s agricultural land suffers from low soil organic carbon (SOC).

The black alluvial soil, locally called ‘Eremannu‘, is the worst affected. The low SOC levels are mainly due to the high use of chemical fertilisers.

SOC refers to the carbon content in soil derived from organic matter, such as decomposed plant and animal residues, microorganisms, and other organic compounds.

Significance of SOC

Nutrient cycling: SOC acts as a reservoir for essential nutrients, gradually releasing them to plants. This helps maintain soil fertility over time. High SOC levels can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and thus promote sustainable agriculture.
Microbial activity: High levels of SOC support beneficial microbial activity, essential for nutrient cycling and the breakdown of organic matter.
Carbon sequestration: SOC acts as a carbon sink, storing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas.
Erosion control: SOC helps bind soil particles together, reducing erosion and improving soil stability.
Water retention: Soils rich in organic carbon have better water-holding capacity, which is crucial for plant growth, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
pH buffering: SOC helps maintain soil pH balance, which is vital for healthy plant growth and the functioning of soil ecosystems.

Ways to Mitigate Low SOC

Integration of organic and inorganic fertilisers to strike a balance between productivity and soil health.
Use of green manure like vermicompost.
Practices such as mulching post-harvest crop residue on the field.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Poba Reserve Forest to get wildlife sanctuary tag

Context (TOI): Poba Reserve Forest will soon be designated a wildlife sanctuary.

Location: Assam’s Dhemaji district near the confluence of the Brahmaputra’s tributaries – Siang, Lohit, and Dibang.
Flora: A biodiversity hotspot known for its diverse flora, including sal, Assam rosewood, banyan, peepal, bamboo, rhododendrons, ferns, orchids, and medicinal herbs.
Fauna: 16 mammal species like elephants, tigers, sambar deer, leopards, & birds like hornbills.
The forest is an elephant migration corridor connecting the D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

{GS3 – Envi – Issues} Indian Wolf and Human Conflict

Context (IE): Seven deaths in UP’s Bahraich district have been blamed on attacks by wolves.

In India, historically, wolf attacks on people have mainly occurred in northern regions like UP, Bihar, MP, and Bengal, where poverty fuelled the inter-species competition for natural resources.

Indian Wolf

The Indian wolf is a subspecies of grey wolf found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of SW Asia.
It is intermediate in size between the Himalayan wolf and the Arabian wolf.
It lacks the thick winter coat, unlike the Himalayan wolf, due to its adaptation to warmer climates.
Habitat: Open grasslands, thorn forests, and scrublands.
Behaviour:
- They travel in smaller packs (6-8 individuals) and are less vocal than other grey wolves.
- They are known for their cunning nature. They typically prefer to hunt at night in open grounds.
- Survived bounty huntings due to their elusive nature and lack of commercial value of their hide.
Conservation status: IUCN: Least Concern | WPA: Schedule I.

Reasons Behind the Wolf Attacks on Humans

Competition for natural resources: Large predators, including wolves, rarely prey on people and only when humans compete for resources by converting habitats, cutting forests, or hunting wildlife.
Accidental kill: Wolves turn to human killers if they find it easy to hunt humans after an accidental kill.
Wolf-dog hybrids: Abandoned wolf-dogs might become “man-eaters” due to losing fear of people.
Weaning: The major killing sprees often start in March, when Indian wolf pups are weaned from milk, and the pack needs to hunt for meat.

Operation Bhediya

Launched by the UP government to capture the pack of wolves in the Bahraich district.
Challenges in capturing wolves:
- Wolves consistently change their habitat and visit a new area every time.
- Since they come in packs, their identification is difficult, unlike tigers and leopards.
Traditional methods of using elephant dung and urine to repel wolves have had some success.

Law Regarding Killing Wild Animals

Under Section 11 (1) (a) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Chief wildlife warden of a state has the authority to permit the hunting of such animals becoming dangerous to human life or disabled or diseased beyond recovery.

