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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 24 OCTOBER 2024

STUBBLE BURNING

1. Context

The Supreme Court said continuing cases of stubble burning and the “pick-and-choose” policy adopted by the Punjab and Haryana governments to penalise a few while letting many violators go “scot-free” after paying a nominal fine violated citizens’ right to live in a pollution-free environment.

2. What is Stubble?

Stubble refers to the leftover plant material, mainly crop residues, that remains in the field after the primary crop has been harvested. This includes the stems, leaves, and other organic material that is left behind.

Stubble burning is a common agricultural practice where farmers set fire to crop residues, such as straw and stubble, that remain in the field after the main crop (usually paddy or wheat) has been harvested. This practice is typically used as a quick and cost-effective method to clear the field for the next planting season. Stubble burning is particularly prevalent in regions with mechanized farming, where machines like combine harvesters leave behind a significant amount of crop residues.

3. Stubble burning contributes to air pollution

When stubble is burned, it releases a variety of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants can cause several health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.

Stubble burning is a major contributor to air pollution in many parts of the world. In India, for example, stubble burning is responsible for up to 30% of the air pollution in Delhi during the winter months.

  • Stubble burning generates fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems and reduced air quality.
  • The combustion of stubble releases carbon monoxide, which can have adverse health effects when inhaled, particularly in enclosed spaces.
  • Stubble burning produces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can react with other pollutants in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major air pollutant.
  • Burning stubble emits greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), contributing to climate change.
  • The combustion of crop residues can release various hazardous chemicals and pollutants, further deteriorating air quality.

4. About the Central Scheme for the Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue

The Central Scheme on Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue (AMICMR) is a scheme launched by the Government of India to promote the use of in-situ techniques for managing crop residue. In-situ techniques are those that are used to manage crop residue on the field, rather than burning it. Examples of in-situ techniques include:

  • Mulching is the practice of covering the soil with a layer of organic material, such as straw or leaves. This can help to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil health.
  • Zero tillage is the practice of planting crops without tilling the soil. This can help to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture in the soil.
  • Direct seeding is the practice of planting seeds directly into the soil, rather than transplanting seedlings. This can help to reduce soil disturbance and prevent the spread of weeds.

The AMICMR scheme provides financial assistance to farmers to purchase machinery that can be used for in-situ management of crop residue. The scheme also provides training and extension services to farmers on how to use these techniques.

The AMICMR scheme is a promising initiative that could help to reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning. However, the scheme needs to be scaled up and made more widely available to farmers to have a significant impact.

5. Conclusion

Stubble burning is a major contributor to air pollution in many parts of the world. However, there are several alternatives to stubble burning, such as in-situ management of crop residue. In-situ management of crop residue is a more sustainable way to manage stubble, as it does not release pollutants into the air and has several benefits for soil health and crop yields.

For Prelims: Stubble burning, air pollution, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, PM2.5, PM10, Volatile Organic Compounds, ozone, carbon dioxide, methane, Climate Change, The Central Scheme on Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue
For Mains: 
1. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the Central Scheme on Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue (AMICMR) in addressing the issue of stubble burning in India. (250 Words)
 
 

Previous Year Questions

1. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? ( UPSC 2016)

  1. Carbon dioxide
  2. Carbon monoxide
  3. Nitrogen dioxide
  4. Sulfur dioxide
  5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only     (c) 1, 4 and 5 only         (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

 Answer: B

2. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment (UPSC 2013, 2022)

(a) Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen

(b) Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide

(c) Ozone and Carbon Dioxide

(d) Nitrous Oxide and Sulphur Dioxide

 Answer:D

3. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (UPSC 2017)

(a) Measuring oxygen level in blood

(b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems

(c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystem

(d) Assessing oxygen levels in high-altitude regions

Answer: C

4. Consider the following: (UPSC 2019) 

1. Carbon monooxide
2. Methane
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide

Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue? 

