Current Affairs January 28, 2024: Recycling of Rare Earth Metals, Globalisation & Its Impacts, Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, Punganur Cows, Tanin, Caffeine

{GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Recycling of Rare Earth Metals

Context (IE | NT): A new study by Chinese and Dutch researchers reveals that reusing or recycling Rare earth metals can meet 40% of their demand in the US, China, and Europe by 2050.

Significance of Rare Earth Metals

Rare earths play a crucial role in green technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Industries such as aircraft, missile, and satellite manufacturing rely on rare earth metals.
Unlike fossil fuels, rare earths can be recovered and reused.
They have unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties.

Uban mining: It refers to collecting rare metals from discarded appliances and electronic devices, rather than from the earth

Significance of recycling

Recycling rare earths can reduce the environmental impact of mining operations. Mining often pollutes soil and water with toxic heavy metals, posing environmental and health risks.
Rare earth mining operations are sometimes associated with local conflicts and human rights violations. E.g. Myanmar–China Border Region. Reusing already-mined rare earths can contribute to ethical sourcing and conflict-free supply chains.
Using our old stuff for rare earth metals can make our supply chains safer and reduce risks.
Reduce the cost of renewable energy There can be a 60 per cent reduction in mining of Neodymium and dysprosium (REM) (used in wind turbines) by 2050 through effective reuse and recycling.

Challenges

Only about 1% of rare earths in old products are currently reused or recycled. While common metals like iron, copper, and aluminium are widely recycled.
Rare earths are frequently mixed with other metals, making their extraction challenging.
Some rare-earth recycling methods involve the use of hazardous chemicals.

India & Rare Earth Metals

At 6 percent of total known rare earth deposits,the Rare Earth resources in India are reported to be the fifth largest in the world.
In India, monazite is the principal source of rare earths and thorium.
Indian resources contain Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE), while Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) are not available in extractable quantities.
In Indian deposits, only Neodymium and Praseodymium (LREE) are available and are being extracted up to 99.9 % purity level.
The minability of REE is further constrained due to CRZ regulations, Mangroves, Forests and inhabitation.
Indian Rare Earth Limited (IREL), a Mini Ratna Company under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and KMML, a Kerala State Government Undertaking, are actively engaged in the mining and processing of beach sand minerals from placer deposits.

Placer deposits: A type of mineral deposit in which grains of a valuable mineral like gold or the rare earths are mixed with sand deposited by a river or glacier

IREL is the only entity processing monazite to produce Rare Earth (RE) compounds.

Principal sources of Rare Earth Elements (REE)

Source	Details
Bastnaesite	Found in carbonatites and related igneous rocks
Xenotime	Commonly found in mineral sand deposits.
Loparite	occurs in alkaline igneous rocks and monazite
Diverse Minerals	Recovery as by-products occurs from phosphate rock and leaching.

{GS1 – IS – Issues} Globalisation

Context (HT | TOI): External Affairs Minister, during the 6^th India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting, highlighted the positives and negatives of Globalisation.

He held trade, tourism, and currency as weapons used to distort the ‘diverse’ world.

What is Globalisation?

Globalization refers to the intricate process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.
It is a complex web of phenomena associated with increased de-territorialization and referred to by prepositions such as ‘Global Village’, ‘Borderless Village’ etc.
The process transcends traditional barriers, where international trade and cultural exchange converge to shape a ‘global village’ marked by intricate networks of cooperation and competition.

Drivers of Globalisation

How has Globalization impacted the world and India?

Impact on Polity

Positive Impact

Increased emphasis on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law has had a positive impact on the governance system ensuring robust democratic institutions, and enhanced citizen participation.

Negative Impact

Loss of sovereignty: It makes the role of states negligible as it is influenced by free international trade.
Regulations framed by IMF, WB, & WTO impose moral obligations on member states to rationalize their policies that may not always align with their national interests. E.g. conditionalities imposed on India during the 1991 crisis.
Excerbate political instability: It may lead to identity politics, the quick spread of misinformation fuelling instability in the country. E.g. use of social media by terror groups to spread fear.
Political tensions between countries in a bid to protect the interests of domestic industries witnessed in increase in disputes in WTO, a rise in protectionism measures, etc.

