Daily Prelims Notes 23 November 2024

November 23, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

No Comments

Daily Prelims Notes

23 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Everything you need to know about Chhattisgarh’s newest tiger reserve

Sub : Env

Sec : Protected Area in news

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve:

India’s 56th Tiger Reserve: Notified earlier this month by the Chhattisgarh government.
Significance: Expected to help boost Chhattisgarh’s dwindling tiger population and serve as a potential site for reintroducing cheetahs.
- Proposal to bring tigresses from Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri reserves in MP.
Location: Spread across four districts—Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB), Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur—in the northern tribal Sarguja region of Chhattisgarh.
Area: Covers 2,829.387 sq km, making it India’s third-largest tiger reserve.
Geographic Connections: Lies between Bandhavgarh (MP) and Palamau (Jharkhand) tiger reserves; adjacent to Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (MP).

Wildlife and Habitat:

Fauna: Tigers, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, wolves, vultures, cobras, nilgai, hyenas, and more.
Flora: Rich vegetation, including sal, saja, dhavda, and kusum.
Topography: Features hills, plateaus, valleys, and a river system, creating a diverse habitat.

Chhattisgarh’s Tiger Population:

Current Status:
- 30 tigers (including three sub-adults and two cubs) in the state.
- 5-6 tigers currently inhabit the new reserve.
Decline: Population fell from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022, per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP):

Infrastructure:
- Enhanced road and wireless connectivity for patrolling.
- Development of grasslands and water bodies to increase the prey base.
- Translocation of cheetals and wild boars.
Corridor Strengthening:
- Ensure tiger migration between Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri via two corridors.
- Focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

Source: IE

2. India’s Forex Reserves See Sharpest Weekly Drop on Record

Sub : Eco

Sec: Externals sector

Record Weekly Drop:
- Forex reserves fell by $17.8 billion during the week of November 15, marking the largest weekly drop on record since 1998.
- Reserves reached a four-month low of $657.89 billion.
Factors Contributing to Decline:
- Strengthening Dollar: The U.S. election verdict led to a stronger dollar and higher U.S. bond yields.
- RBI’s Dollar Sales: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold approximately $7.2 billion to stabilize the rupee.

Rupee Under Pressure:

Depreciation:
- The rupee hit an all-time low of 84.50 during the week, before settling at 84.44.
- Persistent foreign outflows have contributed to its decline.

Resilience Despite Decline:

Intervention by RBI:
- Frequent interventions prevented extreme volatility in the currency market.
Adequate Reserves:
- Forex reserves provide an 11-month import cover, meeting external adequacy requirements.
- Expected revival in foreign inflows and manageable current account deficit could raise reserves to $675–685 billion by March 2025, according to experts.

Conclusion:

India’s foreign exchange reserves have faced significant pressure due to global and domestic factors. However, robust reserves and expected inflows offer optimism for stabilization in the coming months.

Forex Reserves

Forex reserves are foreign currency assets held by a country’s central bank to ensure financial stability and support monetary policies. These reserves primarily include foreign currencies but can also consist of assets like gold and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).
India’s forex reserves are diversified into foreign currency assets, gold, SDRs, and its IMF reserve position. These reserves are used to stabilize the rupee during volatility in global markets.

Components:

Foreign Currency Assets (FCA):
- The largest component, consisting of investments in foreign currencies (mainly US dollars).
Gold Reserves:
- Held as a financial asset by central banks to diversify reserves.
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs):
- A reserve asset allocated by the IMF to member countries.
Reserve Position with IMF:
- The portion of the country’s quota maintained with the International Monetary Fund.

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

Definition: International reserve assets created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement member countries’ official reserves.

Not a Currency: SDRs represent potential claims on the freely usable currencies of IMF members.

Key Features:

Valuation: SDRs are valued based on a basket of five major currencies:
- US Dollar
- Euro
- Japanese Yen
- Chinese Yuan
- British Pound Sterling
Interest Rate: The SDR interest rate (SDRi) is paid on members’ SDR holdings and reflects global financial market conditions.

3. India now should focus on having its own pharmaceutical standards: FM

Sub : Eco

Sec :National Income

Context:

At the India Ideas Conclave, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the need for India to assert its identity in global standards, innovation, and ethical practices.