A. 1 and 2 only         B.  2, 3 and 4 only            C. 1 and 4 only         D.  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

5. What is Particulate matter? (BPSC 2016)

A. Solid residue      B. Air pollutant        C. Water pollutant   D. Soil pollutant

E.  None of the above/More than one of the above

Answer: B

6. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas because it: (OPSC OAS 2021)

A. Binds to digestive hormones
B. Damages lungs
C. Destroys RBCs
D. Binds to haemoglobin

Answer: D

7. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)

1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.
2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only         B. 2 and 3 only          C. 2 only            D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

8. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022) 

1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1, 3 and 4             B. 1 and 4 only           C. 2, 3 and 4           D.1 and 2 only

Answer: B

9. Which of the following is a VOC? (MP Vyapam Sub Engineer Mechanical 2022)

A. Toulene        B. Water       C. Carbon dioxide         D. Carbon monoxide

Answer: A

10. Which of the following Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted from anthropogenic sources only? (UGC NET 2023)

A. Isoprene       
B. Benzene           
C. Terpene         
D. Methane       
E. Toluene

1. A, B and C Only         2.  B and E Only      3. A and C Only         4. C, D and E Only Answer: 2

11. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substance? (UPSC 2015) 

A. Bretton Woods Conference  B. Montreal Protocol  C. Kyoto Porotocol  D. Nagoya Protocol

Answer: B

12. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs (UPSC 2012) 

A. the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
B. the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
C. all the solar radiations
D. the infrared part of the solar radiation

Answer: D

13. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? (UPSC 2014)

1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. The decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below

A. 1 and 3 only       B. 2 only      C. 1, 2 and 4 only         D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

14. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'? (UPSC 2019) 

1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only     B.  2 and 3 only        C. 1 and 3 only           D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

15. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas' consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014)

1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only        B. 2 only        C. Both 1 and 2          D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Mains
1. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? ( UPSC 2021)
 
Source: Indianexpress
 

CYBERCRIME

 
 
1. Context
 
 
Indians are likely to lose over ₹1.2 lakh crore over the next year to cyberfrauds, shows a projection made by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which runs under the Union Home Ministry
 

2. About cybercrime

 

Cybercrime is essentially any illegal activity that involves computers, networks, or digital devices. Criminals can use these tools to steal data, commit fraud, disrupt computer systems, or cause other harm. Some common types of cybercrime include:

  • Stealing someone's personal information like their name, Social Security number, or credit card details to impersonate them and commit fraud.
  • Tricking people into giving up their personal information or clicking on malicious links by disguising emails or websites as legitimate ones.
  • Malicious software that can be installed on a computer to steal data, damage files, or disrupt operations.
  • Gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network to steal data, install malware, or cause damage.
 

3. What is NCRP?

 

The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal is an online platform established by the government of India to facilitate the reporting of cybercrimes by citizens. The portal allows individuals to report incidents of cybercrime in a streamlined and accessible manner.

Key features and functions of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal include

  • Individuals can report various types of cybercrimes such as online harassment, financial fraud, ransomware attacks, and identity theft. The portal provides specific categories for different types of cyber incidents to ensure proper documentation and handling.
  • The portal places a special emphasis on crimes related to women and children, providing a dedicated section to report cases of online harassment, child pornography, and other related offences.
  • The portal allows users to report crimes anonymously if they choose, ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of the complainant.
  • Once a complaint is filed, the portal provides a tracking number which can be used to follow up on the status of the complaint.
  • The portal offers resources and guidelines on how to protect oneself from cybercrime, as well as information on legal recourse and support available for victims.
 
4. What is the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)?
 

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), established by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is essentially India's central command centre for combating cybercrime.

Functions

  • The I4C serves as a focal point for coordinating efforts between various Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) across the country to tackle cybercrime effectively.
  • It facilitates the exchange of information on cybercrime investigations, cyber threat intelligence, and best practices among LEAs. This allows for a more unified approach to combating cyber threats.
  • The I4C is citizen-centric. It played a role in launching the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) which allows people to report cybercrime complaints online. There's also a National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) to report incidents and get assistance.
  • The I4C identifies the need for adapting cyber laws to keep pace with evolving technology. They recommend amendments to existing laws and suggest the creation of new ones if necessary.
  • The I4C works with academia and research institutes to develop new technologies and forensic tools to aid in cybercrime investigations.
  • They promote collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to raise awareness about cybercrime and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for containing and responding to cyberattacks.

5. What is the Budapest Convention?

 

The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, is the world's first international treaty specifically designed to address cybercrime. It came into effect in 2004 with three main objectives:

  1. The convention aims to improve how countries investigate cybercrime by setting standards for collecting electronic evidence and fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
  2. It facilitates cooperation among member states in tackling cybercrime. This includes sharing information, assisting with investigations, and extraditing cybercriminals.
  3. The convention encourages member countries to harmonize their national laws related to cybercrime. This creates a more unified approach to defining and prosecuting cyber offences.

