Daily Prelims Notes 11 December 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

11 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. How is the RBI Governor appointed?
2. ‘Mindless splurge’: Odisha govt.’s decision to seek external loan for PVTG development faces scrutiny
3. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil gets Champions of the Earth award
4. Behind the great Indian Internet shutdown
5. Opposition Calls for Removal of Rajya Sabha Chairman Citing Alleged Bias
6. Revisiting Human Migration: Insights from Saurashtra Fossils
7. AI-Based Platform Revolutionizes Search for Age-Defying Molecules
8. What is the extent of the global share of solar energy?
9. India’s steel expansion could hinder net zero emission goal, GEM says
10. Cesses and Surcharges: A Complex Issue Raised by Arvind Panagariya

1. How is the RBI Governor appointed?

Sub: Eco

Sec: Monetary Policy

Context:

• Sanjay Malhotra, a 1990 Batch Rajasthan Cadre IAS Officer, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the RBI. He will assume office for a period of three years.
• He will be the 26th Governor of RBI and will replace the current Governor Shaktikanta Das.

Who appoints RBI Governor:

• The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India is appointed under the provisions of Section 8 of the RBI Act, 1934. The Central Government is responsible for appointing the RBI Governor.

Appointment process:

• The Financial Sector Regulatory Appointment Search Committee (FSRASC) is tasked with preparing a list of eligible candidates.
• Members of the FSRASC include:
  • The Cabinet Secretary
  • The current RBI Governor
  • The Financial Services Secretary
  • Two independent members
• After this, the selected candidates are interviewed and their names are sent to the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, which is headed by the Prime Minister.
• The committee selects the governor through confirmation of the appointment.

Tenure:

• The governor holds office for periods not exceeding five years. The term of the governor may be fixed by the government at the time of his appointment. The governor is eligible for reappointment or extension.

Qualifications:

• The RBI Act, 1934 does not mention any specific qualification for the governor.
• However, the governor traditionally is either civil services personnel or economists.

2. ‘Mindless splurge’: Odisha govt.’s decision to seek external loan for PVTG development faces scrutiny

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Marginalised

Context:

• Odisha government plans to secure a loan of ₹734.86 crore from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to implement Phase II of the Odisha Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement Programme (OPELIP-II).
• The total project cost is estimated at ₹2,422 crore, including the IFAD loan component.

Concerns raised by Experts:

• Experts have questioned the need for an international loan when the Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) has already been launched with a ₹24,104-crore allocation for 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• Odisha, home to 13 of India’s 75 PVTGs, is expected to receive significant funding from PM-JANMAN, which covers multiple welfare aspects like housing, water supply, roads, electricity, healthcare, and education for PVTGs.
• Concerns have also been raised about the outputs and outcomes of OPELIP-I, which was implemented with assistance from IFAD. The project ended on March 31, 2024, but the closure report is yet to be submitted.

About OPELIP:

• The Odisha PVTG Empowerment & Livelihoods Improvement Programme is an initiative by the Odisha government aimed at the social and economic development of the state’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Its goals include: Improving the living conditions of the target households, reducing poverty, improving food and nutrition security, and enabling improved livelihoods.

PVTGs in Odisha:

• Odisha is home to 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the highest number of any state or union territory in India.
• This includes Birhor, Bondo, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Dongria Khond, Hill Kharia, Juang, Kutia Khond, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankidia, Paudi Bhuyan, Saora.
• The Government of India identifies PVTGs based on the following criteria: Low literacy, pre-agricultural level of technology, Economic vulnerability, and Declining or stagnant population.

3. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil gets Champions of the Earth award

Sub: IR

Sec: MSC

Context:

• Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has been recognized with the United Nations Champions of the Earth Award, the UN’s highest environmental honour. He is the only Indian recipient of the award in 2024.

Contributions to Environmental Conservation:

• Gadgil chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), constituted by the Indian government.
• The panel studied the impacts of population pressure, climate change, and development activities on the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region.

