14 September 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT 1. Global Stocktake Report SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. Nipah Virus Disease D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Pedagogic ethics ENVIRONMENT 1. Complex path to biofuel sustainability DISASTER MANAGEMENT 1. Protecting floodplains from encroachment F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. C-295 aircraft 2. Draft UN CyberCrime Convention 3. Ayushman Bhav H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental impact assessment.
Mains: Climate change policies, international climate agreements (related to Paris Agreement).
Prelims: About Global Stocktake Report
Context
The United Nations released a synthesis report on countries’ progress toward Paris Agreement goals. It sets the stage for the 28th UN climate conference and highlights the need for urgent climate action.
Introduction
- The United Nations climate secretariat has released a ‘synthesis report’ summarising the outcomes of three meetings conducted to assess the progress made by countries in attaining the objectives outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Global Stocktake Overview
- The ‘global stocktake’ is conducted every five years to assess countries’ progress towards the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
- Countries committed to limiting global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century and “as far as possible” below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- The first stocktake report in 2023 will influence discussions at the 28th UN climate Conference of Parties (COP) in Dubai in November.
- It encourages countries to set higher climate targets before the next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are published in 2025.
Contents of the Report
- The 45-page synthesis report reveals 17 key findings.
- These findings collectively indicate that global progress toward meeting the Paris Agreement targets is insufficient.
- There is a narrowing window of opportunity for countries to take substantial action.
- The report doesn’t significantly differ from the UN synthesis report of 2022, which found that the NDCs of 166 countries were inadequate to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
- The United Nations Emissions Gap Report from the previous year highlighted the need to cut 23 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions to align with the Paris Agreement.
- However, even if countries fully implement their current commitments, it would only reduce emissions by 2-3 billion tonnes, leaving a substantial emissions gap of around 20 billion tonnes.
Key Findings
- The Paris Agreement has spurred countries to set climate goals and recognize the urgency of the climate crisis.
- Governments should support transitioning economies away from fossil fuels, ensuring equitable and inclusive economic change.
- Ambitious emissions reduction targets are needed: 43% by 2030, 60% by 2035, and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 globally.
- Renewable energy must be expanded, and unabated fossil fuels rapidly phased out.
- Efforts to combat deforestation, land degradation, and emission-reducing agricultural practices should be prioritised.
- Climate adaptation efforts are fragmented and unequally distributed, requiring transparent reporting and international cooperation.
- Addressing ‘loss and damage’ from climate impacts requires comprehensive policies and increased funding.
- Financial flows should align with climate-resilient development and boost climate finance access in developing nations.
- Trillions of dollars must be unlocked and redirected to support low GHG emissions and climate-resilient development.
Impact of the Report
- The report is expected to shape discussions at the upcoming COP conference.
- It influenced the G20 Leaders Declaration, which recognized the significant financial requirements for transitioning to a renewable energy economy.
- The declaration acknowledged the need for trillions of dollars to achieve clean energy and climate goals, signalling a commitment to funding and transitioning to a sustainable future.
- Specifically, it highlights the need for USD 5.8-5.9 trillion before 2030 to support developing countries and an additional USD 4 trillion annually for clean energy technologies by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Nut Graf: The UN’s synthesis report on Paris Agreement progress underscores the world’s insufficient climate efforts. It is expected to shape discussions at the upcoming UN climate conference. It also influenced the G20’s acknowledgement of substantial funding needs for the renewable energy transition.
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Syllabus: Recent developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. General awareness in the field of biotechnology.
Mains: Nipah virus outbreak and its transmission dynamics.
Context
Kozhikode, Kerala, confirmed the third Nipah virus case, raising the total to five. Contact tracing and restrictions are in place, and monoclonal antibodies are expected.
Nipah outbreak in Kerala
- Current Status
- Nipah infection has emerged for the third time in Kozhikode district, Kerala.
- The number of confirmed cases has risen to five, including a healthcare worker from a private hospital, who tested positive recently.
- Contact Tracing and Surveillance
- The State Health Department has swiftly initiated contact tracing efforts.
- A contact list comprising 789 individuals connected to the two deceased and two infected patients is being actively monitored.
- A comprehensive ‘route map’ detailing the travel history of the deceased individuals since the onset of symptoms has been released.