Impact on Culture

Positive Impact

Cultural resistance, acting as a catalyst for cultural revitalization to restore and celebrate the unique languages, rituals, and traditions in response to hegemonic forces of dominant cultural paradigms.
- Manifested in the rising popularity of Indian festivals like Diwali, popularity of Indian Film Festivals like Mumbai Film Festivals.
Cultural diplomacy: Globalization has enabled India to project its cultural heritage and values on the international stage, enhancing its soft power and global influence. E.g. International Day of Yoga.
Media and entertainment have allowed Indian artists and creators to reach global audiences and have also introduced international content to Indian audiences.
- E.g. success of Natu-Natu song, widespread recognition of Indian actors like Priyanka Chopra in Hollywood.

Negative Impact

Cultural Homogenization: Erosion of local traditional practices due to the dissemination of Western norms & consumerism observed in the spread of fast-food chains, popularisation of Western attires, and Hollywood movies, often referred to as ‘McDonaldization of Society’.
- E.g., the ubiquity of Starbucks outlets, popularity of American pop music, etc.
- From ‘Namaste’ to ‘Hi & Hello’, rising popularisation of French, German languages among youth, celebrations of Valentine’s Day, Fathers’ Day.
Cultural Hybridisation led to glocalization where local traditions & global influences intermingle, exemplified in the rise of ‘fusion’ restaurants blending various culinary traditions. E.g. Paneer Tikka Burger in McDonalds.
Loss of traditional crafts: The influx of cheap mass-produced goods from abroad has affected the demand for traditional Indian handicrafts.
Impact on regional languages: Indigenous languages, dialects, and traditional practices are at risk of disappearance due to the dominance of English and other global languages.

Impact on Family

Positive Impact

Transnational connections: The pursuit of international employment opportunities has led to the rise of transnational migration patterns where family members stay connected across borders & time zones.
Rise of filiocentric families where children play an increasingly important role in family decisions.
Improved living standards: Increased flow of goods, services, and technologies has led to improved living standards in terms of access to consumer goods and improved infrastructure.

Negative Impact

Rising individualism: Disintegration of joint family giving way to nuclear families, rising trends towards ‘neolocal families’, declining authority of elderly, declining kinship relations.
Cultural erosion: Globalization is associated with decreased collectivism, which could potentially strain family relationships in India’s collectivist culture.
Rising concept of ‘love marriages’ witnessed in rising matrimonial websites, live-in relationships questioning the overall concept of marriages, etc.
Emerging alternatives to family: Rise in single-headed families due to declining marriages/rising divorce cases, rise in same-sex marriages.

Impact on Women

Positive Impact

Rising engagement in non-traditional sectors due to the relocation of labour-intensive industries from developed to developing countries, witnessed in rising participation in IT industries.
Redefining the traditional gender norms where women are perceived as ‘equal shareholders’ in family’s decisions, male participation seen in child rearing and domestic chores.
Female labour force participation rate has surged from 15% in 1990 to 32.8% in 2021-22, showcasing globalization’s impact on gender inclusion.
Rise in female literacy and rise in political participation.
Reduced gender inequality: Exposure to global media and ideas has prompted discussions about gender equality, leading to a shift towards equal pay for equal work, shifts in cultural norms and attitudes.
Reduced exploitative practices like triple talaq, child marriage, and female infanticide due to pressure from the global community. E.g. MeToo movement.

Negative Impact

Gendered division of labour: It has perpetuated ‘Pink Collarisation’ where women are increasingly seen concentrated in some sectors, like nursing, and are poorly paid with no job security leading to ‘feminization of poverty’.
‘Dual work burden’: Though globalisation has opened up avenues for women, the responsibility of looking after family remains a prerogative of women leading to stress, and unpaid work care burden.
Cultural backlash: Globalization can introduce new cultural norms and values, which may challenge traditional roles and norms leading to conflicts and tensions within families and communities.
- E.g. increased interaction of women in the corporate world becomes a cause of divorce & family conflicts.
Rising vulnerabilities: New evils like objectification and commodification of women have evolved due to globalization further leading to cases of human trafficking, prostitution, etc.
The rise in crimes against women is also a testimony to male chauvinism where the modernity of women is perceived as a threat to male superiority in society.
Mental stress: Dissemination of narrow, western-centric beauty standard that emphasizes certain physical attributes, such as fair skin, slim bodies, etc creates unrealistic expectations & pressure on women to conform.

