Daily Prelims Notes 29 November 2023

November 29, 2023
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Daily Prelims Notes

29 November 2023

Table Of Contents

1. President Droupadi Murmu advocates All India Judicial Service exam for Judges’ selection

Subject :Polity

Section: Judiciary

The AIJS is a reform push to centralise the recruitment of judges at the level of additional district judges and district judges for all states.
In the same way that the Union Public Service Commission conducts a central recruitment process and assigns successful candidates to cadres, judges of the lower judiciary are proposed to be recruited centrally and assigned to states.

How are district judges currently recruited?

Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution of India deal with the appointment of district judges, and place it in the domain of the states.
The selection process is conducted by the State Public Service Commissions and the concerned High Court, since High Courts exercise jurisdiction over the subordinate judiciary in the state. Panels of High Court judges interview candidates after the exam and select them for appointment.
All judges of the lower judiciary up to the level of district judge are selected through the Provincial Civil Services (Judicial) exam. PCS(J) is commonly referred to as the judicial services exam.

Why has the AIJS been proposed?

The idea of a centralised judicial service was first mooted in the Law Commission’s 1958 ‘Report on Reforms on Judicial Administration’.
The idea was to ensure an efficient subordinate judiciary, to address structural issues such as varying pay and remuneration across states, to fill vacancies faster, and to ensure standard training across states.
The Constitution of India was amended by 42^nd amendment to provide for an All-India Judicial Services under Article 312.
The Chief Justices conferences in 1961, 1963, and 1965 favoured creation of All-India Judicial Services and even the Law Commissions (1st, 8th and 11th, 116th) had suggested the creation of the service.
The idea was proposed again in the Law Commission Report of 1978, which discussed delays and arrears of cases in the lower courts.
In 2006, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice in its 15th Report backed the idea of a pan-Indian judicial service, and also prepared a draft Bill.

What is the judiciary’s view on the AIJS?

In 1992, the Supreme Court in All India Judges’ Assn. (1) v. Union of India directed the Centre to set up an AIJS. In a 1993 review of the judgment, however, the court left the Centre at liberty to take the initiative on the issue.
In 2017, the Supreme Court took suomotu cognizance of the issue of appointment of district judges, and mooted a “Central Selection Mechanism”.

2. Ban on BSIII petrol, BSIV diesel vehicles lifted as air quality improves in NCR

Subject: Environment

Section: Pollution

Bharat stage (BS):

Bharat stage (BS) emission standards are laid down by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from the internal combustion engine and spark-ignition engine equipment, including motor vehicles.

The central government has mandated that vehicle makers must manufacture, sell and register only BS-VI (BS6) vehicles from April 1, 2020.

Background:

The first emission norms were introduced in India in 1991for petrol and in 1992 for diesel vehicles. Following these, the catalytic converter became mandatory for petrol vehicles and unleaded petrol was introduced in the market.

Difference Between BS4 and BS6

Both BS-IV and BS-VI are unit emission norms that set the maximumpermissible levels for pollutants that an automotive or a two-wheeler exhaust can emit.

What area unit BSI, BSII, BSIII, BSIV, and BSVI emission norms?

The abbreviation BS, as mentioned above, refers to ‘Bharat Stage’.

BSI- was introduced in the year 2000,
BSII (BS2) was introduced in 2001
BSIII (BS3) was introduced in 2005
BSIV was introduced in 2017

the delay between the introduction of BS3 and BS4 resulted in fast-tracking the BSVI or BS6 emission norms rather than BSV (BS5) norms.

Supreme court ruling –

On 29 April 1999, the Supreme Court of India ruled that all vehicles in the country had to meet Euro I or India 2000 norms by June 1, 1999, and Euro II would be mandatory in the National Capital Region (NCR) from April 2000.
Carmakers were not prepared for this transition and in a subsequent judgment, the implementation of Euro II was deferred.
In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court banned the sale and registration of motor vehicles conforming to Bharat Stage IV emission standard in the entire country from 1 April 2020.

Committee Recommendations: Mashelkar Committee

In 2002, the government accepted the report submitted by the Mashelkar committee, which proposed a road map for the rollout of Euro-based emission norms in India.
It also recommended a phased implementation of future norms, with regulations being implemented in major cities first and extended to the rest of the country after a few years.
Based on the recommendations of the committee, the National Auto Fuel policy was announced officially in 2003.
The road map for the implementation of the BS norms was laid out until 2010. The policy also created guidelines for auto fuels, reduction of pollution from older vehicles and R&D for air quality data creation and health administration.
The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Since October 2010, Bharat Stage (BS) III norms were enforced across the country. BS-IV emission norms were put in place in 13 major cities from April 2010, and the entire country from April 2017.
In 2016, the government announced that the country would skip the BS-V norms altogether and adopt BS-VI norms by 2020.
However, in Delhi, due to the sudden rise of pollution, it was planned to introduce in 2018 only, which was protested by automobile companies, since they planned their policy according to the 2020 timeline.

What makes BS-VI fuel better?

Sulphur content in fuel is a major cause for concern. Sulphur dioxide released by fuel burning is a major pollutant that affects health as well.

