30 April 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT 1. Why are unclassed forests ‘missing’? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials POLITY 1. The EVM-VVPAT case judgment is disappointing ENVIRONMENT 1. The poultry industry needs urgent reforms F. Prelims Facts 1. Warming of Indian Ocean set to accelerate: study 2. Increasing global uncertainties may impact exports, says FIEO 3. ‘Don’t take strong services exports story for granted’ G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
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C. GS 3 Related
Category: ENVIRONMENT
1. Why are unclassed forests ‘missing’?
Syllabus: Environmental pollution and degradation
Mains: Issue of unclassed forests
Context: Unclassed forests, also known as deemed forests, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity in India. However, these forests often lack legal protection, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and diversion for non-forest purposes.
Issues:
- Lack of Legal Protection: Unclassed forests do not have the same level of legal protection as notified forests, making them susceptible to land use changes and degradation.
- Uncertainty in Identification: The status and extent of unclassed forests have been uncertain, with discrepancies in data and a lack of clarity on their identification and location.
- Incomplete Reports: State Expert Committee (SEC) reports, mandated by the Forest (Conservation) Act Amendment (FCAA) 2023, lack comprehensive data on unclassed forests, raising concerns about their accuracy and adequacy.
Significance:
- Ecological Importance: Unclassed forests contribute significantly to India’s biodiversity and ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, and habitat provision for wildlife.
- Legal Protection: Proper identification and legal recognition of unclassed forests are essential for their conservation and sustainable management, ensuring their long-term ecological and socio-economic benefits.
Solutions:
- Comprehensive Surveys: Conducting thorough cadastral surveys and on-ground verification to accurately identify and demarcate unclassed forest areas across states.
- Strengthening SECs: Ensuring that State Expert Committees are constituted and empowered to collect reliable data on unclassed forests, including their extent, location, and ecological significance.
- Transparency and Accountability: Holding authorities accountable for the timely and accurate submission of SEC reports, with transparent processes to ensure public scrutiny and participation.
Nut Graf: The inadequate protection and uncertain status of unclassed forests pose significant challenges to India’s environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation efforts. The implementation of the Forest (Conservation) Act Amendment (FCAA) 2023 should be accompanied by robust measures to identify, protect, and manage these forests effectively.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: POLITY
1. The EVM-VVPAT case judgment is disappointing
Syllabus: GS-2, Elections in India
Mains: Issues with EVM-VVPAT
Context: The recent judgment concerning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) by the Supreme Court has raised significant concerns about the adequacy of the prescribed sample size for VVPAT-based audits. Drawing parallels with historical incidents and emphasizing the importance of statistical principles, the judgment’s limitations are brought to light, highlighting the need for a more robust approach to ensure electoral integrity.
Issues:
- Statistical Inadequacy: The judgment’s prescribed sample size for VVPAT-based audits fails to adhere to fundamental principles of statistical sampling theory, raising doubts about its efficacy in detecting potential malfunctions or manipulations in EVMs.
- Opaque Protocol: The lack of clarity regarding the definition of the ‘population’ of EVMs and the subsequent steps in the event of a defective EVM within the prescribed sample poses challenges in ensuring a transparent and accountable audit process.
Significance:
- Electoral Integrity: The integrity of electoral processes is paramount for upholding democratic principles. A robust and transparent system for auditing EVMs is essential to instill public confidence and ensure the credibility of election outcomes.
- Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court’s role in safeguarding electoral integrity and addressing concerns related to EVMs and VVPATs underscores its responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights to free and fair elections.
Solutions:
- Statistically Sound Approach: Implementing a statistically sound VVPAT-based audit system is crucial for detecting instances of mismatch with high accuracy. A ‘management by exception’ approach, based on rigorous statistical principles, should be adopted to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
- Transparency and Accountability: Clarifying the definition of the ‘population’ of EVMs and outlining clear protocols for handling defective EVMs within the prescribed sample is essential for enhancing transparency and accountability in the audit process. Public disclosure of audit methodologies and procedures can foster trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Nut Graf: The judgment on EVMs and VVPATs represents a critical juncture in India’s electoral governance, highlighting the need for a more rigorous and transparent approach to safeguarding electoral integrity. By embracing statistical principles, ensuring transparency in audit protocols, and upholding judicial oversight, India can strengthen its democratic institutions and uphold the foundational principles of free and fair elections.
Category: ENVIRONMENT
1. The poultry industry needs urgent reforms
Syllabus: GS-3, Environmental pollution and degradation
Mains: Importance of reforms in the poultry industry
Context: The recent outbreak of H5N1 in the poultry industry has underscored the urgent need for reforms in India’s livestock production practices. Beyond the immediate public health concerns, the crisis highlights broader issues related to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and regulatory oversight within the poultry sector.
