Tag: Project Cheetah Audit Flags Concerns

UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (17TH SEPTEMBER, 2024) Impact of Emergency Provisions on Centre-State Relations Syllabus :GS 2/Polity and Governance In Context The recent violence in Manipur has reignited debate on Centre-State relations and the use of emergency provisions. About Federal set-up in India India is a federation with governments at the Centre and the States. The Seventh Schedule to the Indian Constitution distributes the power between the Union and States. Under this scheme, it is the domain of the State governments to maintain law and order in their respective States. Emergency Provisions in the Constitution The emergency provisions are provided in Part XVIII of the Constitution. Articles 355 and 356 deal primarily with the affairs of government in a State under this part. Article 355 imposes a duty on the Centre to protect every State from external aggression and internal disturbance. It also specifies that the Centre should ensure that every State government operates according to the Constitution. Article 356 allows for the imposition of the President’s rule if a State’s government cannot function in accordance with constitutional provisions. Comparison with Other Countries: In the U.S. and Australia, federal functions also include protecting states, but they do not have provisions for removing state governments. B.R. Ambedkar’s View B.R. Ambedkar explained that Article 355 was designed to ensure that any interference by the Centre in a State’s administration under Article 356 is justified and constitutionally mandated. It serves to prevent arbitrary or unauthorized use of Article 356, maintaining a check on federal power and preserving the federal structure of the polity. Issues and Concerns It was hoped that Articles 355 and 356 would never be called into operation and would remain a dead letter However, Article 356 was misused several times to dismiss elected state governments with majorities, often for reasons ranging from electoral losses to issues with law and order, undermining constitutional principles and federalism. Judicial Rulings The Supreme Court’s S.R. Bommai case (1994) restricted misuse of Article 356 it should only be used for constitutional breakdowns, not ordinary law and order issues. The imposition is subject to judicial review. The scope of Article 355 has expanded over time through various Supreme Court rulings. Initially, in State of Rajasthan Vs Union of India (1977), Article 355 was narrowly interpreted as justifying the use of Article 356. However, in later cases like Naga People’s Movement (1998), Sarbananda Sonowal (2005), and H.S. Jain (1997), the Supreme Court broadened the interpretation of Article 355, allowing the Union to take all necessary statutory and constitutional actions to protect states and ensure they adhere to constitutional governance. Recommendations by Commissions The Sarkaria Commission (1987), the National Commission (2002), and the Punchhi Commission (2010) have all stated that Article 355 requires the Union to protect states and allows it to take necessary actions to fulfill this duty. They have also emphasized that Article 356, which imposes President’s rule, should be used only as a last resort in extreme and urgent situations. Conclusion The emergency provisions are essential for maintaining constitutional order, their impact on Centre-State relations is significant and complex. They necessitate a delicate balance between central authority and state autonomy, and their application must be guided by principles of fairness, necessity, and constitutional integrity. As India continues to evolve, ensuring that these provisions are used judiciously and within the framework of federal principles will be key to preserving the democratic and federal fabric of the nation. Lancet Alert on Antibiotics Misuse Syllabus: GS2/ Health Context According to a Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) published in Lancet, over 39 crore deaths by antibiotic-resistant infections are estimated to occur worldwide by 2050. What is Antimicrobial Resistance? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. Antibiotic resistance is emerging as the threat to successful treatment of infectious diseases, organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy and major surgeries. Key highlights of report The report mentioned that in India, bacterial AMR deaths are associated with or attributable to six major superbugs: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Each year between 1990 and 2021, more than 10 lakh people died worldwide as a direct result of AMR. However, in the same period, the total number of AMR deaths globally among children under five declined by 50 percent, while that among people aged 70 years and above increased by more than 80 percent. As many as 6,86,908 deaths in India in 2019 were associated (indirectly linked) with these superbugs, and 2,14,461 deaths attributable (directly linked) to them the same year In 2019, 2.9 lakhsepsis deaths in India Were directly linked to AMR. Sepsis deaths occur when one’s immune system has a dangerous reaction to a bacterial infection and without treatment, can lead to organ failure. Causes for Antimicrobial Resistance Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics: The excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals is a major driver of antimicrobial resistance. A survey on prescribing trends for antibiotics released by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in 2023 found that 71.9% of patients coming to hospitals were prescribed antibiotics on average. Inadequate Dosage and Duration: When antibiotics are not taken in the correct dosage and for the recommended duration, it can lead to incomplete eradication of the targeted microorganisms, allowing the surviving bacteria to develop resistance. Self-Medication: Self-prescription without proper medical guidance contributes to the misuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics Consumption in Food-Animals: Use of antibiotics as growth promoters in food animals and poultry is a common practice and later it evolves in the food chain. Poor Sanitation: The large proportion of sewage is disposed of untreated into receiving water bodies, leading to gross contamination of rivers with antibiotic residues, antibiotic-resistant organisms. Global Efforts against Antimicrobial Resistance Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP): Globally, countries committed to the framework set out in the Global Action Plan (GAP) 2015 on AMR during the 2015 World Health Assembly and committed to the development and implementation of multisectoral national action plans. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW): It is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS): WHO launched it in 2015 to continue filling knowledge gaps and to inform strategies at all levels. Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP): A joint initiative of WHO and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), GARDP encourages research and development through public-private partnerships. Country wise initiatives:A multi-sectoral $1 billion AMR Action Fund was launched in 2020 to support the development of new antibiotics, and the U.K. is trialing a subscription-based model for paying for new antimicrobials towards ensuring their commercial viability. Peru’s efforts on patient education to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Australian regulatory reforms to influence prescriber behavior, and initiatives to increase the use of point-of-care diagnostics, such as the EU-supported VALUE-Dx programme. Denmark’s reforms to prevent the use of antibiotics in livestock have led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of resistant microbes in animals. Measures Taken against Antimicrobial Resistance in India National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR): It has a focus on the One Health approach & was launched with the aim of involving various stakeholders ministries/departments. AMR Surveillance Network: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) established the AMR surveillance and research network (AMRSN) to generate evidence and capture trends and patterns of drug resistant infections in the country. India’s Red Line campaign: Which demands that prescription-only antibiotics be marked with a red line, to discourage the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics– is a step forward. National Antibiotic Consumption Network (NAC-NET): The network sites compile data on antibiotic consumption in their respective health facilities and send it to National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The Kerala Drug Control Department launched Operation AMRITH (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention for Total Health) to prevent the overuse of antibiotics in the state. Concluding remarks Antimicrobial medicines are one of the cornerstones of modern healthcare, and increasing resistance to them is a major cause for concern. Understanding how trends in AMR deaths have changed over time, and how they are likely to shift in future, is vital to make informed decisions to help save lives. Project Cheetah Audit Flags Concerns Syllabus: GS3/ Environment Context A report by the Accountant General of Madhya Pradesh has flagged concerns over the management of Project Cheetah in Kuno National Park, highlighting a “lack of coordination” between central and state government departments. What is Project Cheetah? Project Cheetah is India’s cheetah relocation programme. As part of the project, 50 cheetahs will be introduced in various National Parks over five years. The cheetah was officially declared extinct by the Indian government in 1952. In total, 20 adult African cheetahs have been imported so far and were relocated in Kuno National Park. This is the first time in the world that a large carnivore has been relocated from one continent to another. The first batch of eight cheetahs arrived in September 2022 from Namibia and another batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa arrived in February 2023. Since their arrival in India, eight adult cheetahs, three females and five males, have died. Seventeen cubs have been born in India, with 12 surviving, bringing the total number of cheetahs, including cubs, in Kuno to 24. Concerns raised in report The audit flagged that there was no mention of cheetah reintroduction in the work plan and management plan, and that there are no documents detailing where the cheetah reintroduction work began and how it started. From 2021-22 to January 2024, Rs 44.14 crore was spent on Project Cheetah, which was found to be not in accordance with the approved management plan. Also unjustified expenditure of over Rs 90 lakh was flagged under labor expenses. However machines were used instead of manual labor resulting in higher costs and a loss of employment for local workers. The audit found that ground staff and the Kuno Wildlife Division were not involved in the site selection or the cheetah reintroduction study, raising concerns about the planning and coordination at the ground level. As per the approved management plan, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was identified as the second habitat of Asiatic lions (apart from Gir forest in Gujarat). However, no efforts had been made to reintroduce Asiatic lions. The report revealed that the former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kuno,, was sent to South Africa and Namibia for cheetah management training but was transferred soon after, making his expertise unavailable. The audit labeled this expenditure futile, as the Action Plan mandates trained staff remain at conservation sites for at least five years. Kuno National Park– The park is located in the Vindhyan Hills of Central India in Madhya Pradesh.– It was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary. In 2018, it was given the status of a national park.