- Preventive Measures
- The government has imposed restrictions on large gatherings and events in Kozhikode until September end to prevent further spread.
- Health authorities are actively monitoring and preparing for the distribution of monoclonal antibodies for potential treatment, expected to be available shortly.
- Strain and Mortality Information
- The Health Minister has confirmed that the cases are linked to the Bangladesh strain of Nipah, which is known to have a high mortality rate of 70%.
- Containment Efforts
- To control the spread of the virus, nine gram panchayats in the district have been declared as containment zones.
Ecological dynamics of Nipah virus
- Persistent Nipah Outbreaks in Kerala
- In 2019, the Nipah virus (NiV) reemerged in Kerala, with experts warning of potential annual outbreaks due to the presence of the Pteropus medius bat species, known as the key reservoir of NiV in the state.
- Kerala has faced its fourth Nipah outbreak but has not invested in disease epidemiology, hindering preparedness for this zoonotic infection with a high case fatality rate.
- Except for a single case in Ernakulam in 2019, all other outbreaks have occurred in Kozhikode, often in nearby locations.
- The recurring question is why these virus spillover events continue to happen in the same Kozhikode belt despite the widespread presence of Pteropus bats everywhere.
- Lack of Understanding and Preparation
- The state lacks clarity on how and when the virus spillover occurs and the possible transmission routes.
- Uncertainty surrounds how the index case contracted the virus during each outbreak.
- One hypothesis is that humans could contract the virus by consuming fruits contaminated by bat saliva.
- To address these uncertainties, experts emphasise the need for systematic surveillance of bat species, ecological studies on NiV dynamics, and epidemiological investigations into spillover transmission to humans.
- Shift in Health System Priorities
- After each Nipah outbreak subsides, the health system’s priorities shift, and research takes a back seat.
- Previous assumptions that outbreaks coincided with the bat breeding season (from December to May) are being challenged, as outbreaks have occurred in September (2021) and August.
- Expert Insights
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- Experts underscore the importance of systematic bat species surveillance and studies on NiV ecological dynamics and spillover epidemiology.
- Experts also highlight the uncertainty surrounding seasonality predictions for Nipah outbreaks, given the changing patterns observed in recent cases.
Nut Graf: Kerala grapples with its fourth Nipah outbreak while neglecting vital disease epidemiology. Experts call for bat surveillance, ecological studies, and spillover transmission research as recurring outbreaks defy predictions.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Mains: Lacuna in teacher training and the Importance of teachers in inculcating values in children
Introduction:
- Recently a disturbing incident has been seen in Uttar Pradesh where a teacher asked classmates to slap a seven-year-old student.
- It highlights the overall decline in the quality of education and teacher training in India.
Gaps in Teacher Training:
- There has been a decline in the momentum of the Right to Education (RTE) Act despite its enactment over a decade ago.
- Neglect of teacher training has significantly contributed to the emergence of numerous small-time educational entrepreneurs who lack the essential pedagogical skills and ethical understanding.
- This neglect has created a situation where the regulatory framework, particularly the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), struggles to enforce its meticulously crafted norms and standards.
- In response to the deteriorating state of teacher training, the Supreme Court of India appointed a commission under the late Justice J.S. Verma in 2008 to meticulously examine the various issues plaguing teacher training in the country.
- The hope that arose from Justice Verma’s comprehensive report, submitted in 2012, with its potential to elevate the status and attention given to teacher training, turned out to be fleeting and ineffective.
- The belief that the quality of education could be improved through an inspection-based approach proved to be illusory.
- A recent Supreme Court judgment has further shed light on this issue by criticising the NCTE for permitting Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree holders, traditionally associated with secondary education, to teach at the primary level, thereby exposing a gap in teacher preparation.
The Muzaffarnagar Incident:
- The detailed account of the Muzaffarnagar incident, where a teacher instructed students to slap a seven-year-old Muslim boy, is profoundly disturbing.
- Additionally, there has been pressure exerted on the boy’s parents by rural leaders, including some prominent farmer leaders, to dissuade them from pursuing legal action, out of fear that it could potentially lead to communal tensions, particularly given the district’s history of past riots.
- Astonishingly, the teacher responsible for this reprehensible act exhibited a complete lack of contrition and even viewed her actions as part of her duty to control children, dismissing the incident as being blown out of proportion.
