Daily Prelims Notes 29 August 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

29 August 2024

Table Of Contents

1. On Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Kursk
2. India and Russia sign working plan to handle emergencies
3. Pacific Islands leaders back Australia-funded joint policing plan
4. Transformative Impact of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) on the Financial and Banking Sectors
5. Union Cabinet Redesigns Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to Benefit Farmers’ Producers Organisations (FPOs)
6. India’s Foreign Investments Surge to $2112 Million in July
7. Strategizing Climate Research for Effective Disaster Management in India
8. Microplastic Pollution in Indian Personal Care Products: An Emerging Concern
9. Centre Agrees to Further Talks with Trade Unions on Labour Codes and Related Issues
10. How ISRO designed humanoid skull which will be used in Gaganyaan
11. Current Chandipura virus infection in India considered the largest in 20 years: WHO

1. On Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Kursk

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• On 6^th August this year, Ukraine had launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s southwestern province of Kursk, in the first ground invasion of the country or the erstwhile Soviet Union since World War II.

Implications of the attack

• For Russia:
  • The attack caught Moscow off-guard and raised questions of an intelligence failure.
• For Ukraine:
  • Ukraine is clearly on the back foot in its war with Russia. The incursion in Kursk was, in a way, its last attempt to alter battle dynamics.
  • The attack has proved to its arms suppliers and the rest of the world that Moscow has its vulnerabilities.

Rationale behind the attack:

• It could be seen as a diversion tactic employed to force Russia to shift its forces from the ongoing offensive in the east or Kharkiv.
• Ukraine explained it as a move to create a buffer zone that would prevent further attacks from Russia across the border.
• If Kyiv manages to hold on to the buffer zone it has created through the territorial advancement made into Kursk, it may also act as leverage in the eventuality of any future negotiations with Moscow.
• Ukraine is facing uncertainties regarding its western allies with US is going for polls this year and Germany planning to cut down aid. This leaves very few options for the country.

The Russian response:

• Russia has not given a direct response to the incursion into its soil and tried to down play it initially.
• Russia has not tried to put a halt to the incursion in Kursk. Rather, it has kept its focus on areas where it already had momentum and was making advancements.
• Since the Kursk incursion, Russia has made significant gains on Ukrainian towns of Pokrovsk and Niu-York which are Ukraine’s logistics hubs.

What lies ahead?

• While Ukraine has shifted the narrative of the war through the surprise incursion, it remains to be seen what it will gain from the move in the long term.
• It is unclear whether Russia will launch a counter-offensive or not.

2. India and Russia sign working plan to handle emergencies

Sub : IR

Sec: India and World

Context:

• India and Russia signed the working plan of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026.
• The plan was signed during the second meeting of the commissionin Moscow.

Details of the meeting:

• Both countries agreed to implement the plan during 2025-2026 and decided to continue the exchange of the best practices and lessons learnt in the field of disaster management.
• Both sides decided to extend cooperation between the eminent educational and research institutions in both the countries.
• Areas of cooperation include:
  • Use of space monitoring technologies for risks forecasting and emergency response.
  • Exchange of experiences of responding to large-scale disasters.
  • Cooperation in the field of training of fire and rescue specialists
• It was decided that the next meeting of the commission will be held in India in 2026.

About the commission:

• India and Russia signed the Agreement for cooperation in the field of Emergency Management during the 11th Indo-Russian Annual Summit held in 2010.
• The agreement provided for a Joint Russian-Indian Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management.
• The first meeting of the commission was held in New Delhi in 2016.
• Previously, working plan was devised for years 2016-17 and 2018-19.

Previous agreements between India and Russia in the field of emergency:

• Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for cooperation in the field of Emergency Management in December 2010
• Regulation to establish the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation (2013) in prevention and elimination of consequences of emergency situations.

3. Pacific Islands leaders back Australia-funded joint policing plan

Sub: IR

Sec: Int groupings

Context:

• Pacific Islands states have backed an Australian-funded regional policing plan to improve training and create a multinational crisis reaction force.
• The decision was made during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) summit in Tonga.

Details of the plan:

• Under the plan, four training centres will be established across the Pacific with a separate hub in the Australian city of Brisbane.
• The initiative will also create a multi-country policing force of about 200 officers to be deployed to countries in the region in the event of major events or crises.

