Current Affairs – September 29-30, 2024

{GS2 – Governance – Issues} Impact of the DPDP Act on the RTI Act **

Context (IE): The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), 2023 has sparked concerns about its potential to weaken the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Key Concerns

Amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of RTI: The proposed change prevents disclosure of public officials’ personal information under the RTI Act, disregarding larger public interest.
Weakened Public Scrutiny: Public Information Officers (PIOs) will lose discretion in determining whether personal information can be disclosed based on public interest.
Niti Aayog’s Opposition: Niti Aayog flagged that the amendment would weaken the RTI Act by removing the public interest clause and recommended revising the provision.

Government Justification: The government argues that the right to privacy, being a fundamental right under the Constitution, should extend to public officials.
Opposition and Civil Society Criticism: Opposition parties and activists criticised the amendment during consultations and parliamentary debates, arguing it undermines transparency.

Challenges

Reduced Transparency limits public access to information that may reveal wrongdoing by public officials. E.g. Investigations into corruption may be hindered due to non-disclosure of personal information.
Weakened Accountability: Public officials may evade scrutiny, reducing their accountability for actions taken in their official capacities.
Potential Misuse of Privacy Protections: Privacy provisions may be misused to shield public officials from legitimate inquiries, affecting governance and trust.
Conflict between Privacy and Transparency: Balancing the right to privacy with the need for transparency and accountability in governance remains a complex issue.
Weakening of RTI Framework: The foundational principles of the RTI Act, which promote transparency, may be undermined, leading to reduced effectiveness.

Way Forward

Balance Privacy and Transparency: Introduce safeguards that allow disclosure in cases where the public interest clearly outweighs privacy concerns. E.g. In United Kingdom, the Freedom of Information Act allows the disclosure of personal data if it serves a legitimate public interest.
Strengthen Oversight: Allow independent bodies, such as the Information Commissions, to decide on cases where public interest may warrant disclosure. E.g. In New Zealand, the Office of the Ombudsman reviews requests for information under the Official Information Act
Clarify Amendments: Ensure amendments to the RTI Act clearly define conditions under which public officials’ information can remain disclosed.
Public Consultation and Revision: Reopen consultations to address stakeholder concerns and revise provisions to maintain the integrity of the RTI Act.
Enhanced Training for PIOs: Equip Public Information Officers with training on how to navigate privacy and public interest conflicts under the new law.

{GS2 – IR – IMF} Pakistan’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) Bailout

Context (IE): IMF approved Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan.

What is an IMF Bailout?

It is a form of financial assistance the IMF provides to countries facing severe economic crises. These crises can include macroeconomic concerns, currency crises, balance-of-payment problems, or significant declines in economic growth.
The primary goal is to stabilise the economy of the borrowing country and restore its financial health.

Conditions Imposed by the IMF for Bailouts

When a country borrows from the IMF, it must agree to certain conditions, known as IMF conditionality.

Policy Adjustments

Fiscal Revenue Measures: Increasing taxes or improving tax collection.
Spending Cuts: Reducing government expenditures, often including subsidies.
Governance Reforms: Enhancing transparency and reducing corruption.

Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPCs)

Monetary and Credit Aggregates: Controlling inflation and stabilising the currency.
International Reserves: Building up foreign exchange reserves.
Fiscal Balances: Maintaining a balanced budget or reducing deficits.
External Borrowing: Limiting new external debt.

Structural Benchmarks

Banking Sector Reforms: Strengthening the financial sector.
Market Reforms: Promoting competition and reducing market distortions.
Public Sector Reforms: Improving efficiency and reducing the size of the public sector.

{GS2 – IR – India-CAR} India and Uzbekistan Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

Context (PIB): India & Uzbekistan signed the Bilateral Investment Treaty in Tashkent.

About A Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

It is a reciprocal agreement between two nations that protects investments made by individuals and companies of one state in the other state.
India introduced a new Model BIT text in 2015, replacing the earlier 1993 version. The 2015 Model BIT has since served as the basis for renegotiating existing BITs and framing investment-related provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).

Key Features of the BIT

National Treatment: Ensures foreign investors receive treatment equivalent to domestic investors.
Protection from Expropriation: This law limits a country’s ability to seize or nationalise foreign investments within its territory.
Settlement of Disputes: Must exhaust local legal remedies before pursuing international arbitration.

India – Uzbekistan Relations

Energy Security: India has signed a contract with Uzbekistan for uranium ore concentrates supply.
Security and Defence cooperation: E.g. Joint military exercise “DUSTLIK“.
Economic Relations: India ranks among Uzbekistan’s top 10 trade partners for the year 2023-24.

