Current Affairs – September 25, 2024

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} Temperature Variation with Altitude

Context (TH): Air temperature decreases with height in the troposphere, then fluctuates in the stratosphere and mesosphere.

Lapse Rate: The average rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude is known as the lapse rate, typically around 6.5°C per kilometre in the troposphere.

Key Factors Influencing Temperature Variation with Altitude

Heat Transfer Mechanisms:
- Conduction and Radiation: The atmosphere is heated by conduction from the Earth’s surface, which absorbs solar radiation and emits it as long-wave radiation. This heat diminishes with altitude, resulting in cooler temperatures.
- Convection: Warm air rises and expands in lower pressure at higher altitudes, drawing energy from the rising air and causing further cooling.
Air Density & Pressure: Both decrease as altitude increases. This reduction in pressure allows air molecules to spread out, resulting in lower temperatures at higher elevations.
Role of Greenhouse Gases: The concentration of heat-trapping greenhouse gases like water vapour and carbon dioxide decreases with altitude, reducing heat absorption and lowering temperatures.
Dynamic Atmosphere: Although temperature generally decreases with altitude, various factors, such as weather patterns, humidity, and solar radiation, create dynamic variations in temperature.
Topography: Local geographical features such as mountains can create variations in temperature profiles through temperature inversions, where cooler air settles in valleys while warmer air remains aloft.

Temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon in which the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere is reversed, resulting in a layer of warmer air above a layer of cooler air.

{GS2 – IR – Foreign Policy} India’s Tech Diplomacy **

Context (IE): India’s technology diplomacy, highlighted during the Indian PM’s US visit, marks the fourth major phase of tech-centric global engagement.

Key Phases of India’s Tech Diplomacy

Nehru’s Tech Diplomacy (1950s)

Focus on Modernization: Nehru emphasised advanced technologies for economic growth.
Nuclear and Space Development: Initiatives with the US and Western powers laid the foundations for India’s nuclear and space programs.
Green Revolution Support from collaboration fuelled India’s agricultural transformation.
Geopolitical Context: India is positioned as a democratic alternative to China, benefiting from scientific and developmental assistance of US.

Decline in the 1970s

Economic Populism: Policies focusing on short-term gains sidelined technology collaboration.
Shift to Soviet Union: India’s growing reliance on Soviet defence and atomic technology limited ties with Western nations.
India’s 1974 nuclear test triggered global restrictions on technology transfers.
Missed Opportunities: Failure to retain companies like IBM and the movement of semiconductor industries to Southeast Asia.

Revival under Indira and Rajiv Gandhi (1980s)

Renewed Engagement: Former PM Indira and Rajiv Gandhi pushed for stronger technology ties with the US despite global constraints.
Focus on Telecom and Computing: Former PM Rajiv Gandhi prioritised modern communication technologies to propel tech development.
Structural Barriers: Internal bureaucratic resistance and non-proliferation limits hindered progress.

Fourth Phase (2014 onwards)

Tech Focus: Expanded tech diplomacy, emphasising AI, semiconductors, nuclear & clean energy.
Strategic Initiatives: iCET with the US deepened bilateral ties.
Geopolitical Alignment: The US and India share interests in countering China’s influence.
Global Partnerships: Contemmporary diplomacy has focused on tech cooperation with the US, France, Germany, Japan, and the EU.

Challenges in India’s Tech Diplomacy

Inertia in Institutions: India’s scientific and technology institutions face slow decision-making processes, which stall innovation (World Bank—India’s Ease of doing business report).
Limited R&D Expenditure: India’s research and development (R&D) investment remains low. E.g. India spends about 0.7% of GDP on R&D, while nations like South Korea and Israel spend over 4%.
Technology Dependency: India relies heavily on foreign imports for advanced technology, especially in sectors like semiconductors and defence.
Lack of Specialized Talent in cutting-edge fields like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. A report by NASSCOM suggests India faces a shortfall of 230,000 AI and data science professionals.
Global Non-Proliferation Restrictions: India’s defence and nuclear technology development has been historically hindered by international non-proliferation treaties and sanctions.
Challenges in Scaling Innovations: Despite technological advancements, India struggles to translate innovations from labs into commercial products. India ranks 46th in the Global Innovation Index 2023.