BS-VI fuel’s sulphur content is much lower than BS-IV fuel. It is reduced to 10 mg/kg max in BS-VI from 50 mg/kg under BS-IV. However, Vehicles that are compliant with BS-VI will also be more expensive.

AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI)

The air quality index (AQI) is an index for reporting air quality on a daily basis.
It is a measure of how air pollution affects one’s health within a short time period.
The purpose of the AQI is to help people know how the local air quality impacts their health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants, for which national air quality standards have been established to safeguard public health.

Ground-level ozone
Particle pollution/particulate matter (PM2.5/pm 10)
Carbon Monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide

The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concerns. The concept of AQI has been widely used in many developed countries for over the last three decades. AQI quickly disseminates air quality information in real-time.

In India, The National Air Quality Quality (AQI) India was launched on 17 September 2014 in New Delhi under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the then Environment Minister Shri PrakashJavadekar.

Objectives of Air Quality Index (AQI)

Comparing air quality conditions at different locations/cities.
It also helps in identifying faulty standards and inadequate monitoring programmes.
AQI helps in analysing the change in air quality (improvement or degradation).
AQI informs the public about environmental conditions. It is especially useful for people suffering from illnesses aggravated or caused by air pollution.

Who is most at risk from air pollution?

People with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema
Children, including teenagers
Active people of all ages who exercise or work extensively outdoors
Some healthy people are more sensitive to ozone

What is the National Air Quality Index?

Launched in 2014 with outline ‘One Number – One Color -One Description’ for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity.
The measurement of air quality is based on eight pollutants, namely: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).
AQI has six categories of air quality. These are: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor and Severe.
It has been developed by the CPCB in consultation with IIT-Kanpur and an expert group comprising medical and air-quality professionals.

Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas

This was formed to tackle the pollution situation in areas around Delhi NCR.

SAFAR

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) is a national initiative introduced by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to measure the air quality of a metropolitan city, by measuring the overall pollution level and the location-specific air quality of the city.
The system is indigenously developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and is operationalized by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
SAFAR is an integral part of India’s first Air Quality Early Warning System operational in Delhi.
It monitors all weather parameters like temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction, UV radiation, and solar radiation.
Pollutants monitored:5, PM10, Ozone, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, and Mercury.

3. NASA’s Bill Nelson meets Jitendra Singh, discusses mission to space station

Subject :Science and Tech

Section: Space technology

Context:

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson met Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Tuesday to discuss India’s research interests during the joint mission to the International Space Station (ISS) next year for which the U.S. will be training an Indian astronaut.

Key Highlights:

Training Collaboration: NASA commits to assisting in the training of an Indian astronaut selected by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
ISS Mission Timeline: The trained astronaut is slated to embark on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by the close of 2024.
Selection Process: ISRO will be responsible for the selection of the astronaut, with potential candidates likely to emerge from the pool of individuals who have undergone foundational space astronaut training for the Gaganyaan mission.
Mission Duration: The mission’s science objectives, spanning a two-week period, will be determined by India.

Joint Working Group and Collaborative Areas:

A joint working group has been established by both NASA and ISRO to explore collaborative ventures in various domains.
The areas of collaboration encompass radiation impact studies,micro-meteorite investigations, orbital debris shield studies, and aspects related to space health and medicine.

Future of the ISS:

NASA has outlined plans to decommission the International Space Station (ISS) by 2031.
The decommissioning involves guiding the ISS out of Earth’s orbit, causing it to plunge into the ocean at a location far removed from human settlements.
Preparations for a seamless transition involve the anticipation of commercial replacement facilities that would sustain a continual human presence in low-Earth orbit.

India’s Endeavor: Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Lunar Aspirations

Indian Space Station – Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS):

India’s planned space station is named the Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
It will be both constructed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The anticipated completion date for BAS is set for 2035.
Prime Minister Modi has urged ISRO to establish the Indian Space Station by 2035 and send an Indian to the moon by 2040.

Characteristics of BAS:

The Indian space station is projected to be smaller in scale compared to the International Space Station (ISS).
It will have a mass of 20 tonnes, distinguishing it from the ISS (450 tonnes) and the Chinese Tiangong Space Station (100 tonnes).
Its primary purpose will be to facilitate microgravity experiments.
The planned orbit for BAS is around 400 km above Earth’s surface.

What needs to be done?

Challenges and Technological Upgrades:

Constructing and maintaining a space station necessitates distinct technological expertise.
Areas such as life support systems, radiation protection, and ensuring long-term structural integrity pose challenges.
India needs substantial technological advancements to meet these demands.

International Collaborations and Funding:

To overcome challenges, India must explore international collaborations and potentially involve the private sector for funding.

Human Spaceflight Programs:

The development and operation of a space station require a well-trained team of astronauts.
Investment in human spaceflight programs, astronaut training, and essential infrastructure for crewed missions is crucial.

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR): Advancing Earth Observation

Collaborative Effort:

NISAR, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a joint venture between NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).

Innovative Technology:

NISAR stands out as the first radar imaging satellite to utilize dual frequencies, marking a technological advancement in Earth observation capabilities.

Comprehensive Earth Survey:

The primary mission objective is to survey all of Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days, providing frequent and comprehensive data.
The mission duration is slated for three years.

Observing Complex Natural Processes:

NISAR aims to observe intricate natural processes on Earth, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides.