Impact on Elderly

Positive

Better health due to advancements in medical research, exchange of knowledge & expertise, making new treatments readily available leading to declining cost of healthcare and increased life expectancy.
Enhanced meaning of life by providing an opportunity to participate in the global workforce through remote work allowing them to contribute to society beyond retirement age.
Increased social connectivity: Video calling platforms, social media, and messaging apps have made it easier for the elderly to maintain relationships with dear ones and combat feelings of isolation.
Cultural exchange has led to increased intellectual stimulation, personal growth, and a sense of belonging to a global community, enhancing their overall sense of well-being.

Negative

Fragmented families: Increased migration for better job opportunities resulted in fractured families leaving many elderly without proper familial support, leading to feelings of loneliness and neglect.
Healthcare challenges: Rise in sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and increased stress levels have led to a rise in NCDs, reduced standard of living, and increased healthcare costs.
Cultural erosion: With younger generations embracing Westernized lifestyles, traditional values are marginalized, elderly may feel excluded within their own families, thus losing the meaning of life.

Impact on Youth

Positive Impact

Better career opportunities due to the opening of various sectors like outsourcing (E.g. BPOs) allowing youth to pursue rewarding careers both domestically and internationally.
Civic engagement: Globalisation allows youth to engage in international forums and advocate for their interests. E.g. Fridays for Future movement.

Negative impact

Job insecurity due to competitive markets, demand for specialized skills, rise in outsourcing, increased exploitation of gig workers, etc.
Rising consumerism with youth placing more emphasis on material possessions and status. The inability to meet such unrealistic expectations leads to mental health issues.
Cultural disconnect: With the spread of global popular culture, youth may struggle to maintain their own cultural identity leading to loss of their own identity.

De-globalisation: The end of globalisation?

Deglobalization is the process of diminishing interdependence and integration between certain units around the world.
It entails the erosion of previously established transnational linkages and the resurgence of protectionist policies and trade barriers ultimately leading to a diminished level of cross-border integration.

Globalisation 4.0

“Globalization 4.0″, a term coined in 2019 World Economic Forum summit, refers to the current phase of globalization.
It is characterized by the major global changes brought on by technologies such as AI, robotics, IOT combined with a rapidly fluctuating global economy, social inequality and political tensions both at the international level and between political leaders and citizens.

Stages of globalisation

{GS2 – MEITY – Schemes} Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

Context (TH): The semiconductor Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme has approved just seven start-ups, far below its five-year target of 100. Policymakers have an opportunity to reassess and enhance the scheme.

Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

It aims to offer financial incentives as well as design infrastructure support across various stages of development and deployment of semiconductor design(s).
Target Segments: Semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores and semiconductor-linked design.
Nodal agency: C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), operating under MeitY.
Aim: To nurture at least 20 domestic companies involved in semiconductor design and facilitate them to achieve turnover of more than Rs.1500 Crore in 5 years.
Eligibility:
- Domestic companies, startups, and MSMEs involved in semiconductor design or linked design.
- Approved applicants must maintain their domestic status for three years.
- An applicant must meet threshold criteria to be eligible for disbursement of incentive for the year under consideration.
  
  Threshold criteria

Domestic status: More than 50% of the capital in Domestic companies, startups, and MSMEs is beneficially owned by resident Indian citizens and Indian companies, which are ultimately owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens.

In case the Net sales do not meet the threshold amount for any given year, the applicant shall not be eligible for an incentive in that particular year.
However, the applicant will not be restricted from claiming incentive in subsequent years during the tenure of the Scheme, provided threshold criteria are met for such subsequent years.