India’s Own Pharmaceutical Standards

Call for a Bharat FDA:
- India should establish its own pharmaceutical standards agency similar to the U.S. FDA.
- While U.S. FDA standards aid exports, a Bharat FDA can create global benchmarks rooted in India.
- “If we reach these benchmarks, Indian pharmaceutical products can be unsurpassed globally.”

Branding India as a Hub of Innovation

Quick Commerce and Gig Economy:
- Indian start-ups in quick commerce represent unique innovations not seen elsewhere.
- While supporting traditional retail, India should use its gig economy innovations to brand itself as a solution-provider for modern urban needs.
- This can scale Indian enterprises globally, creating a strong ‘Bharatiya’ identity in the international tech space.

Responsible Capitalism

India should aim to be a responsible capitalist country, guided by principles of dharma:
- Economic growth should be free of expansionism, exploitation, or aggression.
- Recontextualizing India’s values and characteristics is essential to building Brand Bharat.

The pharmaceutical industry in India

Notable achievements

The Indian pharmaceutical industry, often referred to as ‘the pharmacy of the world’, contributes immensely to global public health and promoting universal healthcare access.
India ranks 3rd worldwide for production by volume and 14th by value.
India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, occupying a 20% share in global supply by volume.
- The pharmaceutical industry in India offers 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories.
It is the leading vaccine manufacturer globally. 62% of the world’s vaccines comes from India.
- At least 70% of WHO’s vaccines (as per the essential immunisation schedule) are sourced from India.

Industry scenario:

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- 100% FDI in the Pharmaceutical sector is allowed under the automatic route for greenfield pharmaceuticals.
- 100% FDI in the pharmaceutical sector is allowed in brownfield pharmaceuticals; wherein 74% is allowed under the automatic route and thereafter through the government approval route.
Market Size
- The pharmaceutical industry in India is valued at $50 bn in 2022-23 and exports accounting for 50% of the production.
  - It is expected to reach $65 bn by 2024 and to $130 bn by 2030.
Export
- India is a major exporter of Pharmaceuticals, with over 200+ countries served by Indian pharma exports.
- India supplies over 50% of Africa’s requirement for generics, ~40% of generic demand in the US and ~25% of all medicine in the UK.
- For the period 2021-22, export of drugs and pharma products stood at $24.6 bn compared to $24.44 bn as of 2020-21.
- The Indian pharma industry witnessed exponential growth of 103% during 2014-22 from $11.6 bn to $24.6 bn.

National Medical Devices (NMD) Policy, 2023:

Policy lays down a roadmap for accelerated growth of the medical devices sector to achieve the following missions viz, Access & Universality, Affordability, Quality, Patient Centred & Quality Care, Preventive & Promotive Health, Security, Research and Innovation and Skilled manpower.

Key features:

Regulatory Streamlining

Introduction of a “Single Window Clearance System” for licensing medical devices.
Integration of all relevant departments and organizations, such as:
- MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology).
- DAHD (Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying).
Balances patient safety with product innovation and research ease.

Enabling Infrastructure

Establishment of large medical device parks with world-class facilities near economic zones.
Implementation under the National Industrial Corridor Program and National Logistics Policy 2021, aligned with PM Gati Shakti.
Collaboration with state governments and the industry for better convergence with the medical device sector.

Facilitating R&D and Innovation

Focus on promoting Research & Development (R&D) in collaboration with the National Policy on R&D and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech sector.
Establishment of:
- Centres of Excellence in academic and research institutions.
- Innovation hubs and ‘plug-and-play’ infrastructures.
- Support systems for start-ups.

Attracting Investments

Encourages private investment and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to boost the sector.
Complements existing programs like Make in India, Ayushman Bharat, Heal-in-India, and Start-up mission.
Facilitates funding from venture capitalists for the growth of the medical device industry.

Human Resources Development

Aims to create a skilled workforce for the medical device sector.
Programs for skilling, reskilling, and upskilling through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Introduction of dedicated courses in medical devices to prepare manpower for futuristic technologies, manufacturing, and research.