Recommendations of the WGEEP:

• Declaring the entire Western Ghats hill range as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
• The report recommended classifying 64 percent of the Western Ghats, spread over six states, into Ecologically Sensitive Zones called ESZ 1, ESZ 2 and ESZ 3.
• Almost all development activities, such as mining, construction of dams and thermal power plants, should be stopped.
• A Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA) should be established to manage the region and ensure its sustainable development.
• A bottom-to-top approach to governance should be adopted, starting from Gram Sabhas.

About the award:

• The Champions of the Earth Award is the highest environmental honor presented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• It recognizes individuals, organizations, and governments for their significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development.
• The 2024 Champions of the Earth Award honoured six individuals and organizations: Sonia Guajajara, Amy Bowers Cordalis, Gabriel Paun, Lu Qi, Madhav Gadgil, and SEKEM initiative.

4. Behind the great Indian Internet shutdown

Sub: Polity

Sec: legislation in news

Context:

• Despite a Supreme court ruling, instances of internet shutdowns have continued to rise, making India the world leader in such disruptions.
• Instances of Internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, often without timely publication of official orders, illustrate a lack of transparency in enforcing these restrictions.
• Even in cases where government orders are published, delays are common, preventing affected individuals from challenging the restrictions in court.

Supreme Court’s Directive:

• In January 2020, the Supreme Court of India ruled in the case of Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India that access to the Internet is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
• The Court emphasized that restrictions on Internet access must be temporary, lawful, necessary, proportionate, and limited in scope. Moreover, such restrictions must be subject to judicial review.
• The expectation was that the ruling would significantly reduce instances of Internet shutdowns and ensure that these measures were only imposed under exceptional circumstances, such as public emergencies or threats to public safety​.

Lack of statutory provisions:

• Union Government has not given statutory recognition to the directions in Anuradha Bhasin judgement.
• In 2020, it amended the Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017 to limit Internet suspension orders to a maximum of 15 days.
• However, the amendment did not include an obligation on the Government to publish orders nor did it include the Supreme Court’s direction to undertake periodic review of these orders.
• The lack of transparency and statutory backing undermines the right to access information and impedes democratic processes.

Disproportionate impact:

• Internet restrictions are frequently justified by claiming they primarily impact mobile data services.
• However, this argument overlooks a critical fact: as per a 2019 report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators, 02% of internet users in the country rely on mobile devices, including phones and dongles, for connectivity. only 3% of users have access to broadband Internet.

5. Opposition Calls for Removal of Rajya Sabha Chairman Citing Alleged Bias

Sub: Polity

Sec: legislation in news

Why in News

• The Opposition in the Rajya Sabha has initiated an unprecedented move to remove the Vice-President and Chairman of the Upper House, citing allegations of bias. This marks a significant political development, as such a request for removal of a sitting Rajya Sabha Chairperson has never been witnessed before.

Background:

• Nearly 60 MPs from the INDIA bloc submitted a notice to the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General, P.C. Mody, on December 5, 2024.

• The Opposition accused Vice-President Dhankhar of conducting the House proceedings in an “extremely biased” manner since assuming office in August 2022.

About Vice President:

• The Vice President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation.
• Members of the state legislative assembly do not participate in the vice president election.
• Article 63: Establishes the office of the Vice-President.
• Article 64: States that the Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Article 65: Details the Vice-President’s role as Acting President during the absence, resignation, removal, or death of the President.
• Article 66: Lays down the election process for the Vice-President.
  • Electoral College: Comprises members of both Houses of Parliament.
  • Voting System: Proportional representation through a single transferable vote.
• Article 67: Specifies the procedure for the removal of the Vice-President.
  • Requires a resolution passed by an absolute majority and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the Rajya Sabha.
• Article 68: Provides for the timeline of elections to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice-President.

What is the process of removal of the Vice President?

• The Vice-President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), passed by a majority of its members at that time and agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha). A resolution for this purpose may be moved only after a notice of at least a minimum of 14 days has been given of such an intention.