China factor:

• Australia and New Zealand, both founding members of the PIF, have traditionally acted as the region’s go-to security partners, leading peacekeeping missions in Solomon Islands and training in Nauru, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
• But China, a major infrastructure lender in the region, has also been developing ties, signing a secretive security pact with Solomon Islands in 2022.
• Beijing’s attempt to secure a region-wide agreement late that year ended in failure but it has been providing martial arts training and Chinese-made vehicles to police in a number of Pacific nations.
• China’s closest regional allies had voiced concern that the Australian policing plan was designed to box out Beijing.

About Pacific Islands Forum (PIF):

• Founded in 1971, the Pacific Islands Forum brings together 18 member states to discuss and coordinate responses to the issues confronting the region.
• It is headquartered in Suva, Fiji.
• The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum summit was held in Tonga in 2024.
• Member countries: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

4. Transformative Impact of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) on the Financial and Banking Sectors

Sub: Eco

Sec: Banking

Introduction and Background:

• Launch: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on August 28, 2014, as a national mission for financial inclusion.
• Significance: Over the last decade, 53.13 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, demonstrating the scheme’s massive reach and impact. The scheme is recognized as a key pillar of financial inclusion in India.

Objectives and Features of PMJDY:

• Basic Savings Bank Account:
  • Objective: To open a Basic Savings Bank Account for unbanked individuals.
  • No Minimum Balance: PMJDY accounts do not require any minimum balance, making them accessible to all.
  • Interest on Deposits: These accounts earn interest similar to regular savings accounts.
• RuPay Debit Card:
  • Issued to all PMJDY account holders.
  • Accident Insurance Cover: Rs 1 lakh for accounts opened before August 28, 2018, and Rs 2 lakh for those opened thereafter.
• Overdraft Facility:
  • Eligible account holders can access an overdraft (OD) facility of up to Rs 10,000.
• Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT):
  • PMJDY accounts are pivotal for the DBT of government subsidies and benefits, ensuring efficient delivery directly to the beneficiaries.
• Integration with Other Schemes:
  • PMJDY accounts are linked to various other government schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and the Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Bank (MUDRA) scheme.

Progress and Achievements:

• Widespread Adoption:
  • As of August 14, 2024, 53.13 crore accounts have been opened, including 35.37 crore in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Women Beneficiaries:
  • 29.56 crore accounts are held by women, reflecting a strong focus on gender inclusion.
• Deposits:
  • Total deposits in PMJDY accounts amount to Rs 2,31,235.97 crore.
• Banking Infrastructure Expansion:
  • Branches: The number of branches of scheduled commercial banks has increased by 46%, from 1,05,992 in 2013 to 1,54,983 in 2023.
  • ATMs: The number of ATMs has risen by 30%, from 1,66,894 in 2014 to 2,16,914 in 2024.
  • Points of Sale (POS): The number of POS terminals increased from 10.88 lakh to 89.67 lakh over the last decade.

Impact on the Financial and Banking Sectors:

• Enhanced Demand for Banking Services:
  • The opening of more than half a billion accounts has significantly increased demand for banking services, leading to the expansion of banking infrastructure across the country.
• Digital Payment Solutions:
  • The launch of UPI and other digital payment solutions post-PMJDY has greatly eased banking transactions and promoted the usage of bank accounts.
• DBT Architecture and Efficiency Gains:
  • PMJDY accounts are the bedrock of the government’s DBT architecture, ensuring faster, more reliable benefit transfers and weeding out ineligible or fake beneficiaries.
  • According to the RBI’s Report on Currency and Finance (2024), DBT and other governance reforms have resulted in savings of Rs 3.48 lakh crore in government schemes like MG-NREGS and PM-Kisan until March 2023.

State-wise Distribution and Sectoral Analysis:

• Statewise Analysis:
  • Uttar Pradesh: The state with the highest number of PMJDY accounts, with 9.45 crore accounts.
  • Lakshadweep: The least number of accounts, with only 9,256 accounts.
  • Other Key States: Fifteen states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, have more than 1 crore PMJDY accounts each.
• Sectoral Distribution:
  • Public Sector Banks: Hold the largest share with 41.42 crore accounts.
  • Regional Rural Banks: Have 9.89 crore accounts.
  • Private Sector Banks: Hold 1.64 crore accounts.
  • Rural Cooperative Banks: Hold 0.19 crore accounts.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

