CNA 24 March 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. India’s push for semiconductors ENVIRONMENT 1. Why is India’s CAMPA at odds with new IPCC report? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials HISTORY 1. Slander against freedom fighters SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Stray Dog Crisis in India F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. India rejects J&J’s attempt to extend patent on TB drug 2. MoD signs contracts worth ₹3,700 cr. for radars for IAF 3. Govt. tapping technology to secure ancient scriptures for future 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: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India’s push for semiconductors
Syllabus: Indigenisation of technology
Mains: Significance of promoting Semiconductor fab units, opportunities for India and the efforts undertaken by the government.
Context
As part of its efforts to encourage the electronics supply chain to India, the Union Government has disbursed close to ₹1,645 crores through performance-linked incentives (PLI) for electronics manufacturers.
Why are countries prioritising semiconductor manufacturing?
- Semiconductor fabrication units or fabs are manufacturing plants that help turn raw materials such as silicon into integrated circuits which are a part of almost all electronic hardware.
- Semiconductor fabrication units or fabs are highly capital-intensive undertakings and require billions of dollars in the case of large facilities.
- Fabs also require a highly reliable and high-quality supply of water, electricity, and insulation from the elements and a high degree of precision, cost and capital are required to make the sophisticated circuits.
- Countries across the world have now realised strategic value associated with the segments of the value chain for fabs.
- As per a report by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), in 2022 China surpassed Taiwan in terms of share of global sales from fabs.
- The U.S. enacted the CHIPS Act in August 2022, which extends about $280 billion in subsidies and investments to encourage manufacturers to set up fabs and make semiconductors in the U.S.
- The government’s Invest India agency says that electronics manufacturing as a whole sector would be worth $300 billion by FY 25–26.
- Further, facilities for assembling finished products have been steadily increasing in number in India.
- However, the number of fabs for making chipsets and displays, which are essential parts of the manufacturing process for electronic devices in the country, is a cause of concern.
- According to the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, the first semiconductor manufacturing fab will be announced in the coming future.
Read about – India Semiconductor Mission
Opportunities for India
- The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has said that India must rely on its strengths in the electronics manufacturing value chain.
- A significant portion of semiconductor manufacturing involves design and intellectual labour. India is said to have an advantage as a large share of semiconductor design engineers working across the world are either Indians or of Indian origin.
- Further, top chipmaking firms like Intel and NVIDIA have already established large facilities in India and have provided the required exposure to Indian talent.
- Experts feel that China is losing control over such an advantage on account of sanctions and an ageing population.
Way forward
- Setting up display and semiconductor fabs is looked at as one of the strategic and economic goals of India and both the Union as well as the State governments are looking for opportunities to connect with popular brands such as Apple.
- The government is also looking to develop various parts of the ecosystem that promise sustainable growth and fiscal feasibility.
- As per the SIA, rather than setting up “foundry companies”, which turn silicon into semiconductors, countries like India must focus on encouraging companies that specialise in Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT).
- Foundry companies require huge capital investment with entry costs alone being close to billions of dollars.
- The OSAT set-ups are involved in the less capital-intensive processes of chipmaking which include assembling the components and undertaking testing.
- OSAT set-ups hence are less expensive and generate better margins.
- Furthermore, like-minded countries must specialise in different aspects of semiconductor manufacturing and come together for distribution which can help solve the geopolitical problem of Chinese dominance.
Also read – Sansad TV Perspective: Semiconductor Industry & India
Nut graf: In the wake of China’s dominance and the geopolitical challenges of semiconductor chip shortage, India and other countries across the world are coming up with various initiatives to encourage semiconductor manufacturing within their territories. In this regard, the country’s intellectual labour is said to be a key advantage for India.
1. Why is India’s CAMPA at odds with new IPCC report?
Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
Prelims: About IPCC report and CAMPA fund
Mains: Critical evaluation of compensatory afforestation policies
Context
The release of the Synthesis Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Details
- The Synthesis Report of the IPCC has said that safeguarding and conserving the existing ecosystems in the first place will play a better role in mitigating the impact of the climate crisis rather than efforts to restore ecosystems that have already been degraded.
- These findings of the report by the IPCC have shed focus on CAMPA Law, which has been a controversial policy in India.
- CAMPA allows for the cutting down of forests in one part of the country which can be replaced or compensated with afforestation elsewhere.
For more information on the “Synthesis Report of the IPCC” refer to the following article:
UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis dated 23 Mar 2023
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)
- Based on an order of the Supreme Court, the Environment Ministry established the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
- CAMPA Law aims to mitigate the impact of the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes by making sure that proper afforestation and regeneration activities are undertaken to compensate for the lost forest land.
