Current Affairs – November 29, 2024

{GS1 – Geo – HG} Siddi Community

• Context (IE): The film Rhythm of Dammam, which highlights the marginalised Siddi community in India, is being screened at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

• The Siddis are descendants of African slaves brought to India by the Portuguese in the late 17th century. They arrived during the trans-Indian Ocean slave trade.
• Location: Most Siddis live along India’s western coast, particularly in Gujarat, Maharashtra & Karnataka.
• Status as a Scheduled Tribe: In 2003, the Indian government recognised Siddis as a Scheduled Tribe. They are also part of the centre’s list of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Family Life: Siddis mostly follow a nuclear family system, where parents and children live together. However, extended families are also common in their community.
• Rich Cultural Traditions: The Siddis are known for their folk music and dances, such as Dhamal and Rasda, with men performing the Dhamal dance.

{GS2 – IR – Asia} Dealing with the China Question

• Context (IE): India faces challenges in bridging the defence capabilities gap with China and modernising its defence industrial base.

Issues Involved

• China’s Military Dominance: Massive defence expenditure, modernisation, and formidable industrial infrastructure. E.g, Commissioning 70 submarines between 1995 and 2020.
• Regional Disparities: Chinese defence capabilities overshadow neighbours combined.
• Geopolitical Rhetoric: China’s Asia for Asians slogan seeks regional primacy & deters external powers.
• People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s Growing Advantage: Erosion of US military dominance in East Asia due to the PLA’s quantitative edge.
• US Involvement Constraints: Resource dispersion across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia weakens focus on countering China.

Challenges for India

• Dependency on Imports: Reliance on foreign defence tech. & limited indigenous production capacity.
• DRDO Reorganisation: Slow implementation of committee recommendations for restructuring DRDO.
• International Cooperation: Limited scope of current defence agreements with allies.
• Defence Modernisation: Lack of reforms to bridge gaps with China’s military capabilities.
• Industrial Base: Lack of skilled personnel and modern facilities to compete globally.

Strategic Advantages and Opportunities for India

• Geopolitical Partnerships: Growing collaboration with Japan, Australia & Southeast Asian nations for regional security.
  • Eg: Air-to-air refuelling agreement with Australia for interoperability.
  • Eg: Joint production of stealth equipment with Japan for Indian warships.
• Defence Diplomacy: Enhanced military diplomacy to strengthen ties with like-minded nations.
• US and France Roadmaps: Bilateral agreements to develop defence supply chains and technology.
• Private Involvement: Increased emphasis on private participation in defence production & exports.
• Global Defence Supply Chains: Potential to emerge as a key player amidst international realignments.
• Arms Exports: Scope for expanding India’s role as a defence exporter.
• Modernisation Drive: Leverage existing agreements to advance technological and industrial capabilities.
• Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with Italy & South Korea to diversify collaboration.

Way Forward

• Accelerate Reforms: Implement DRDO restructuring and enhance indigenous production capabilities.
• Focus on Innovation: Invest in defence R&D to reduce reliance on imports.
• Build Industrial Capacity: Develop skilled personnel and modernise production facilities.
• Expand Military Diplomacy: Deepen security cooperation with Asian and Western partners.
• Boost Private Sector Role: Facilitate private investments in defence manufacturing and export initiatives.
• Strengthen Regional Ties: Enhance interoperability and joint exercises with ASEAN nations.
• Leverage US Collaboration: Partner with the US to access advanced technologies and boost production competitiveness.

{GS2 – Polity – IC} Balancing Constitutional and Civilisational Values

• Context (IE | IE): PM highlighted the Constitution as a “living, continuously flowing stream” during Constitution Day, giving an opportunity to reflect upon whether the IC is rooted in colonial legacies or reflects India’s civilisational ethos.

Features of India’s Constitution

• Living Document: The Constitution evolves with the aspirations of a vibrant, diverse, and evolving nation.
• Civilisational References: Constituent Assembly debates acknowledged India’s 5,000-year-old civilisational journey, emphasizing diversity, tolerance, and unity.
• Guiding Principles: Nehru’s Objective Resolution and contributions by leaders like Syama Prasad Mookerjee highlighted the balance between ancient traditions and modern governance.
• Adoption of Global Best Practices: Incorporated parliamentary democracy, federalism and fundamental rights with restrictions suited to Indian conditions.

Constitution as a Living Document

• Unity in Diversity: Governs and safeguards a pluralistic society while preserving civilisational values.
• Modern State Building: Transition from colonial rule to the republic with elected representatives and a codified set of rights and duties.
• Balance of Power: Ensures separation of functions and accountability among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
• Rule of Law: Establishes a framework for governance based on justice, liberty, and equality.
• Flexibility: Amended over time to address contemporary challenges, showcasing its adaptability.
• Constitutional principles reflect India’s dharmic traditions and ancient ethos of religious tolerance.