Scale of the Biosecurity Issue:
- Historical Context: The outbreak of H5N1 in the poultry industry has been a recurring global concern since its first appearance in 1997. In India, the pathogen’s presence was reported in Maharashtra in 2006, with subsequent outbreaks affecting multiple states. The virus’s ability to cross species barriers and its potential lethality underscores the need for robust biosecurity measures.
- Environmental Impact: Industrial livestock production practices, characterized by high-density confinement and inadequate waste management, contribute to environmental pollution and public health risks. The proliferation of poultry units exceeding regulatory thresholds further exacerbates air and water quality concerns, posing significant challenges for environmental regulators.
Issues:
- Animal Welfare Concerns: The intensive confinement of animals in industrial poultry units raises ethical and legal questions regarding animal welfare. Practices such as overcrowding, mutilation, and prophylactic antibiotic use not only violate existing animal welfare laws but also contribute to public health risks, including antibiotic resistance.
- Environmental Degradation: The unsanitary conditions prevalent in industrial poultry units result in the accumulation of waste products, posing environmental hazards and health risks for nearby communities. Inadequate waste management practices exacerbate pollution levels and contribute to the spread of disease vectors, impacting both human and ecosystem health.
Significance:
- Public Health Implications: The interconnection between animal welfare, public health, and environmental sustainability underscores the significance of addressing systemic issues within the poultry industry. Neglecting these concerns not only jeopardizes human health but also undermines ecological resilience and biodiversity conservation efforts.
- Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening regulatory mechanisms and enforcement measures is essential for promoting compliance with environmental laws and ensuring the welfare of farmed animals. Transparent and accountable governance frameworks are imperative for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the poultry industry.
Solutions:
- Legal Reforms: Aligning existing legislation, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with international best practices and recommendations is crucial for enhancing animal welfare standards in the poultry industry. Implementing stricter regulations on antibiotic use, waste management, and animal care can mitigate public health risks and promote sustainable farming practices.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Enhancing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms is essential for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards. Strict oversight of industrial poultry units, including regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance, can deter illegal practices and safeguard public health interests.
Nut Graf: The current crisis in the poultry industry underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that address the interconnected challenges of animal welfare, public health, and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing regulatory oversight, legal reforms, and enforcement mechanisms, India can mitigate the risks posed by industrial livestock production and promote a more ethical, resilient, and sustainable poultry sector.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Warming of Indian Ocean set to accelerate: study
Context: Recent studies indicate alarming trends in the warming of the Indian Ocean, with significant implications for marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and coastal communities. The Indian Ocean, a vital component of the global climate system, has experienced a substantial increase in temperature over the past decades, with projections suggesting further acceleration in the coming years.
Issues:
- Rapid Warming Trends: From 1950 to 2020, the Indian Ocean witnessed a temperature rise of 1.2 degrees Celsius, and climate models project a further increase of 1.7 to 3.8 degrees Celsius by 2100. This warming trend is primarily attributed to global warming and has profound implications for marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Emergence of Marine Heatwaves: The prevalence of marine heatwaves, analogous to land heat waves but occurring in the ocean, is expected to escalate dramatically. These heat waves, linked to the intensified formation of cyclones, are forecasted to increase from an average of 20 days per year to 220-250 days per year, significantly impacting marine life and fisheries.
- Deepening Heat Penetration: The warming of the Indian Ocean is not confined to surface waters but extends to deeper layers, increasing the overall heat content of the ocean. The current rate of heat content increase is measured at 4.5 zetta-joules per decade, with projections indicating a surge to 16–22 zetta-joules per decade in the future.
Significance:
- Ecosystem Impact: Persistent heatwaves and rising temperatures pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems, leading to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, and loss of kelp forests. These ecological disruptions can destabilize fisheries and jeopardize food security for coastal communities reliant on marine resources.
- Weather Patterns: The intensification of marine heatwaves is intricately linked to the formation of cyclones, exacerbating weather extremes and increasing the frequency and intensity of tropical storms. This poses significant challenges for disaster preparedness and resilience in coastal regions.
- Sea-Level Rise: The escalating heat content of the Indian Ocean contributes significantly to sea-level rise through thermal expansion, surpassing the contributions from glaciers and sea-ice melting. This phenomenon exacerbates coastal erosion, inundation, and saltwater intrusion, amplifying the vulnerability of coastal populations and infrastructure.