• Objective: PMJDY aims to ensure financial inclusion by providing access to financial services such as savings accounts, credit, insurance, and pension to the unbanked population.
• Features:
  • Basic Savings Bank Account: No minimum balance required.
  • RuPay Debit Card: Issued to account holders with accident insurance coverage.
  • Overdraft Facility: Up to Rs 10,000 available to eligible account holders.
  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Facilitates the direct transfer of subsidies and benefits into these accounts.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Objective: PMJJBY provides life insurance coverage at an affordable cost to the masses.
• Coverage: Life insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh for death due to any reason.
• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 to 50 years with a bank account.
• Premium: Rs 436 per annum.
• Tenure: The policy is renewable annually.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• Objective: PMSBY offers accidental death and disability insurance.
• Coverage:
  • Rs 2 lakh for accidental death or full disability.
  • Rs 1 lakh for partial disability.
• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 to 70 years with a bank account.
• Tenure: The policy is renewable annually.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Objective: APY provides a pension scheme focused on the unorganized sector, offering a guaranteed pension after retirement.
• Eligibility: Open to all citizens aged 18 to 40 years.
• Contributions: Monthly contributions vary based on the age at entry and the chosen pension amount.
• Pension Benefits: Guaranteed pension ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month, starting at the age of 60.

Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank

• Objective: MUDRA Bank provides financial support to micro and small enterprises, helping them access affordable credit.
• Loan Categories:
  • Shishu: Loans up to Rs 50,000.
  • Kishore: Loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
  • Tarun: Loans ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
• Target Group: Non-corporate small business segments such as small manufacturing units, shopkeepers, vendors, artisans, and others in the unorganized sector.
• Focus: The scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the growth of small businesses.

5. Union Cabinet Redesigns Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to Benefit Farmers’ Producers Organisations (FPOs)

Sub :Eco

Sec: Agriculture

• Expansion of Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF):
  • The Union Cabinet has expanded the scope of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF), a scheme worth ₹1 lakh crore, to include financial support for Farmers’ Producers Organisations (FPOs).
  • This redesign aims to enhance the financial security and creditworthiness of FPOs, making the AIF more attractive and impactful.
• Focus on Farm Infrastructure:
  • The AIF will now cover a broader range of eligible projects, with additional supportive measures to foster a robust agricultural infrastructure ecosystem in the country.
  • The Cabinet’s approval is part of an effort to strengthen farm-related infrastructure facilities.
• Progress and Impact:
  • ₹47,575 crore has been sanctioned for 74,508 projects under the AIF so far.
  • These projects have mobilised a total investment of ₹78,596 crore in the agriculture sector, with ₹78,433 crore coming from private entities.
  • The infrastructure projects sanctioned under the AIF have generated more than 8.19 lakh rural employment opportunities in the agriculture sector.
• Government’s Statement:
  • The Centre’s statement highlights that these initiatives aim to make the AIF more attractive, impactful, and inclusive, ultimately contributing to a stronger agricultural infrastructure across the nation.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

About:

• Launch: AIF is a financing facility that was launched in July 2020.
• Objective: The fund aims to provide comprehensive financial support to farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and farmer groups such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs). The focus is on creating post-harvest management infrastructure and building community farming assets across the country.

Key Features:

• Interest Subvention: AIF provides a 3% interest subvention on loans.
• Credit Guarantee: The fund offers credit guarantee support through the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for loans up to ₹2 crore.
• Convergence Facility: AIF allows for convergence with other Central and State Government schemes to maximize the benefits and outreach of the fund.
• Infrastructure Focus: The fund helps in reducing post-harvest losses by creating and modernizing agricultural infrastructure. This includes primary processing centers for vegetables and hi-tech hubs for renting agricultural machinery.

Management and Monitoring:

• Online MIS Platform: The AIF will be managed and monitored through an online Management Information System (MIS) platform, which allows qualified entities to apply for loans under the fund.
• Monitoring Committees: National, State, and District level monitoring committees will be established to ensure real-time monitoring and provide effective feedback on the progress and impact of the fund.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Overview:

• An FPO (Farmer Producer Organization) is a legal entity owned and managed by farmers, including cultivators, dairy producers, fishers, plantation owners, and others involved in primary production within the agriculture sector.
• Purpose: FPOs are formed to leverage the power of collectives through economies of scale in both the production and marketing of agricultural and allied sector products.
• Registration: FPOs can be incorporated or registered under:
• Part IXA of the Companies Act
• Co-operative Societies Act of the respective states

Examples:

• Sahyadri Farms: India’s largest farmer producer company with over 8,000 farmer shareholders.
• Lokhit Bahuuddeshiya Krishi Producer Company: A women-led FPO that cultivates organic cotton and sells it to global brands.