6. Revisiting Human Migration: Insights from Saurashtra Fossils

Sub: Polity

Sec: legislation in news

Why in News

A recent study published in Quaternary Environments and Humans provides groundbreaking evidence challenging the coastal migration model of early human dispersal. Archaeological findings from Gujarat’s Saurashtra peninsula suggest inland routes played a crucial role in human migration.

The Out-of-Africa Theory:

• Homo sapiens evolved in Africa and migrated to different parts of the world over millennia.
• Studies of mitochondrial DNA mutations reveal that humans dispersed from Africa roughly 65,000 years ago.
• Research on indigenous populations (e.g., Orang Asli in 2005) supports the theory of rapid coastal migration.

The Coastal Dispersion Model:

• Findings like mitochondrial and nuclear DNA studies suggest migration along tropical coasts.
• Human settlements in regions such as the Andaman Islands have been linked to coastal routes.
• Criticism: Lack of archaeological evidence along the Indian Ocean coastline. Inland archaeological sites dominate India’s prehistoric records.

New Evidence from Saurashtra:

• Conducted by scientists from the Max Planck Institute, Tübingen University, Maharaja Sayajirao University, and the University of the Philippines.
• Tools crafted from materials like chert, jasper, and bloodstone were uncovered in the Aji and Bhadar River basins.
• Artefacts date back to 56,000–48,000 years ago, placing them in the Middle Palaeolithic Age.
• Evidence supports inland habitation during the Middle Palaeolithic era.
• During the Middle Palaeolithic, Saurashtra was a vast landmass connected to Kutch, Makran, and the Western Ghats.
• This suggests human dispersal occurred via interior routes, not coastal ones.
• No signs of marine food dependency were found in the Saurashtra study.

Relative Dating:

• A technique used by archaeologists to determine the age of artefacts by examining their depth in the earth’s layers.
• Methodology: Older artefacts are buried deeper due to successive layers formed by the accumulation of civilizations. The age of these layers is estimated based on prior studies that use precise methods like absolute dating.
• Researchers in the Saurashtra peninsula used relative dating to estimate the age of artefacts, determining them to be 56,000–48,000 years old, from the Middle Palaeolithic age.

Bhadar River:

• Origin: Jasdan Hills in Gujarat.
• Flows through the Saurashtra region.
• Known for supporting agriculture and as a study site for prehistoric artefacts.

Aji River:

• Origin: Sardhar Hills in Gujarat.
• Flows through Rajkot city.
• Notable for reservoirs and irrigation.
• Key site for discovering Middle Palaeolithic tools.

7. AI-Based Platform Revolutionizes Search for Age-Defying Molecules

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health 

Why in News

• Researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Delhi have developed AgeXtend, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based platform. The platform accelerates the discovery of molecules with geroprotective properties (age-defying characteristics), marking a significant milestone in longevity research.

AgeXtend:

• Researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi).
• AgeXtend is an AI-driven platform designed to identify molecules that promote healthy ageing by targeting biological mechanisms associated with ageing.
• Utilizes bioactivity data from known Gero protectors to predict the Gero protective potential of new compounds.
• Key Features:
  • Prediction of Gero protective properties.
  • Toxicity evaluation.
  • Identification of target proteins and mechanisms of action.
• Demonstrated success in identifying compounds like metformin and taurine as longevity enhancers, even when excluded from training data.
• Screened around 1 billion compounds to identify promising candidates.
• Tested the selected compounds on yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, and human cell models to validate their effects.
• Explores the role of human microbiome-derived metabolites in regulating cellular senescence.
• Enhances understanding of previously unknown mechanisms influencing ageing.
• AgeXtend represents a breakthrough in the integration of AI and biology for therapeutic discoveries.

