10 Aug 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

10 August 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India to remove animals from drug testing
2. Small Nuclear Modular Reactors
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Convention on Cluster Munitions
F. Prelims Facts
1. China tips into deflation
2. Centre to release food grain stock
G. Tidbits
1. Amazon nations to jointly fight deforestation
2. Karnataka’s Elephant population
3. AB-PMJAY
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. Small Nuclear Modular Reactors

Syllabus: Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.

Mains: Small Nuclear Modular Reactors: Features and role in reducing carbon emission

Context: Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer safer, compact nuclear energy for grid stability, emissions reduction, and India’s energy security.

What are small nuclear modular reactors?

  • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a type of nuclear reactor with a capacity of up to 300 MW.
  • They are designed to be smaller and more compact compared to conventional nuclear power plants (NPPs).
  • SMRs are often built in factories and then assembled on-site, which can reduce construction time and costs.

Read more on small modular reactors in the link.

What differentiates them from conventional nuclear power plants?

  • Enhanced Safety: SMRs are designed with lower core damage frequency and radioactive contamination potential.
  • Passive Safety Features: They incorporate passive safety systems, minimizing the risk of uncontrolled radioactive releases.
  • Simplified Design: SMRs have simpler designs compared to conventional NPPs.
  • Repurposing Sites: SMRs can be installed on existing thermal power plant sites, minimizing land acquisition and displacement.
  • Lower-Enriched Uranium: Many SMR designs use low-enriched uranium, making it accessible to more countries.

How can they contribute to decarbonisation?

  • Grid Stability: SMRs provide 24/7 low-carbon electricity, enhancing grid reliability alongside variable renewable energy sources.
  • CO2 Emission Reduction: Nuclear power, including SMRs, helps reduce CO2 emissions by avoiding fossil fuel combustion.
  • Energy Security: SMRs improve energy security by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on critical minerals.
  • Complementing Renewables: SMRs can be integrated into decarbonized electricity systems to ensure reliable power supply.

How will they affect India’s demand for and use of uranium?

  • Diversified Uranium Sources: SMRs’ use of low-enriched uranium can be supplied by multiple countries with Uranium mines and enrichment facilities.
  • Reduced Concentration Risk: SMRs decrease the concentration risk associated with critical minerals, promoting energy security.
  • Reduced Uranium Demand: SMRs’ efficient design and smaller size lead to lower uranium consumption compared to conventional NPPs.

Also read Net Zero Renews Nuclear Power Push.

What legal and regulatory changes do they entail?

  • Private Sector Participation: Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act are needed to allow private sector involvement in SMR deployment.
  • Safety Oversight: Creation of an independent regulatory board to oversee all stages of the nuclear power generation cycle.
  • Government Control: Security aspects around SMRs remain under government control, while operations can involve private entities.
  • Public Perception: Improve public perception by transparently sharing environmental and public health data of civilian reactors.

Nut Graf: Amidst the quest for clean energy (SDG 7), small modular reactors (SMRs) emerge as a solution, ensuring grid stability, emission reduction, and energy security. Their compact design and enhanced safety features address challenges in decarbonizing power sectors globally, including India’s transition towards sustainable, reliable, and modern energy.

F. Prelims Facts

1. China tips into deflation

Syllabus: GS 3- Economy

Prelims: deflation, Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index

Introduction

  • China’s consumer sector experienced deflation, while factory gate prices continued to decline in July.
  • Economic struggles in the world’s second-largest economy are pressuring Beijing for more policy stimulus.

Anxiety of Slower Economic Growth

  • Concerns are growing that China might be entering a phase of significantly slower economic growth.
  • Parallels drawn to Japan’s “lost decades” characterised by stagnant consumer prices and wages for a generation.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) Decline

  • Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped by 0.3% year-on-year in July according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
  • This decline contrasts with a median estimate of a 0.4% decrease from a Reuters poll.
  • This is the first CPI decline since February 2021.

Producer Price Index (PPI) Decline

Two-Speed Growth in the Economy

  • There is a noticeable divergence between the manufacturing and services sectors.
  • The economy is predicted to grow at two different speeds for the rest of 2023.
  • The real estate issue is re-emerging and contributing to this divergence.

Impact on Economic Rebound

  • The data reveals that China’s economic rebound is slower than expected.
  • Insufficient to counterbalance weaker global demand and boost commodity prices.