{GS2 – IR – UN} GlobE Network

Context (TH): India has recently been elected to the 15-member steering committee of the GlobE Network (Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement).

It was launched during the UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption (UNGASS) as an initiative supported by the G20.
Aims to improve international cooperation among law enforcement agencies to address cross-border corruption, share best practices, and facilitate investigations and prosecutions.
Secretariat: Under the United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Central authority in India: Ministry of Home Affairs with CBI and the ED as member authorities.
Membership: 219 member authorities and 121 member nations.

{GS2 – MoT – Initiatives} India Content Hub

Context (PIB): On World Tourism Day (September 27), the Ministry of Tourism launched the Incredible India Content Hub, part of the revamped Incredible India digital portal.

Serves as a comprehensive digital repository featuring high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters related to Indian tourism.
Incredible India digital portal is a one-stop solution for Travel Information and Services, Multimedia Content, Booking Facilities, and an AI-powered chatbot.

{GS2 – MoT – Initiatives} Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi

Context (PIB): Ministry of Tourism in India launched the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiatives.

Aim: To enhance tourist experiences by training locals as ambassadors and fostering social inclusion, employment, and economic development in tourism.
Paryatan Mitra features training in hospitality, cultural awareness, digital literacy, and community engagement, with a recognition system to ensure quality tourist experiences.
Paryatan Didi empowers women and engages youth in tourism through skill development, diverse offerings, sustainability practices, and networking opportunities.
Pilot destinations: Orchha, Gandikota, Bodh Gaya, Aizawl, Jodhpur, and Sri Vijaya Puram.

Context (DTE): India’s per capita health expenditure has significantly increased over the past decade.

National Health Accounts (NHA)

National Health Accounts (NHA) prepared by the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
NHA 2021-22 is the ninth round of estimates for India. It is based on the internationally recognised framework of the WHO System of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011.

Key findings

The total health expenditure per capita in India reached Rs 6,602 for the year 2021-22, marking an 82% increase from Rs 3,638 in 2013-14.
Out-of-pocket expenditures dropped by 39%, reflecting improved financial protection for households against healthcare costs.
India’s current health expenditure was reported at ₹7,89,760 crore, with the government contributing approximately 15.94% and states contributing about 21.77%.
Spending on private health insurance surged by approximately 118%.
Total health expenditure was highest in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
The highest OOPE relative to government spending was in UP (64%), followed by Kerala & West Bengal.

Per capita health expenditure is the total health spending per person in a given population.

Out-of-pocket expenditure (OoPE) refers to direct payments made by individuals for healthcare services that are not covered by insurance or government schemes.

Factors contributing to High Health Expenditure

Increased Government Investment: Government health expenditure (GHE) has significantly risen as a percentage of GDP between 2014-15 and 2021-22.
Expansion of Health Insurance Schemes: Government-funded insurance programs like Ayushman Bharat PMJAY have significantly reduced household financial burden for serious illnesses.
Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenditures: Although OoPE as a percentage of total health expenditure fell by 39%, households continued to spend a large amount, contributing to the overall rise in expenditure.
Technological Advancements: Adopting new medical technologies and treatments has driven up healthcare costs as patients seek better quality care and innovative treatments.
Economic Growth: Rising incomes and economic growth have enabled households to spend more on health services, increasing overall health expenditure per capita.

Context (TH|IE): The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO ) has recently flagged over 50 drugs in the Indian market as “not of standard quality” (NSQ).

The list includes widely-used medications such as paracetamol, Pan D, calcium, vitamin D3 supplements, and anti-diabetes pills.
“Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ) refers to drugs that fail to meet the quality standards set by CDSCO.
Drugs can be classified as NSQ for various reasons, including failing dissolution tests, assay tests, or water content tests.

A dissolution test measures the rate and extent to which a drug dissolves in a solution, which is critical for its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness.

{GS3 – Agri – Food Security} Silo Projects by FCI

Context (PIB): Food Corporation of India (FCI) is working on the Silo Projects.

Source: ANI

Silo structures employ a scientific approach to grain storage, maintaining dryness and ventilation to prevent fungal and insect infestations.

Benefits of Silo Projects

Enhanced Capacity: Each silo can store up to 50,000 MT of grains, increasing overall storage capabilities.
Preservation: Modern technology ensures better quality control and preservation of stored grains, reducing spoilage and losses.
Efficient Handling and Bulk Storage: Automated systems facilitate quick loading and unloading processes, improving operational efficiency.
Integrated Transportation: Facilities are designed with rail and road connections for seamless transportation of grains.
Lower Costs: Mechanized handling reduces labour costs and minimises losses due to theft or spoilage.