6. India’s Foreign Investments Surge to $2112 Million in July

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector

Overview of July 2024 Foreign Investments:

• Foreign Investment Outflow: In July 2024, India witnessed a significant surge in foreign investments, with an outflow totaling $2,112 million. This marks a substantial increase compared to $1,054 million in July 2023.
• Investment Composition: The outflow consisted of a combination of equity and loans.

Key Destinations for Investment: 

• Top Countries Receiving Investments:
  • Singapore emerged as the top destination, receiving one-fourth of the total outflow.
  • Singapore, Mauritius, the U.S., The Netherlands, and the U.K. collectively accounted for 68% of the total outflow.

Sector-Wise Investment Distribution:

• Leading Sectors:
  • Financial, insurance, and business services received 42% of the total outflow.

Reasons Behind the Surge:

• Ease of Norms by RBI: The RBI’s liberalization of norms and efforts to maintain stability in raw material supplies were pivotal factors contributing to the rise in investments.
• Overhaul of Overseas Investment Framework in 2022:
  • Liberalization: Key changes included the liberalization of Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) in financial services, introduction of provisions to regulate overseas portfolio investment, and promotion of investments into GIFT IFSC.
  • Regulatory Proactivity: The RBI has been proactive in engaging with stakeholders, clarifying regulations, and simplifying the overseas investment regime.

Strategic Importance:

• Global Value Chain Integration: The revised regulatory framework aligns with current business and economic dynamics, facilitating Indian corporates’ participation in the global value chain.
• Focus on Essential Resources: Companies are increasingly investing in essential resources, especially in sectors like energy and technology, where India has heavy import dependence, to ensure supply chain stability.
• Market Expansion: Large Indian MNCs are seeking to expand their market reach beyond domestic borders, tapping into new customers and geographies to diversify revenue streams.

Dual Focus on Investment:

• Inward FDI: Highlights India’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
• Outward FDI: Demonstrates India’s capacity to establish a global presence through strategic overseas investments.
• Beneficial for India: This dual focus is crucial for a developing economy like India, enhancing its global economic footprint.

Overseas Direct Investment (ODI), Inward and Outward FDI:

Overseas Direct Investment (ODI):

• Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) refers to the investments made by Indian entities, such as corporations, financial institutions, or individuals, in foreign companies or assets.
• Modes of Investment:
  • Equity Investment: Acquiring shares or stakes in foreign companies.
  • Loans: Providing financial assistance in the form of loans to foreign entities.
• Key Objectives:
  • Global Expansion: Indian businesses use ODI to expand their operations globally, enter new markets, and gain access to international resources.
  • Supply Chain Stability: Investing in foreign resources, especially in sectors like energy and technology, helps Indian companies secure raw materials and ensure supply chain continuity.

Inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

• Inward FDI refers to investments made by foreign entities into the domestic economy of India. This includes investments in Indian companies, infrastructure, and other sectors.
• Key Benefits:
  • Economic Growth: Inward FDI brings capital, technology, and expertise into India, contributing to economic development.
  • Employment Generation: Foreign investments often lead to the creation of jobs, boosting employment opportunities within the country.
  • Innovation and Technology Transfer: FDI helps in the transfer of advanced technologies and innovation from developed markets to India.

Outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

• Outward FDI refers to the investments made by Indian companies or entities in foreign countries. This includes establishing subsidiaries, acquiring foreign companies, or setting up joint ventures abroad.
• Key Objectives:
  • Global Presence: Outward FDI allows Indian businesses to establish a global presence, access new markets, and diversify their revenue streams.
  • Strategic Investments: Indian companies often make outward FDI to acquire strategic assets, such as technology, brands, or natural resources.

7. Strategizing Climate Research for Effective Disaster Management in India

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector

Why This is in News:

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in India highlight the urgent need to translate climate research into actionable disaster management strategies. The focus is shifting from purely academic research to practical applications that can directly benefit society by making India weather-ready and climate-resilient.

Key Points:

Emerging Risks and Challenges:

Evolving Risk Landscape: India faces multiple location-specific natural hazards, including heatwaves, wildfires, heavy rains, landslides, droughts, and cyclones.