India's Stand: India is not currently a party to the Budapest Convention. There are concerns that some provisions, like data sharing with foreign law enforcement agencies, might infringe on India's national sovereignty. India has also argued that it wasn't involved in drafting the initial convention.

 

6. What is the Global Cybersecurity Index?

 

The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is an initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to measure and rank the cybersecurity capabilities of countries around the world. The index provides insights into the commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level, assessing their strengths and identifying areas for improvement. The key aspects of the Global Cybersecurity Index

Purpose

  • To promote cybersecurity awareness and foster a global culture of cybersecurity.
  • To encourage countries to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure and strategies.
  • To facilitate knowledge sharing and cooperation among nations.

Assessment Criteria

 The GCI evaluates countries based on five main pillars:

  1. Examines the existence of cybersecurity legislation and regulatory frameworks.
  2. Assesses the implementation of cybersecurity technologies and technical institutions.
  3.  Looks at national cybersecurity strategies, policies, and dedicated agencies.
  4. Evaluate the availability of cybersecurity education, training, and awareness programs.
  5. Measures the extent of international and national cooperation in cybersecurity efforts.
Methodology
 
The assessment is conducted through a comprehensive survey sent to ITU member states, followed by analysis and validation of the responses. The countries are then scored and ranked based on their overall cybersecurity posture.

Impact

 The GCI serves several important functions:

  • Provides a benchmarking tool for countries to assess their cybersecurity maturity.
  • Helps policymakers identify gaps and prioritize areas for improvement.
  • Encourages international cooperation and collaboration to tackle global cyber threats.
The GCI reports typically highlight the growing importance of cybersecurity due to increasing digital transformation and the rising number of cyber threats. They showcase best practices and successful initiatives from top-ranking countries, serving as models for others.
 

7. The challenges related to cyber security in India

 

India faces numerous challenges related to cybersecurity, reflecting its rapidly growing digital economy and increasing reliance on technology. 

Increasing Cyber Threats:

  • India has seen a significant rise in cybercrimes, including hacking, phishing, ransomware attacks, and identity theft. Sophisticated, state-sponsored attacks targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive data are becoming more common.
  • Many public and private sector systems rely on outdated technology, making them vulnerable to attacks. Inadequate implementation of robust cybersecurity measures and protocols leaves systems exposed.
  • There is a significant gap in the number of trained cybersecurity experts needed to protect against and respond to cyber threats. Ongoing education and training programs are insufficient to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.
  • The absence of a unified regulatory framework complicates cybersecurity management. While laws like the IT Act 2000 exist, enforcement and implementation remain inconsistent and weak.
  • Many individuals and small businesses lack awareness of basic cybersecurity practices. Practices like using weak passwords, not updating software, and falling for phishing scams are common.
  • The absence of robust data protection legislation makes it difficult to safeguard personal and sensitive data. Ensuring privacy and protection of personal information remains a significant challenge.
  • Effective cybersecurity often requires international cooperation, which is currently limited and inconsistent. Cross-border cyber threats and geopolitical tensions complicate collaboration and response efforts.
  • The rapid adoption of IoT devices, often with minimal security features, increases vulnerabilities. While AI can enhance security, it also introduces new risks and attack vectors.
  • Sectors like banking, healthcare, and energy are increasingly targeted, requiring enhanced protection measures. Ensuring coordinated efforts among various governmental and private entities involved in critical infrastructure protection is challenging.
  • Limited financial resources allocated for cybersecurity initiatives hinder the development and implementation of comprehensive security measures.
  • Staying abreast of the latest cybersecurity technologies and tools is difficult due to financial and logistical constraints.
 
8. Way Forward
 
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving improved regulatory frameworks, enhanced public awareness, investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, international cooperation, and the development of a skilled workforce. By strengthening these areas, India can better safeguard its digital ecosystem against the growing threat of cybercrime.
 