Way Forward

Improve bureaucratic processes in technology sectors to improve decision-making and project implementation. E.g. South Korea reformed its innovation institutions making it a global technology hub.
Increased R&D Funding: Increase government and private sector investment in R&D to match global tech leaders will boost investments.
Build Domestic Tech Manufacturing, like semiconductors, to reduce dependency on imports. E.g. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for electronics manufacturing.
Create a Tech Workforce in emerging fields like AI, robotics, and quantum computing. E.g. The Skill India Mission can be expanded to offer specialised courses in collaboration with global tech giants.
Leverage Global Partnerships to gain access to critical technologies. E.g. The India-US iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) to collaborate on cutting-edge tech sectors.
Support Innovation Ecosystem for commercialising innovations and scaling their operations. E.g. India’s Startup India Initiative (over 90,000 startups registered as of 2023).

{GS2 – IR – India-Sri Lanka} Political Uncertainty in Sri Lanka

Context (IE): Sri Lanka’s recent election results, with Anura Kumara Dissanayake becoming president, have raised concerns about potential shifts in the island nation’s foreign policy.

Reasons for Continuity in Relations

Historical Ties: India and Sri Lanka share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, making a complete strategic shift unlikely. E.g. India’s role in the construction of the Jaffna Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka.
Economic Dependencies: Sri Lanka’s economic recovery depends on financial and developmental aid, with India being a major contributor. E.g.: $3.8 billion in assistance during the 2022 economic crisis.
Geopolitical Realities: Sri Lanka’s geopolitical positioning in the Indian Ocean requires maintaining a balanced foreign policy, with India as a key partner. E.g.: India’s leadership in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and its humanitarian efforts add stability to the region.
Diplomatic Engagement: India’s proactive diplomacy with the new Sri Lankan government can prevent the island nation from tilting towards rivals like China.
Regional Stability Concerns: Given the volatile situation in South Asia, including the Maldives, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka may prefer stability through strong ties with India, the regional anchor.

Read more> India-Sri Lanka Relations.

{GS2 – IR – UN} India at the UN Futures Summit

Context (IE|TH): At the UN Summit of the Future, PM emphasised India’s vision for human-centric development, its solidarity with the Global South, and the need for reforms in global governance.

Key Points from the Summit

Global Peace and Development Vision: India highlighted the importance of a human-centric approach to peace and development, urging the world to move beyond conflicts and focus on collaboration.
India’s Success in Sustainable Development: This section showcases India’s significant achievement of lifting 250 million people out of poverty in the past decade.
Solidarity with the Global South: India emphasised its solidarity with the Global South, amplifying their concerns and advocating for equitable solutions (G20 New Delhi Declaration).
Safe and Responsible Use of Technology: The Global Digital Compact (GDC) emphasises the safe use of technology, and India offered its digital public infrastructure to other countries.
Commitment to ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’: India reaffirmed its commitment to foster an inclusive and sustainable global future.
Call for Global Governance Reform: India advocated urgent reforms in global governance institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Counter-terrorism and Disarmament: India stressed the need to combat terrorism in all its forms and sought to revitalise the UN Convention on Terrorism.
UN Secretary-General’s Call for Reform: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed India’s call for institutional reforms to ensure the UN remains relevant in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

Outcomes of the Summit

Pact for the Future (PFF) outlines actions such as conflict prevention, disarmament, climate action, and technology governance.
Global Digital Compact (GDC) focuses on bridging the global digital divide and fostering digital infrastructure to achieve SDGs. It includes a proposal for a multi-disciplinary Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
Declaration on Future Generations to safeguard the interests of future generations by ensuring sustainable development and responsible governance.

Summit of the Future

Organised by the United Nations (UN) to shape an equitable, resilient, and sustainable global future.
Focus Areas: Climate change, peace & security, technology, sustainable development.
Key Goals: Bridge global inequalities and Build resilience against pandemics, climate change, and economic instability. Participants include Heads of state, government leaders, international organisations, civil society, academics, and the private sector.

{GS2 – MoCAFPD – Initiatives} Repairability Index

Context (PIB): The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has constituted a committee of experts to recommend a framework for Repairability Index.

Objectives of the Repairability Index

Greater transparency about product repairability and enable informed purchasing decisions.
Foster a more sustainable technology industry by promoting repair–friendly practices.
Standardise the repairability assessment, making it easier for consumers to compare products.