Trade Figures and Economic Performance

  • Trade figures for July showed declines in both exports and imports, indicating economic challenges.

Inflation Target and Deflation Concerns

  • Beijing had set a consumer inflation target of around 3% for the year.
  • Authorities downplay concerns about deflation.

Month-on-Month CPI Variation

  • Despite the year-on-year decline, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) actually rose by 0.2% on a month-on-month basis.

2. Centre to release food grain stock

Syllabus: GS 3- Economy

Prelims: deflation, Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index

Introduction

  • The Centre has taken significant steps to counter the escalating prices of food grains, including wheat and rice, with the aim of ensuring sufficient domestic availability and curbing price inflation. The move encompasses additional sales through the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS) and adjustments to reserve prices.

Increased Sales through OMSS

  • The Centre plans to sell an additional 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 25 lakh tonnes of rice through the OMSS for Food Corporation of India stocks.
  • Objective: To maintain ample supplies of rice, wheat, and atta (flour) and stabilise their prices.
  • Expected Outcome: Ensuring the welfare of the population and alleviating food price concerns.

Adjustment of Reserve Prices

  • The reserve price of rice is set to be reduced by ₹200 per quintal, resulting in an effective price of ₹2,900 per quintal.
  • Source of Reduction: The price stabilisation fund of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
  • Rationale: Counter the surge in prices and maintain affordability.

Price Hikes in Wheat and Rice

  • Over the past year, the retail price of wheat has risen by 6.77%, and its wholesale price has increased by 7.37%.
  • In the case of rice, the price escalation stands at 10.63% in retail and 11.12% in wholesale markets.
  • Necessity for Action: Mitigate the adverse impact of these price increases on the general populace.

Enhancing Availability and Curbing Inflation

  • The Centre emphasises that these measures aim not only to improve market availability but also to temper price increases and control food inflation.
  • Ultimate Goal: Maintain stable food inflation levels.

Wheat Import Duty

  • The Centre is considering a reduction in wheat import duty based on actual requirements.
  • Addressing Rising Trends: The Centre acknowledges the ongoing discussions about the upward trend in prices.

Scope of OMSS

  • In addition to the current 15 lakh tonnes of wheat and 5 lakh tonnes of rice being sold through OMSS, the new allotment further increases availability.
  • Progress of Sales: About 7-8 lakh tonnes of wheat and minimal rice quantities have been auctioned through OMSS.

FCI’s Involvement

  • FCI Chairman and Managing Director, Ashok K. Meena, highlights the success of the initiative.
  • Impact on Wheat Sales: Initial offerings of 4 lakh tonnes have been scaled down to 1 lakh tonne in the most recent e-auction.
  • Notable Sales: Around 8 lakh tonnes of wheat have been sold so far.
  • Market Demand: The weighted average selling price of wheat shows an increase due to growing market demand.

Buffer Stocks

  • FCI reveals the presence of excess buffer stocks: an additional 87 lakh tonnes of wheat and 217 lakh tonnes of rice beyond buffer norms.

G. Tidbits

1. Amazon nations to jointly fight deforestation

  • Eight South American countries initiated an alliance against deforestation in the Amazon.
  • The alliance aims to prevent the Amazon rainforest from reaching a critical point of irreversible damage.
  • The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) summit held in Brazil led to the adoption of a new shared agenda to protect the rainforest.
  • The participating countries include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
  • A joint declaration was signed in Belém, at the Amazon River’s mouth, outlining a detailed plan to promote sustainable development, combat deforestation, and address organised crime.
  • While the declaration indicated significant progress, it fell short of fulfilling the boldest demands of environmentalists and Indigenous groups.
  • The demands included a call for all member nations to commit to ending illegal deforestation by 2030 (Brazil’s pledge) and halting new oil exploration (Colombia’s pledge).
  • Colombian President Gustavo Petro proposed a substantial debt cancellation scheme for developing countries in exchange for climate protection efforts, drawing parallels to the post-World War II “Marshall Plan.”
  • This summit marks the first gathering in 14 years for the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation, established in 1995 by South American nations sharing the Amazon basin.

