Tag: India Starts Work on a Policy on GM Crops

UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (25TH SEPTEMBER, 2024) Heat Dome Effect Syllabus: GS1/Physical Geography Context The state of Assam has recently experienced unprecedented temperatures nearing 40°C in September, unusual for the region, which may be attributed to the Heat Dome Effect. About Heat Dome Effect The heat dome effect is a type of high-pressure system (also known as anticyclone) that forms over a large area in the atmosphere, and causes extremely hot and dry weather conditions. The system traps hot air and prevents it from flowing to rise and cool. This air then becomes compressed and heats up, leading to a dome-shaped area of hot air that can persist for several days or even weeks. Due to climate change, heat domes have not only become more frequent but also a lot more intense. The rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns are creating conditions that are assisting their formation. Impact of Heat Domes Heat domes can cause dangerous heat waves causing the temperatures to shoot up. They can also lead to drought conditions and wildfire as the hot and dry weather can quickly dry out vegetation and make it more susceptible to catching fire. It can also have severe impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Heat domes can persist for several days to weeks, depending on atmospheric conditions. The longer they last, the more severe the impacts can become. Heat Domes vs Heat Waves While many people use ‘heat domes’ and ‘heat waves’ interchangeably, heat domes are just one of the atmospheric conditions that can contribute to the formation of a heat wave. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity. Heat waves can occur for a variety of reasons, including the presence of a heat dome. Heat waves can also occur without the presence of a heat dome, such as when warm, humid air masses from the tropics move to an area and stagnate for an extended period. ‘Pact of the Future’ Promising to Reform the UNSC Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations Context The United Nations’ General Assembly adopted the ‘Pact of the Future’, promising to “reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). About In the ‘Pact of the Future’, world leaders agreed to redress the historical injustice against Africa as a priority and improve the representation of the under-represented and unrepresented regions and groups including Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. They also agreed to enlarge the Security Council to be more representative of the current United Nations membership and reflective of the realities of the contemporary world. key issues for Reform at UNSC Categories of membership, The question of the veto held by the five permanent members, Regional representation, The size of an enlarged Council and its working methods, and The Security Council-General Assembly relationship. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)– It is one of the UN’s six main organs and is aimed at maintaining international peace and security.– It held its first session on 17th January 1946 in Westminster, London.– Headquarters: New York City.– Membership: The Council is composed of 15 Members. 1. Five Permanent members with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.2. Ten Non Permanent members Election of Non Permanent members– Each year the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members (out of 10 in total) for a two-year term.– The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis as follows:1. Five for African and Asian States;2. One for the Eastern European States;3. Two for the Latin American and Caribbean States;4. Two for Western European and other States.– To be elected to the Council, candidate countries need a two-thirds majority of ballots of the Member States that are present and voting in the Assembly.1. The elections were held with each of the 193 member states casting its vote in a secret ballot.– More than 50 United Nations Member States have never been Members of the Security Council.1. India last sat at the UN high table as a non-permanent member in 2021-22. Need for UN Reforms Non-representative Council membership: When the UN was founded in 1945, the Council consisted of 11 members out of 51 members of UN; around 22%. Today, there are 193 member-states of the UN, and only 15 members of the Council — fewer than 8%. More financial contribution of non permanent members: There are countries whose financial contributions to the UN outweigh those of four of the five permanent members. For example, Japan and Germany have for decades been the second and third largest contributors to the UN budget. Unable to discharge basic functions: The Security Council cannot discharge its basic function as one of the permanent members of the Security Council attacked its neighbour. Russia, a permanent member of the UN, has vetoed UNSC resolutions on Ukraine issues. Im-balance of Power: The composition of the Council also gives undue weightage to the balance of power of those days. Europe, accounting for 5% of the world’s population, controls 33% of the seats in any given year (and that does not count Russia, another European power). India’s contribution & representation: Opportunities are also denied to other states such as India, which by its sheer size of population, share of the world economy, or contributions to the UN have helped shape the evolution of world affairs in the seven decades since the organisation was born. Challenges Lack of Political Will: Although there is a general agreement towards change in the system, different countries have different perceptions of the requirement for change. Coffee Club:Uniting for Consensus (UfC) or Coffee Club, is a movement that developed in the 1990s in opposition to the possible