– The Kuno river flows through the national park. Smart Precision Horticulture Programme Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture Context The Union Ministry of Agriculture is planning a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme. About The government has also set up 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) across the country to test new technologies and modify them according to local needs. It will cover 15,000 acres of land in five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29 and is expected to benefit about 60,000 farmers. At present, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), launched in 2020, has provisions for financing infrastructure projects for smart and precision agriculture. Under AIF, individual farmers as well as farmers’ communities such as Farmer Producer Organization, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and SHGs are eligible for loans with interest subvention of 3% for using technological solutions in farm practices. What is Precision Farming? Precision farming (PF) is an approach to farm management that uses information technology to ensure that the crops and soil receive exactly what they need for optimum health and productivity. Rather than applying similar inputs across the entire field, the approach aims to manage and distribute them on a site specific basis to maximize long-term cost benefit as well as prevent any waste. Over the last few decades, many technologies have been developed for PF; they can be divided into ‘soft’ and ‘hard.” Soft precision agriculture depends on visual observation of crops and soil management decisions based on experience and intuition, rather than statistical and scientific analysis. Hard precision agriculture uses all modern techniques such as GPS, remote sensing, and variable rate technology. Precision Farming in India In India, the practice is so far developed for nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) and water-use efficiency (WUE). PF in the Indian landscape is yet to become an integral part of mainstream farming systems. However, technological advances and rising interest among scientific institutions bring new perspectives and reinvent the technology to suit all farm types and economic capabilities. Use of Technology in Agriculture It includes integrating cutting-edge digital technology into the farm production system, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, uncrewed aviation systems, sensors, and communication networks. These innovations will increase returns, and enhance the efficacy of irrigation and other inputs. Role of Technology for Agriculture in India Assess Soil Health: Technological interventions based on soil sensors, remote sensing unmanned aerial surveying and market insights, etc., will permit farmers to assess crop and soil health conditions at different levels of production. Improvement in Crop Yeild: Technologies like Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms can help in generating real-time actionable insights for improving crop yield, controlling pests, assisting in soil screening, providing actionable data for farmers, and reducing their workload. Use of Blockchain Technology: It will be offering tamper-proof and precise data about farms, inventories, quick and secure transactions, and food tracking. Significance Increasing agriculture productivity and lowering production cost, Inhibits soil degradation, Lessening of chemical application in crop production, Promoting effective and efficient use of water resources, Uplifting socio-economic statuses of farmers, Reducing environmental and ecological impacts, Augmenting worker safety. Challenges in Implementation Limited Digital Infrastructure: Rural areas often lack robust digital infrastructure such as internet connectivity and electricity, hindering the adoption of digital technologies by farmers. Digital Divide: There’s a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas in India. Cost of Technology: Many digital agriculture solutions require huge investments which are unaffordable for smallholder farmers with limited resources. Fragmented Agriculture Sector: India’s agriculture sector is fragmented, with a large number of smallholder farmers and diverse crops grown across different regions. Developing digital solutions that cater to this diversity is challenging. Capacity Building: Training farmers to effectively use digital tools and interpret the data generated is a major challenge. Government Initiatives India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA): It is a framework designed to lay down the architecture for a federated farmers’ database, facilitating innovative agri-focused solutions using emerging technologies to enhance the agricultural ecosystem. National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A): Funds are allocated to states/UTs for projects involving modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, Drones, Data Analytics, and Blockchain in agriculture. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): A pan-India electronic trading portal connecting Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities, providing digital services to traders, farmers, and mandis. PM KISAN Scheme: Direct transfer of funds to eligible farmers’ bank accounts under Direct Benefit Transfer mode, with self-registration available through the Farmers Corner in the portal and a dedicated mobile app for broader access. Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (AGMARKNET): Supports the creation of agricultural marketing infrastructure by providing backend subsidy support and offers services through the AGMARKNET portal for stakeholders including farmers, industry, and policymakers. Mobile Apps by ICAR: More than 100 mobile apps developed by ICAR, State Agricultural Universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras are offering valuable information to farmers on crops, horticulture, veterinary, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and natural resources management. Soil Health Card Scheme: The Soil Health Card Scheme aims to assess the nutrient status of soil and provide customized recommendations for nutrient management to farmers. Promotion of Precision Farming: Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) promote precision farming techniques, including drip irrigation and fertigation, which enable more efficient use of fertilizers, including urea, by delivering nutrients directly to plants’ root zones. Conclusion Modernizing the agriculture sector by adding cutting-edge technologies can benefit farmers’ incomes as well as the nation’s food and nutrition security while also being environment- friendly. The agricultural sector is ready to be taken over by science and technology to boost output and efficiency so that more people can be fed while growing more food on less land, however, this transition has to be inclusive. Fourth Global Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) Syllabus: GS3/Environment and Conservation Context The Prime Minister inaugurated the fourth Global Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) in Gujarat. It is a global platform bringing together key players in the renewable energy sector. About Gujarat has pledged renewable energy capacity addition of 128.60 GW by 2030 — the highest among all the States. Andhra Pradesh has committed to adding 72.60 GW capacity, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh at 62.73 GW, 57.71 GW, and 47.63 GW, respectively. Renewable Energy in India Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. They are more sustainable and environmentally friendly because they produce little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants. India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, 4th in Wind Power capacity & 5th in Solar Power capacity (as per REN21 Renewables 2024 Global Status Report). India has already achieved its target of 40% installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuels in 2021 itself. India’s Targets India has a vision is to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070, in addition to attaining the short-term targets which include: Increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030, Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables, Reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and Reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels. Steps Taken by Government for Transition to Renewable Energy Sources National Solar Mission (NSM): It was launched in 2010, it has set ambitious targets for solar capacity installation, including grid-connected and off-grid solar power projects. Green Energy Corridors: The Green Energy Corridor project focuses on enhancing the transmission infrastructure to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national grid. National Wind Energy Mission: Focuses on the development and expansion of wind energy in India. The target for wind energy capacity is set at 140 GW by 2030. National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF): It was established to support research and innovation in clean energy technologies and projects that help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): This requires power distribution companies and large electricity consumers to procure a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources, encouraging the demand for renewable energy. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM): It includes the installation of solar pumps, solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps, and the establishment of solar power plants on barren or fallow land. International Solar Alliance (ISA): India played a key role in establishing the International Solar Alliance, a coalition of solar-resource-rich countries to address their energy needs through the promotion of solar energy. FACTS IN NEWS Operation CHAKRA III Syllabus: GS3/ Internal Security Context The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its ongoing Operation CHAKRA-III has taken action to successfully dismantle a sophisticated cyber-enabled financial crime network About This operation was executed with cooperation from other international law enforcement agencies including the FBI (USA) and INTERPOL. The network has been targeting victims in foreign countries since 2022, with their operations involving cryptocurrencies and bullion. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)– CBI, functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India, is the premier investigating police agency in India.1. CBI derives power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.– History: It was established by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in 1963.1. The Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption recommended the establishment of the CBI.– Functions: CBI was established with a view to investigate serious crimes related to the defense of India, corruption in high places, serious fraud, cheating, and embezzlement and social crime, particularly hoarding, black marketing, and profiteering in essential commodities, having all-India and inter-state ramifications.1. It is also the nodal police agency in India that coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol member countries. Law on Early Elections Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance Context Delhi’s Chief Minister has asked for Assembly elections to be held in Delhi along with Maharashtra, where a new House must be elected before November 26. However, the term of the Delhi Assembly ends only on February 23, 2025. Early Elections Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the powers of superintendence, direction, and control of elections are vested in the Election Commission of India (ECI). The ECI works backwards from the date on which the five-year term of the existing House ends, ensuring that the election process is completed before then. Section 15(2) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, says the election cannot be notified less than six months before the end of the term of the Assembly — unless the Assembly is dissolved before it completes its term. Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution says the Governor “may from time to time” dissolve the Legislative Assembly. The Council of Ministers can recommend dissolution of the House to the Governor before the end of its term, forcing a decision. Once the Assembly has been dissolved, the ECI has to conduct fresh elections within six months. Delhi’s Scenario In Delhi, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, applies. Section 6(2)(b) of the Act says the Lieutenant Governor may from time to time dissolve the Assembly, even if a Chief Minister of Delhi recommends the dissolution of the Assembly, the final say is the Centre’s (through the LG). Nidhi Companies Syllabus: GS 3/Economy In News The Registrar of Companies (RoC) has penalized over two dozen Nidhi companies for violations of the Companies Act. About Nidhi companies Nidhi companies are incorporated under Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013, and are regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). They also come under one class of NBFCs and hence RBI is empowered to issue directions to them in matters relating to their deposit acceptance activities Objectives : Their primary objective is to cultivate a habit of savings among their members and provide them with financial assistance. Nidhi companies operate on a no-frills model, focusing on small-ticket savings and lending activities within their membership base. Prohibitions: Nidhi companies are banned from engaging in chit funds, hire purchase finance, leasing finance, insurance, or acquiring securities issued by other entities. They cannot issue preference shares, debentures, or any debt instruments. They are not allowed to Admit corporate bodies or trusts as members. Subhadra Yojana Syllabus: GS3/Financial Inclusion Context Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Odisha government’s flagship initiative, the Subhadra Scheme which will be the largest women-centric initiative in the state. About The scheme is named after Goddess Subhadra, the younger sibling of Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odisha. Under the scheme, ₹50,000 will be provided over five years to one crore poor women aged between 21 and 60. A total of ₹10,000 per annum will be paid in two installments of ₹5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima Day and International Women’s Day (March 8). Women who are receiving assistance of ₹1,500 or more per month, or ₹18,000 or more per year under any other government scheme, will be ineligible for inclusion under Subhadra. The money will be deposited directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-enabled single-holder bank account; A Subhadra Debit Card will also be issued to them. Phosphoric Acid Syllabus: GS3/ S&T In Context The diversion of phosphoric acid, a key fertiliser ingredient, for making electric vehicle batteries can become a source of worry for Indian agriculture , which is heavily dependent on nutrient imports. About Phosphoric Acid Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is a weak acid commonly used in various industrial and consumer applications. It is used in food additives, fertilizers, and metal treatment. It can remove rust and protect metals from corrosion. It’s the key ingredient in di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). DAP is India’s second most consumed fertilizer after urea. India primarily imports phosphoric acid from Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. CMFRI unit designated seaweed research centre of excellence Syllabus: GS3/ Environment In News The Department of Fisheries has designated the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation. About Seaweed Seaweed refers to various species of marine plants and algae that grow in oceans, rivers, and lakes. They are classified into green (Chlorophyta), brown (Phaeophyta), and red (Rhodophyta) groups. They are rich in minerals and vitamins, with health benefits like anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They are also used in manufacturing (cosmetics, toothpaste) and agriculture, boosting crop productivity. Government Initiatives to Support Seaweed Cultivation National Seaweed Mission: Under the Department of Biotechnology, this mission aims to scale up seaweed cultivation to enhance India’s global role in the seaweed industry. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Includes seaweed cultivation as part of the Blue Economy, focusing on fisheries and aquaculture development to boost the livelihood of coastal communities. Emmy Awards 2024 Syllabus: Miscellaneous Context The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards were handed out at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. What are the Emmy Awards? The Emmy Awards are the most renowned accolades given to television and emerging media performances. Unlike Oscars and Golden Globe awards, they aren’t given for films. History: The Emmy Awards were conceived in 1948 and the first ceremony took place in 1949. Types of awards: Apart from the International Emmy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, the Emmys are also given in the following categories: daytime, sports, news and documentary, technology and engineering, and regional. Who gives the Emmy awards? These awards are given by three sister organizations; First is the Television Academy, which administers the Primetime Emmy Awards. Second is the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which oversees daytime, sports, news and documentary categories. Third is the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which is responsible for International Emmys. Winners in Emmy Awards 2024 Outstanding Drama Series: Shogun Outstanding Comedy Series: Hacks

Tag: Project Cheetah Audit Flags Concerns

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