{GS3 – IE – Industry} Navratna Status to CPSEs

Context (LM): The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) upgraded the four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) – Railtel Corporation of India, Solar Energy Corporation of India, SJVN (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam), and NHPC – to ‘Navratna‘ status.

Navratna

In 1997, the government launched the Navratna plan to select CPSEs with comparative advantages and to help them become global giants.

Eligibility

The CPSE should be a Miniratna I and Schedule A Company.
The CPSE should have obtained an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ rating in three of the last five MOUs.
The CPSE should have obtained a composite score of 60 or more, calculated concerning six specified parameters or ratios.
- Net Profit to Net Worth (25%)
- Manpower Cost to Cost of Production or Cost of Services (15%)
- PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes) to Capital Employed (15%)
- PBDIT to Turnover (15%)
- Earnings Per Share (10%)
- Inter-Sectoral Performance (20%)

Benefits

The Navratna status grants enhanced autonomy in financial and operational matters to CPSEs.
They can make large investments of up to Rs 1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth on a single project without needing permission from the Central Government.
They can invest up to 30% of their net worth annually but it should not exceed Rs.1000 crores.
They can establish joint ventures overseas, access new markets, and leverage local expertise.
It empowers companies with faster decision-making, increased efficiency, and greater empowerment.

{Prelims – A&C – Sites} New Findings at Lothal

Context (IE): A new study confirmed the existence of a dockyard at Lothal, Gujarat, during the Harappan Civilisation. It also revealed that the Sabarmati River flowed by Lothal during the Harappan Civilisation.

Lothal

Lothal is the world’s oldest known artificial dock and only Harappan port town located along the Bhogava River, a tributary of Sabarmati.
Location: Bhal region of Gujarat near the Gulf of Khambat.
It was discovered by S.R. Rao in 1954. Lothal in Gujarati means ‘the mound of the dead’.
Other important features of Lothal include an acropolis, bead factory, warehouses, and drainage system.
The town is divided into two parts, like most Harappan sites, the citadel and the lower town.
The site has been nominated to be enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Source: Wikipedia

{Prelims – Awards} Hayao Miyazaki wins Ramon Magsaysay Award

Context (IE): Hayao Miyazaki, a Japanese animation director, received Ramon Magsaysay Award 2024.

Hayao Miyazaki

He is an animator and also co-founded Studio Ghibli in 1985 with Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki.
His famous works: “My Neighbour Totoro” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service”.
Themes of his work: Environmentalism, war, pacifism, women etc.
Studio Ghibli: A renowned Japanese animation studio responsible for iconic films like Spirited Away.

Ramon Magsaysay Award

It was established in 1957 to honour Asian individuals achieving excellence in their respective fields.
It is presented annually on August 31^st, the birthday of Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Philippines, who inspired its creation.
From 1958 to 2008, the award was presented annually in six categories: 1. Government Service, 2. Public Service, 3. Community Leadership, 4. Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts, 5. Peace and International Understanding, and 6. Emergent Leadership.
Starting in 2009, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is no longer being given in fixed Award categories, except for Emergent Leadership.
Notable awardees from India: Vinoba Bhave (1958), Mother Teresa (1962), Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1966), Satyajit Ray (1967), Mahasweta Devi (1997), Arvind Kejriwal (2006), Anshu Gupta (2015), Bezwada Wilson (2016), Ravish Kumar (2019), R. Ravi Kannan (2023).

{Prelims – S&T – Innovations} Removing Toxic Chromium Using Sunlight

Context (PIB): Researchers have developed a method to remove toxic chromium from wastewater using sunlight as a catalyst and microfluidic technology.

This technique converts toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) to less harmful trivalent chromium (Cr(III)).
Advantage: This method is cost-effective and leverages renewable energy.

According to WHO, the tolerable concentrations of hexavalent and trivalent chromium in drinking water are limited to 0.05 mg/L and 5 mg/L.
Microfluidic technology can precisely control and manipulate a small amount of fluid on the microscale, typically in submillimetres in confined and limited environments.