Gero protective Property:

• A geroprotective property refers to the ability of a substance, compound, or intervention to slow down, prevent, or reverse aspects of the biological ageing process, thereby promoting longevity and improving health span.
• Gero protectors typically target specific mechanisms associated with ageing at the cellular, molecular, or systemic levels.
• Mechanisms of Action:
  • Delay cellular senescence (the process where cells stop dividing and accumulate).
  • Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Enhance autophagy (cellular cleanup processes).
  • Improve mitochondrial function and energy production.
• Applications:
  • Treatment of age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic disorders.
  • Extension of health span (the period of life spent in good health) rather than just lifespan.

8. What is the extent of the global share of solar energy?

Sub : Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

• The World Solar Report 2024 by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was released.

Key highlights:

• Solar capacity grew from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,419 GW in 2023, achieving a 36% CAGR.
• Solar energy now accounts for three-quarters of all renewable capacity additions worldwide.

New Solar Technologies:

• Quantum Dot Solar Cells:
  • Record efficiency: 18.1%.
  • Applications include enhanced solar energy capture and atmospheric water harvesting.
• Self-Healing Solar Panels: Aim to extend lifespan and reduce maintenance of solar cells.
• Solar-Powered Phyto-Mining:
  • Uses plants to extract valuable metals from soil, powered by solar energy.
  • Offers a sustainable alternative to traditional mining.
• Building Integrated PV (BIPV):
  • Includes transparent solar panels that allow light transmission and visibility.
  • Solar paver blocks integrated into building infrastructure.
• Material Alternatives and Recycling:
  • Focus on reducing dependency on critical materials like lithium and rare earth elements.
  • Emphasis on recycling panels and adopting circular economy practices.

Declining Solar Costs:

• Utility-scale solar PV prices decreased globally, averaging $40/MWh in 2024.
• India achieved the lowest auction price at $34/MWh.
• Investments in solar PV technology expected to exceed $500 billion in 2024, surpassing investments in all other energy generation forms.

Global Solar Market Trends:

• China leads with 43% of global solar capacity (609 GW).
• The U.S. follows with 10% (137.73 GW).
• Japan, Germany, and India: 5-6% each.
• Emerging Markets: Brazil, Australia, Italy, and Spain contribute around 2% each.
• Solar PV manufacturing expanded significantly in 2023:
  • 97% of wafers, 89% of cells, and 83% of module installation capacity from China.

Impact on Other Industries:

1. Employment Growth:
   • Solar PV sector employed 1 million people in 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2022.
2. Agriculture:
   • Solar-powered irrigation systems are revolutionizing farming.
   • Global solar pump market projected to grow at a 8% CAGR (2021-2027).
   • Agrivoltaics: Solar panels in pastures provide shade for livestock while generating electricity.
3. Pay-As-You-Go Models: Allow users to adopt solar systems via affordable, small, regular payments.

International Solar Alliance (ISA):

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global initiative launched in 2015 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. It was co-founded by India and France with the primary goal of promoting solar energy adoption and cooperation among countries to combat climate change.

Vision and Objectives

• Promoting Solar Energy: Accelerate the use of solar energy as a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy source.
• Enhancing Energy Security: Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure energy access for all.
• Technology and Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate collaboration among member countries for research, innovation, and deployment of solar technologies.
• Mobilizing Investments: Attract and secure investments to finance large-scale solar projects globally.

Membership

• Open to 121 countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, though countries beyond this geographical area can also join as partners.
• As of 2024, 115 countries are members, with a significant focus on developing nations.
  • Armenia became the 104th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in November 2024.

Key Initiatives and Programs:

• Affordable Solar Power for All: Work towards reducing the cost of solar projects by addressing challenges like high financing costs and technology barriers.
• Scaling Solar Mini-Grids: Promote decentralized solar solutions for rural and underserved areas.
• Solar Applications for Agriculture: Support farmers with solar-powered technologies, such as irrigation systems, to boost productivity and sustainability.
• Solar Parks and Infrastructure Development: Encourage the establishment of solar parks to scale up renewable energy production.
• Global Risk Mitigation Facility: Create financial instruments to mitigate risks and attract investments in solar projects.