Functional Capabilities:

Positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), NISAR will meticulously measure Earth’s dynamic surfaces, changing ecosystems, and ice masses.
Information gathering spans biomass, natural hazards, sea level rise, and groundwater.

Dual Radar Frequencies:

The satellite employs two distinct radar frequencies: L-band and S-band.
This dual-frequency approach allows for precise measurements of changes on Earth’s surface, achieving a level of precision down to less than a centimeter.

4. RBI’s Move to Increase Risk Weight for Lending

Subject : Economy

Section: Monetary policy

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to reserve more capital for risk weights.

Background:

The RBI has raised the risk weight for consumer loan, credit card exposures, and loans to NBFCs by 25 per cent (now standing at 125 per cent).
This would apply to personal loans, excluding housing loans, education loans, vehicle loans and loans secured by gold and gold jewellery.
The central bank has expressed worries about the rapid expansion of these types of consumer loans.
This adjustment will result in higher costs for both banks and non-banking lenders engaged in consumer lending.

What are ‘Risk Weights’?

The central idea behind the RBI’s action is to address the notion of ‘credit risk.’
It refers to the risk entailed by a borrower being unable to meet their obligations or defaulting on commitments.
‘Risk weights’ are an essential tool for banks to manage this risk.
This metric, in percentage factors, adjusts for the risk associated with a certain asset type.
In other words, it is an indicator of the essential holding the lender should ideally have to adjust the associated risk. This is what the RBI has directed be increased.

Why were the Changes Deemed Necessary?

While presenting the monetary policy statement in October this year, Governor Shaktikanta Das had flagged concerns about the “high growth” in “certain components of consumer credit.”
He advised banks and NBFCs to “strengthen their internal surveillance mechanisms, address the build-up of risks, if any, and institute suitable safeguards, in their own interest.”
The governor said these were being closely monitored by the apex banking regulator for “any signs of incipient stress.”
Ratings agency Moody’s also put forth that higher risk weights are intended to “dampen lenders’ consumer loan growth appetite.”
The unsecured segment, it adds, has grown rapidly in the past few years, exposing financial institutions to a potential spike in credit costs in the event of a sudden economic or interest rate shock.
RBI’s latest figures stipulate that unsecured personal loans have increased approximately 23% on a year-over-year basis, as on September 22 this year.
Outstanding loans from credit cards increased by about 30% during the same period.
Major concerns emerge for loans below Rs 50,000 – these carry the utmost default risk.
Delinquencies in this segment stood at 5.4% as of June this year.
Ratings agency S&P in their assessment held that borrowers in this segment are often highly leveraged and may have other lending products.
According to Moody’s, several NBFCs that until now focused on secured lending categories (such as infrastructure, real estate and vehicle loans) have pivoted to riskier segments.

What are the Chief Concerns?

The primary concerns relate to the impact on capital adequacy and the bank’s overall profitability.
The latter ensures that banks have sufficient capital to absorb losses arising out of unanticipated events or risks within the business.
S&P’s latest report states that slower loan growth and an increased emphasis on risk management will likely support better asset quality in the Indian banking system.
It estimates that Tier-1 capital adequacy will decline by about 60 basis points.
Tier-1 capital adequacy represents banks’ highest quality of capital as it helps banks absorb losses immediately as and when they occur.
According to S&P, the drop may prompt lenders with weaker capital adequacy to raise capital.
Unrelatedly, it observed that public sector banks generally have lower capital adequacy than large private sector banks.
However, the worst-affected might be finance companies, as their incremental bank borrowing might surge, besides the impact on their capital adequacy, S&P states.

How Will It Impact Consumers?

As risk weightage increases, banks may become more cautious in extending credit to consumers, especially those with a higher perceived risk.
This could result in some individuals finding it more challenging to obtain credit cards or personal loans.
Those who are still eligible for credit might face stricter terms and conditions.
According to experts, by increasing risk weightage, the RBI aims to manage the growing defaults and risks linked to unsecured loans.
Lenders will now need to account for higher credit risk in this loan category, thus making lending pricier.
This adjustment will also result in higher costs for borrowers taking out these loans.

5. SEBI said to plan easing rules governing MFs’ passive funds

Subject : Economy

Section: Capital Market

Context:

India’s markets regulator plans to lower capital and disclosure requirement for fund houses that run passive investment scheme.

About Passive Fund:

A passive fund is an investment vehicle that tracks a market index, or a specific market segment, to determine what to invest in.
Unlike with an active fund, the fund manager does not decide what securities the fund takes on.
This normally makes passive funds cheaper to invest in than active funds, which require the fund manager to spend time researching and analysing opportunities to invest in.

Common type of passive funds are:

Index Funds
ETFs or Exchange-Traded Funds
Fund of Funds

What are Mutual Funds?

A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that pools funds from investors and invests in equities, bonds, government securities, gold, and other assets.
Companies that qualify to set up mutual funds, create Asset Management Companies (AMCs) or Fund Houses, which pool in the money from investors, market mutual funds, manage investments and enable investor transactions.
Mutual funds are managed by sound financial professionals known as fund managers, who have the expertise in analyzing and managing investments. The funds collected from investors in mutual funds are invested by the fund managers in different financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and other assets, as defined by the fund’s investment objective.
For the fund’s management, the AMC charges a fee to the investor known as the expense ratio. It is not a fixed fee and varies from one mutual fund to another. SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has defined the maximum limit of the expense ratio that can be charged on the basis of the total assets of the fund.

