Current Affairs – September 12, 2024

{GS2 – IR – Groupings} South-South Cooperation

Context (TH): September 12 is observed as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation.

The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the South.
The date commemorates the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (BAPA) in 1978.
Theme 2024: “A Better Tomorrow through South-South Cooperation.”

Global South

Global South, often used in contrast to the developed Global North, are countries characterised as “developing”, “less developed”, or “underdeveloped”.
The term does not inherently refer to a geographical south; for example, most Global South is geographically within the Northern Hemisphere.

Credits: Wikipedia

About South-South Cooperation (SSC)

South-South Cooperation is a broad framework for collaboration and exchange among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains.
It rests on Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; Mutual non-aggression; Mutual non-interference; Equality and mutual benefit; and Peaceful co-existence.

Examples of South-South cooperation: Cuba’s support in the fight against Ebola in West Africa; China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India’s concessional Line of Credit to Africa, etc.

Triangular cooperation: It involves Southern-driven partnerships between two or more developing countries supported by a developed country(ies)/or multilateral organisation (s).

Evolution of the Idea of South-South Cooperation

The seeds of SSC were 1^st planted in 1964 when the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development was established to promote economic cooperation among developing countries.
Further, the Group of 77 (G-77) was established in 1964. It mainly promoted South-South Cooperation in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1974, the UN established the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation to advance the growing cooperation.
In 1978, the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) was adopted by 138 UN Member States in Argentina, which developed a scheme of collaboration among “least-developed countries” and established the first framework for South-South Cooperation.

Achievements of South-South Cooperation

South-South trade expanded from 17% of global trade in 2005 to 28% in 2021, and since 2019, the value of South-South trade has surged by approximately 50%.
Over the decades, global South countries emerged as leading voices in global governance, champions of new platforms and institutions, and agents of development action to realise the 2030 SDGs Agenda.

Issues in South-South Cooperation

Hegemonic influences: SSC follows the same development scaffold of cooperation based on policy conditionalities and ineffective systems perpetuating the marginalisation of many global South states.
Tool for Northern countries to exert influence: It is being used by the Northern countries to exert their influence on a wide range of geopolitical issues, including development cooperation.
- E.g., northern countries use the framework to further their economic interests by nudging India to engage with African countries within their frameworks/programmes.
Diversified interests hinder progress: Absence of a strong institutional framework, coupled with limited resources and diversified needs, makes collaboration less efficient and unsustainable.
Lack of transparency and accountability: Since its inception, SSC providers have made minimal efforts to provide project information as activities are usually scattered, irregular, incomplete, and incomparable.
Lack of clear analyses and measurement: The gaps in bolstering a constructive monitoring framework and tools to address SSC’s rational, technical, and development needs are obstacles to clarifying how it actually contributes to people’s development.
Rise of Multilateral and Plurilateral cooperation as better alternatives.

Also, read > Evolving Geopolitics of Global North and South, Voice of the Global South Summit.

{GS2 – MoHFW – Schemes} Health coverage to all senior citizens

Context (PIB): PM approved Health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70+ under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme.

Financial Benefits: Eligible seniors will get up to ₹5 lakh health insurance annually, with an additional ₹5 lakh top-up for AB PM-JAY beneficiaries.
Senior citizens availing benefits from other public health insurance schemes (like Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)) with existing public or private health insurance can continue their coverage or opt for AB PM-JAY.

{GS2 – MoHI – Schemes} PM E-DRIVE Scheme

Context (PIB | TH): Proposal of Ministry of Heavy Industries for “PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme” was cleared.

Objectives

Accelerate EV Adoption: Aims to speed up the switch to electric vehicles with upfront purchase incentives and charging infrastructure.
Support Diverse Vehicle Categories: Promotes electric vehicles, including two-wheelers (e-2Ws), three-wheelers (e-3Ws), ambulances, buses, and trucks, to boost electric mobility.
Enhance Charging Infrastructure: Tackles range concerns by funding new fast chargers.
Integrate EVs into Healthcare: Allocates funds specifically for deploying electric ambulances, promoting greener healthcare solutions.