Brand Positioning and Awareness Creation

Envisions a dedicated Export Promotion Council for medical devices.
Addresses market access challenges to enhance global competitiveness.

About Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)

Purpose: The national regulatory body for drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics in India.
Comparison: For drugs, CDSCO is often referred to as India’s equivalent of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and for food and nutraceuticals, it is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Authority: Functions under the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules as the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the medical devices industry.
Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Leadership: Headed by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.

Functions of CDSCO:

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, CDSCO is responsible for:

Approval of New Drugs.
Conduct of Clinical Trials.
Setting Standards for Drugs.
Monitoring Quality of Imported Drugs.
Coordination with State Drug Control Organizations.
Granting Licenses for critical drug categories in collaboration with state regulators, including:
- Blood and blood products.
- Intravenous (IV) Fluids.
- Vaccines.
- Sera.

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)

Role:
- Head of the CDSCO.
- Oversees approval of licenses for specialized drugs such as blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and sera.
Responsibilities:
- Establishing standards for manufacturing, sales, import, and distribution of drugs in India.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance for safe and effective drug production and distribution.

4. Socialism in India: A Welfare State, not a Dictatorial Ideology

Sub :Polity

Sec: Constitution

Why in News

Recently, Chief Justice of India (CJI) addressed the interpretation of socialism in the Indian context, emphasizing that it signifies a welfare state aimed at ensuring equality of opportunity for all, rather than an authoritarian dogma. This statement was made during a Supreme Court hearing concerning the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, a topic of debate raised by petitions challenging the 42nd Amendment of 1976.

About Socialism:

Socialism is a political and economic system advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. It emphasizes reducing income inequality and ensuring social welfare and equality of opportunity.
Types of Socialism and India’s Approach
Democratic Socialism: Balances social welfare with private sector participation, allowing for both government and private enterprises to coexist. This form focuses on social justice, regulation, and welfare policies without eliminating private ownership.
Communist Socialism: Advocates for state ownership of all means of production and elimination of private property.
Type Followed in India: India follows a Democratic Socialist model, where the government plays a key role in welfare and economic planning, but private enterprises are encouraged to contribute to growth and development.

Constitutional Provisions

Preamble of the Constitution: Defines India as a “Socialist” nation, emphasizing social, economic, and political justice for all.
Article 38: Mandates the State to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people.
Article 39: Calls for the State to ensure equitable distribution of resources and provide adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): Incorporates socialist principles, guiding the State to work towards the well-being of all citizens, particularly underprivileged sections.

Constitutional Amendments

42nd Amendment (1976): Introduced during the Emergency period, it added the terms ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ to the Preamble, emphasizing India’s commitment to a just and equitable society.
44th Amendment (1978): Enacted post-Emergency to restore civil liberties and reduce the power given to the State during the 42nd Amendment.
Basic Structure Doctrine: Established that the core values of the Constitution, including ‘socialism,’ cannot be altered by any amendment.

Recent Issues Related to Private Sector

Chief Justice of India recently clarified that the Indian concept of socialism allows for private sector involvement, emphasizing a welfare state model rather than dictatorial control.
A batch of petitions in the Supreme Court, challenges the inclusion of ‘socialist’ in the Preamble, arguing it imposes a particular ideology that may limit economic diversity.
The Supreme Court affirmed that Indian socialism does not prevent private sector growth, acknowledging its contribution to the economy while ensuring it aligns with the broader goals of social justice.

5. Young Balinese girls preserve traditional Rejang Dewa festival

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Ngusaba Goreng is a two-week thanksgiving festival celebrating a bountiful harvest. Rejang Dewa is a sacred dance performed as part of the festival.
Ngusaba translates to a gathering of the gods and goddesses.

Rejang Dance:

The Rejang Dance is a sacred Balinese dance performed as part of temple ceremonies in Bali, Indonesia. It is integral to Balinese Hindu rituals.
There are various forms of rejang performed during different occasions and rituals in Bali.
Rejang Dewa and Rejang Pucuk are reserved only for girls who have not yet attained puberty.
According to Balinese tradition, young girls who have not reached puberty are considered pure and suitable for offering dances to the gods.