About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

SEBI is a statutory body established on April 12, 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

Background:

Before SEBI came into existence, Controller of Capital Issues was the regulatory authority; it derived authority from the Capital Issues (Control) Act, 1947.
In April, 1988 the SEBI was constituted as the regulator of capital markets in India under a resolution of the Government of India.
Initially SEBI was a non statutory body without any statutory power.
It became autonomous and given statutory powers by SEBI Act 1992.

Aim:

To protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and regulate the securities market.
It is the regulator of the securities and commodity market in India owned by the Government of India.

Powers & Functions:

It is a quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial body which can draft regulations, conduct inquiries, pass rulings and impose penalties.
To protect the interests of Indian investors in the securities market.
To promote the development and hassle-free functioning of the securities market.
To regulate the business operations of the securities market.
To serve as a platform for portfolio managers, bankers, stockbrokers, investment advisers, merchant bankers, registrars, share transfer agents and other people.
To regulate the tasks entrusted to depositors, credit rating agencies, custodians of securities, foreign portfolio investors and other participants.
To educate investors about securities markets and their intermediaries.
To prohibit fraudulent and unfair trade practices within the securities market and related to it.
By Securities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014, SEBI is now able to regulate any money pooling scheme worth Rs. 100 cr. or more and attach assets in cases of non-compliance.

6. It’s time to revamp the structure of the Supreme Court

Subject : Polity

Section: Judiciary

Context: The work of the Supreme Court could be split so that there is a Final Court of Appeal and a permanent Constitution Bench to ensure greater judicial stability and consistency

What are the powers of the Supreme Court:

Original Jurisdiction: This pertains to the resolution of disputes between various entities within the Indian Federation. These disputes encompass conflicts between:
- The central government and one or more states.
- The central government and any state or states on one side, and one or more states on the other.
- Disputes between two or more states.
Appellate Jurisdiction: Serving as the highest court of appeal in the nation, the Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts and tribunals, encompassing both civil and criminal cases. This ensures a consistent interpretation and application of laws throughout the country.
Advisory Jurisdiction: The President of India has the authority to seek advice from the Court on questions of law or fact that may arise.
Additionally, the Supreme Court possesses the power of judicial review, allowing it to assess the constitutionality of laws passed by the legislature and executive actions. It also has the authority to punish for contempt of court and the power to issue writs (such as habeas corpus and mandamus) to enforce fundamental rights.

What are Constitution Benches:

Article 145(3) provides for the setting up of a Constitution Bench. It says a minimum of 5 judges need to sit for deciding a case involving a “substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution”.
This provision is also applicable to the Court hearing any reference under Article 143, which deals with the power of the President to consult the Court.

What are some suggestions to address these structural gaps in the Supreme Court:

The 10th Law Commission in 1984 suggested a division of the Supreme Court into Constitutional and Legal Divisions, focusing on constitutional law issues for the former. This proposal was reiterated by the 11th Law Commission in 1988.
In the Bihar Legal Support Society v. CJI Case (1986), the Supreme Court expressed the “desirability” of establishing a National Court of Appeal exclusively handling special leave petitions, restricting the Supreme Court to constitutional and public law-related questions.
The 229th Law Commission Report in 2009 recommended the establishment of four regional benches in Delhi, Chennai or Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. These regional benches would handle appellate responsibilities, with a Constitution Bench in New Delhi operating regularly. This proposed structure aimed to distribute the substantial backlog of non-constitutional cases among regional benches, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
Under Art 130 the seat of Supreme Court shall be in Delhi or in such other place or places, as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint.

7. Finance Ministry suggests tighter cyber norms

Subject :Economy

Section: Monetary Policy

Context: Finance Ministry suggests tighter cyber norms; closure of ‘mule’, inert bank accounts

More about the news:

During a recent meetingorganized by the Finance Ministry in India, critical measures were discussed to address the rising concerns of online financial frauds and bolster cyber security.
Chaired by Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi, the meeting was prompted by a recent incident at UCO Bank involving erroneous money transfers totaling Rs 820 crore.
Among the key suggestions were the appointment of nodal officers to tackle cyber security issues, the closure of ‘mule’ bank accounts frequently exploited by fraudsters, and heightened monitoring of dormant accounts displaying sudden activity.
Joshi highlighted the need for restrictions on withdrawals from such active dormant accounts.
The meeting emphasized the importance of increased information sharing between government agencies, advocating for a common platform like the ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS).
Telecom Secretary reported significant actions, including blocking 70 lakh suspicious mobile numbers and Rs 900 crore blocked since 2021 through the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C).
Discussions also touched upon reducing response times by banks after fraud complaints, enhancing due diligence, and specific recommendations from the IT Ministry, such as detailed KYC norms for merchants.
The meeting showcased a collaborative effort, involving representatives from various government departments, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions, to strengthen the nation’s defenses against digital payment frauds.