Significance

Environmental Benefits: expected to significantly reduce air pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
Economic Growth and Employment: create substantial employment opportunities in the EV manufacturing sector and associated supply chains.
Support for Domestic Manufacturing: By implementing a phased manufacturing program (PMP), the domestic EV supply chain is strengthened, supporting the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Simplified EV Purchasing Process: The introduction of e-vouchers simplifies the process for consumers to claim subsidies, making electric vehicles more accessible.

Challenges

Implementation Coordination: Ensuring effective scheme implementation across various states and union territories may pose challenges, requiring coordination among multiple stakeholders.
Affordability of EVs: Despite subsidies, maintaining the affordability of electric vehicles for lower-income segments may be difficult, potentially limiting adoption.
Technological Adaptation: The scheme must remain adaptable to accommodate rapid advancements in EV technology and changing consumer preferences to ensure its long-term effectiveness.
Infrastructure Availability: While the scheme allocates funds for charging infrastructure, ensuring widespread availability and accessibility of charging stations remains a critical challenge.

{GS2 – MoPA – Initiatives} Digital Initiatives to Enhance Parliamentary Processes

Context (PIB): Six digital initiatives were launched to create a paperless legislative environment, promote real-time governance, and improve decision-making processes, particularly in subordinate legislation, as part of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ 100 Days Achievements.

Recent Initiatives:
- National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) 2.0: An upgraded version featuring a user-friendly interface and enhanced integration with state legislative processes.
- NeVA Mobile App version 2.0: A mobile application to facilitate access to legislative information.
- National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) Portal 2.0: Opened for all citizens to encourage participation in parliamentary discussions.
- NYPS for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs): A new scheme aimed at engaging tribal students in parliamentary practices.
- Subordinate Legislation Management System (SLMS): A portal for better management and decision-making regarding subordinate legislation.
- Consultative Committee Management System (CCMS): A platform to streamline communication among stakeholders involved in consultative committees.
Digital systems are crucial for good governance, with a push for state legislatures to adopt the NeVA platform for “One Nation, One Application.”

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federal Structure} Downside of China’s Decentralisation

Context (TH): India must learn from China’s experience with decentralisation, which has evolved from a driver of economic growth to a potential hindrance.

China’s Unique Decentralisation Model

Unlike India, where city-level governments manage less than 3% of total government spending, sub-provincial levels in China control a remarkable 51% of government expenditure.
Chinese local governments have extensive responsibilities, including unemployment insurance and pensions, typically managed at the national level in India.
Despite this, China is not a federal country. The central government can unilaterally alter or revoke powers given to lower-level governments, as demonstrated by the Tax-Sharing Reform of 1994.

Rise of China’s Decentralised Growth Model

Following restrictions on fundraising, local governments prioritised industrial construction over public services to drive economic growth and secure future tax revenues.
Local governments offered discounted industrial land to attract investors, leading to low-cost production and increased exports. This model worked well during the Hu Jintao era, with local governments experimenting and competing within broad central directives.
China’s decentralisation initially succeeded due to local governments’ flexibility in executing broad directives and a favourable global market that absorbed its production. For example, China’s steel sector quickly shifted from a net importer to the world’s largest exporter.

Structural Issues in China’s Decentralised Model

The investment-led model is prone to overcapacity, leading to wasteful investments and loss-making entities. It relies heavily on foreign markets to absorb China’s increasing production capacity.
By 2014, researchers estimated that half of all investments between 2009 and 2013 were “ineffective,” wasting nearly $6.9 trillion. The government’s response was to strengthen central control and direct state and private capital towards specific domains.
The focus on self-sufficiency, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, has led to indiscriminate investments divorced from market demand.
China’s overcapacity has become a geopolitical issue, with other nations viewing it as a security threat and resisting Chinese products like electric vehicles and telecom equipment. Also, China’s aggressive international stance has tarnished its global reputation and weakened its export-driven economy.
The government’s efforts to boost domestic demand and expand markets through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have faltered.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Local Bodies} State Finance Commission

Context (TH): Kerala Cabinet clears proposal to constitute seventh State Finance Commission.

Constitutional Basis: The SFC was established under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992 which aimed to strengthen local self-governance in India by providing constitutional status to panchayati raj institutions and municipalities.
Appointment: The Governor of each state is responsible for appointing the State Finance Commission every five years, as mandated by Article 243-I of the Constitution.
Responsibilities: Financial Assessment, Resource Allocation, Grants and Aid, Disaster Management, Policy Recommendations.