About Bali:

Bali is an Indonesian island located in Southeast Asia, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
It lies between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.
Bali is famous for its unique culture, blending Hinduism with traditional animist beliefs.

6. Nearly 500 miners occupy Turkiye mine

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Nearly 500 miners have staged a protest by locking themselves inside the Cayirhan coal mine near Ankara, Turkiye’s capital.
The protest opposes the privatisation of the Cayirhan mine and the associated thermal power plant.

Concerns highlighted:

Miners fear potential layoffs or worsening working conditions under private ownership.
Mining safety and regulation: Past mining tragedies, such as the 2014 Soma disaster, where 301 miners lost their lives due to a fire and explosion, remain a significant concern for workers.

About Cayirhan coal mine:

Cayirhan coal mine is an opencast coal mine Ankara province of Turkey.
It produces lignite, a low-grade coal primarily used for power generation.

7. Rise in Mpox cases: WHO keeps highest alert level

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained its highest level of alert for the Mpox epidemic due to the rising number of cases and geographic spread.
WHO had declared mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August this year.
This is the second time the infection has received the designation as the outbreak in July 2022 was also declared as PHEIC.

Abot Mpox disease:

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus which was first recorded in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
It is characterized by symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and boil-like skin lesions. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
There are no specific treatments for Mpox virus infection.

Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC):

A PHEIC is a formal declaration by the WHO, of an extraordinary event that poses a public health risk through international disease spread, requiring a coordinated global response.
Established under the International Health Regulations (IHR) in 2005, a legally binding framework for WHO member states to prevent and respond to international health threats.
Criteria for Declaration:
- Unusual or unexpected health events.
- Risk of international disease spread.
- Requires immediate international response
Recent Examples include the COVID-19 Pandemic, which was declared a PHEIC on January 30, 2020, and remained so until May 5, 2023.

8. Iran’s Response to UN Censure: Launch of Advanced Centrifuges and Uranium Enrichment Expansion

Sub :Sci

Sec: Nuclear sector

Why in News

Iran recently announced the launch of “new and advanced” centrifuges, following a censure by the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The resolution, backed by several Western nations, criticized Iran for its lack of cooperation regarding its nuclear activities. This move by Iran is seen as a direct response to ongoing international scrutiny over its nuclear program.

Background:

The censure resolution was initiated by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. It was passed by the IAEA’s 35-member board, with 19 votes in favour.
In response to the censure, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) ordered the deployment of a significant series of advanced centrifuges.
Western nations, fear that Iran’s enrichment activities could be aimed at developing nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran has consistently denied.

What is a Centrifuge?

A centrifuge is a device used to separate substances based on their densities by spinning them at high speeds. In the context of nuclear technology, centrifuges are specifically designed to enrich uranium, which is a key process in producing nuclear fuel or weapons-grade material.

How Does a Centrifuge Work in Uranium Enrichment?

Centrifuges used for uranium enrichment operate by separating different isotopes of uranium, particularly to increase the concentration of the fissile isotope Uranium-235 (U-235). Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Uranium Hexafluoride (UF): Natural uranium is first converted into a gaseous form known as uranium hexafluoride. This gas is then fed into a series of centrifuges for enrichment.
High-Speed Spinning: The centrifuge spins the UF gas at extremely high speeds, creating a strong centrifugal force.
The heavier Uranium-238 (U-238)isotopes, which are more abundant in natural uranium, are pushed towards the outer edges of the spinning cylinder due to their higher mass.
Separation of Isotopes: The lighter Uranium-235 (U-235)isotopes, which are crucial for nuclear reactions, tend to remain closer to the centre.
This slight difference in distribution allows the centrifuge to separate the U-235 from the heavier U-238.
The process is repeated in a series of centrifuges, known as a cascade, to gradually increase the concentration of U-235.
Low-enriched uranium (LEU) is used for nuclear reactors, while high-enriched uranium (HEU) is suitable for weapons.

What is U-235?