- This raises important questions about the perceived proportions and ethical boundaries of disciplinary actions within educational settings.
Chattopadhyaya’s Vision:
- D.P. Chattopadhyaya, a philosopher, chaired the Teacher Commission report, which emphasized the need for appropriate professional conduct among teachers, including thoughtfulness and a heightened consciousness when making decisions.
- However, there exists a stark disparity between the ideals articulated in this report and the prevailing ethos within the Indian education system, where quick-fix solutions and instrumental approaches often take precedence.
- This disconnect is exacerbated by the bureaucracy’s tendency to view teachers as minor functionaries, diminishing their role in shaping young minds.
- The 1990s witnessed a deterioration in the dignity of teachers, driven by structural adjustment policies that led to mass recruitment on a contractual or ad hoc basis.
- Furthermore, the reckless privatization of education resulted in market-driven emolument decisions, without any significant improvements in working conditions.
The shattering of a bond:
- The absence of a cohesive community among school teachers is a critical factor contributing to the lack of a collective response to incidents like the one in Muzaffarnagar.
- Teachers’ Day, celebrated on September 5 to commemorate Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan‘s birthday, should serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honouring teachers’ contributions.
- During Dr. Radhakrishnan’s era, institutions of higher learning enjoyed a degree of autonomy, and teachers received training that emphasized care and responsibility for the well-being of children.
- The shock and disappointment experienced by teachers who still uphold these principles when learning about the Muzaffarnagar incident is palpable.
- The administrative response to the incident, involving the closure of the school, underscores the seriousness of the teacher’s disregard for pedagogic ethics.
- It is essential to acknowledge that such incidents not only affect the immediate victims but also undermine the broader educational process by rupturing the essential bond between teachers and students.
- Additionally, referencing educational visionaries like Rabindranath Tagore and Gijubhai Badheka, who advocated for adult kindness and empathy towards children, underscores the stark contrast between their ideals and the actions of the teacher in Muzaffarnagar.
Nut Graf: The shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh, where a teacher instructed students to assault a seven-year-old classmate, shows the alarming decline in the quality of education and teacher training in India. It indicates the regulatory lapses and neglect that have allowed unqualified educators to proliferate. Moreover, it also highlights the disturbing apathy towards ethical pedagogy and reflects on the critical bond between teachers and students that such incidents shatter, ultimately posing significant challenges to the country’s education system.
1. Complex path to biofuel sustainability
Syllabus: Environmental Pollution and Degradation
Mains: Necessity of sustainable biofuel
Prelims: Generations of Biofuel
Context: The relevance of biofuels amidst the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly 2G biofuels, in the backdrop of the G20’s establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Necessity of Biofuels in the Wake of EV
- EV Dominance vs. Decarbonization Challenges:
- While electric vehicle (EV) adoption has surged, questions arise regarding the role of biofuels in addressing the challenges of decarbonization.
- The transition to EVs necessitates substantial capital investments to replace existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and infrastructure, highlighting the trade-offs involved.
- Importing critical minerals for EV batteries raises environmental concerns related to mining practices and supply chain ethics.
- Biofuels as a Viable Alternative:
- Biofuels present themselves as a practical alternative, as they can power existing ICE engines with minimal modifications.
- Unlike EVs, biofuels offer import independence, reducing dependence on mineral imports.
- However, it’s imperative to distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable biofuels for effective decarbonization strategies.
Generations of Biofuels:
- 1st Generation (1G) Biofuel in India:
- In the Indian context, biofuels predominantly refer to 1G ethanol derived from food crops.
- India’s policy targets a 20% ethanol blend (E20) with petrol by 2025-26, primarily achieved using 1G ethanol sourced from sugarcane and food grains.
- 2nd Generation (2G) Biofuels as a Sustainable Option:
- 2G biofuels, made from crop wastes and residues, present a more sustainable alternative.
- However, scaling up 2G ethanol production faces challenges related to the feedstock supply chain.
- Achieving economies of scale while addressing energy needs and costs for biomass collection and transportation is a major concern.
Challenges of 1G Biofuel:
- The cultivation of sugarcane raises concerns about groundwater depletion and jeopardizes food security.
- Stagnation in crop yields, exacerbated by climate change, threatens agricultural productivity.