Challenges

Composition Issues: The commission’s effectiveness in addressing local governance complexities is limited by its bureaucratic dominance and minimal input from academicians, experts, and civil society.
Limited Authority and Influence: The SFC’s recommendations are advisory, meaning that state governments are not legally bound to implement them.
Overlap with Other Bodies: The existence of other financial bodies, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, creates overlapping jurisdictions.
Infrequent constitution: Many states do not adhere to the constitutional mandate of constituting SFCs at regular intervals. For instance, only nine out of 26 states had constituted their sixth SFC by 2023, with many states lagging in establishing previous commissions, such as the fourth and fifth SFCs.

Context (IE): The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has sparked a conflict between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over its implementation.

The Current Dispute

The immediate cause of the conflict is the Centre’s withholding of funds earmarked for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu claims that the Centre’s first instalment for FY 2024-25 is overdue, along with payment from the previous year. But the Centre mentioned that all instalments for the last year have been released.

The SSA is a crucial school education program that provides uniforms and textbooks to students in government schools, supports differently-abled children, and reimburses private schools for admitting children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.

The Underlying Issue

The Centre has tied the release of SSA funds to the implementation of the PM-SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme, which is designed to showcase aspects of the NEP 2020.
While Tamil Nadu agreed to sign an MoU for the PM-SHRI scheme, it omitted a paragraph related to the NEP. The Centre’s MoU requires states to implement all provisions of the NEP 2020 “in entirety.”

Tamil Nadu’s Objections to NEP

NEP’s three-language formula: Tamil Nadu follows a two-language system (Tamil and English) and opposes the potential inclusion of Hindi or Sanskrit.
Issue of constitutional autonomy: Tamil Nadu argues that linking SSA funds to NEP compliance infringes upon the state’s constitutional autonomy in education.
Say of states: TN government emphasises the need for states to have a say in implementing educational policies due to regional differences in socio-economic conditions, infrastructure, and resources.
Perceived elitism of NEP: The TN government have claimed that the NEP caters to elites and neglects social justice, federalism, and pluralism. They argue it imposes a one-size-fits-all approach to education.

Context (TH): Bharat Biotech has joined forces with Alopexx Inc., a U.S.-based biotechnology company, to co-develop and commercialise the anti-microbial vaccine AV0328.

AV0328: A Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Vaccine

AV0328 is a proprietary broad-spectrum anti-microbial vaccine candidate developed by Alopexx.
It is a synthetic vaccine designed to target poly N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG), a surface molecule found on the surface of various bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens.
Its antibodies successfully target a broad range of PNAG-expressing pathogens.

{GS3 – Agri – Initiatives} Mission Mausam

Context (PIB): The Union Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with an outlay of Rs. 2,000 crores to boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services.

Nodal ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Implemented by: IMD, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, Noida.
It includes deploying next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, developing improved Earth system models, and developing a GIS-based automated Decision-Support System for real-time data dissemination.

{GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} Bio-decomposer farm spray

Context (TH): Delhi government will spray bio-decomposer, an eco-friendly alternative to stubble burning, to combat air pollution.

The bio-decomposer is a microbial liquid spray designed to accelerate the decomposition of paddy stubble, turning it into compost that can enrich the soil and eliminate the need for burning.
Composition: Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), the bio-decomposer consists of a mixture of microbial strains, including Bacillus and Clostridium, which produce enzymes to digest cellulose and lignin in paddy straw.
Process: When sprayed onto paddy stubble, the biodecomposer facilitates the stubble’s breakdown within 20 to 25 days.

{GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Enabling Infrastructure for Hydro Electric Projects

Context (PIB): The Union Cabinet approved the Ministry of Power’s proposal to modify the budgetary support scheme for the cost of Enabling Infrastructure for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP).

The scheme has a total outlay of Rs.12,461 crore for cumulative generation capacity of 31,350 MW.
Duration: 8 years (FY2024-25 to FY2031-32).
Applicability: Hydropower projects of more than 25 MW capacity, including private sector projects.
Rationalisation of budgetary support limit: Rs.1.0 crore/MW for projects up to 200 MW and Rs. 200 crore plus Rs .0.75 crore per MW exceeding 200 MW for projects above 200 MW. For exceptional cases, the limit of budgetary support may go up to Rs.1.5 Crore/MW, provided sufficient justification exists.
Enhanced scope: The scheme includes infrastructures such as transmission lines, powerhouses, pooling points, ropeways, railway sidings, and communication systems in addition to roads and bridges.