Vulnerability Factors: The risks are exacerbated by a combination of weather events, population vulnerabilities, and exposure due to unsafe infrastructure development in hazard-prone areas.

Current Efforts and Gaps:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): While the NDMA has been effective in disaster response and reducing mortality, it struggles with knowledge gaps and barriers that hinder further improvement.

India Meteorological Department (IMD): IMD’s forecasts, though improving, are often not localized enough for effective disaster response planning.

Need for Hyperlocal Solutions:

Localized Climate Manifestations: Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events in specific regions, such as increased landslides due to unstable land and rising wildfires.

Population and Economic Growth: Rapid urbanization and economic activities in unsafe areas increase the vulnerability of populations to climate risks.

Challenges in Translating Research to Practice:

Low Uptake of Climate Services: Despite heavy investment in climate research and forecasts, the information is not widely used due to its lack of location- and sector-specificity.

Examples of Ineffective Translation:

• Irrigation Advisories: While tools like farm-scale irrigation advisories have shown promise, their large-scale adoption requires more involvement from local governments and extension agencies.
• Urban Flood Predictions: Downscaled rainfall predictions for urban areas are essential for flood control, yet the translation of such forecasts into actionable plans remains a significant challenge.

Location-Specific Natural Hazards in India –

Heatwaves: Periods of abnormally high temperatures exceeding 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly areas.

Severely Impacted Regions:

• Northwest India: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
• Central India: Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.

The heatwave of 2022 affected over 15 states, with temperatures crossing 47°C in parts of Rajasthan.

Government Initiatives: India’s Heat Action Plan, launched in several states, aims to reduce heatwave-related mortality and illness.

Wildfires: Uncontrolled forest fires that occur due to dry conditions, human activities, or lightning.

Severely Impacted Regions:

• Himalayan Belt: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
• Western Ghats: States like Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Uttarakhand reported over 1,500 wildfire incidents in 2021, causing extensive damage to forests and wildlife.

Government Initiatives: National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF) and the use of satellite-based Forest Fire Alert System by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).

Heavy Rains and Floods: Definition: Excessive rainfall leading to water accumulation, flash floods, and riverine floods.

Severely Impacted Regions:

• Western Coast: Maharashtra (Mumbai), Karnataka (Coastal Karnataka), and Kerala.
• Eastern Coast: Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Northeast India: Assam and Meghalaya.

The 2018 Kerala floods were among the worst in a century, affecting 13 districts and displacing over 1 million people.

Government Initiatives: National Flood Risk Mitigation Project and Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems by the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Landslides: Downward movement of rock, earth, or debris on a slope, often triggered by rainfall, earthquakes, or human activities.

Severely Impacted Regions:

• Himalayan Region: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Western Ghats: Kerala, Maharashtra.

In 2023, a series of landslides in Himachal Pradesh caused over 70 fatalities and extensive property damage.

Government Initiatives: National Landslide Risk Management Strategy by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).

Droughts: Prolonged periods of deficient rainfall leading to severe water shortages and agricultural distress.

Severely Impacted Regions:

• Western India: Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Central India: Vidarbha and Marathwada regions in Maharashtra.
• Southern India: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

The Marathwada region experienced drought conditions for four consecutive years (2015-2018), severely affecting agriculture and water availability.

Government Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).

Cyclones: Intense tropical storms originating in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea, characterized by high winds and heavy rainfall.

Severely Impacted Regions:

• Eastern Coast: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
• Western Coast: Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Cyclone Amphan (2020) was the costliest cyclone ever in the North Indian Ocean, causing damage worth over $13 billion in West Bengal.

Government Initiatives: National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) and the installation of Doppler Weather Radars along the coastline for early warning systems.

8. Microplastic Pollution in Indian Personal Care Products: An Emerging Concern

Sub: Env

Sec: Pollution

Why  in News:

• A recent study revealed significant microplastic contamination in personal care products (PCPs) in India, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.
• A study published in the Emerging Contaminants journal, led by Riya K. Alex from the Cochin University of Science and Technology, found harmful microplastics in Indian PCPs.

Key Points:

Microplastics: Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, including microbeads used in PCPs as exfoliants and delivery agents for active ingredients.

Microplastic Composition: The dominant polymer identified was polyethylene (PE), commonly used in face washes, scrubs, shower gels, and body scrubs.