Uranium-235 (U-235)is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, known for its ability to sustain a nuclear chain reaction.
Fissile Material: U-235 is a fissile isotope, meaning it can easily split when struck by a neutron, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat.
U-235 makes up only about 7%of natural uranium, with the rest being primarily U-238.
U-235’s ability to undergo fission makes it crucial for both civilian and military nuclear applications, including nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
Role in a Nuclear Chain Reaction: When a neutron strikes a U-235 nucleus, it can cause the nucleus to split into smaller fragments, releasing energy, more neutrons, and radiation.
The released neutrons can then strike other U-235 atoms, causing a chain reaction, which is the basis for nuclear energy production and the explosive power of nuclear weapons.

Enrichment Levels:

Natural Uranium: Contains only 0.7% U-235, not sufficient for most nuclear reactors or weapons.
Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU): Contains 3-5% U-235, used for civilian nuclear reactors.
Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU): Contains over 20% U-235, with weapons-grade uranium typically being enriched to 85% or higher.

About International Atomic Energy Agency:

Widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within the United Nations family, the IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.
The IAEA was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology.
Headquarter: Vienna, Austria.
Objective: The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for a safe and peaceful world.
Functions: It is an independent international organization that reports annually to the United Nation General Assembly.
When necessary, the IAEA also reports to the UN Security Council in regards to instances of members’ non-compliance with safeguards and security obligations.

9. Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Production: A Strategic Move for India’s Steel Sector

Sub : Geo

Sec : Eco GEO

Why in News

The recent report by Niti Aayog emphasizes the need to boost domestic coking coal production in India to reduce heavy import dependence. The report suggests including coking coal in the list of critical minerals, given its significant role in steel production and infrastructure development. This move aligns with India’s long-term goal of achieving Net Zero by 2070.

Key Points:

Coking coal is a vital raw material used in the steel industry, accounting for around 42% of the total production cost.
Steel is crucial for infrastructure development and supports various downstream industries that are major employment generators in India.
Despite holding substantial domestic reserves, India remains heavily reliant on coking coal imports.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s Integrated Steel Plants (ISPs) imported 58 million metric tonnes of coking coal.
The import expenditure on coking coal reached nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore during the same period.
India has an 85% dependency on imported coking coal, significantly higher than the EU’s 62% dependency.
Domestic Coking Coal Reserves: India possesses 13 billion tonnes of prime coking coal and 16.5 billion tonnes of medium coking coal.
The report advocates for the efficient use of domestic reserves to reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

About Coking Coal:

Top Suppliers: Australia (16 MT),Russia (4 MT), United States (4.3 MT)
Coking coal is a type of coal that is important in making high-quality coke. It is also called metallurgical coal.
This substance is an essential fuel and is useful as a reactant in the blast furnace process of primary steelmaking. Therefore, the demand for this type of coal is parallel to that of steel.
Coking coal has a low ash content, low moisture content and low sulphur and phosphorous contents.
We can categorize coking coal as a type of bituminous coal depending on the chemical composition.
During the process of coking (production of coke from coking coal), the material tends to swell and its volume increases.
The ability of coking coal to form coke relates to its physical properties such as the rank of coal. In contrast to coking coal, thermal coal cannot produce coke when the material is heated.

Recommendations by the Niti Aayog Report:

The government is urged to categorize coking coal as a critical mineral, similar to the European Union’s inclusion of key materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths. This recognition would help prioritize domestic production, ensuring a secure supply for India’s steel industry.
The report suggests providing special incentives to enhance local coking coal production. Increased domestic production could stabilize prices and provide a consistent supply of coking coal for the steel sector.
The performance of Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) washeries is suboptimal, with a capacity utilization rate below 32%in FY 2022-23. In contrast, private washeries achieved a 75% capacity utilization and higher coal yields of 35-36%.
The report recommends improving PSU washeries’ efficiency to match private sector standards.
Amendment of the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act, 1957: The report suggests changes to allow the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)to maintain its status as a lessee even after the majority stake is transferred to the private sector.
The Ministry of Coal is advised to make policy adjustments to allow joint venture companies to sell by products from washeries, such as middling and tailings.

About Critical minerals:

Critical minerals refer to mineral resources, both primary and processed, which are essential inputs in the production process of an economy, and whose supplies are likely to be disrupted due to the risks of non-availability or unaffordable price spikes.
To tackle such supply risks, major global economies periodically evaluate which minerals are critical for their jurisdiction through a quantitative assessment.
Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.