Significance

It will help in the faster development of hydroelectric projects, improve infrastructure in the remote and hilly project locations and provide direct employment to the local people.
It would encourage fresh investments into the hydropower sector and incentivise timely completion.

Hydropower potential in India

The hydro capacity will likely increase from 42 GW to 67 GW by 2031-32. Hydroelectric power projects with an aggregate capacity of 15 GW are under construction.
Southern region contributes approximately 22% of the total hydro energy generated, while Northern and Eastern regions comprise over 60% of total hydro energy generation.
Challenges: Remote location, unpredictable geology, natural calamities, environmental and forest issues, rehabilitation and resettlement issues, law and order issues and inter-state issues.

Initiatives to enhance hydropower generation

Declaring large hydropower (>25 MW) as a renewable energy source.
Providing a Hydro Purchase Obligation (HPO) as a separate entity within the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). Tariff rationalisation measures to bring down the hydropower tariff.
Budgetary support for the cost of enabling infrastructure, i.e. roads/bridges and flood moderation.
Notification of a Dispute Avoidance Mechanism and Dispute Resolution Mechanism to expeditiously and effectively address contractual disputes.
Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System charges on electricity transmission generated from new hydroelectric projects.

Also, read > Challenges to Hydropower due to climate change.

{GS3 – IS – Cyber Security} Initiatives to prevent cybercrime

Context (IE | PIB): The Union Home Minister launched four new initiatives under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) on its foundation day celebrations.

Initiatives launched

Central Suspect Registry

It will serve as a central-level database with consolidated data on cybercrime suspects nationwide.
Implemented by: National Cybercrime Reporting Portal in collaboration with banks & financial intermediaries.
Objective: To strengthen the financial ecosystem’s fraud risk management capabilities.
The I4C will share a list of all the repeat offenders in their servers with police and bank officials.

‘Cyber Commandos’ Program

A special wing of ‘Cyber Commandos’ specially trained to counter cyber security threats.
These commandos will be stationed in Central Police Organisations (CPOs) in all states and Union Territories. The government plans to train and deploy 5,000 Cyber Commandos over five years.
Objective: They will assist States/UTs and Central Agencies in securing the digital space.

Samanvaya Platform (Joint Cybercrime Investigation Facilitation System)

One Stop Portal for data repository of cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, cooperation and coordination platform for Law Enforcement Agencies across the country.

Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)

It has been established at the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (14C) with representatives of major banks, Financial Intermediaries, Telecom Service Providers, IT Intermediaries, etc.
It will work for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle online financial crimes and will serve as an example of “Cooperative Federalism” in law enforcement.

Other initiatives for cyber security

Pratibimb: It uses Geographic Information System (GIS)- based software to map cybercrime hotspots and cybercriminals’ activities in real-time.
Helpline ‘1930’: Dedicated cybercrime reporting number that received over 31 lakh complaints in 2023.

About Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

It was approved in 2018 and dedicated to the nation in 2020. It has been designated as an attached office under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Aims to establish a national level coordination centre for all cybercrime-related issues nationwide.
Headquarters: New Delhi.

Components of I4C

National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): For reporting threats pertaining to cybercrimes at regular intervals.
National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: Facilitate complainants to report cybercrime incidents online.
Platform for Joint Cybercrime Investigation Team: Drive intelligence-led, coordinated action against key cybercrime threats and targets.
National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory Ecosystem: Engage in analysis and investigation activities to keep up with new technical developments and prevent cybercrime.
National Cybercrime Training Centre (NCTC): Establish Cyber Range for advanced simulation, training, and investigation of cyberattacks and cybercrimes.
Cybercrime Ecosystem Management Unit: To create mass awareness of cyber hygiene and the prevention of cybercrimes.
National Cyber Crime Research and Innovation Centre: Track emerging technological developments, proactively predict potential vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals can exploit.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Organ-on-chip & BioE3

Context (TH): Organ-on-chip tech could boost BioE3 goal to personalise medicine.