 
For Prelims: Cyber Crime, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre,  National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, Budapest Convention, Global Cybersecurity Index, International Telecommunication union
For Mains: 
1. India witnesses a high number of cybercrimes originating from Southeast Asia. Analyze the challenges this poses for Indian Law Enforcement Agencies and suggest measures to improve cross-border cooperation in tackling cybercrime. (250 words)
2. What are the key functions of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)? Critically evaluate its effectiveness in combating cybercrime in India. (250 words)
3. The rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduces new vulnerabilities in cyberspace. Analyze the cybersecurity challenges posed by IoT and suggest measures to mitigate these risks. (250 words)
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (UPSC 2020)
1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one's computer
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A.1, 2 and 4 only  B.1, 3 and 4 only  C.2 and 3 only   D.1, 2, 3 and 4
 
2. Global Cyber Security Index (GCI) 2020 is released by which of the following organizations? (RRB Clerk Mains 2021)
A. World Bank
B. United Nations Development Programme
C. International Telecommunication Union
D. World Economic Forum
E. None of these
Answers: 1-D, 2-C
 
Source: The Indian Express
 

LINE OF ACTUAL CONTROL (LAC)

 
1.Context
Hours after China, without mentioning the agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control, confirmed it had “reached a solution” and would “work with India” to “effectively implement” the plan, India announced Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold a bilateral meeting
Pic credits: TRT WORLD
 
2.About Line of Actual Control (LAC)
The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km
It is divided into three sectors:
 
The eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,
The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in Ladakh
 
3.The disagreement
  • The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line, and there are minor disputes about the positions on the ground as per the principle of the high Himalayan watershed
  • This pertains to India’s international boundary as well, but for certain areas such as Longju and Asaphila
  • The line in the middle sector is the least controversial but for the precise alignment to be followed in the Barahoti plains.
  • The major disagreements are in the western sector where the LAC emerged from two letters written by Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai to PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, after he had first mentioned such a ‘line’ in 1956.
  • In his letter, Zhou said the LAC consisted of “the so-called McMahon Line in the east and the line up to which each side exercises actual control in the west”
  • After the 1962 War, the Chinese claimed they had withdrawn to 20 km behind the LAC of November 1959
  • During the Doklam crisis in 2017, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged India to abide by the “1959 LAC”
  • India rejected the concept of LAC in both 1959 and 1962. Even during the war, Nehru was unequivocal: “There is no sense or meaning in the Chinese offer to withdraw twenty kilometres from what they call ‘line of actual control’
4.India's agreement to LAC
  • LAC was discussed during Chinese Premier Li Peng’s 1991 visit to India, where PM P V Narasimha Rao and Li reached an understanding to maintain peace and tranquillity at the LAC. 
  • India formally accepted the concept of the LAC when Rao paid a return visit to Beijing in 1993 and the two sides signed the Agreement to Maintain Peace and Tranquillity at the LAC
  • The reference to the LAC was unqualified to make it clear that it was not referring to the LAC of 1959 or 1962 but to the LAC at the time when the agreement was signed
  • To reconcile the differences about some areas, the two countries agreed that the Joint Working Group on the border issue would take up the task of clarifying the alignment of the LAC
5.How is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan?

The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War. It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by DGMOs of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.

The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.

 

For Prelims: LAC, LOC

For Mains:

1.What is this ‘line of control’? Is this the line China have created by aggression. Comment

2.What we know about the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh

 

Previous Year Questions

1.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates  (Karnataka Civil Police Constable 2020)

A.India and Pakistan

B.India and Afghanistan

C.India and Nepal

D.India and China

Answer (D)

2.LAC (Line of Actual Control) is an effective border between India and ______. (SSC CHSL 2020)

A.Pakistan

B.Bhutan

C.Sri Lanka

D.China

Answer (D)

 
 
 
Source:indianexpress
 

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

 

1. Context

The National One Health Mission, a cross-ministerial effort, has mapped existing surveillance programmes and laboratory capabilities and aims to plug gaps. The UN mandate is an opportunity to refine and reshape India’s AMR activities

2. What is Anti Microbial Resistance?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicine making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread severe illness, and death.

3. Emergence and spread of AMR

  • AMR occurs naturally over time, usually through genetic changes.
  • Antimicrobial-resistant organisms are found in people, animals, food, plants, and the environment (in water, soil, and air).
  • They can spread from person to person or between people and animals, including from food of animal origin.
  • The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals, and poor infection and disease prevention and control in healthcare facilities and farms. Poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics, lack of awareness and knowledge, and lack of enforcement of legislation.

4. Factors causing AMR in India

Inappropriate consumption of board-spectrum (last resort) antibiotics is high because of changing prescription practices in the healthcare system due to the non-availability of a narrow spectrum of antibiotics.
Inappropriate antibiotics use among the general public like self-medication to avoid the financial burden.
A large proportion of sewage is disposed of untreated into receiving water bodies, leading to gross contamination of rivers with antibiotic residues, and antibiotic-resistant organisms.
 