expansion of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council. Under the leadership of Italy, it aims to counter the bids for permanent seats proposed by G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan). Chinese Opposition: China being a permanent member blocks the growth of India becoming a Permanent Member. Concluding remarks India has long sought a permanent seat in the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation’s quest has gained momentum with support from the international community. The U.N. Secretary-General, in his remarks warned that the 15-nation United Nations Security Council, which he described as “outdated” and whose authority is eroding, will eventually lose all credibility unless its composition and working methods are reformed. National Credit Framework (NCrF) for Well-Rounded Education Syllabus: GS2/ Education Context The National Credit Framework (NCrF) aims to modernize India’s higher education by promoting flexibility, skill-based learning, and multidisciplinary courses. The National Credit Framework (NCrF) The National Credit Framework (NCrF) is a transformative reform that is derived from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It has been jointly developed by different institutions including CBSE, NCERT, Ministry of Education, DGT, and Ministry of Skill Development to achieve this vision and intent of NEP. NCrF is a comprehensive framework encompassing elementary, school, higher, and vocational education & training, integrating learning on all dimensions. Significance of NCrF Flexibility in Learning: Students can choose from various courses and activities to earn credits, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Skill Development: The NCrF emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing students for real-world challenges and increasing their employability. Credit Transferability: It helps students in higher education by allowing them to collect and transfer credits easily, even when they study different subjects, including skills training. Multidisciplinary Approach: NCrF provides for broad based, multi-disciplinary, holistic education, allowing imaginative and need based curricular structures. Challenges in implementation Resistance to Change: Traditional educational institutions and faculty resist shifting away from conventional teaching methods to adopt more flexible, skill-based learning. Infrastructure and Resources: Many schools and colleges, especially in rural areas, lack the infrastructure and resources needed to implement practical skills training, internships, and multidisciplinary programs. Assessment and Standardization: Establishing a uniform system for credit accumulation and transfer across different institutions and disciplines is complex and difficult to standardize. Concluding remarks The implementation of NCrF would be a game changer in realizing the vision and intent of NEP by removing distinction, ensuring flexibility & mobility and establishing academic equivalence between general and vocational education. We need to rethink our higher education system by making it more flexible and including courses that cover multiple subjects and skill-based learning. This will help India become an economic and technological leader. India’s First-ever National Security Semiconductor Fabrication Plant Syllabus: GS2/IR Context India has collaborated with the United States to set up the first-ever national security semiconductor fabrication plant in the country. About the Semiconductor Fabrication Plant Fab, to be known as ‘Shakti’, will focus on three essential pillars for modern war fighting — advanced sensing, advanced communications and high voltage power electronics, It will produce chips for use in military hardware in both the countries as well as in critical telecommunication networks and electronics. The fab will be manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride and silicon carbide semiconductors. The complete project will receive support from the India Semiconductor Mission and will be a part of the Strategic Technology Partnership among Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. Significance: It is the first time that the U.S. military has agreed to do a partnership for these high-value technologies with India and it is a watershed moment as it is as significant as the civil nuclear deal. The project will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in research and development in chip manufacturing. This will reduce India’s dependence on semiconductor imports, which currently amount to $1 billion annually for national security purposes. This effort will address the increasing demands of key sectors like telecommunications, railways, and green energy. What are Semiconductors?– Semiconductors are materials with electrical properties that fall between those of conductors (like metals) and insulators (like rubber). 1. They have a unique ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions while acting as insulators under others.– They are sometimes referred to as integrated circuits (ICs) or microchips made from pure elements, typically silicon or germanium. – In a process called doping, small amounts of impurities are added to these pure elements, causing large changes in the conductivity of the material.– Applications: Semiconductors are used in a vast range of electronic devices. 1. Transistors, which are fundamental components of modern electronic circuits, rely on semiconductor materials. 2. They act as switches or amplifiers in everything from computers to cell phones. 