- CAMPA was established for the purpose of managing the money collected towards compensatory afforestation (CA) and any other money recovered by the agencies for utilizing forest land for non-forest purposes under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- As per the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, for projects to divert the forest land, land elsewhere must be identified to afforest, and money has to be paid for the land value and the afforestation exercise.
- Further, such land will be stewarded by the forest department thereafter.
Read more on the CAMPA Law in the linked article.
Concerns associated with CAMPA law
- The CAMPA has been criticised for allowing the destruction of natural ecosystems in return for afforestation in some other or faraway places.
- For instance, setting up single-species plantations in Haryana does not really compensate for the deforestation of a natural sal forest in a Central Indian forest in terms of biodiversity, local livelihoods, and hydrological services.
- Experts and researchers have also shown that natural ecosystems sequester more carbon.
- Activists have also claimed that climate action such as various means to mitigate climate change, renewable energy farms, etc., should not come at the cost of natural ecosystems.
- Further, it is seen that the money paid just sits in a fund overseen by the CAMPA.
- As of 2019, the fund had close to ₹47,000 crores.
- The IPCC report has pointed out that “reducing conversion of natural ecosystems” is less expensive than “ecosystem restoration, afforestation, [and] restoration.”
Other key findings of the IPCC Synthesis report
- According to the report the only option with more mitigating potential than “reducing conversion of natural ecosystems” was solar power and the third-highest was wind power.
- However, solar projects in India have also been criticised as local people believe that such projects limit land use and increase local water consumption.
- Also, studies have found that wind farms in the Western Ghats had impacted the abundance and activity of predatory birds, which led to an increase in the density of lizards.
Nut graf: With the Synthesis Report of the IPCC highlighting the fact that conserving natural ecosystems is more important and beneficial than ecosystem restoration and afforestation, the Central and State governments must take a re-look at the existing compensatory afforestation policies.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
1. Slander against freedom fighters
Syllabus: The Freedom Struggle
Mains: Important contributors/contributions to India’s freedom struggle
Context: This article discusses the contributions of various freedom fighters from contradictory and conflicting backgrounds and ideologies.
Introduction:
- India has a rich history of freedom struggle, which is marked by the contributions of several brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Indian independence.
- However, in recent years, there have been several attempts to malign the image of these freedom fighters by spreading false information and slanders.
- Contributions of figures like V.D. Savarkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, and C. Rajagopalachari cannot be ignored or dismissed based on isolated incidents, as the struggle for independence spanned over two centuries and involved various approaches and perspectives.
Selfless Zeal:
- The 1857 rebellion is called the First War of Independence. But the many spirited revolts against the British Empire in South India prior to this, such as the Attingal revolt, the Poligar rebellion and the Vellore Mutiny are scarcely mentioned.
- The central government’s ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative, to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of freedom, has endeavoured to honour such unsung mileposts and icons.
- The freedom movement brought together people from different backgrounds and ideologies, including moderates and extremists, who all played their part in India’s freedom struggle.
- Freedom fighters such as Gopal Krishna Gokhale and B.R Ambedkar’s service in the British Viceroy’s executive council does not diminish their patriotism and contributions to India’s freedom.
- These freedom fighters played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. They inspired and mobilised millions of people across the country to fight against British colonial rule.
- They used various means such as peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and armed struggle to achieve their objectives. Their contributions to India’s freedom struggle are immeasurable, and they are revered as national heroes in India.
The situation today:
- The recent political discourse in India has seen leaders and organisations being criticised and slandered for their role or lack of it in the freedom movement.
- V.D. Savarkar is one such figure who has been subject to such criticism. However, in a letter dated May 30, 1980, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi acknowledged Savarkar’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and wished success to the plans to celebrate his birth centenary. It is important to understand the era and the context before indulging in coarse criticism.
- In recent years, there have been attempts to portray Bhaghat Singh as a terrorist who used violence to achieve his objectives. This is a gross misrepresentation of Bhagat Singh’s legacy, as he was a firm believer in non-violence and used violence only as a last resort.
- Mahatma Gandhi himself supported the British in the bitter Boer war, or the South African war, and was later awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind medal by the British for his humanitarian work in South Africa, which he returned in 1920.
- The moderates in the Congress supported the 1919 Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in the immediate aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
- In 1942, C. Rajagopalachari stayed away from the Quit India Movement as he felt it would not serve India’s best interests.
- In recent years, there have been attempts to tarnish the legacy of Subhash Chandra Bose by accusing him of collaborating with the Nazis during World War II.
- However, this does not mean that Bose collaborated with the Nazis or endorsed their ideology. Bose was a staunch nationalist who believed in the principles of democracy and freedom.
Holistic View:
- People today must take a holistic view of history that acknowledges the sacrifices and efforts of all those who fought for India’s freedom, without indulging in selective denunciation or nit-picking.