5. Reasons for the recent increase in the use of antibiotics in India
  • The high disease burden
  • The rising income
  • The easy and cheap availability of these medicines to the public.
  • The uncontrolled sales of antibiotics
  • Poor Public health infrastructure
  • Lack of awareness regarding the misuse of antibiotics.

6. Government Initiatives that help to curb Antimicrobial Resistance In India

The Union Health Minister of India in the International Conference on Anti-Microbial Resistance stated that the first step in addressing the problem of AMR is to avoid the need for antibiotics at all in the first place. Improved water, vaccination, and sanitation may control inappropriate antibiotic use indirectly. The main government policies that help in this process are:
  • Through the Swacch Bharat Program, the government has taken active steps to improve hygiene and sanitation and reduce the environmental spread of pathogens.
  • Vaccination is an equally important public health measure, and through Mission Indradhaniush, India has set itself an ambitious goal of increasing routine immunization coverage to 90% within just a few years.

6.1 Red Line Campaign

The Union health ministry's Anti-Microbial Resistance awareness campaign urges people not to use medicines marked with a red vertical line, including antibiotics, without a doctor's prescription.
These medicines are called the 'Medicines with the Red Line.
To check the irrational use of antibiotics, the 'red line' will help the users to differentiate them from the drugs.
This campaign is aimed at discouraging unnecessary prescription and the counter sale of antibiotics causing drug resistance for several critical diseases including TB, malaria, urinary tract infection, and even HIV. 

7. WHO's Global plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance?

  • To improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education, and training.
  • To Strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research.
  • To reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention measures.
  • To Optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health.
  • To develop the economic case for sustainable investment that takes account of the needs of all countries and to increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and other interventions.

8. Global efforts

8.1 Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP): Globally, countries committed to the framework set out in the Global Action Plan1 (GAP) 2015 on AMR during the 2015 World Health Assembly and committed to the development and implementation of multisectoral national action plans.
8.2 Tripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance: Tripartite joint secretariat (FAO, OIE, and WHO) has been established and is hosted by WHO to drive multi-stakeholder engagement in AMR.
8.3 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW)WAAW was previously called World Antibiotic Awareness Week. From 2020, it will be called world Anti-Microbial Awareness Week. It is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance worldwide.
8.4 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. GLASS has been conceived to progressively incorporate data from surveillance of AMR in humans, surveillance of the use of Antimicrobial medicines, and AMR in the food chain and the environment.
 
For Prelims & Mains
 
For Prelims: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Environment Programme, the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health, Mission Indradhaniush, Red Line Campaign.
For Mains: 1.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered one of the most significant challenges the world faces today. Discuss.
 

 

Previous Year Questions

1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? ( UPSC CSE 2019)

  1. Genetic predisposition of some people
  2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
  3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
  4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b)

 Source: Down to Earth
 

AGE OF CONSENT(POCSO ACT AND IPC)

 

1. Context

Audrey Dmello and Flavia Agnes writes-On October 18, a Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra delivered an extensive judgment highlighting the alarming scale of child marriages in India despite the enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 18 years ago

2. Age of Consent

  • The age of consent is the age at which a person can legally agree to have a sexual relationship assumed as He/She was under the age of consent. Under the Indian Penal Code, it is an offence to have sex with a girl below 18 years of age, regardless of consent.
  • The exception to section 375 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code permits "intrusive sexual intercourse with a girl aged between 15 and 18 only on the ground that she is married".
  • The exception is part of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013. It is contrary to the protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 (POCSO).
  • A girl under 18 is treated as a child in POCSO.
  • If she is married, she is no longer a child under the exception of section 375 of the IPC. This is inconsistent, As a girl under 18 is still a child, married or not.

3. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

It is a comprehensive law for the protection of all children (aged below 18 years) from offences of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and pornography.
3.1 Features and Mandates
It provides speedy trials through special courts and child-friendly mechanisms at all stages of the judicial process.
Completion of Investigation in 2 months and trial within 6 months.
Provision of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to dispense quick justice.
Covers criminals who are in positions of trust and authority such as Police, Public servants etc.
3.2 POCSO (Amendment) Act, 2019
The act was made stricter by following amendments
1. Defining child pornography
2. Expanding the scope of aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
3. Enhanced provision of minimum punishment e.g. 20 years to life imprisonment.
4. Provision of the death penalty in some cases of aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
 
4. How has POCSO fared?
 
The enactment of POCSO has led to a system where many young couples in consensual and non-exploitative relationships have found themselves embroiled in the criminal justice system.
Since the consent of a "child" is immaterial under the POCSO provisions, consensual sexual intercourse with or among adolescents is treated on a par with rape.
It creates two different streams of law enforcement
  • Usually, boys/young men are charged with sexual offences
  • At the same time, girls are treated as victims and institutionalised in children's homes when they refuse to return to their parents or their parents refuse to accept them.
Faced with criminal prosecution and incarceration, the only relief available to the couple is to urge the High court to quash the case by using its inherent powers under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the high courts. Section 482 of the IPC states " to prevent abuse of the process of any court or otherwise to secure the ends of justice."
 
5. POCSO Cases data and statistics
  • An analysis by Enfold Proactive Health Trust in various states shows that of 1,715 "romantic" cases under the POCSO Act about 25% were decided by Special Courts.
  • The parents and relatives of the girls constituted about 80 % of the total complaints who mainly resorted to complaints only after the girls went against their will.
  • The victim and the accused were married to each other in only 46.5% of the cases.
  • About 85% of girls declared their relationship to be consensual but only about 45% of such couples (victims and accused) were allowed to get married.
  • The special courts acknowledged that about 60% of the relationship were consensual.
  • About 80% of girls did not incriminate the accused and overall acquittals were recorded in about 94% of the cases.

6. Judiciary Reaction

  • Many High Courts have recognised the normalcy of these relationships, the futility of prosecuting romantic cases, and marriage between the parties, as well as the harmful impact of continued prosecution on both parties.
  • The Madras High Court observed in Vijayalakshmi vs State Rep (2021) that, " punishing an adolescent bot who enters into a relationship with a minor girl by treating him as an offender, was never the objective of the POCSO Act".
  • Similarly, the Himachal Pradesh High court allowed a petition filed by the minor girl's father for quashing the trial against his son-in-law on similar grounds of suffering to both parties.
  • Meghalaya High Court also quashed a case in which a couple got entangled under the POCSO Act when the husband was major and the wife a minor was pregnant on similar grounds of familial relationship.

7. What Needs to be Done?

With the courts and rights activists seeking an amendment to the age of consent criteria, the ball lies in the government's court to look into the issue.
In the meantime, adolescents have to be made aware of the stringent provisions of the Act and also the IPC.

For Prelims & Mains

For Prelims: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Age of Consent,  section 375 of the IPC.
For Mains: 1. Should the age of consent be changed for adolescents? In light of the statement critically analyse the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
 
Source: The Hindu
 

INDO PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK

 
1.Context
The Indo-Pacific has emerged as a key geopolitical and strategic space, with India reaffirming its steadfast commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific region. The vision of India – a key player in the Indo-Pacific dynamics – emphasises cooperation with regional partners to uphold maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based international order.

2. Background

  • The U.S.-led economic grouping of a dozen countries representing 40 per cent of the global GDP proposes to advance resilience, economic growth, competitiveness and fairness in member countries. 
  • However, some analysts view it as a move to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
  • The stated objectives of the IPEF are to promote trade, clean energy, and infrastructure and to strengthen supply chains. 
  • For reasons relating to substantial economic dependence on China, three smaller economies among ASEAN member countries — namely, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar — have stayed out of the IPEF.

3. Significance of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

  • Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) aims to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The IPEF was launched with a dozen initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
  • It is a declaration of a collective desire to make the Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic growth.
  • The Indo-Pacific covers half the population of the world and more than 60% of the global GDP and the nations who will join this framework in the future, are signing up to work toward an economic vision that will deliver for all people.