Components under DLI

The scheme has three components.

Chip Design infrastructure support: Under this, C-DAC will set up the India Chip Centre.
Product Design Linked Incentive.
Deployment Linked Incentive.

Objectives

Nurturing and facilitating the growth of domestic companies, startups and MSMEs.
Achieving significant indigenisation in semiconductor content, thereby facilitating import substitution and value addition in the electronics sector.
Strengthening and facilitating access to semiconductor design infrastructure for startups and MSMEs.

Issues with the Scheme

Domestic Status and Foreign Direct Investment: Beneficiary start-ups must maintain domestic status for at least three years after incentives. This limits the scope of foreign direct investment.
Viable nature of the Semiconductor industry: Start-ups in semiconductor design incur substantial costs with longer-term returns. Further, coupled with the challenges in the funding landscape in India, it reduces investor risk appetite, hindering growth.
The conflicting role of the C-DAC: C-DAC itself is a market player in chip design, and concerns arise about conflict of interest, capacity, and suitability for implementation and regulation.

Way forward

Revise the Domestic status objectives: Allow any entity registered in India to engage in the design process.
The C-DAC as the nodal agency for the DLI scheme necessitates reconsideration: The Karnataka government’s Semiconductor Fabless Accelerator Lab can be made as the implementing agency under the India Semiconductor Mission.

What is a semiconductor?

A semiconductor is any material that has an electrical conductivity between a conductor (such as copper) and an insulator (such as rubber or glass).

semiconductors
conductors and insulators

The conductivity of a semiconductor can be controlled and modified by introducing impurities or defects into the crystal structure of the material.
Concern: Many toxic materials, such as arsenic, antimony, and phosphorus, are used in the fabrication process.

semiconductor

Applications of semiconductors in daily life

Diodes allow current to flow in only one direction, commonly used in power supplies and lighting applications.
Transistors act as switches or amplifiers and are a fundamental building block of digital electronics.
Microprocessors are ICs, the brain of many electronic devices (computers, smartphones).
Solar cells are made of semiconductor materials like silicon.
Led lights are semiconductor devices.

India Semiconductor Mission(ISM)

Launched in 2021 with Rs 76,000 crore funding under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
Aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing, and design ecosystems.
ISM will serve as the nodal agency for efficient implementation of schemes.

Components of ISM

Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India: Provides fiscal support to attract investments for semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities.
Scheme for setting up of Display Fabs in India: Provides fiscal support to attract investments for TFT LCD / AMOLED-based display fabrication facilities.
Scheme for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fab and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) / OSAT facilities in India: Provides fiscal support of 30% of the Capital Expenditure to the eligible applicants.
Design Linked Incentive Scheme.

Global Scenario

Taiwan is the world’s top semiconductor manufacturing country followed by South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States. .

India’s History

Despite a promising start, India lost out in the semiconductor revolution of the 1980s, while countries like China and Taiwan raced ahead.
A 100% central government-owned enterprise, Semiconductor Complex Limited (SCL), was set up in the early 1980s with a manufacturing facility in Mohali in Punjab.
India’s dream of becoming a semiconductor manufacturing hub was shattered by a mysterious fire that broke out at the Mohali facility in February 1989.
In 2006, SCL was restructured as a research & development centre within the Department of Space. It was renamed ‘Semiconductor Lab’.

Current status

Despite being the global leader in semiconductor chip design, India imports 100% of its semiconductors.
The current demand for semiconductors in India is around $24 billion, which is met through imports from countries like China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States.
There is not a single Indian company involved in the fabrication of semiconductor chips.

Progress in semiconductor manufacturing

In September 2022, Vedanta and Foxconn announced a Rs 1.54 lakh crore investment for semiconductor and display plants in Gujarat.
The international consortium (ISMC) (a joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based Next Orbit Ventures and Israel’s Tower Semiconductor) has proposed a $3 billion investment for a chip-making plant in Karnataka.
Micron Technology has announced an $825 million investment for a new assembly and test facility in Gujarat.
Almost all the top international chip design companies have a presence in India.
Today, India has the distinction of designing over 2,000 chips every year.