- Therefore, it is crucial to have a nuanced understanding of history and the political context in which events took place.
- Criticising leaders for their actions during a particular time without taking into account the larger picture or the prevailing circumstances is counterproductive.
Nut Graf: Various events and figures in India’s independence movement have been overlooked or unjustly criticised in the recent political discourse. In the 76th year of India’s Independence, it is important to express unreserved gratitude to all who were devoted to the national cause.
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development & Management of Social Sector-Children and Health
Mains: Various issues associated with the stray dog crisis in India
Context: In recent weeks, there have been many attacks by stray dogs on people, especially children.
Introduction:
- Stray dogs are a common sight in India’s cities and towns. The number of stray dogs has increased rapidly in recent years, leading to a crisis that affects not only the dogs themselves but also the human population.
- An estimated 1.5-6 crore stray canines roam around the streets in India.
- More than 6.8 million Indians were bitten by stray dogs in 2020.
- Stray dogs can carry diseases, cause accidents, and attack people, making them a serious problem that requires urgent attention.
Causes of Stray Dog Crisis:
- One of the primary reasons is the rapid urbanisation of the country. As more people move to cities, they abandon their pets or let them roam free. This has led to an increase in the number of stray dogs on the streets.
- Another significant factor is the lack of awareness and education about responsible pet ownership which can lead to overpopulation and an increase in the number of stray dogs.
- Additionally, the lack of effective animal control measures has contributed to the problem. Many municipalities do not have the resources to capture and sterilise stray dogs, leaving them to roam freely.
- Additionally, there is a lack of awareness regarding the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
- Inadequate garbage management is also a contributing factor to the problem. Dogs often scavenge through garbage and food waste, which can lead to the spread of diseases and increase the population of stray dogs.
Impact of the Stray Dog Crisis:
- It poses a significant threat to human health. Stray dogs can carry diseases such as rabies, which can be fatal if left untreated.
- According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for approximately one-third of all rabies deaths worldwide.
- Stray dogs can also be aggressive and may attack humans, particularly children. This can lead to serious injuries and even death.
- The stray dog population in India suffers from malnutrition, disease, and neglect. The lack of effective and humane strategies for managing the stray dog population results in cruel culling methods, such as poisoning and electrocution.
- The stray dog crisis in India has also had economic consequences. For example, the cost of treating rabies in humans can be high, and the loss of livestock due to dog attacks can have a significant impact on rural communities.
Way Forward:
- One effective approach to managing the stray dog population is to implement spay/neuter programs. These programs can help to reduce the number of unwanted litters, which can in turn decrease the overall population of stray dogs.
- Many animal welfare organisations in India already offer spay/neuter services, but increased funding and support could help to expand these programs to reach more communities.
- Vaccinating stray dogs can help to prevent the spread of this deadly disease, which can also help to protect humans from infection. WHO and the Indian government are already taking steps in this regard.
- Encouraging responsible pet ownership is also an important strategy for reducing the number of stray dogs. This can include educating pet owners on proper care, such as feeding, shelter, and medical care.
- Additionally, enforcing laws requiring dogs to be leashed and properly confined can help to prevent dogs from roaming and becoming stray.
- Engaging with local communities to raise awareness about animal welfare and encourage responsible pet ownership can help to reduce the number of stray dogs. Additionally, community members can report and help control the population of stray dogs.
- Finally, improving animal control policies can help to better manage the stray dog population. This could include developing better methods for capturing and relocating dogs, as well as more humane strategies for managing the population, such as adoption and rehabilitation programs.
Nut Graf: India’s stray dog crisis has reached critical levels. Factors such as urbanisation, lack of awareness, inadequate animal control measures, and poor garbage management have contributed to the problem. Urgent action is needed to address this issue for the safety of both animals and humans.
F. Prelims Facts
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G. Tidbits
1. India rejects J&J’s attempt to extend patent on TB drug
Image Source: The Hindu
- The Indian Patent Office rejected U.S. pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) attempt to extend its monopoly on the manufacturing of crucial anti-tuberculosis drug Bedaquiline in India beyond July 2023.
- Bedaquiline is a critical drug used to treat multi-drug resistant TB patients for whom the first-line drug treatment has stopped working.
- As J&J’s patents on Bedaquiline come to an end in July, generic drug makers like Lupin and Macleods, among others can produce Bedaquiline which will make the drug cheaper and ensures wider access.
- At present, Bedaquiline tablets are priced at $400 for a six-month treatment course.
- It is said that J&J had indulged in “evergreening” since 2007.
- Evergreening is a strategy employed by patent holders to extend the life of patents about to expire in order to retain revenues from them.
- J&J had sought for patent extension based on a claim that it had invented the method for making a derivative of quinoline in its salt form.