2. Increasing global uncertainties may impact exports, says FIEO
Context: The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has expressed concerns over increasing global uncertainties, particularly driven by geopolitical tensions, and their potential impact on India’s exports. These uncertainties, exacerbated by events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have already affected India’s outbound shipments in the previous fiscal year, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard export interests.
Issues:
- Geopolitical Uncertainties: Escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide, notably the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have introduced significant uncertainties into the global economic landscape. These uncertainties can adversely affect global demand dynamics, potentially dampening demand for Indian exports.
- Impact on Export Performance: The uncertainties surrounding geopolitical conflicts have already manifested in India’s export figures for the fiscal year 2023-24, with outbound shipments experiencing a notable decline of 3.11%. This decline reflects the challenges exporters face in navigating volatile international markets.
- Financial Implications: In addition to the direct impact on export volumes, geopolitical uncertainties can also lead to financial challenges for exporters. Factors such as fluctuating freight rates and currency depreciation pose additional hurdles, necessitating measures to enhance liquidity and financial support for exporters.
Significance:
- Economic Vulnerability: India’s export sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and employment generation. Any disruptions or downturns in export performance can have significant ramifications for the country’s overall economic stability and resilience.
- Global Competitiveness: Amidst intensifying global uncertainties, maintaining competitiveness in export markets becomes imperative for Indian exporters. Effective policy interventions and support mechanisms are essential to enhance the competitiveness of Indian products and sustain market share amidst evolving global dynamics.
3. ‘Don’t take strong services exports story for granted’
Context: Goldman Sachs forecasts a promising trajectory for India’s services exports, projecting a substantial growth to $800 billion by 2030. However, amidst this optimistic outlook, concerns are raised regarding challenges such as the scarcity of skilled talent and resource stress in key hubs like Bengaluru.
- While India’s services exports have exhibited remarkable expansion in recent years, caution is advised against complacency, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address underlying constraints and sustain growth momentum.
Issues:
- Skilled Talent Shortage: Despite the robust growth in services exports, the scarcity of skilled talent poses a significant challenge. The gap between industry requirements and the skillset of technology graduates remains a pressing concern, hindering the full realization of India’s export potential in the services sector.
- Resource Stress in Key Hubs: Resource stress, particularly evident in cities like Bengaluru, poses a threat to sustained growth in services exports. The water crisis in Bengaluru, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrial expansion, highlights the vulnerability of key hubs crucial for India’s services sector.
Significance:
- Economic Contribution: Services exports play a crucial role in India’s economic landscape, contributing significantly to GDP growth, employment generation, and current account stability. Achieving the projected $800 billion in services exports by 2030 would further bolster India’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.
- Current Account Stability: Goldman Sachs’ projections suggest that robust growth in services exports can help limit the current account deficit to an average of 1% of GDP between 2024 and 2030. This underscores the importance of sustained growth in services exports in maintaining macroeconomic stability and external balance.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT):
- It is an independent verification printer machine and is attached to electronic voting machines.
- It allows voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate.
- The paper slip printed through the VVPAT contains the poll symbol and name of the voter.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- One only
- Two only
- All three
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect. The VVPAT slip contains the poll symbol and name of the candidate.
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to H5N1:
- H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds.
- Human cases of H5N1 occur sporadically, with rapid human-to-human transmission.
Which of these statements is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, with difficulty in human-to-human transmission.
Q3. As per the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India Case (1996), “forest” covered include:
- All areas recorded as “forest” in any government (Union and State) record.
- All areas that conformed to the “dictionary” meaning of forest.
- Areas identified as “forests” by an expert committee of SC.
Choose the correct answer using the code given below:
- One only
- Two only
- All three
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: As per the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India Case (1996) ‘forest’ covered includes all three given definitions.
Q4. Which of these statements with respect to ‘Change-6’ recently seen in the news is/are correct?
- It is a lander designed to return samples from the lunar south pole.
- Chang’e 6 will consist of both a lander and a rover.
Choose the correct answer:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Both the statements are correct.
Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to Kelp forests:
- Kelp thrives in warm waters.
- They attach to the seafloor and eventually grow to the water’s surface and rely on sunlight to generate food and energy.
Which of these statements is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Kelp thrives in cold, nutrient-rich waters.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the implications of India’s increasing dependency on imports from China. Discuss the strategic risks associated with this trend and suggest measures for reducing India’s trade deficit while enhancing domestic industrial capabilities. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Economy]
- Examine the role of the Reserve Bank of India in addressing the challenges posed by climate change to India’s economic and financial stability. Discuss the measures undertaken by the RBI and suggest further actions needed to enhance the country’s resilience against climate-related economic disruptions. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Economy]
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