What is ailing India’s Semiconductor Industry?

Semiconductor manufacturing is difficult and expensive. It requires billions of dollars of investment, top-quality raw materials, and reliable infrastructure.
Shortage of raw materials: Apart from Silicon and metals, germanium and gallium arsenide are rarely found in India.
High maintenance: These plants demand a consistent supply of water, electricity, and protection from the elements.
Semiconductor manufacturing requires a high-skilled STEM labour force. The universities in India currently don’t have state-of-the-art infrastructure labs to do research, which is limiting a lot of students from entering this sector.

Initiatives in India

Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
Design-Led Incubation (DLI) Scheme.
Digital RISC-V (DIR-V) Program.
India Semiconductor Mission.
Semicon India program.
Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS).

Way Forward

India must collaborate with international partners. The chip manufacturing and design supply chain is complex and requires specialisation, materials, and talent that no single country can provide.
India needs to prioritise ease of doing business alongside offering incentives to foster the growth of semiconductor manufacturing.
India should provide long-term stability of policy so that the company can be assured about its return on investment.

For details on the Significance of domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, visit >Significance of domestic manufacturing of semiconductors.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Punganur Cows

Context (IE | DH): The Punganur breed cows were recently in the news.

The Punganur breed is native to the Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh.
These dwarf cattle are the world’s shortest-humped breed.
Punganur cows come in various colours (white or grey or shades of light or dark brown).
They have small, crescent-shaped horns, longer in females than males.
They were once on the verge of extinction. However, their numbers improved from 2,828 (19th Livestock Census) to 13,275 (20th Livestock Census).
Distribution: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Significance of Punganur Cows Milk

The milk of the Punganur cow, contains the element Au (gold).
It is used for Ksheeraabhishekam (milk offering to the deity) in Tirupati Thirumala Temple.
It is nutritionally rich, known for its high-fat content, A2 milk, and abundance of nutrients like Omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Conservation efforts taken

Andhra Pradesh government provided financial support for the promotion of the Punganur breed.
GoI established Gokul Gram for the promotion of Punganur and other indigenous breeds of cattle in Telangana.

A1 vs A2 Milk

Milk contains about 85% water. The remaining 15% is the milk sugar lactose, protein, fat and minerals. Beta-casein (protein) is about 30% of the total protein content in milk.
A2 milk is the milk that contains only the A2 type of beta-casein protein.
A1 milk contains only A1 beta casein or A1A2 type variant.
The A1 protein variant is commonly found in milk from crossbred and European breeds of cattle.
A2 milk is found basically in indigenous cows and buffaloes of India (Asia as a whole).
A2 milk is gaining popularity because some studies suggest that A2 milk may be easier to digest for some individuals than A1 milk.

{Prelims – Sci – Chemistry} Tanin | Caffeine

Context (IE): Chemistry professor and the author of the book ‘The Chemistry of Tea, Michelle Francl, recommended adding a pinch of salt to tea to diminish its slight bitterness.

Both tea and coffee have a slight bitterness to them (also described as being astringent).
This is partially because of the compounds caffeine and tannin.

Tannin

Tannins are present in naturally occurring substances and organic matter, including leaves and wood.
It is used in the tanning of leather, hence the name.
Plants produce them as a natural defense against pests.
Most common dietary sources of tannins include tea, coffee, wine, and chocolate.
Tannins in tea are responsible for the antioxidant activities of black and other dark teas.

Positive effects

It has anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties, mostly due to its anti-oxidising nature.
Remove harmful microbes from the body and fight against harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Speed up blood clotting.
Stabilizes blood pressure.

Negative effects

They are often anti-nutritional.
It can hinder digestion and metabolism.
Tannins can obstruct the blood’s absorption of iron.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant most found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants.
It works by stimulating the brain and central nervous system, helping one stay alert and prevent the onset of tiredness.
It is a diuretic, meaning that it helps the body get rid of extra salt and water by urinating more.
It increases the release of acid in the stomach, sometimes leading to an upset stomach or heartburn.
It may interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body.
It increases blood pressure.