Organ-on-chip technology

Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology refers to microengineered systems that simulate the physiological functions of human organs using living cells.
Also known as a “microphysiological system” or “tissue chip”.
Applications in Drug Development: OoCs are used for drug screening, toxicity testing, and understanding disease mechanisms, potentially accelerating drug development by reducing time and costs.

Opportunities in India

Growing Market Potential: The global organ-on-chip market is expected to reach USD 1.6 billion by 2030, with substantial growth in India driven by rising R&D and healthcare investments.
Academic Research Initiatives: Indian research institutions are developing organ-on-chip models like skin-on-chip and placenta-on-chip, advancing drug testing and disease modelling.
Training and Skill Development: Programs like the Microphysiological Systems Bootcamp address skill gaps by equipping the workforce with essential skills for developing OoC.
International Collaboration: Global partnerships can help India harness international expertise, positioning it as a key player in organ-on-chip technology.

Challenges

Multidisciplinary Expertise: Developing organ-on-chips requires collaboration across bioengineering, pharmacology, biotechnology, computer science, and clinical medicine.
Standardisation and Validation: Standardized protocols and validation methods are needed to ensure organ-on-chip models are reproducible and reliable across labs and applications.
Mimicking Organ Complexity: Accurately replicating the complex microenvironment, cellular interactions, and physiological functions of human organs is a challenge, particularly for multi-organ systems.
Long-term Stability: Maintaining cell viability and functionality within organ-on-chip devices for extended periods is crucial for accurate drug testing and disease modelling.

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) encompass any technology, methodology, or combination thereof that can replace, reduce, or refine animal testing in toxicity assessments.

{Prelims – Awards} National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024

Context (PIB): The President presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2024 to 15 outstanding nursing professionals at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Awards were established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973 as a mark of recognition for the meritorious duty and services rendered by nurses and nursing professionals.
Nurses working in regular hospital, community, educational, or administrative settings are eligible.
Each awardee receives a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000/-, and a medal.

{Prelims – In News} PM-eBus Sewa- PSM Scheme

Context (PIB): The Union Cabinet has approved the “PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme” to facilitate the procurement and operation of electric buses (e-buses) by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) across India.

It aims to roll out over 38,000 e-buses between FY 2024-25 and FY 2028-29 with an outlay of ₹3,435.33 crore. It will provide operational support for e-buses up to 12 years from deployment.
Currently, most buses operated by PTAs run on diesel or CNG, which have adverse environmental effects. In contrast, e-buses are environmentally friendly and have lower operational costs. However, their high upfront cost has been a barrier to adoption.
The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging the production of Made in India e-buses and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The scheme is open to all PTAs in States and Union Territories that choose to participate.
To address payment default concerns by PTAs, the scheme includes a Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) managed by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), the implementing agency.
CESL ensures timely payments to OEMs/operators and, in case of defaults, makes payments from the scheme fund, later recovering the amount from the respective PTA, State, or Union Territory.

Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) is a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Power.
CESL aims to provide clean energy solutions through renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change initiatives. It focuses on rural electrification and electric vehicle adoption in India, employing various funding models to achieve commercialisation at scale.

{Prelims – In News} Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata (4S) Campaign

Context (PIB): A 15-day national campaign for cleanliness, “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata (4S),” is set to launch to promote cleanliness and behavioural change across India.

The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, initiated in 2017, serves as a prelude to Swachh Bharat Diwas, a national observance honouring Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on October 2nd.
The campaign marks the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The 2024 campaign theme focuses on integrating cleanliness into daily habits and cultural practices. It aims to foster a shift in attitude, making Swachhata (cleanliness) an integral part of everyday life.
This comprehensive campaign aims to build on the progress made in the past decade, further instilling cleanliness as a core value in Indian society.

The Swachhata Hi Seva fortnight, organised by the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and Gramin, aims to engage millions of citizens nationwide through activities like the Indian Swachhata League 2.0, SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir, and large-scale cleanliness drives.

Three Pillars of the 4S Campaign

Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari – Public participation, awareness, and advocacy activities.
Sampoorna Swachhata – Mega cleanliness drives targeting difficult and unclean areas (Cleanliness Target Units – CTUs) with a timebound transformation approach.
SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir – Single-window camps provide health check-ups and safety and welfare services for sanitation workers.