Constitution as a Colonial Legacy

• Colonial Legacy: Seen as continuation of colonial condescension under guise of constitutional morality.
• Civilisation vs. Constitution Debate: Tension between upholding civilisational identity & adhering to constitutionalism.
• Misinterpretation of Secularism: Confusion between secular governance and undermining traditional cultural values.
• Civic Nationalism: Replaces indigenous values with Western ideals & weakens civilizational memory.
• Limited Decoloniality: Political independence did’nt fully address decolonisation of Indian psyche.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Civilisational Consciousness: Integrate India’s cultural ethos with constitutional principles to foster unity without undermining diversity.
• Balanced Reforms: Address colonial hangovers in governance while retaining the Constitution’s essence.
• Promote Constitutional Literacy: Educate citizens on the Constitution’s spirit to dispel misconceptions and foster respect for institutions.
• Inclusive Policy Making: Emphasize equitable representation of all communities, including indigenous groups, in democratic processes.
• Learning from Best Practices:
  • Historical Legacy: Incorporation of lessons from Irish Free State & American democratic structures.
  • Indigenous Democracy: Adivasi traditions of democracy predate modern constitutional principles.
  • Comparative Secularism: The Hindu Mahasabha’s 1944 Constitution explicitly rejected state religion, paralleling India’s secular framework.

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} Punjab’s Paddy Procurement Hits Five-Year Low

• Context (IE): Punjab is important in India’s foodgrain pool. Despite the highest-ever area under rice cultivation this year, it is set to face one of the lowest paddy procurements in five years.

Current Situation

• Procurement Figures: The state has procured 172.16 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy, significantly below the expected target. Paddy procurement will continue, but minimal quantities arrive in markets.
• Estimated Target for 2024-25: The Centre set a target of 185 LMT for the 2024-25 season, based on approximately 32 lakh hectares under rice cultivation.

How Paddy Procurement Works

• Planning and Coordination: The Centre, in collaboration with state governments and the Food Corporation of India (FCI), plans paddy procurement before the start of each kharif marketing season, which runs from October to September.
• Purchasing Paddy: State agencies and the FCI purchase paddy from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This paddy is acquired for the central pool.
• Milling and Storage: Once procured, the paddy is sent to mills where it is processed into rice. This milled rice is stored as buffer stock or utilised in various welfare schemes.
• Welfare Schemes: The rice stored from paddy procurement supports welfare programs under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), providing essential food security to millions of people.

Reasons for Shortfall in Procurement

• Reduced Paddy Arrivals: At the end of 2024, only 50,600 tonnes arrived in mandis compared to 6-7 lakh tonnes per day during peak season.
• Procurement Delays: Early issues with rice shellers caused procurement delays. Rice mills refused to store procured paddy, impacting the flow of rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
• Farmer Delays: Farmers delayed harvesting to avoid low prices, impacting the moisture levels in paddy.
• Impact on Yield: Farmers expected 30-32 quintals per acre yield but received less than 2-5 quintals. Higher temperatures during the grain milking stage also impacted yields.
• Hybrid Controversy: Hybrid rice varieties introduced a lower milling out-turn ratio, yielding only 60%-62% rice from paddy, below the FCI standard of 67%.
• Labour and Arhtiyas‘ Demands: Arhtiyas (middlemen) demand a 2.5% higher commission, and mandi labourers ask for higher wages. Protests from these groups have delayed the procurement process.

Potential Solutions for Improving Paddy Procurement

• Enhancing Coordination: Strengthening collaboration between procurement, transportation, and storage facilities, ensuring timely payments, and efficiently addressing labour requirements.
• Promoting Crop Diversification: Punjab should consider diversifying its agricultural practices to include a variety of crops for long-term sustainability.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} BBNJ: The High Seas Treaty

• Context (TH): India recently signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, aiming to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable use of resources in international waters.

Key Features of the BBNJ Treaty

• Conserving Marine Biodiversity: Protecting marine ecosystems beyond national jurisdictions.
• Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Mandating fair distribution of profits from marine genetic resources through a global fund.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Requiring assessments to regulate harmful activities in international waters.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Creation of protected zones in high seas to safeguard biodiversity.
• Capacity-Building & Technology Transfers: Equitable partnerships in maritime science & governance.
• Third UNCLOS Implementing Agreement: Complements treaties on deep-sea mining and fisheries.

Significance of the BBNJ Treaty

• Protecting Global Commons: Safeguards international waters (constitute over 60% of world’s oceans).
• Sustainable Marine Governance: Addresses critical gaps in international maritime regulation to ensure resource conservation.
• Global Equity: Aims to balance benefits among developed and developing nations through shared responsibilities.