3. Semiconductors are also used in solar cells, LEDs, and integrated circuits. Overview of India and US Bilateral Relations Since India’s independence, ties with the United States have weathered the Cold War–era distrust and estrangement over India’s nuclear program. Relations have warmed in recent years and cooperation has strengthened across a range of economic and political areas. Bilateral Trade: The bilateral trade between the two countries has risen by 72 percent between 2017-18 and 2022-23. The US accounted for 18 percent of the gross FDI inflows into India during 2021-22, ranking second behind Singapore. Defense and Security: India and the US have signed a troika of “foundational pacts” for deep military cooperation, beginning with the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, followed by the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) after the first 2+2 dialogue in 2018, and then the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020. In 2016, the United States elevated India to a major defense partner, a status no other country holds. Space: Artemis Accords signed by India established a common vision for the future of space exploration for the benefit of all humankind. The United States and India cooperate through the bilateral Civil Space Joint Working Group. Multilateral Cooperation: India and the United States cooperate closely in multilateral organizations and fora, including the United Nations, G20, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related fora, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Together with Australia and Japan, the United States and India convene as the Quad, a diplomatic network, to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. Nuclear Cooperation: Civil Nuclear Deal was signed in 2005, under the agreement, India agrees to separate its civil and military nuclear facilities and place all its civil resources under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. In exchange, the United States agrees to work toward full civil nuclear cooperation with India. SPICED Scheme of Spices Board of India Syllabus: GS3/ Economy, Agriculture In News The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has approved the SPICED scheme (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative, and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) to be implemented until 2025-26. About The scheme focuses on increasing the area and productivity of small and large cardamom, enhancing the quality of spices for export through post-harvest improvements, and promoting value-added spice exports. Key objectives: Expanding cardamom cultivation and increasing productivity for export. Enhancing post-harvest quality, meeting export standards, and improving compliance with safety and quality regulations. Though, India is the world’s largest spice producer. It is also the largest consumer and exporter of spices. Cardamom Cardamom is derived from the seeds of the Elettaria cardamomum plant (also known as green or true cardamom) and belongs to the ginger family. It has a distinctive strong, warm flavor that is both spicy and sweet. It is categorized into two main types: Small Cardamom and Large Cardamom. Small Cardamom: Origin: Native to the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in South India. Major Producers: Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu Favorable Growing Conditions: Loamy Soil, requires thick shade for optimal growth, temperature range of 10°C to 35°C and requires 1500 to 4000 mm of annual rainfall. Large Cardamom: Distribution: Grown primarily in the Sub-Himalayan regions of North Eastern India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Major Producers: Mainly cultivated in the states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Favorable Growing Conditions: Requires an average rainfall of 3000-3500 mm, 6°C to 30°C temperature, high altitudes ranging from 600 to 2000 meters and Prefers well-drained, loamy soils with rich organic matter. About Spices Board of India– It is an apex body established by the Government of India in 1987 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It was formed by merging the Cardamom Board (1968) and the Spices Export Promotion Council (1960).– The Board oversees the promotion and export of a wide range of spices including black pepper, cardamom (small and large), ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, fenugreek, and more.– HQ: Kochi, Kerala India Starts Work on a Policy on GM Crops Syllabus: GS 3 / Economy , S&T In News The Ministry of Agriculture, in consultation with several other ministries, has formed a panel to study GM crop research and learn from other nations. The panel includes experts in rice, cotton, and plant protection. Genetic Modification in Crops It is any living organism whose genetic material has been altered to include desirable traits. It has been used in large-scale production of insulin, vaccines, and more. Genetic Modification in Crops involves DNA manipulation instead of conventional methods like controlled pollination to change crop characteristics. Common GM Crops: Soybean, maize, cotton, and canola are widely grown for herbicide tolerance and insect resistance. Process of Modifying Crops: The desired gene is identified, isolated, and incorporated into the crop’s DNA, followed by performance testing under controlled conditions. Other GM Traits: Common modifications include virus resistance, drought resistance, and improved fruit/tuber quality. Benefits Genetic engineering can enhance resistance to pests and diseases, reducing or eliminating the need for herbicides and pesticides. Farmers can achieve increased yields, leading to higher income. GM crops can be modified to improve their nutritional value. GM technology can extend the shelf life of foods. Genetically modified foods can offer improved taste and texture. GM crops can be engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. India’s GM Crops Currently, Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for cultivation in India, while other crops like