- The agriculture sector emits a substantial amount of greenhouse gases, making it challenging to justify increasing emissions for motor fuel production to offset emissions from the transport sector.
Also read about Electric vehicle (EV) penetration in India.
Importance of Sustainable Biofuels:
- ‘Sustainable’ biofuels, produced from crop residues and waste with minimal environmental impact, offer a viable solution.
- India’s commitment to climate action is demonstrated through initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance, formed at the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, aimed at strengthening sustainable biofuels and promoting ethanol use.
Way Forward:
- Sustainable Biomass for Specific Sectors:
- Prioritizing the use of sustainable biomass in sectors with limited low-carbon alternatives, such as long-haul aviation and road freight, becomes imperative.
- Targeting petrol vehicles, which are currently subject to ethanol blending, may not be the most suitable approach for sustainable biofuels.
- Global Targets for Sustainable Biofuels:
- Meeting global net-zero emissions targets by 2050 requires tripling sustainable biofuel production by 2030.
- The potential of 2G ethanol as a sustainable fuel is highlighted, particularly if production can be decentralized to reduce the transportation of crop residues.
Also read Race to Net Zero: Accelerating Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific report.
- Balancing Economies of Scale and Sustainability:
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- A significant challenge lies in balancing the advantages of economies of scale with the energy requirements and costs associated with biomass collection and transportation.
- The Global Biofuels Alliance is poised to drive innovation and technology development, fostering an efficient biomass supply chain and supporting smaller-scale decentralized biofuel production.
- The complexity of Achieving True Sustainability: Achieving genuine sustainability in biofuels is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a comprehensive examination within the broader ecosystem to avoid unintended negative consequences.
Nut Graf: The necessity of biofuels in the wake of EVs is evident, but it’s crucial to distinguish between sustainable and unsustainable biofuels. India faces challenges with 1G biofuels, and the way forward involves prioritizing sustainable biomass for specific sectors, global targets for sustainable biofuels, and addressing the complexity of achieving true sustainability, with the support of initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Category: DISASTER MANAGEMENT
1. Protecting floodplains from encroachment
Syllabus: Disaster and Disaster Management.
Mains: Conserving Floodplains as a remedy for recurring floods
Context: The increasing frequency and severity of floods worldwide, exacerbated by climate change, necessitate a focused approach to protecting floodplains.
Floodplain Encroachment as a Reason for Floods:
- Illegal construction and encroachments on floodplains significantly contribute to the worsening of flood events.
- These encroachments reduce the natural capacity of rivers to handle surges of water, particularly during heavy rainfall.
- A case in point is Uttarakhand, where tourism-driven development has led to the neglect of vital eco-sensitive floodplains.
- As per the CAG report, the 2015 Chennai floods were attributed to encroachments in Tamil Nadu’s floodplains.
- Weak enforcement of environmental assessments and regulations further exacerbates this issue.
Lacuna in Current Legislation:
- India currently relies on the 2005 Disaster Management Act, which falls short of effectively addressing flood risk management.
- This legislation operates under the assumption that disasters, including floods, cannot be accurately predicted, which is not entirely accurate.
- Additionally, central policies aimed at protecting floodplains often lack the necessary authority over states.
Way Forward:
- Globally, there is a shift towards comprehensive flood risk management, with countries like Germany, the U.K., and the Netherlands leading the way.
- This shift places a strong emphasis on water retention and the restoration of floodplains as vital strategies.
- For instance, Germany’s Federal Water Act, which evolved following a major flood in 1996, prioritizes protecting the original retention capacity while reconstructing water bodies.
- Climate change adaptation necessitates the integration of various laws, including those governing land use, water body preservation, coastal regulations, and environmental impact assessments, into a unified framework.
- Achieving this requires a strong political will, as leaders must prioritize environmental protection over short-term gains to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure from the growing threat of floods intensified by climate change.
Nut Graf: In the face of escalating flood risks due to climate change, safeguarding floodplains emerges as a paramount imperative. Encroachments on these vital natural areas, driven by haphazard development, significantly exacerbate flooding. Existing legislation falls short of effectively addressing this issue. However, realizing this vision necessitates a unified legal framework and unwavering political commitment to prioritize environmental protection over short-term gains.
F. Prelims Facts
Nothing here for today!!!