What are the different types of Digital Payments:

NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer):
- An electronic payment system employed for the transfer of funds from one bank account to another, NEFT operates on a deferred net settlement basis. This implies that transactions are processed in batches throughout the day.
RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement):
- A payment system designed for the real-time processing of large-value transactions, RTGS ensures immediate and gross settlement of funds.
IMPS (Immediate Payment Service):
- IMPS is an instantaneous payment system that empowers customers to transfer funds in real-time, 24/7, providing swift and seamless financial transactions.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
Developed in India by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI serves as an instant payment system facilitating peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions between banks. This interface is particularly utilized on mobile devices for the instantaneous transfer of funds between two bank accounts.
In terms of UPI transactions, there was a remarkable surge of 427% in volume between 2020 and 2022. In May 2023, NPCI recorded a substantial 9.41 billion UPI transactions, amounting to Rs 14.89 trillion.

8. UK detects first human case of new swine flu strain

Subject : Science and Tech

Section: Health

Context: First human case of flu strain similar to pig virus detected

More about the news:

Health officials in the UK are investigating the first confirmed case of a new strain of swine flu, identified as A(H1N2)v.
The virus is similar to those circulating in pigs in the UK.
The infected person, detected during routine flu screening in North Yorkshire, is being closely monitored, and contacts are being traced.
This is the first time A(H1N2)v has been found in humans in the UK, though it resembles viruses previously detected in pigs.
Influenza A(H1) viruses are common in swine globally.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how the individual contracted the virus.
A total of 50 human cases of A(H1N2)v have been reported globally since 2005, and this strain has not been previously detected in humans in the UK.
The UK case represents a distinct clade (1b.1.1), different from recent global cases but similar to viruses in UK pigs.

Some facts about Swine flu:

Swine influenza, also called pig influenza, is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine influenza viruses. Swine influenza virus or swine-origin influenza virus is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs.
Influenza A (H1N1) virus is the subtype of influenza A virus that is the most common cause of human influenza.
It is an orthomyxovirus that contains the glycoproteins haemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
For this reason, they are described as H1N1, H1N2 etc. depending on the type of H or N antigens they express with metabolic synergy.
Haemagglutinin causes red blood cells to clump together and binds the virus to the infected cell.
Neuraminidase is a type of glycoside hydrolase enzyme which helps to move the virus particles through the infected cell and assist in budding from the host cells.
Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a small fraction of all seasonal influenza. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).

9. Neglecting household biomedical waste management can lead to adverse environmental effects

Subject : Environment

Section: Pollution

Context:

Approximately 2 billion tonnes of waste is generated per annum. The World Bank Group has predicted that solid waste generation will reach about 2.59 billion Mt per annum by the year 2030.
In developing countries, up to 93% of their waste is estimated to be openly burned or dumped and a small percentage goes to landfills.

Biomedical waste:

Biomedical waste is the waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings, animals, or research activities. It is generated at healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes.

Domestically generated biomedical wastes:

It includes unused or expired medicines, cotton swabs covered with blood, used bandages, gauze, pregnancy and blood sugar test kits, insulin injection needles, dirty diapers, sanitary pads, used condoms, x-ray films, expired hand sanitisers and mercury thermometers that have been broken.
The emergence of epidemics or pandemics, increased access to healthcare, early hospital discharge and home management of chronic illnesses could all play a role in the rise in biomedical waste generation at home. The situation could get worse considering India’s ageing population and dependence on doorstep healthcare services.
Between 2001 and 2011, the number of needles and sharps in household waste tripled.
Safe disposal of these wastes:
- Wastes like these require sophisticated chemical processing plants, incinerators and disassembly centres for proper disposal.
- Conventional waste management infrastructure in developing countries is not efficient enough to handle or treat household biomedical waste.

Effects on people, animals, and the environment they share:

The chemicals from the waste can pollute the air, water, and land. This eventually gives rise to superbugs and antimicrobial resistance.
Impact on animals:
- The near extinction of vultures in Southeast Asia due to renal failure brought on by exposure to diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
- Fish in European waterways have experienced disruptions in their sexual development due to exposure to ethinylestradiol (EE2), a component used in oral contraceptives.
Impact on the environment:
- Migration of leachate (any contaminated liquid produced by water seeping through a waste disposal site) to groundwater discovered heavy metals that were exceeding drinking water standards.
- The soil’s physical and chemical properties close to the dumping sites showed significant contamination with heavy metals and pollutants.

Legislation and accountability:

Biomedical waste management rules1998 were notified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986 (4).
The Biomedical waste management rules-2016 clearly say that the biomedical waste generated at home during healthcare activities should be segregated and handed over to municipal waste collectors in separate bags or containers.
These guidelines are not mandatory for the authorities to be followed.

Classification of Biowaste: https://optimizeias.com/biomedical-wastes/

10. In Gaza, Israel is waging an invisible environmental war

Subject : Environment

Section: Pollution

The environmental and humanitarian damage done by Israel on Gaza strip:

In October, Israel hit the Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza with a 2,000-pound bomb twice. The bombs – the second-largest in Israel’s arsenal – left 40-foot-wide craters in the ground and turned the site into a pile of rubble, killing hundreds.
Israel has also used white phosphorus – a compound whose use in densely populated areas violates international humanitarian law.
The 2,000-poundMk-84 bombs are generally filled with Tritonal – a mix of one part aluminium and three parts trinitrotoluene or TNT. When it detonates, the soil, water, and air in the blast radius are all exposed to these substances.
The rubble from broken buildings includes hazardous materials like asbestos, cement, heavy metals, domestic chemicals, and combustion products, which can cause lung irritation or disease, chest pain, or more serious and chronic nervous and respiratory issues in the case of long-term exposure.