4. Domains of cooperation in Indo Pacific Economic Framework

  • The economic framework broadly rests on four pillars: trade, supply chain resilience, clean energy and decarbonisation, and taxes and anti-corruption measures. 
  • Trade: We seek to build high-standard, inclusive, free, and fair trade commitments and develop new and creative approaches in trade and technology policy that advance a broad set of objectives that fuel economic activity and investment, and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefits workers and consumers. Our efforts include, but are not limited to, cooperation in the digital economy.
  • Supply Chains: We are committed to improving transparency, diversity, security, and sustainability in our supply chains to make them more resilient and well-integrated. We seek to coordinate crisis response measures; expand cooperation to better prepare for and mitigate the effects of disruptions to better ensure business continuity; improve logistical efficiency and support; and ensure access to key raw and processed materials, semiconductors, critical minerals, and clean energy technology.
  • Clean Energy, Decarbonization, and Infrastructure: In line with our Paris Agreement goals and efforts to support the livelihood of our peoples and workers, we plan to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies to decarbonize our economies and build resilience to climate impacts. This involves deepening cooperation on technologies, mobilizing finance, including concessional finance, and seeking ways to improve competitiveness and enhance connectivity by supporting the development of sustainable and durable infrastructure and by providing technical assistance.
  • Tax and Anti-Corruption: We are committed to promoting fair competition by enacting and enforcing the effective and robust tax, anti-money laundering, and anti-bribery regimes in line with existing multilateral obligations, standards, and agreements to curb tax evasion and corruption in the Indo-Pacific region. This involves sharing expertise and seeking ways to support capacity building necessary to advance accountable and transparent systems.

5. Significance and Prominence of the Framework

  • It's a salient attempt to allow countries to decouple from Chinese over-dependence. The framework will strengthen the existing free and open rules-based global order, which China has been targeting to upend.
  • It will help the U.S regain its dominant position in geopolitics that it has been losing to China and Russia. The aim is to reclaim economic leadership in East Asia and the ASEAN region without giving away concessions that would anger domestic lobbies.
  • It will help in setting the rules of the road for the digital economy, ensuring secure and resilient supply chains. It will also play a pivotal role in raising standards for transparency, fair taxation, and anti-corruption.
  • It complements the “Quad Plus” process. It brings together seven critical countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), all Quad states, and dialogue partners. This grouping solidifies a case for the “plus” characterisation of the Quad process.
  • It will counter the other regional groupings; the TTP, the CPTPP and the RCEP. None of them had India or the U.S as participants.
  • It will also improve mitigation and adaptation efforts towards climate change by helping in inducing major investments necessary in clean energy infrastructure and the clean energy transition. 

6. India's interest in Indo-Pacific

  • India’s trade in this region is growing rapidly, with overseas investments being directed towards the East.
  • For Instance, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, and the Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Thailand.
  • Nearly 50% of India’s trade is centred in the Indo-Pacific Region and the Indian Ocean carries 90% of India’s trade and its energy sources.
  • India wants to assure freedom of navigation, secure choke points, resolve conflicts peacefully and address non-traditional security threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • India has been active in championing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The US, Australia, and the members of the ASEAN have all expressed a common view that India plays a greater role in the region.
  • Strong naval capabilities, multilateral diplomacy, and economic integration in the region are the need of the hour
  • The countries in the region should have equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes by international law.

7. Associated Challenges

    • Though it's stated to be beneficial for the countries in the region it would require huge investments and active participation in the implementation phase.
    • More unilateral and not consensus-based: Unlike traditional trade blocks where the agreements are the results of arduous negotiations by the members, the IPEF is driven primarily by the USA.
    • Binding trade rules: It might fail to bring all countries in the region on board as it comes with binding trade rules but no guarantees on market access.
  • India’s main concern is on the issue of data localisation, on which it has locked horns with the US over the last two or three years. 
    • In 2019, the government has introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that envisages a framework for localizing Indian data and the establishment of a Data Protection Authority

8. Current Developments

  • With the creation of the IPEF, the US intention appears to be to dilute China’s economic heft in the Indo-Pacific region. 
  • China’s influence in Asia and Oceania has grown hugely over time due to its sub- stantial-to-overwhelming trade and investment ties with ASEAN nations as well as Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

9. Need of the Hour

  • Establishing Common Standards: Such standards will cover labour rights, environmental standards, and the protection of intellectual property rights.
  • Addressing Tech-related Issues: Clear framework on Data flow
  • Balancing Self-Reliance and Globalization: India has always expressed its desire to attract foreign investment and become part of global supply chains, it is time to utilize the opportunities provided under IPEF with carefully framed policies.
  • It is important to establish connectivity in the region based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultation, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability.
  • Appropriate diplomatic manoeuvring and economic and military assertion are vital for the implementation of India’s interests in the region along with leveraging the space as a building block for multipolar world order.
  • Shortcomings on the ground have often afflicted India and that needs to change.

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