Key Components of the Repair Ecosystem

Comprehensive Repair Information: Access to repair manuals, diagnostics, and tools & parts.
Accessible Spare Parts: Easily identifiable and timely delivery of spare parts.
Affordable Tools: Inexpensive, widely available, and safe consumer tools.
Modular Design: Key components designed for independent access and modularity.
Economic Feasibility: Ensuring that the cost of repair parts and labour is affordable for consumers.

What is Right to Repair?

Refers to the concept of allowing end users, consumers, and businesses to repair devices they own or service without any manufacturer or technical restrictions.

Benefits of Right to Repair

Supports small repair shops and local economies.
Reduces e–waste by extending the lifespan of products.
Saves consumers money by making repairs more accessible and affordable.
Promotes a circular economy by improving reuse, upgrading, recyclability, and waste, handling.

Right to Repair Portal: Consumers may now obtain maintenance manuals, replacement parts, and authorised services on a dedicated webpage.

Right to Repair Status in Other Countries

European Union: The EU has enacted a law allowing consumers to repair household appliances, including smartphones, after the warranty period, promoting repair over disposal.
United Kingdom: The Right to Repair Regulations 2021 ensure that spare parts are available for up to ten years after a product’s release, enhancing accessibility to repairs.
United States: Right to Repair legislation in New York and Colorado requires manufacturers to provide customers and independent providers with parts and repair information.
France: France’s Repairability Index requires manufacturers to display a repairability score on electronic products, aiding consumers in making informed choices.
Australia: Community repair initiatives like “Repair Cafes,” where volunteers assist in fixing their items.

{GS2 – MoCI – Initiatives} SPICED Scheme

Context (TH): Ministry of Commerce & Industry approved the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative, and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) scheme.

Objective: Enhance the export of spices and value-added spice products, improve cardamom productivity, and upgrade the post-harvest quality across India.
Implementation Period: Until the 15th Finance Commission term ends, up to 2025-26.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

Value Addition: Introduction of sub-components/programs such as Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean & Safe Spices, promotion of GI spices & support for entrepreneurship through Incubation Centres.
Target Groups: Focus on farmers’ groups, FPOs, Farmers Clusters identified under One District One Product(ODOP) and Districts Export Hub(DEH), SC/ST community, exporters from the NE region, and SMEs.
Eligibility: Exporters with a valid Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) are eligible, with preference given to first-time applicants and SMEs.

About Spices Board India

It is the Statutory organisation constituted in 1987 under the Spices Board Act 1986, formed by merging the Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council.
Acts as an international link between Indian exporters and importers abroad in the spices sector.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

{GS2 – MoR – Initiatives} PRIME by Indian Railways

Context (TH): The Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness (PRIME) is an initiative by Indian Railways to enhance the reliability and maintainability of its signalling systems.

It will focus on the replacement of outdated signalling assets and regular staff training and counselling on safety and maintenance protocols to maintain high standards of work quality.
The plan targets the reduction of signal failures, which have been a significant cause of train accidents.

Context (TH): The National Credit Framework (NCrF) has gained attention as it seeks to revolutionise India’s higher education by facilitating a flexible, multidisciplinary curriculum.

Benefits of NCrF

Enhanced Flexibility for Students: Allows accumulation of credits from diverse activities (e.g., sports, arts, internships) and a holistic educational experience, accommodating varied interests and talents.
Skill Development and Employability: Integrates vocational and skill training into higher education, addressing skill mismatches in the job market.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Facilitates a well-rounded education by combining knowledge from various fields, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
Encourages institutions to stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing economic and technological landscape.

Challenges of NCrF

Implementation Gaps: Only 20% of universities in India have fully adopted NEP 2020 guidelines, hindering its overall impact. Resistance from traditional institutions remains a significant barrier to reform.
Lack of Infrastructure: Only 15% of universities have facilities for skill-based training programs.
Quality of Vocational Education: Approximately 90% of vocational education graduates remain unemployed due to skills mismatch.
Need for Faculty Development: Inadequate training for faculty to adapt to new curricula poses a challenge. Surveys show that 70% of faculty members feel unprepared to implement the changes.
Economic Constraints of reforms in educational institutions. Reports indicate that the public expenditure on education in India is only about 3.1% of GDP, below the global average of 4.7%.

Way Forward

Strengthening Infrastructure: Investment in upgrading facilities to support multidisciplinary and vocational education is crucial. For example, the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs.
Comprehensive faculty development programs focused on modern teaching methodologies are needed. E.g. Initiatives like the National Initiative for Teacher Training.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations between educational institutions and industries can align curricula with market demands. For instance, the Skill India Mission.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Data-driven evaluations can help track progress, with a target to improve student employability rates significantly over the next decade.
Awareness and Outreach: Campaigns targeting youth and parents can highlight success stories of vocational graduates who secured rewarding careers.