Issues with the BBNJ Treaty

• Delayed Ratification: Only 14 of 104 signatories have ratified, far from required 60 for enforcement.
• Lack of Strategic Clarity: The treaty lacks a detailed roadmap for achieving its ambitious goals.
• Territorial Disputes: Overlapping maritime claims, e.g. in South China Sea, hinder consensus on MPAs.
• Livelihood Concerns: Coastal communities dependent on marine resources fear economic restrictions from MPAs.
• Weak Accountability Mechanisms: Wealthier nations may under-report profits from marine genetic resource exploitation.
• Fragmented Regulations: Conflicts with existing treaties, like the Convention on Biological Diversity, create enforcement challenges.
• Inequities in Capacity: Low and middle-income nations lack the necessary support for maritime research and technology access.
• Neglect of EEZ Impacts: The treaty overlooks harmful activities within EEZs, such as oil and gas exploration, reducing its environmental effectiveness.

Measures to Address Challenges

• Integrating High Seas and Coastal Regulations: Develop cohesive frameworks linking high-seas governance with coastal policies.
• Promoting Incentives for Compliance: Encourage coastal states, especially in the Global South, to align domestic laws with international norms.
• Foster collective agreement among nations for shared responsibility in ocean governance.
• Global Cooperation: Wealthier nations must provide technical and financial assistance to ensure equitable benefits.
• Transparent Accountability Mechanisms: Introduce robust checks to prevent underreporting by wealthier nations.
• Strengthening EIAs: Comprehensive reviews for planned activities, including oil & gas exploration.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} India’s Environmental Achievements

• Context (PIB): Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 did not consider country-reported data on many indicators, relying on other sources, leading to unrealistic rankings.

• India’s leadership in environmental forums such as the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), Mission LiFE, International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) is also ignored.

India’s Environmental Achievements

Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023

• Conserve and sustainably use biological resources.
• Regulate access to biological resources and associated knowledge.
• Establish Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and designate Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
• Empower State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) to regulate access to threatened species and implement conservation measures.

Key Achievements in Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation

• Protected Areas: 1,022 protected areas covering 178,640 sq. km (5.43% of India’s geographical area).
• Forest Cover: Increased from 21.23% in 2013 to 21.71% in 2021.
• Global Forest Resource Assessment: 72.16 lakh hectares of forest cover, ranking India among the top ten globally.

Key Conservation Projects

• Eco-Sensitive Zones: Established around 487 protected areas.
• Ramsar Sites: Increased from 26 in 2014 to 85 in 2024.
• Tiger Reserves: 55 reserves, with the tiger population rising from 2,226 in 2014 to 3,682 in 2022.
• Project Lion: The lion population in the Gir Landscape grew from 284 in 1990 to 674 in 2020.
• Cheetah Reintroduction: First inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project.
• Elephant Reserves: 33 reserves, with an estimated 30,000 wild Asian elephants.
• Leopard Population: Stable at 13,874 individuals, compared to 12,852 in 2018.
• Namami Gange Programme: Recognised as a World Restoration flagship project by the UN.

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

• Alignment: Goals and targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework (KMGBF).
• Focus Areas: Protecting terrestrial & marine areas, restoring ecosystems, & reducing biodiversity threats.

Climate Action and Low-Emission Development

• Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) (Submitted to UNFCCC in 2022):
  • Key Elements: Low-carbon development, efficient transport systems, sustainable urbanisation, and enhanced forest cover.
  • Initiatives: Smart Cities Mission (SCM), National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

{GS3 – IE – Industry} Government Scheme for Tourism Development

• Context (TH): The government has approved interest-free loans for 50 years to various States to enhance tourism sites and infrastructure.

• This initiative aims to identify and develop 40 new tourism projects across 23 States. It also aims to mitigate overcrowding at popular destinations by encouraging the development of alternative locations.
• The Department of Expenditure has issued operational guidelines for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), which aims to develop iconic tourist centres.

Objective and Scope of the Initiative

• Focus on Lesser-Known Destinations: Encourages the development of lesser-known tourist destinations such as Bateshwar (UP), Ponda (Goa), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), and Porbandar (Gujarat).
• Branding and Marketing: The initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these tourist centres globally to attract international tourists.

• State Government’s Role: States are responsible for providing land for the projects and ensuring their implementation, operation, and management post-completion.
• Funding and Progress Monitoring: Funds will be released directly to the concerned States (66% in the first instalment). The Ministry of Tourism will monitor the progress of these projects.
• Completion Timeline: States have been given a two-year deadline to complete the projects.

{GS3 – IE – Inflation} Key Economy Terms

• Context (IE): Producer Price Index (PPI) and Wage inflation were recently in the news.