Quality Degradation: Traditional storage methods can lead to a decline in grain quality due to factors like moisture, temperature fluctuations, and pest infestations. 14 million tonnes of grains are lost annually (IGMRI report).
Pest Infestation: Stored grains are susceptible to insect infestations, which can compromise quality and safety. The rice weevil is among the most destructive pests.
Losses from Theft and Pilferage: Conventional storage systems are more vulnerable to theft compared to modern silo systems, which offer better security measures.
Infrastructure Limitations: Many existing warehouses are outdated and cannot meet growing demands for food grain storage.
Biological Hazards: Improper storage practices have caused grain spoilage in facilities, creating biological pollution risks. For instance, rotting grains in FCI godown in Punjab led to pest infestations.

{GS3 – Envi – Species} Genetically-Distinct Populations of Asian Elephants

Context (TH): A recent study published by the National Centre for Biological Sciences reveals five genetically distinct populations of Asian elephants across Northern, Central, and Southern India.

Out of five, two populations are in the north and three populations in the south.

Key Findings

Historical Migration Patterns: Historically, elephants migrated from the north to the south. With each migration, their genetic diversity declined, highlighting the impact of migration on genetic variation.
Whole Genome Sequencing: The study analysed whole genome sequences from both captive and wild elephant blood samples, offering a comprehensive view of genetic diversity.
Serial Founder Effect: The reduced genetic variation observed could be attributed to the serial founder effect, where fewer individuals from each starting population migrate to establish new populations. This leads to smaller populations and an increased risk of inbreeding depression.
Inbreeding Depression: This phenomenon occurs when harmful genetic variants are more likely to be inherited due to inbreeding, posing a significant threat to the populations’ health and survival.

Read More> Elephant Reserves of India.

{GS3 – IE – Inclusive Growth} Bridging the Chasm of Global Inequality

Context (TH): The “Summit of the Future,” held on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, raised critical questions regarding global governance and inequality.

Key Issues and Challenges

Security Council Stagnation: Lack of consensus on reforms for fair representation in the U.N. Security Council. E.g. Resistance from permanent members like the U.S. and China.
Financial Dominance: Western countries dominate global financial institutions, limiting the voice of developing nations. E.g. IMF and World Bank voting share imbalance.
Weak South-South Frameworks: Insufficient coordination and resources among developing countries for effective cooperation. E.g. Limited success of BRICS in restructuring global trade.
AI and Digital Divide: Developing countries lag in AI research and digital infrastructure, leading to inequitable benefits. E.g. Limited AI innovation hubs in Africa.
Climate Finance Shortfall: Developed nations fail to meet climate finance commitments for adaptation in the Global South. E.g. $100 billion pledge unfulfilled by developed countries.
Technological Dependence: Reliance on Western technology limits the development of indigenous capabilities. E.g. Heavy import of high-tech components from the U.S. and EU.
Exclusion in Multilateralism: Developing countries have minimal influence in shaping agendas in global institutions. E.g. G-7 setting global economic policies.
GDP-Centric Growth: Overemphasis on GDP ignores broader well-being indicators like health and education. E.g. Low ranking of developing nations in the HDI despite high GDP growth.
Diplomatic Marginalization: Developing nations struggle to assert influence in key diplomatic forums. E.g. Limited influence of the Non-Aligned Movement in U.N. negotiations.

Way Forward

Security Council Reform: Push for fair representation of developing countries in the U.N. Security Council. E.g. India’s bid for permanent membership.
Financial Institutions Reform: Advocate for greater decision-making power for developing nations in global financial bodies. E.g. Reforming voting rights in the IMF.
South-South Cooperation: Strengthen partnerships among developing countries for economic growth and technology sharing. E.g. BRICS initiatives on infrastructure and trade.
AI and Digital Governance: Shape ethical AI standards and digital governance focusing on equitable access. For example, India’s involvement in the Global AI Dialogue.
Climate Finance: Secure increased adaptation and mitigation funding for developing nations from developed countries. E.g. $100 billion climate finance pledge from developed nations.
Technological Capacity: Build internal technological capabilities in AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology. E.g. India’s National AI Strategy for inclusive growth.
Inclusive Multilateralism: Advocate for more inclusive representation in multilateral organisations like the WTO and U.N. E.g. G-77’s efforts to reform U.N. governance structures.
Human Development Focus: Shift from GDP-centric growth to a focus on human development indicators. E.g. The U.N.’s Human Development Index (HDI) rankings.