Read more> National Credit Framework

Context (TH): An ICMR report highlights AMR trends in major infections, such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and typhoid, based on 2023 data.

Key Findings

High drug resistance in pathogens like E.coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
It emphasises that antibiotic overuse and misuse are major contributors to rising resistance levels.
The report stresses the importance of continuous surveillance to tailor empirical antibiotic therapies effectively and improve patient outcomes.

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Found in the intestines. Harmless in the gut but can cause infections if spreads to other body parts.
Infections include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, Meningitis, and liver abscesses.
Known for antibiotic resistance, making treatment difficult.

Acinetobacter baumannii

Mainly affecting critically ill patients in hospitals. Causes pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and UTIs.
Highly resistant to many antibiotics, contributing to its threat in healthcare settings.
Thrives in moist environments and can persist on surfaces, increasing infection risk.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Children} New Ruling on Child Pornography

Context (IE): The SC has strengthened the legal framework against child pornography through its recent verdict, emphasising strict punishment even for mere possession or viewing of such material.

Key Takeaways

Expanded Definition of Possession of child pornographic material to include “constructive possession.” This means that even if a person does not physically download or store child pornography, but has the power to control it (e.g., viewing or accessing such material on the internet).
Emphasis on Reporting: The court stressed that failing to delete, destroy, or report child pornographic material after coming into contact with it is punishable.
Inchoate Offenses: The court defined Section 15 crimes as incomplete, allowing punishment for intent to share child pornography if stored but not deleted or reported, even without actual distribution.
Applicability Beyond Physical Possession: The ruling clarified that an individual can be charged under Section 15 even if they no longer possess child pornography at the time of filing the FIR.
Interpretation of Intent (Mens Rea): The court allowed the police and judiciary to infer mens rea (criminal intent) based on the way the material is stored, possessed, or handled.
Overturning of Madras High Court Judgment: The SC overturned the Madras High Court’s decision to quash criminal proceedings against a man who possessed child pornography on his phone.
No Limiting of Investigations: Police and courts are directed not to limit their investigations to one sub-section of Section 15.

Read more> Child Pornography.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Simultaneous Elections and Women

Context (IE): The proposal for simultaneous elections in India, encapsulated in the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative, has a crucial concern regarding women’s political participation.

Key Issues

Visibility Challenge for Women Candidates: Women, particularly those from rural or marginalized backgrounds, may struggle to gain visibility in larger election campaigns.
Weakened Grassroots Leadership: Simultaneous polls could diminish opportunities for first-time women candidates to lead on community-centric issues.
Dilution of Women-Centric Issues: Merging elections could shift focus away from issues such as health, sanitation, and education towards broader national priorities.
Hindrance to Capacity Building: Simultaneous elections may reduce opportunities for them to develop leadership skills at the grassroots level.

Way Forward

Separate Timelines for Local Elections: Local elections should be conducted independently to ensure attention on women candidates and local issues.
Enhanced Quota for Women in State and National Legislatures can balance reduced visibility in local elections. E.g. (106 Amendment) Act, 2023
Financial and Campaign Support to women candidates to compete with well-funded campaigns. E.g. Germany’s election funding model subsidizes underrepresented groups, including women.
Training and Capacity-Building Programs for women at the grassroots level will enhance their political competitiveness. E.g. Australia’s “Leadership for Women in Local Government” program.
Focus on Local Issues in National Campaigns: National and state campaigns should prioritize local issues to ensure women’s concerns are not overlooked.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} Heat Dome Effect in Assam **

Context (DTE): The recent extreme heat in Assam has been attributed to the heat dome effect, a phenomenon causing unusually high temperatures.

What is a Heat Dome?

Definition: A heat dome is a high-pressure system that traps warm air over a region, leading to prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Formation: It occurs when ocean temperatures significantly change, causing warm air to rise and become trapped by high-pressure systems.
Impact: Prevents cloud formation, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground & further heating area.

Causes of the Heat Dome in Assam

Weakening Monsoon Circulation: Normally, air circulation from the Bay of Bengal keeps the region cool. This year, the circulation is absent, leading to high-pressure systems dominating the area.
Soil Moisture: Lack of soil moisture, which usually cools the area at night, has contributed to sustained high temperatures.
Climate Change: Changes in global air currents, influenced by climate change, have impacted the monsoonal circulation.