- However, as per Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, salt forms and derivatives of known substances are not patentable.
2. MoD signs contracts worth ₹3,700 cr. for radars for IAF
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for “Arudhra” Medium Power Radars (MPR) and Radar Warning Receivers for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a total cost of over ₹3,700 crores.
- The “Arudhra” Medium Power Radars (MPR) have been designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL.
- The contract for “Arudhra” Radars is worth ₹2,800 crores.
- The Ministry also signed another contract for 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers at a cost of ₹950 crores.
3. Govt. tapping technology to secure ancient scriptures for future
- The Union Home Minister announced that the government is looking to secure the knowledge of India’s ancient scriptures and manuscripts for the future by making use of advanced technologies.
- The Union Home Minister inaugurated the “Vedic Heritage Portal” developed by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) which would help the younger generations to carry forward the knowledge and tradition of the Vedas and the Upanishads.
- The IGNCA works under the Ministry of Culture.
- The portal is a one-stop solution for common users and researchers seeking any information regarding Vedic heritage and provides detailed information about oral traditions as well as the textual traditions mentioned in books/manuscripts.
- The Minister also inaugurated a virtual museum named “Kala Vaibhav” based on 64 arts, which would help countries across the world to be more familiar with India’s architecture, painting, drama, music, and the rich history of the country’s culture.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to coal bed methane (CBM): (Level – Difficult)
- It is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams. It is a primary clean energy source of natural gas.
- The extraction of CNG reduces explosion hazards in underground coal mines.
- Coalbed methane has a high level of hydrogen sulfide.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, CBM is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams.
- It is a primary clean energy source of natural gas.
- Statement 2 is correct, The extraction of CNG reduces explosion hazards in underground coal mines as large amounts of methane (CH4) are often associated with some of the coal seams.
- Statement 3 is not correct, CBM has almost no hydrogen sulphide. Hence, it is known as “sweet gas”.
- A natural gas with a high concentration of hydrogen sulphide is called “sour gas”.
Q2. With respect to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level – Difficult)
- Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two per cent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
- Pest infestation and theft that cause loss are covered by PMFBY.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, Under PMFBY Scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of:
- 2% for Kharif food and oilseeds crops
- 1.5% for Rabi food and oilseeds crops
- 5% for annual commercial/horticultural crops
- Statement 2 is not correct, The Scheme covers calamities leading to loss of yield like floods, dry spells, droughts, Pest infestation, etc.
- Burglary/housebreaking/theft are not covered under PMFBY.
Q3. Which of the following is/are correctly matched? (Level – Difficult)
- Seekho aur Kamao (SAK) – upgrade the skills of minority women in the age group of 18- 25.
- USTTAD – preserve the rich heritage of traditional arts/crafts of minorities.
- Naya Savera scheme – special coaching for qualifying examinations for admission in technical/professional courses and competitive examinations.
Options:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, Seeko Aur Kamao Scheme aims to upgrade the skills of minority youth in the age group of 14-45 years in various modern courses depending upon their qualification.
- Statement 2 is correct, Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD) scheme was launched in 2015 to preserve the rich heritage of traditional arts/crafts of minorities.
- Statement 3 is correct, The Naya Savera scheme (Free Coaching and Allied scheme) assists students/candidates belonging to the six notified minority communities by way of special coaching for qualifying examinations for admission in technical/professional courses and competitive examinations.
Q4. With respect to single-use plastic items, which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level – Moderate)
- India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of all single-use plastic items.
- The ban will be monitored by the CPCB from the Centre and by the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) that will report to the Centre regularly.
- Those found violating the ban can be penalised under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of identified single-use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential.
- Statement 2 is correct, The ban will be monitored by the CPCB from the Centre, and by the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) that will report to the Centre regularly.
- Statement 3 is correct, The penalty for violating the ban is as per provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This can be a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.
Q5. Which of the following pairs are-correctly matched? (Level – Easy) [PYQ-2008]
Waterfalls River
- Kapildhara Falls Godavari
- Jog Falls Sharavati
- Sivasamudram Falls Cauvery
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Pair 1 is not correct, Kapildhara Falls is situated in the Amarkantak district of Madhya Pradesh.
- Kapildhara is the waterfall of River Narmada.
- Pair 2 is correct, Jog Falls is a waterfall on the Sharavati River located in Karnataka.
- Pair 3 is correct, Shivanasamudra is a popular waterfall on River Kaveri, located in Karnataka.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the potentiality of the semiconductor industry in India. What are the challenges? (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-3, Economy]
- “CAMPA creates a regime which allows for the destruction of irreplicable ecosystems”. Comment. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-3, Environment and Ecology]
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CNA 24 March 2023:- Download PDF Here
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