Producer Price Index (PPI)

• The Producer Price Index (PPI) is an economic indicator that measures the average price changes that producers receive for their goods and services at various production stages.
• It focuses on the producer’s price perspective, not the consumer’s. It captures producers’ prices before additional costs like taxes, transportation, and retail markups are added.
• The PPI excludes the taxes, transport, trade margins, and other charges imposed when those products reach consumers or are used as inputs to other producers. In other words, it is the suppliers’ price.

Why is PPI Important?

• Helps understand inflation from the beginning of the supply chain.
• Provides insights into cost pressures faced by producers, which eventually is passed on to consumers.
• Economists and policymakers use PPI to analyse economic conditions and make informed decisions.

Wage Inflation

• It refers to the rate at which workers’ wages (compensation) increase over time. Unlike general inflation, which measures the rise in prices of goods and services, wage inflation specifically tracks the rise in wages.

How is Wage Inflation Calculated?

• Labour unions often base their wage increase negotiations on the expected rate of general inflation. For e.g., suppose the expected inflation rate is 2%. In that case, unions might negotiate for a wage increase higher than 2% to ensure that workers’ wages grow in real terms.
• Wage inflation is important because it helps understand the labour market dynamics. It shows how wage levels change and whether workers’ earnings keep up with or outpacing general inflation.

Read More > Inflation, Consumer Price Index (CPI), Wholesale Price Index (WPI), GDP deflator.

Read More > Types of Inflation.

{Prelims – Awards} President’s Colours Award

• Context (IE): The Army Chief presents the President’s Colours Award. It is the highest honour that can be awarded to any military unit, military training establishment, or state/UT Police Force in India.
• This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon a unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and war. It is also known as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan” in Hindi.

History

• Colonial Origins: The tradition began during colonial rule.
• Post-Independence Transition: In 1950, the ‘king’s colour’ of erstwhile British Indian regiments was retired in Chetwode Hall, Dehradun, paving the way for ‘colours’ of the President of the Republic of India.
• First Recipient: The Indian Navy was the first branch of the Indian Armed Forces to receive the President’s Colour, awarded by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on May 27, 1951.

Award Details

• Type of Honour: The President’s Colours is a special flag, also known as ‘Nishaan‘, awarded to a military unit in an organised ceremony.
• Design: The flag features a golden border and the insignia of the respective military unit, training establishment, or police force in the centre.
• Ceremonial Importance: During ceremonial parades, the President’s Colour is placed in a special position, and soldiers often march with it on dates such as their establishment anniversary.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Sjögren’s Syndrome

• Context (TH): Sjogren’s Syndrome was in the news recently.

• Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the immune system damages the glands that produce moisture. It is pronounced “SHOW-gren’s syndrome.”
• Affected Areas: Long-term dryness on Eyes (Tears), Mouth (Saliva), Nose, Throat, Vagina.
• Symptoms: Dry or itchy eyes, Dry mouth, sores, or thick saliva, Vaginal dryness, Dry skin, Dry nose and frequent nosebleeds, Dry throat and frequent coughing.
• Causes: Exact cause is unknown. It can develop independently or triggered by other health conditions.

Risk Factors

• Certain groups are more likely to develop Sjögren’s Syndrome:
  • Women and those assigned female at birth (more than 90% of cases).
  • People with other autoimmune diseases.
  • People aged between 45 and 55.
  • Those with a biological relative who has Sjögren’s Syndrome.

Complications

• Increased risk of oral and eye infections.
• Abnormal liver or kidney function.
• Lymphomas (cancer in lymph nodes).
• Lung issues that resemble pneumonia.
• Neurological problems cause weakness or numbness.

Treatment of Sjögren’s Syndrome

• Managing Sjögren’s syndrome focuses on alleviating symptoms, as there is no cure. Healthcare providers will tailor a treatment plan to help minimise its impact on daily life and improve overall quality of life.

Eye Dryness

• Artificial Tears: To keep eyes moist, eye drops, prescription drops or lubricants may be recommended.
• Punctal Plugs: An ophthalmologist can perform minor surgery to close some or all tear ducts, helping retain natural tears for a longer duration.

Mouth Dryness

• Saliva Substitutes: Over-the-counter saliva supplements or prescriptions can help stimulate saliva production. Chewing gum and sipping water throughout the day.
• Special Dental Products: Due to an increased risk of dental issues, more frequent cleanings, fluoride treatments, and prescription toothpaste or mouthwash may be necessary.

Vaginal Dryness

• Vaginal Moisturisers/Lubricants: Over-the-counter or prescription lubricants can help maintain vaginal moisture daily or during sexual intercourse.
• Hormone Therapy: Supplemental estrogen may be prescribed to address vaginal dryness resulting from hormonal imbalances.