An ecological blockade:

Before Israel’s invasion, the Gaza Strip used to grow a variety of crops including grapefruit, strawberries, Jaffa oranges, almonds, watermelon, eggplants, and of course olives.
45% of arable land in the occupied Palestinian territories is covered by olive trees.
During the second Intifada (2000-2005),Israeli forces accused Palestinian farmers of using olive orchards next to Jewish settlements as a “shield and hiding place to attack”. In response, 3.74 lakh olive trees had been destroyed by the Israeli army and settlers.
Herbicidal warfare:
- To develop a ‘buffer zone’ between Israel and the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have conducted “unannounced aerial spraying of crop-killing herbicides (a combination of glyphosate, Oxyfluorfen, and Diuron),” destroying “entire swaths of formerly arable land” in Palestine.
- Glyphosate can damage the eyes and threaten aquatic life.
- Oxyfluorfen can severely irritate the skin and eyes on contact and should be “kept out of water supplies and sewers”.
- Diuron is a herbicide that works by stifling photosynthesis.

Occupation of farmlands:

Israel has created at least 380 nature reserves and 115 national parks. These parks were yet another way by which Israel could grab Palestinian land – land that could otherwise be used to plant crops. Many of these parks used to be places where indigenous Palestinian and Syrian families used to live.
90% of Israel’s forests were grown after the state was created in 1948, with non-indigenous species accounting for 89% of the forest vegetation.
Israeli forces replaced the olive trees and citrus groves. Pine needles are acidic.So when they fall to the earth, they create inhospitable conditions for other types of vegetation – they are a mono-crop.

WASH – Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene – infrastructure:

WASH infrastructure is considered civilian infrastructure and [attacking them] is forbidden by the Geneva Conventions.
Israel also controls the water supply to Palestinian territories. Currently, only one in 10 people in the Gaza Strip have direct access to safe drinking water.
Cutting power and restricting water supply allows contaminants to spread in desalination plants, including Escherichia coli bacteria that can cause gastric distress.

Impact of the bombing:

The “bodily accumulation” of heavy metals – many of which are carcinogens (cancer-causing) and teratogens (interfering with foetal development) – “following exposure whilst residing in attacked buildings” is one factor that predisposes women to negative birth outcomes.

Source: The Hindu

11. Greatness of Tulasi leaves

Subject :Environment

Section: species in news

Tulsi plant:

Ocimumtenuiflorum, commonly known as holy basil or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae.
It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Malesia, Asia, and the western Pacific.
It is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.
This plant has escaped from cultivation and has naturalized in many tropical regions of the Americas. It is an agricultural and environmental weed.
Tulasi is cultivated for religious and traditional medicine purposes, and also for its essential oil. It is widely used as aherbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has a place within the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving holy basil plants or leaves.

Medicinal properties:

Tulsi is well known for its myriad medicinal properties — antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiseptic and anticancer.
It has medicinal value due to the presence of phenols and flavonoids.
It has a concentration of eugenol (anti-infective) and ursolic acid (anticancer) in both leaves and stems.

Source: The Hindu

12. New code for Anganwadis to track children with disabilities

Subject: Schemes

Section: Health

Context:

The Union Women and Child Development Ministry launched a special protocol for Anganwadi workers which will help them track and help children with disabilities in the 0-6 years age group.

Details:

As part of the new protocol, Anganwadi workers will be provided with training that will help them spread awareness of the issue.
The NEP-2020 emphasises prioritising the integration of students with disabilities into mainstream schools.

Anganwadi Service scheme:

Anganwadi is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the States / UTs which serves as a rural child and maternal care centre in India. It primarily caters to children in the 0-6 age group.
It was started by the Government of IndiaIn1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program to combat child hunger and malnutrition.
Anganwadi centres provide a package of six services: supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, immunisation, health check-ups, nutrition and health education, and referral services.
The beneficiaries under the Anganwadi Services Scheme are identified on the basis of Aadhaar.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme:

Launched on 2nd October 1975, ICDS is the only major national program that addresses the needs of children under the age of six years.
It seeks to provide young children with an integrated package of services such as supplementary nutrition, health care and pre-school education.
Because the health and nutrition needs of a child cannot be addressed in isolation from those of his or her mother, the program also extends to adolescent girls, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Source: The Hindu

13. Clean energy share in India and its States’ electricity mix

Subject: Environment

Section: Climate change

Context:

CoP28 to the UNFCCC is going to be held in Dubai, UAE.

Details:

Brazil, South Africa, India and China make up a bloc of populous, fast-developing countries. Each has asked for more climate financing and equity through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concept of “common but differentiated responsibilities” — meaning rich countries that emitted the most historically should do more to address the problem.