{GS3 – IE – Industry} India’s Retail and E-Commerce Revolution **

Context (IE): The retail market is expected to reach $2 trillion by 2033, with e-commerce set to expand to $325 billion by 2030. However, the backbone of this boom lies in logistics and supply chain infrastructure, which is critical for India’s goal of a $5 trillion economy by 2030.

Key Challenges in India’s Retail and E-Commerce Growth

Logistics costs in India account for 11-14% of GDP, significantly higher than the global average of 8%. E.g. Logistics costs are 8-10% of GDP in the US and Europe, while in China, they are 9%.
Inadequate logistics Infrastructure, including warehousing and transportation, needs modernisation. Poor warehousing practices lead to wastage and inefficiencies, which affect supply chain performance.
Allegations of anti-competitive practices like deep discounting, preferential treatment, and misuse of data by large e-commerce. E.g. In 2021, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a ₹202 crore fine on Amazon for not fully disclosing the Future Group entity deal’s scope and purpose.
Proliferation of counterfeit and pirated products on e-commerce platforms not only impacts sales of genuine brands but also endangers consumer safety and trust. E.g. Recently, the Crime Branch of Mumbai, seized counterfeit goods worth ₹55,000 being sold as “WoW” products.
Skilled Workforce Deficit: The logistics and e-commerce require a trained workforce to handle advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and automation. Currently, there is a gap in the skilled labour pool.
Sustainability Issues such as increased carbon emissions and waste generation from packaging, are emerging as critical issues affecting environmental goals.
Technological Integration: Although digitisation efforts are underway, the integration of digital technologies such as real-time tracking, AI, and IoT is still in its nascent stage.

Government Initiatives to Boost Retail and E-Commerce

National Logistics Policy (NLP) to reduce logistics costs, improve India’s Logistics Performance Index, and digitise logistics operations through platforms like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP). India improved its ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index to 38^th position in 2023.
Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims to integrate various modes of transport, improve warehousing standards, and support technology adoption in logistics.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): The Government of India launched this online network in 2022 to provide equal opportunities for MSMEs to thrive in digital commerce.
National E-Commerce Policy: The Indian government is poised to unveil a national e-commerce policy, aiming to foster sector growth and boost exports.
Trade Facilitation and Infrastructure Investment: The government is increasing its outlay on infrastructure and pushing trade facilitation initiatives to enable seamless movement of goods.

Way Forward

Germany’s Logistics Model is highly efficient due to its integration of different transport modes, advanced infrastructure, technological integration and workforce training.
Establish a Dedicated E-commerce Regulatory Authority: Setting up a dedicated e-commerce regulatory authority or a specialised division within the Competition Commission of India.
Implement Advanced Authentication and Traceability Technologies like RFID tags, QR codes, and blockchain-based traceability systems to combat counterfeiting.
Skilling Initiatives: Countries like the US invest heavily in training logistics professionals. India needs partnerships with educational institutions to develop specialised training.
Reducing Logistics Costs: Bringing down logistics costs closer to the global average (8%) is essential for making Indian retail and e-commerce more competitive.
Sustainability and Green Logistics: Adopting electric vehicles, renewable energy, and eco-friendly packaging can ensure that growth in retail and e-commerce is environmentally sustainable. The EU model of using electric vehicles in logistics has significantly reduced carbon emissions.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Indian Wild Ass and Rann of Kutch *

Context (HT): The Rann of Kutch, especially the Little Rann, is the last habitat of the Indian wild ass.

Rann of Kutch

Source: Wikipedia

The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh spanning Gujarat and Sindh, Pakistan.
Formed millions of years ago by geological shifts creating vast salt flats by blocking the Arabian Sea.
The region is divided into the Great and Little Rann, bordered by the Thar Desert and Kutch hills.
The Indus River Delta lies to the west in southern Pakistan. The Rann of Kutch is the only major flooded grassland zone within the Indomalayan realm, one of the eight biogeographic realms.
The climate is arid, with extreme temperatures, limited rainfall, and distinct wet and dry seasons.
With the desert on one side and the sea on the other, it supports diverse ecosystems, such as mangroves and desert flora. It hosts unique wildlife, including the Indian wild ass, nilgai, feral pigs, and flamingos.
The Little Rann of Kutch produces 30% of India’s salt. During monsoon season, the vast salt pans of Rann turn into a shallow wetland. About 75 elevated pieces of land turn into islands, called bets.

Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary

Established in 1973. Largest wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, located in Little Rann of Kutch.
The sanctuary aims to protect the endangered Indian wild ass and its habitat from threats.
The sanctuary is home to local tribes, the Rabari, Maldhari Community, and Bharwad communities.

Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur)

Locally known as khur or Ghudkhur. Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN.
Survives on xerophytic vegetation (plants adapted to dry environments with minimal water).
Known for its speed (up to 70 km per hour). It is almost the size of a zebra and lives for 21 years.
Stable groups of khur consist of females and their young. Stallions (Male khurs) tend to be loners, especially in the breeding season. Life can be tough for the females, as gestation periods are long, 11 to 12 months, and concurrent lactation and pregnancy are sometimes seen.
They faced a near-extinction decline in the 1960s due to diseases, including viral African Horse sickness and Surra (caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma evansi and spread by biting insects).
Threats: Habitat loss from illegal salt panning, invasive plant species, and livestock overgrazing.

Source: Jungledragon

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Karvi Flower

Context (IE): Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) are working towards the conservation of the Karvi flower.

Source: The Hindu

It blooms once every eight years, a phenomenon known as monocarpic flowering, which means that the plant flowers once after several years of growth and then dies.
Habitat: Western Ghats, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Founded and recorded by the Director of the Botanical Survey of India Mr. Santapau in 1944.

BSI is the apex taxonomic research organisation of the country under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change was established in 1890 under the direction of Sir George King in Kolkata.

{Prelims – In News} Approval of projects by NMCG

Context (PIB): The 57th Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), approved projects amounting to ₹1,062 crore. These include key projects aimed towards the conservation and cleanliness of the Ganga Rivern activities during Mahakumbh 2025.

Important Projects Approved by NMCG

Paint My City: Decorating the mela area and city with mural art.
Ganga Seva Doots: Deploying volunteers to raise awareness on cleanliness and Ganga conservation.
Pollution Inventory, Assessment, and Surveillance (PIAS) Project: Restructure manpower to enhance effectiveness.
Smart Laboratory for Clean River (SLCR) Project: This project involves collaboration with IIT BHU and Denmark to rejuvenate small rivers across the country.
Freshwater Turtle and Gharial Conservation Breeding Program: Operated under Namami Gange Mission-II at the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Center in Lucknow, this program aims to rejuvenate the breeding population of endangered species.

{Prelims – S&T – Space} Radio Jet & Interstellar Gas

Context (TH): Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) researchers find evidence of interaction between a radio jet and interstellar gas around the black hole at the centre of the dwarf galaxy.

The Department of Science and Technology has challenged the idea that only large, powerful galaxy jets, which control star formation, have Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) powered by massive black holes.
This interaction was detected using data from multiple ground and space-based telescopes, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory, Gemini-North, Hubble Space Telescope, ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array)
Radio jets: Its charged particles ejected at nearly the speed of light from the regions around supermassive black holes at the centres of some galaxies.

Gemini-North Telescope: It is located in Hawaii and Chile.
Hubble Space Telescope: It is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), has been instrumental in capturing high-resolution images of the universe.
UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT): Part of India’s AstroSat mission, UVIT is designed for imaging in the ultraviolet regime. It provides high-resolution images and has been operational since 2015. It includes star formation in the galaxy and nearby galaxies , star formation history of the universe, and studies of hot stars in globular clusters.
Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array(ALMA): It is located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, which observes electromagnetic radiation at millimetre & submillimeter wavelengths.

Interstellar Gas: It is found in the space between the stars within galaxies. It primarily comprises hydrogen and helium, with traces of other elements.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Mangroves Exhibit Exceptional Heat Resilience

Context (DTE): Researchers from India have provided new insights into the thermotolerance of mangroves, highlighting their potential to withstand rising temperatures.

What is Heat Tolerance in Plants?

It refers to a plant’s ability to survive and function under high-temperature conditions.
It involves various physiological and biochemical mechanisms, such as Maintaining Membrane Stability, Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Producing Antioxidants, Adjusting Compatible Solutes, and Inducing Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs).

Measuring Heat Tolerance

The difference between T50 and maximum leaf temperatures defines the Thermal Safety Margin (TSM), which helps assess vulnerability to future warming.

Table T50 Values is the temperature at which the photosynthetic function of a plant declines by 50%. It indicates the threshold beyond which the plant’s ability to perform photosynthesis is significantly impaired, leading to potential leaf damage and death.