chickpea, pigeon pea, corn, and sugarcane are in various research stages. In October 2022, the government approved the environmental release of GM mustard to reduce dependence on imported mustard oil. However, trials were put on hold after activists approached the Supreme Court. GM mustard reportedly offers 28% higher yields than traditional varieties, though critics challenge these claims, citing non-indigenous traits and questions about independent testing. Farmers are demanding upgrades to Bt cotton technology, stating that the older BG-II variety is no longer effective against new pests and weeds, especially in changing climate conditions. SC Verdict on GM Mustard A recent split Supreme Court verdict on GM mustard called for a comprehensive safety strategy before allowing its use. Acts and rules that regulate GM crops in India include Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA) Biological Diversity Act, 2002 Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 GM policy under Foreign Trade Policy Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 Drugs and Cosmetics Rule (8th Amendment), 1988 International GM Crop Policies Countries like the US widely allow GM crops, while the European Union enforces strict regulations, including risk assessments and labelling requirements. Controversy Surrounding GM Crops GM crops are a sensitive issue in India due to concerns over human and animal health, contamination of non-GM crops, and ecological risks. Experts argue that there is no unified document outlining the roles of different agencies involved in evaluating GM crops in India. During the court hearing, concerns were raised about the reliance on foreign studies to evaluate GM crops, with a call for more Indian research. Conclusion and Way Forward The Court and government are urged to balance environmental concerns with the potential benefits of GM crops, acknowledging that perfect solutions should not undermine the good. Genetically modified crops hold promise for addressing some of India’s most pressing agricultural challenges, including food security, climate resilience, and farm incomes. However, their adoption must be carefully managed to avoid potential environmental and socio-economic risks. As India moves forward with its policy on GM crops, it must strike a balance between innovation and caution, ensuring that the benefits of biotechnology are realized while safeguarding public and environmental health. FACTS IN NEWS Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Birth Anniversary Syllabus:GS 1/History, Famous Personalities In News The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on his birth anniversary. About Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Early life : He was born on September 25, 1916, in Dhankia, Rajasthan. He lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by his maternal uncle. He excelled in studies, winning several prizes and scholarships. Political and Organizational Work: He joined Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur, where he also became part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He founded the magazines “Rashtra Dharma,” “Panchajanya,” and the newspaper “Swadesh.” When Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Deendayal became its first General Secretary for the U.P. branch and later, All India General Secretary. Philosophy: Deendayal Upadhyaya was a deep thinker who developed the philosophy of “Integral Humanism,” which combined material and spiritual values. He envisioned a decentralized polity, self-reliant economy, and a village-centric development model. Tragic Death: Deendayal was found dead on February 1, 1968, while traveling on a train, but his vision and dedication to the nation continue to inspire many. Legacy: His call to serve the entire nation, expressed at the historic Calicut session, continues to resonate with his followers Mankidia Tribe Syllabus:GS 1/Society In News Rama Mankirdia from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district received habitat rights for the local forest under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. About Mankidia Tribe: Mankidia is a semi-nomadic Austro-Asiatic community. They are known for their traditional skills in rope making, monkey trapping, and food gathering. They reside in temporary settlements in forests and speak a Munda language. Mankidia are employed by villagers to control monkey populations that damage crops and fruits. The Mankidia are the second PVTG in Odisha to receive habitat rights, with similar recognition for other PVTGs pending approval. First PVTG to Get Habitat Rights in Odisha: Paudi Bhuyan of Deogarh district was the first to receive habitat rights on March 7, 2024, covering 32 villages. Do you know ? The Forest Rights Act, 2006, is hailed as landmark legislation that grants forest-dependent communities rights over forest land, including individual and community rights, and the management of Community Forest Resources (CFR). The FRA strengthens indigenous knowledge and traditional forest management systems, ensuring tribal rights and promoting biodiversity conservation. According to the FRA, a “habitat” refers to the customary habitat areas of PVTGs, including reserved and protected forests. Odisha has granted habitat rights to six PVTGs, the highest number among all Indian states Odisha is home to 13 PVTGs, with 1,79,742 households spread across 1,683 villages in 14 districts. Pact for the Future Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations Context The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted the Pact for the Future. Pact for the Future The Pact along with its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, was adopted by consensus UN Member States pledged to: Turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, two landmark 