Transition to clean energy generation among BRICS nations:

China:
- China leads the world in both clean and dirty energy, with more renewable energy capacity and more coal consumption than any other country globally.
- Responsible for about 30% of annual global emissions,China is the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter.
- The reduction in the share of fossil fuels in China’s power generation — from 82% in 2000 to 65% in 2022 — was unmatched among the BRICS nations.
India:
- India’s progress has been relatively slow with its share of clean energy in power production rising from 17% to 23% in this period.
- Gujarat has recorded a drastic decrease in its usage of fossil fuel for power generation from 80% in 2019 to 60% in 2022. Rajasthan, too, along with Gujarat, has recorded a decline.
- Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh are the only States among the top 15 producers where the share of clean energy is already higher.
- Tamil Nadu was inching closer to the 50:50 mark.
- The share of fossil fuel in power generation was more than 90% consistently in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Bihar.
- Odisha’s fossil fuel usage has shown an increase in recent years along with Punjab.
Saudi Arabia and UAE:
- Over 99% of Saudi Arabia’s power is produced by fossil fuels — about 67% of which is from gas. Among BRICS nations, Saudi Arabia has the highest such percentage, as UAE improved its clean energy share post 2020 with the nuclear fuel in the electricity mix rising.
Brazil and Ethiopia:
- Brazil is among the only two countries in BRICS, along with Ethiopia, where the share of clean energy in power generation is higher than fossil’s share.
- In both countries, clean fuel contributes to over 90% of generation.
South Africa:
- Here the fossil fuel’s share in power generation is still very high at 86%, with a meagre shift recorded in past years, secured a 2021 deal for $8.5 billion from the EU, United States and other nations to help its shift from coal to renewable energy.

Source: The Hindu

14. Remodel food systems

Subject: Environment

Section: Climate change

Context:

There is a growing discussion on the need to re-engineer the current model of agriculture and the food we consume.

Details:

Agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through methane emissions from rice cultivation and livestock, through nitrous oxide from the use of synthetic fertilisers and manure on fields, large-scale clearing of forests, including rainforests, to produce beef cattle and even through palm oil plantation.

Agriculture practices that adapt to climate change:

Most dairy farmers are still individuals, using combinations of open and stall feeding for their animals. Their farms are based on agrosilvopastoral systems.
The elements of the agricultural model for livelihood-nutrition-nature security in our climate-risked world are as follows-
- It has to be a low-input-based model that protects the farmer from multiple risks.
- Agriculture has to be built on the principle of risk minimisation by promoting multiple cropping systems. This will also promote biodiversity as farmers would grow more than one crop on the field.
- The choice of crops that are both nutritive and compatible with the local environment. Governments must enable policies — from procurement to price — to promote the growing of these crops.
- The choice of food that farmers grow is in the hands of consumers — us; what we eat; and why we eat it. If we change our diets, it provides signals to the farmer to grow differently.

Source: DownToEarth

15. India, Indonesia, Bangladesh & Vietnam host to most under-construction coal projects worldwide: Report

Subject: Environment

Section: Climate change

Context:

Global Energy Monitor (GEM), a San Francisco–based non-governmental organization which catalogues fossil fuel and renewable energy projects worldwide, has released a report Global Coal Plant Tracker.
The organisation’s Global Coal Plant Tracker is an online database that maps old coal-fired units and new proposals since 2010, of 30 megawatts and larger.
GEM was founded in 2007, earlier known as Coalswarm.

Coal thermal power plants contribute to over half sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentration, 30 per cent oxides of nitrogen (NOx), 20 per cent particulate matter (PM) in the ambient air.

Findings of the report:

China accounts for more than 95 per cent of the coal plant capacity beginning construction in 2023. In 2022, China was the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions.
In the first nine months of 2023, 18.3 GW of coal capacity moved from being proposed to being shelved or cancelled. These projects were primarily in 10 countries:Bosnia and Herzegovina (-800 MW), Botswana (-600 MW), Brazil (-340 MW), Indonesia (-2,260 MW), Laos (-1,000 MW), Mongolia (-5,280 MW), Serbia (-1,350 MW), Türkiye (-5,630 MW), Ukraine (-660 MW), and Vietnam (-450 MW).
- Coal plant projects are considered “shelved” when no updates or developments have been identified on the proposed projects for at least two years. The projects are “cancelled” when either a cancellation announcement was made or no updates or developments have been identified for at least four years.
These cancellations were accompanied by 15.3 GW of entirely new proposals under consideration in India (8,640 MW), Indonesia (2,500 MW), Kazakhstan (4,078 MW), and Mongolia (50 MW).
Outside China, Southeast Asia and South Asia have the highest capacity under construction. The report said India (31.6 GW), Indonesia (14.5 GW), Bangladesh (5.8 GW), and Vietnam (5.4 GW) make up 84 per cent of the 67 GW under construction excluding China.

Coal power plants outside China:

Construction on new coal plants outside of China hit a record low since 2015 of less than 2 gigawatts (GW),below the nearly 16 GW annual average for the same set of countries in the last eight years.
There are 110 gigawatts (GW) of coal power capacity under consideration in 32 countries other than China, amounting to 131 coal projects.
- Ten countries comprise 83 per cent of the total capacity proposed, led by three countries, namely India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Coal power projects in India:

The third quarter of the year saw projects appearing or progressing in six different states, namely Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
The coal plants include Adani Raigarh Thermal Power Plant, Anpara-E Power Station (MUNPL), Binjkote Power Station, Ib Valley Thermal Power Station, Kajurda Power Station, Koderma Thermal Power Station, Raikheda Power Station, and Satpura Thermal Power Station.
Four non-captive Indian coal plant projects (4.5 GW) have received permits in the first nine months of 2023, up from zero in all of 2022.