2. Karnataka’s Elephant population

  • The elephant population in Karnataka has seen a substantial increase of 346, reaching 6,395 from the estimated 6,049 in 2017, making it the highest elephant population in the country.
  • The data comes from an interim report titled “Asian Elephant Population and Demography Estimates, 2023.”
  • The population range for elephants in Karnataka is estimated to be between 5,914 and 6,877.
  • The report was officially released by Karnataka’s Forest Minister, ahead of World Elephant Day, which is observed on August 12 to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these endangered animals.
  • The increase in elephant numbers is a positive sign for their conservation efforts.
  • The report was the result of a synchronised elephant census conducted from May 17 to 19, involving the Forest Department of Karnataka and neighbouring states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa.
  • Among the different regions, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve stands out with the highest elephant density of 1,116 elephants and a density of 0.96 elephants per square kilometre.
  • The Nagarahole Tiger Reserve follows closely with 831 elephants and a density of 0.93 elephants per square kilometre.

Also read Project Elephant – List of Elephant Reserves In India

3. AB-PMJAY

  • Introduction
    • The Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), has come under scrutiny due to irregularities revealed by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The Health Ministry has responded, defending the scheme’s approach and clarifying its usage of mobile numbers.
  • Issues Highlighted by CAG
    • CAG’s performance audit report presented in the Lok Sabha revealed several issues with PMJAY.
    • Instances of treatment being provided to patients who were declared dead.
    • Cases of thousands of beneficiaries using the same Aadhaar or invalid mobile phone numbers.
    • Over 7.5 lakh beneficiaries were linked to a single mobile number (9999999999).
    • In Tamil Nadu, 4,761 registrations were made against just seven Aadhaar numbers.
  • Health Ministry’s Defense
    • The Health Ministry issued a statement in response to the CAG report, explaining its stance and clarifying its utilisation of mobile numbers.
    • Mobile Numbers and Beneficiary Verification: The Ministry emphasised that mobile numbers are not used for beneficiary verification.
    • Usage of Mobile Numbers: Mobile numbers are used solely for communication and feedback purposes, not for beneficiary verification.
    • Aadhaar-based e-KYC: The scheme identifies beneficiaries through Aadhaar-based e-KYC, matching details with the source database to approve or reject Ayushman card requests.
  • Impact of Invalid Mobile Numbers
    • Validity of Beneficiary Claims: The Health Ministry clarified that the absence of a valid mobile number or changes in mobile numbers would not impact the validity of beneficiaries’ claims.
    • Treatment Not Withheld: Treatment cannot be withheld based on mobile number issues.
  • Multiple Beneficiaries Sharing the Same Mobile Number
    • Initially, mobile number validation was not mandatory during beneficiary verification.
    • The Ministry confirmed that the correctness of the verification process and the validity of claims were not affected.
    • Necessary changes have been implemented in the IT portal to capture only valid mobile numbers.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Which of the following is an incorrect statement about the Controller of Certifying
Authorities (CCA) under the Information Technology Act, 2000?
  1. It aims at promoting the growth of E-Commerce through the wide use of digital signatures.
  2. It regulates the working of Certifying Authorities (CAs).
  3. The CCA primarily focuses on social media content moderation.
  4. It maintains a repository of digital certificates issued to CAs.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

The CCA regulates Certifying Authorities, maintains a repository, and promotes the growth of E-Commerce and E-Governance through the wide use of digital signatures. 

Q2. Consider the following statements about the Indian Elephant:
  1. The maximum population of elephants in India is found in the state of Assam.
  2. The IUCN conservation status of Indian elephants is “Vulnerable.”
  3. Elephant Day is celebrated in India on August 12th.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

Karnataka has the maximum population of Indian elephants. IUCN status of Indian Elephants is Endangered.

Q3. The 'Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic)' recently in the news, is related to the 
affairs of:
  1. Food grain distribution
  2. Financial market
  3. Infrastructure development
  4. Environmental conservation
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

Food Corporation of India sells surplus stocks of wheat and rice under this scheme to enhance food grain supply.

Q4. Consider the following statements about deflation:
  1. Deflation is an increase in the general level of prices.
  2. Causes of deflation include a decrease in aggregate demand and an increase in the money supply.
  3. Impacts of deflation include a decrease in economic growth and an increase in asset prices.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

Deflation is a decrease in the general level of prices. Causes – decrease in aggregate demand/decrease in money supply. Impacts include a decrease in economic growth/decrease in asset prices.

Q5. Which authority is responsible for implementing the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri
Jan Arogya Yojana?
  1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  2. National Health Authority (NHA)
  3. Indian Medical Association
  4. World Health Organization
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: 

The National Health Authority (NHA) is responsible for implementing the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

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