Implications of the Heat Dome

Human Health: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and exhaustion.
Agriculture: The heat can damage crops, dry out vegetation, and lead to droughts.
Energy Demand: Increased temperatures lead to higher energy consumption for cooling.

{GS3 – IE – Employment} Annual Report of PLFS

Context (TH | PIB): The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the period between July 2023 and June 2024, released by the Labour Bureau.

Findings

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

Rural areas: Increased from 50.7% in 2017-18 to 63.7% in 2023-24
Urban areas: Increased from 47.6% to 52.0%.
Males: Increased from 75.8% in 2017-18 to 78.8% in 2023-24
Female: Increased from 23.3% to 41.7%.
- For Muslim women: Increased from 15% in 2021-22 to 21.4% in 2023-24.
- For Hindu women: Increased from 26.1% in 2021-22 to 33.3%

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

Rural areas: Increased from 48.1% in 2017-18 to 62.1% in 2023-24
Urban areas: Increased from 43.9% to 49.4%.
Male: Increased from 71.2% in 2017-18 to 76.3% in 2023-24
Female: Increased from 22.0% to 40.3%.

Unemployment Rate

No improvement in the unemployment scenario, neither in youth unemployment nor in overall unemployment. The overall unemployment rate is 3.2%, similar to last year.
Unpaid family labour has increased. Workers’ participation in agriculture has risen for fourth time.

{GS3 – IE – Insolvency} Cross-border Insolvency

Context (TH): Debate on implementing harmonised laws to deal with cross-border insolvency.

Cross-border insolvency is complicated when a business with assets and liabilities dispersed across several jurisdictions goes bankrupt. It presents unique issues, requiring coordinated action between courts and insolvency professionals in many nations.
Aspects involved in CB Insolvency:
- Protection of interests of the domestic and foreign creditors to be at par;
- Value of the assets of a debtor located in different jurisdictions to be safeguarded;
- Uniformity in the insolvency law and practices of different jurisdictions;
- Coordinate and cooperate with judicial authorities in various jurisdictions and domestic laws.

Need for a cross-border insolvency law in India

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) was introduced as the primary legislation governing insolvency and bankruptcy. It has made progress in harmonising the domestic insolvency process in India.
IBC does not stipulate sufficient procedures for regulating cross-border insolvency proceedings. It, however, includes a few provisions for CB insolvency, i.e. Section 234 and Section 235.
1. Section 234: It empowers the Central Government to enter into bilateral agreements with foreign jurisdictions to resolve cross-border insolvency issues.
2. Section 235: It empowers the Adjudicating Authority to issue letters of request on Courts of the country with which the bilateral agreement has been entered into to address the fate of assets of the corporate debtors located outside India.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), through its Insolvency Law Committee (ILC), held that the above provisions fail to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing cross-border issues.

How is cross-border insolvency dealt with in India?

At present, India enters into bilateral agreements on a case-by-case basis for cross-border insolvencies.
India has also been executing FTAs, Comprehensive Economic Corporation Agreements (CECAs), Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and their equivalents. These agreements capture disputes, IPRs, and sustainability but lack detailed cross-border insolvency provisions.
ILC suggested re-evaluating the current insolvency framework and adopting the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, 1997, to resolve the concerns relating to cross-border insolvency in India.

UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, 1997

Adopted in 1997 to help countries regulate the insolvency and financial distress of companies with assets or creditors in more than one country. It encourages cooperation between jurisdictions while respecting the differences between national procedural laws.
Only 60 countries have adopted it. Further, its implementation has been variations (given its non-binding nature), with nations tailoring the same to their requirements.
India is yet to adopt the Model Law despite several committee recommendations.

Arguments in favour of Adoption of Model Law

It will ensure that India becomes an attractive locale for investing by creditors worldwide.
- Faster dissemination of vital information across national borders.
- Productive participation in the protection of the organisation’s assets and their reorganisation.
- Establishment of a successful credit recovery process.
Besides providing legal certainty, they also improve the health of trading entities with cross-border operations, thereby benefiting investments and international trade.
India released Draft Z to address the shortcomings of the current cross-border insolvency process. It determines the Centre of Main Interests, i.e., the registered office. It applies only to corporate debtors.
In 2020, the Cross Border Insolvency Rules and Regulations Committee (CBIRC) was constituted by MCA to formulate the subordinate legislation under Draft Part Z.