G. Tidbits
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) received its first C-295MW transport aircraft from Airbus, marking a significant upgrade to its transport fleet.
- The 56 C-295MW aircraft will replace the ageing Avro aircraft, ushering in a new era for the IAF.
- Under the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured in India through a joint venture between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL).
- A final assembly line (FAL) is being established in Vadodara, Gujarat, where the first aircraft manufactured in India is expected to be delivered by September 2026.
- The C-295 aircraft deal is valued at approximately $2.5 billion and is expected to have a significant impact on bilateral relations and economic ties between India and Spain.
- Components for the aircraft are being produced in India at the Main Constituent Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad and will be shipped to the Vadodara FAL, set to become operational by November 2024.
- The C-295 has a carrying capacity of nine tonnes and can transport troops, paratroopers, and cargo, support medical evacuation, and operate from short and unpaved runways. It boasts multiple versatile features.
2. Draft UN CyberCrime Convention
- India has proposed that the transfer of “personal data” under the UN Cyber Crime Convention should align with its domestic laws rather than international laws.
- India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, enacted in August, allows the processing of personal data for reasons related to the country’s sovereignty, integrity, and security.
- The Act mandates firms to disclose the identity of other firms entrusted with user data for processing but exempts them from sharing such data in cases of lawful interception.
- The Union Home Ministry has reviewed the UN CyberCrime Convention draft to prepare for necessary changes if India signs and ratifies it.
- The convention, under negotiation for three years, is expected to be ratified at the UN General Assembly in 2024.
- During the sixth session of the “Ad Hoc Committee on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes,” India proposed deleting a clause advocating for multilateral arrangements for personal data transfer.
- India also agreed to a clause requiring prior written authorization from the transferring state party for the transfer of personal data to a third country.
- President Droupadi Murmu launched the Ayushman Bhav campaign and portal virtually from Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar.
- This launch is a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring healthcare accessibility and affordability, especially for underserved populations.
- The President praised the multi-ministerial approach of the Ayushman Bhav campaign for delivering healthcare services to the last mile of India.
- The philosophy of antyodaya (good health for all) was emphasised, with the involvement of local governance, and successful gram panchayats will be declared as Ayushman gram panchayats.
- The government’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals and the Seva Pakhwada initiative were commended.
- Ayushman Bhav strives to enhance accessibility to Ayushman cards, create ABHA IDs, and promote awareness about health programs and a range of medical conditions, encompassing non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about a special session of Parliament:
- The term “special session” is explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution.
- During a special session, MPs have access to all regular parliamentary procedures, including the question hour.
- Article 352 (Proclamation of Emergency) of the Constitution doesn’t refer to a “special sitting of the House”.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: The term “special session” isn’t in the Constitution. Article 352 refers to a “special sitting of the House”, added in 1978.
Q2. Consider the following statements about earthquakes:
- Earthquakes occur when two blocks of the Earth slip past each other along a fault plane.
- The point below the Earth’s surface where an earthquake begins is known as the epicentre.
- Earthquakes are recorded by instruments called seismographs.
How many of the statements above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The location below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocentre, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicentre.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding sickle cell disease:
- It is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect haemoglobin.
- Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become crescent-shaped.
- A bone marrow transplant is a common treatment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: All three statements are correct. Sickle cell disease affects haemoglobin, and changes red blood cell shape, and a bone marrow transplant is a cure.
Q4. With reference to the Ayushman Bhav health campaign, consider the following statements:
- It aims to deliver healthcare services to the last mile, and to make these services more accessible and affordable for the poor and marginalized.
- Ayushman Bhav includes components like Ayushman – Apke Dwar 3.0 and Ayushman Melas at Health and Wellness Centres.
- Gram Panchayats achieving their goals will be declared Ayushman Gram Panchayats.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Nipah virus:
- Nipah virus is transmitted only through direct contact between people.
- It can cause a range of illnesses, including asymptomatic infection.
- Nipah virus infection can be prevented and treated with specific vaccines and drugs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: The Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans or through contaminated food. Currently, there are no specific drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus infection.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the epidemiology of Nipah Virus disease and its impact on India. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-3; Science and Technology]
- Examine the role of illegal land encroachment and other anthropogenic activities in increasing flood risk. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-3; Disaster Management]
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