Source: DownToEarth

16. Sugarcane by product press mud can be a sweet spot for India’s compressed biogas sector

Subject: Environment

Section: Sustainable dev and agriculture

Context:

India has assumed a key position in the worldwide sugar economy, emerging as the foremost sugar producer since 2021-22,surpassing Brazil.

Details:

India also stands as the second-largest sugar exporter globally after Brazil.
The expansion of the ethanol biofuel sector over the past five years has not only strengthened the sugar industry but also contributed to the improved financial standing of sugar mills.

Sugar byproduct- Pressmud:

Pressmud, a residual byproduct in the sugar industry often known as filter cake or press cake, has been acknowledged as a valuable resource for green energy production.
The byproduct can help Indian sugar mills generate extra revenue by utilising it as a feedstock for biogas production through anaerobic digestion and subsequent purification to create compressed biogas (CBG).
Usually, the yield of pressmud falls within the range of 3-4 per cent weight by weight with the input sugarcane processed in a unit.

Production of Pressmud:

Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the primary sugarcane-growing states, contribute to approximately 65 per cent of the total sugarcane cultivation area.
Key sugarcane-producing states are Uttar Pradesh (225.2 million tonnes), Maharashtra (123.9 million tonnes), Karnataka (62.5 million tonnes), Tamil Nadu (16.9 million tonnes) and Bihar (12.1 million tonnes).
Collectively, this is around 440 million tonnes out of India’s overall sugarcane production, which reached about 495 million tonnes in 2022-23.
Among the 531 operational sugar mills in India, 330 were privately owned, 190 were cooperative and 11 were public.
India’s sugar production for the fiscal year 2022-23 amounted to 32.74 million tonnes, along with approximately 11.4 million tonnes of pressmud.
This quantity has the potential to generate 460,000 tonnes of CBG valued at Rs 2,484 crore, considering the minimum guaranteed price of Rs 54/kg under the central government’s Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation scheme.

Advantages of using press mud as feedstock for CBG:

It eliminates the complexities associated with the feedstock supply chain, as found in the case of agricultural residue, where biomass harvesting machinery is required for harvesting and aggregation.
The feedstock is sourced from one or two producers or sugar mills, as opposed to the agricultural residue, which involves multiple producers/farmers within a narrow window of 45 days per year.
Pressmud’s quality is not a concern, unlike municipal solid waste, where the presence of inorganic material can damage anaerobic digesters, leading to lower gas output.
It eliminates pretreatment costs as it lacks the organic polymer lignin, unlike agri-residue.
In terms of conversion efficiency, approximately 25 tonnes of pressmud are needed to produce a tonne of CBG. In comparison, cattle dung requires 50 tonnes for the same gas output.
Its cost (Rs 0.4-0.6 per kilogramme) makes it more economical than other feedstocks like agricultural residue (Rs 1.5-2/kg) and cattle dung (Rs 1-2/kg).

Challenges associated:

Increase in pressmud prices over the last two years, rising from Rs 100 per tonne to Rs 500-600 per tonne.
Pressmud faces competition for use as fertiliser and in bio-composting, contending with spent wash and being used as fuel in brick kilns.
The lack of long-term agreements with sugar mills and the involvement of mediators in procurement further compound the challenges.
Storage of pressmud is a challenge as it gradually decomposes and results in organic breakdown.
Sugermills operate for a specific time period, but CBG plants need to store feedstocks for the entire year.

Source: DownToEarth

17. Behind unseasonal rain & lightning strikes in Gujarat

Subject: Geography

Section: Physical geography

Context:

Unseasonal heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, hailstorms and lightning strikes claimed 27 lives in Gujarat.

Details:

The disaster management system is designed more for earthquakes and heavy rainfall and not for lightning, which annually contributes to many deaths in India.

What explains the weather events?

The rain and the lightning have been attributed to the three weather systems- cyclonic circulation over the Northern Arabian Sea and adjoining Saurashtra and Kutch, Western Disturbances, and an easterly trough.
Western disturbances are storms that originate over the Mediterranean Sea region and may bring rainfall to northwestern India in the winter.
Easterly winds flow from the east in the equatorial region throughout the year.

Why the lightning strikes?

There are two reasons for lightning strikes:
- Whenever there is an interaction between any system and Western Disturbances, it leads to lightning.
- The first spell of activity after a long dry period leads to convective activity, which results in lightning.
The thunderstorm can also be explained by the presence of more moisture interacting with the Western Disturbances this time.
This time, the equatorial region, particularly the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ, located slightly north of the Equator) is also very active.

Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA):

Set up in 2001, after the Bhuj earthquake.
It was to act as a nodal agency to plan and implement pre-disaster preparedness and migration activities.
One of the objectives of GSDMA, as part of long-term disaster preparedness, is to prepare programmes and plans to mitigate losses on account of disasters as a strategy.
The authority is working on an early warning system for cyclones.

Source: Indian Express