{GS3 – Infra – Transportation} Transit-Oriented Development

Context (TH): Understanding the concept of transit-oriented development.

What is Transit Oriented Development (TOD)?

National TOD Policy defines TOD as a measure to integrate land use and transport planning by developing well-planned and sustainable urban growth centres linked with high-quality transit systems.
It decouples density from congestion & economic growth from resource use & carbon emissions.
TOD policy in India is built on three fundamental pillars:
- “Enable Transformation” focuses on facilitating the transition from cities heavily reliant on private vehicles to a more public TOD.
- “Accessible Public Transport” aims to promote public transport usage and encourage green mobility practices such as walking and cycling while simultaneously addressing issues related to pollution and the adverse impact of motorisation.
- “Compact Walkable Communities” underscores the policy’s commitment to establishing livable and affordable communities characterised by compactness and walkability.

Need for TOD

Rapid urbanisation: The level of urbanisation has increased from 17% (1951) to 31% (2011). India’s urban population, which is nearly 377 million, is projected to grow to 600 million by 2030
Sustainable urban environment: Longer work–home commutes result in pollution from greater private vehicular use.
- E.g. the transport sector is responsible for 13.5% of energy-related emissions, with road transport dominating the landscape (IEA).
Social cost: E.g. Bengaluru is among the world’s most traffic-congested cities, with the social cost estimated to be ₹38,000 crore annually (5% of the city’s GDP) as per 2018 figures.

Benefits of TOD

Employment generation: Investment in public transportation can generate thousands of jobs and deliver economic returns 5-7 times greater than the initial outlay.
Increased innovation: Workplace proximity and higher job densities drive ‘transit ridership’ more effectively than ‘residential density’. Clustering job growth near transit creates an agglomeration effect that boosts innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
Impact on the real estate sector: Spurs local economic and real estate development, increasing revenues for public agencies. These revenues can be reinvested into infrastructure and service upgrades, revitalising city neighbourhoods.
Enhance productivity: Improving accessibility to jobs through safe and efficient transport modes could significantly enhance workforce productivity.
Reduces traffic congestion: TOD helps alleviate traffic congestion by promoting public transport and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Sustainable: Curtail carbon footprints by promoting environmentally sustainable travel to align urban development with broader ecological imperatives.
Decreased household spending on transportation, ultimately contributing to more affordable housing.

Challenges associated

Poor public transportation networks: Inadequate metro and bus networks, poor last-mile connectivity, and overcrowded public transport deter the development of transit-oriented communities.
Fragmented institutional framework: Multiplicity of authorities, each responsible for different aspects like transport, housing, and land-use planning, creating coordination challenges.
Policy paralysis: Various regulations pertaining to access road widths, ground coverage and parking norms, hinder higher-density (re)development.
Outdated laws and overlapping jurisdictions between central, state, and local governments.

Way Forward

Location-efficient incentives such as additional development rights or fee/tax subsidies to encourage businesses to locate near transit or in economically depressed areas.
Public-private partnerships and value capture financing mechanisms to enable augmented amenities, enhanced public realm, and last-mile connectivity between workplaces and transit stations.
Designating a nodal agency to facilitate interactions between multiple stakeholders and coordinate TOD planning and implementation.
Upgrading public infrastructure and institutionalising coordinated action to shape inclusive, low-carbon, compact, and connected growth.
Ensuring equity in distributing commercial and residential spaces around major transit nodes.

Steps taken for TOD in India

National Transit Oriented Development Policy, 2017: It promotes higher Floor Area Ratios (FAR) and land-use regulations to encourage TOD.
Smart Cities Mission: It incorporates TOD as one of its components.
Metro Rail Policy, 2017: All new metro projects must incorporate TOD principles, including dense development, mixed land use, and integration with other transport modes.
Multi-modal integration: Efforts to integrate various transport modes (metro, bus, cycling, etc.) for seamless connectivity in TOD zones.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} India’s Defence Exports

Context (TH|ET): India’s defence exports have increased significantly in recent years.