Future Goals

• 1,000 GW of Solar Capacity by 2030:
  • Mobilize $1 trillion in investments for achieving this ambitious target.
• Equitable Energy Access:
  • Bridge energy access gaps, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
• Innovation and Collaboration:
  • Foster innovation in solar technologies and strengthen global partnerships.

Source: TH

9. India’s steel expansion could hinder net zero emission goal, GEM says

Sub : Env

Sec : Climate change

Context:

• India‘s plans to ramp up coal-powered steelmaking capacity could impede the country’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, Global Energy Monitor (GEM) said.

Key Findings from the GEM Report:

• Coal-Driven Steel Expansion:
  • India is investing heavily in coal-based steelmaking, with most new capacity relying on emissions-intensive blast furnaces.
  • These investments risk creating $187 billion in stranded assets (projects that may become obsolete before earning back their costs).
• Carbon Emissions:
  • Additional blast furnace capacity could lead to 680 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions from the steel sector.
  • India’s steel industry currently emits 2.55 metric tons of CO₂ per ton of crude steel, 38% higher than the global average of 1.85 tons.

Current and Projected Steel Production:

• Current capacity: 180 million metric tons.
• Target for 2030: 300 million metric tons.
• India is the world’s second-largest crude steel producer after China.
• India has the world’s largest pipeline of steelmaking capacity under development- projects that have been announced or are in the construction phase- totalling around 258 million metric tons per year.

Energy Sources in Steelmaking:

• 85% of energy used in the steel sector comes from coal.
• Steelmaking technologies under development:
  • Blast furnaces: Account for 69% of new steel capacity.
  • Electric arc furnaces: Only 13%, despite being less carbon-intensive.

Initiatives to Reduce Emissions in India’s Steel Sector:

Technology Adoption:

• Green Hydrogen in Steelmaking:
  • Promoting the use of green hydrogen as an alternative to coal in Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes.
• Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs):
  • Expanding the use of EAFs, which rely on recycled steel and electricity, producing significantly lower emissions compared to coal-based blast furnaces.
• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS):
  • Developing CCUS technologies to capture emissions from blast furnaces and utilize or store the captured carbon.

Policy and Government Initiatives:

• National Steel Policy (NSP) 2017:
  • Focuses on resource efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of the steel industry.
  • Encourages the adoption of green and sustainable practices in steel production.
• Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme:
  • Implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to enhance energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries, including steel.
  • Incentivizes industries to reduce emissions by trading surplus energy savings.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Steel Scrap Recycling Policy (2020):
  • Encourages the use of recycled steel to reduce dependency on primary production, which is more carbon-intensive.
  • Promotes a circular economy approach in the steel sector.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA):
  • Promotes the use of solar energy in steel plants for processes like pre-heating and powering operations.

Renewable Energy Integration:

• Renewable Energy Purchase Obligations (RPOs):
  • Steelmakers are integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind for operational energy needs.
• Transitioning to electricity from renewables for EAF-based production.

Source: TH

10. Cesses and Surcharges: A Complex Issue Raised by Arvind Panagariya

Subject: Economy

Section: Monetary Policy

Key Points Discussed by Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission

Cesses and Surcharges – A Contentious Issue

• The growing reliance of the Centre on cesses and surcharges has raised concerns among States.
• States’ Grievances: These levies are not shared with States, unlike the divisible tax pool, creating fiscal imbalance.

Historical Context and Trends

• Increase in States’ Share:
  • States’ share in the divisible tax pool increased from 32% (13th Finance Commission) to 42% (14th Finance Commission).
• Centre’s Response:
  • To offset reduced fiscal space, the Centre has turned to cesses and surcharges, permissible under the Constitutional framework.
• Revenue from Cesses and Surcharges
  • Their share in the gross tax revenue has risen significantly, intensifying demands from States to:
• Cap such levies.
  • Include any surplus revenue beyond the cap in the divisible tax pool.
• Constitutional Provision
  • The Centre’s entitlement to collect cesses and surcharges is legally supported by Constitutional provisions.

Key Differences between Cess, Surcharge, and Usual Taxes