2015 agreements that have seen halting progress and missed milestones; Listen to young people and include them in decision-making, at the national and global levels; Build stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, local and regional authorities and more; Redouble efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflicts; Protect all civilians in armed conflict; Accelerate the implementation of commitments on women, peace and security. Global Digital Compact It is an agreement on the international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). It outlines commitments to ensure that digital technologies contribute to sustainable development and human rights, while addressing risks like digital divides, cybersecurity, and misuse of technology. Declaration on Future Generations The Declaration focuses on securing the well-being of future generations by protecting the environment, promoting intergenerational equity, and ensuring that long-term consequences of today’s actions are considered. Body Roundness Index (BRI) Syllabus: GS2/ Health Context The body mass index has long been criticized as a flawed indicator of health and a replacement has been gaining support: the body roundness index. What is Body Roundness Index (BRI)? BRI was developed by Diana Thomas in 2013. Instead of looking at height and weight, BRI mathematically quantifies body fat levels by looking at height and waist circumference. The scores usually range from 1 to 15, with those having very high scores or very low scores (of over 6.9 or under 3.41) considered at the most risk for illnesses. Body Mass Index (BMI) and its limitations– BMI is a ratio of height to weight, the formula developed nearly 200 years ago by Adolphe Quetelet.– A BMI of 18 to 24.9 is considered normal; 25 to 29.9 is termed overweight and 30 and above is classified as obese.– However, BMI has significant limitations, particularly for children and young people (whose body fat levels change as they grow), athletic people (who have high levels of muscle mass) and people from ethnic minority groups (who may develop health problems at lower body fat levels). Surge in Dengue Cases Syllabus: GS2/Health Context Data from the WHO show the surge in dengue cases year-on-year due to factors like urbanization, climate change, and the movement of people and goods. About Dengue Dengue is a viral infection which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue Virus is a pathogenic arthropod-borne flavivirus (arbovirus) belonging to the family Flaviviridae. Symptoms: Fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea and vomiting, pain behind the eyes, and rashes. In severe cases, the infection can lead to internal bleeding, and if not managed properly, even death. Treatment: There is no specific treatment for dengue. Early detection of disease progression with proper medical care lowers fatality rates of severe dengue to below 1%. Source: IE Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) Syllabus:GS 3/Economy In News Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) has approved Rs 1 lakh crore guarantees in 172 days . About CGTMSE The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) was jointly established by the Ministry of MSME and SIDBI to promote institutional credit flow to Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs). Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) was introduced to strengthen credit delivery to MSEs, providing finance access to underserved and unprivileged entrepreneurs, without collateral or third-party guarantees. MSEs can avail collateral-free loans up to ₹500 lakh from April 1, 2023, under the Credit Guarantee Scheme by CGTMSE. The scheme provides guarantee coverage of up to 85% for loans extended to MSEs. Importance : CGTMSE plays an enabler role in fostering entrepreneurship across India, contributing to the country’s goal of achieving a USD 5 trillion economy. Source :FE Retractions Syllabus: GS3/ S&T Context According to the ‘Retraction Watch’ database, Paper retractions are becoming more common worldwide even as the research misconduct problem is worsening in India. What are retractions? A retraction is a mechanism that kicks in when a scientific paper published in an academic journal is found to be so flawed as to merit being removed from scientific literature. Between 2020 and 2022, 2.5 times more papers were retracted than they were between 2017 and 2019. The reasons for retraction include plagiarism, editorial conflicts, image manipulation, and the use of paper mills. What is the retraction index? A journal’s retraction index is the the number of retractions in a given time period multiplied by 1,000 and divided by the total number of published articles. The ‘Impact’ refers to the impact factor, the average number of times a paper was cited in the last two years. Source: TH Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary Syllabus: GS3/Environment and Biodiversity Context The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a stay on construction of a road inside the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. About Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary It is located between the Barak and Sonai Rivers in Assam’s Cachar district. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2022. The sanctuary is also known to be a vital habitat for the king cobra. The Barak Valley also houses the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary. Barak Valley The Barak Valley is the southernmost region and administrative division of Assam. It is named after the Barak river. The valley is bordered by Mizoram and Tripura to the south, Bangladesh and Meghalaya to the west and Manipur to the east respectively.

Tag: India Starts Work on a Policy on GM Crops

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