Current Status of India’s Defence Exports

Expanding Global Market: The global defence industry is projected to grow from $750 billion in 2022 to $1.38 trillion by 2030, offering significant opportunities for Indian defence exports.
Rising Exports: India’s defence exports have risen sharply from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to nearly ₹16,000 crore in FY 2022-23, making India one of the top 25 global defence exporters.
Private Sector Role: Nearly 80% of this growth is driven by private industry, exporting a wide range of products such as missiles, rockets, drones, and artillery guns.
Export Destinations: India exports defence products to over 75 countries, including Italy, Sri Lanka, Russia, and the Maldives, showcasing its expanding global reach.

Challenges in India’s Defence Exports

IHL Compliance: India’s domestic laws do not mandate a review of the importing country’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which can raise ethical concerns. The U.K. and EU require legal assessments before exporting arms to nations involved in conflicts.
Technological Dependence: India relies on foreign technology for high-end defence systems despite significant advancements, limiting full-scale indigenisation.
Limited Infrastructure: Inadequate production infrastructure and R&D facilities create bottlenecks in scaling up defence manufacturing.
Global Competition: India faces stiff competition from established defence exporters like the U.S., Russia, France, and China, which dominate the global arms market.
Regulatory Hurdles: Bureaucratic delays in defence procurement processes, export approvals, and licensing slow down India’s pace of becoming a leading defence exporter.
Geopolitical Sensitivities: Balancing strategic relations with multiple countries involved in regional conflicts challenges India’s export strategies.

Government Support and Policy Initiatives

Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX): iDEX has fostered hundreds of defence-focused startups, enhancing innovation and indigenous technology development in the sector.
Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP): This policy aims to create a conducive environment for R&D and promote a self-reliant defence industry under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Positive Indigenization List: The government has issued a list of 411 major weapon platforms and systems, imposing an embargo on their import, with defined timelines for their indigenization.
Defence Exports Steering Committee: This committee plays a pivotal role in coordinating and promoting India’s defence exports, streamlining processes for the private sector.
Infrastructure and Innovation Support: Measures include grants of Line of Credit to countries, financial support for defence exporters, and initiatives to engage the private sector and startups.

Way Forward

Strengthening Legal Framework: Amend domestic laws such as the Foreign Trade Act (FTA) to include mandatory IHL compliance assessments. E.g., The U.K.’s Export Control Act.
Enhanced Indigenisation: Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India should focus on indigenising critical technologies and reducing dependence on foreign imports for advanced defence systems. For example, the indigenous development of the BrahMos missile system.
Global Partnerships: Strengthen collaborative frameworks like the Integrated Cooperation and Technology Initiative (ICET) with the U.S to boost technological exchanges and defence manufacturing.
Streamlining Bureaucratic Processes: Simplifying export licensing, and approvals, and easing bureaucratic delays can accelerate the export of defence products to global markets.
Diversifying Export Markets: India should explore emerging markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America to further expand its global reach.
Ethical Defence Exports: Create an independent body to assess the human rights impact of defence exports, ensuring India’s global reputation as a responsible exporter.

{Prelims – PIN} Sant Tukaram

Context (BS): The Maharashtra government approved the proposal to rename Pune airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport.

Credits: Wikipedia

Sant Tukaram was a revered 17^th century Hindu saint and poet from Maharashtra.
He was born in Dehu, a village near Pune (on the banks of the Indrayani River).
He played a key role in the Bhakti movement. He devoted his entire life to Kirtan and writing Abhangas.
- His poems are known as ‘abhangas’ in Marathi. These `abhangas’ are written from 1632 to 1650.
- Most of his ‘abhangas’ deals with human beings, family, sacrifice and personal emancipation.
- Abhangs centres around devotion to Vithoba, a form of Lord Krishna worshipped in Pandharpur.
Sant Tukaram and his work are central to the Warkari sect spread across Maharashtra. He is credited with starting the Wari pilgrimage.
Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was spiritual Guru of Sant Tukaram. Babaji Chaitanya was a follower of Sant Dnyaneshwar. Shivaji Maharaj eventually became a follower of Sant Tukaram.

Social reforms

He advocated gender equality. His followers belong to all the castes and women as well.
Tukaram emphasised a life of devotion to God and loving service to mankind over the performance of religious rites and ceremonies.
His work often addressed social inequalities and promoted spiritual equality, regardless of caste. Despite initial opposition from societal figures, Tukaram eventually gained widespread respect.

Literary contribution

The Mantra Gita, a translation of the Bhagavad Gita in the abhyanga form, is ascribed to Tukaram. It interprets the Gita from a Bhakti perspective.
Tukaram Gatha, a Marathi book, is a compilation of all the literary works of Sant Tukaram.