Researchers examined 45 samples of PCPs marketed as “eco-friendly,” “natural,” or “organic” and found that 23.33% contained cellulose microbeads, with unclear biodegradability.

Sources: Commonly found in personal care products, synthetic textiles, and degraded larger plastic items.

Environmental Impact: Persist in ecosystems, causing pollution and harm to marine and terrestrial life.

Health Concerns: Detected in human organs such as the lungs, blood, and placenta, potentially leading to health risks.

Global Regulation: Several countries, including the U.S. and U.K., have banned microbeads in consumer products, though regulations vary worldwide.

 Microbead: Microbeads in these products varied in color and composition, with white microbeads being the most common and typically made of PE, polypropylene, or polyester.

Concentration Levels: The concentration of microbeads varied across different products, with shower gels containing the highest amount at 1.74 g per 30 g of product.

Material: Commonly made from polyethylene (PE) and other plastics.

Usage: Found in personal care products like exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and shower gels.

Environmental Impact: Due to their small size, they often pass through water filtration systems, leading to pollution in oceans and rivers.

Regulation: Many countries have banned or restricted the use of microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products due to environmental concerns.

Environmental and Health Concerns

• Bioplastic Findings: The study also detected polycaprolactone, a bioplastic used in pharmaceuticals, which, despite its applications, can harm aquatic life.
• Global Actions: Countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, and New Zealand have banned microbeads, but India lacks clear regulations on the issue.

Greenwashing Concerns

Greenwashing is the practice of misleading consumers by falsely portraying products or practices as environmentally friendly.

Tactics: Companies may use vague labels like “natural,” “organic,” or “eco-friendly” without substantial evidence or certifications.

Purpose: It aims to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and boost sales without making meaningful environmental contributions.

Impact: Greenwashing undermines genuine sustainability efforts and misleads consumers into supporting products that may still harm the environment.

Alternatives to Microbeads

The study recommends using natural exfoliants like coffee, apricots, walnut, kiwi seeds, and soluble cellulose beads as alternatives to plastic microbeads.

WHAT IS A POLYMER?

A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers, which are chemically bonded together. Polymers can be natural, like DNA and proteins, or synthetic, like plastics (e.g., polyethylene, nylon). They have diverse applications in materials science, medicine, and everyday products due to their flexibility, strength, and versatility.

Polyethylene (PE): A lightweight, durable polymer used widely in packaging, containers, and personal care products.

Microplastic Source: PE is commonly used in microbeads for exfoliation in personal care products.

Environmental Impact: Due to its non-biodegradable nature, PE contributes significantly to microplastic pollution.

Prevalence: PE’s widespread use and low cost make it the dominant microplastic found in many consumer products.

9. Centre Agrees to Further Talks with Trade Unions on Labour Codes and Related Issues

Sub : Eco

Sec: Unemployment and Inflation

Why This is in the News:

Recent discussions between the union Labour minister and Central Trade Unions (CTUs) have brought key labour-related concerns to the forefront. The CTUs have expressed dissatisfaction with the Labour Codes and demanded significant policy changes. The Minister has agreed to further discussions, reflecting ongoing debates over labour policies and their impact on workers.

Key Points and Analysis:

Background of the Meeting:

Participants: Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje, and leaders from ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs).

Agenda: Primarily focused on Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes announced in the Union Budget.

Trade Unions’ Concerns:

Labour Codes: The CTUs argue that the new Labour Codes favor large corporations over workers.

CTU demands and issues:

• Restoration of the non-contributory Old Pension Scheme.
• Convening of the Indian Labour Conference.
• Concerns related to new pension schemes
• Concerns related to National monetisation pipeline

Unions, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), have requested clarification on the scheme’s focus on the formal sector and called for measures to support the informal sector.

Indian Labour Conference (ILC)

• It is the apex level tripartite consultative committee in the Ministry of Labour & Employment to advise the Government on the issues concerning working class of the country. All the 12 Central Trade Union Organisations, Central Organisations of employers, all State Governments and Union Territories and Central Ministries/Departments concerned with the agenda items, are the members of the ILC.
• The first meeting of the Indian Labour Conference (then called Tripartite National Labour Conference) was held in 1942 and so far a total of 47 Sessions have been held.

Union Budget 2024-25: Introduction of Employment Linked Incentive Schemes and Internship Program

The finance minister unveiled three ELI schemes and a five-year internship program in the Union Budget for 2024-25.

Objective: The schemes are designed to enhance employment in the manufacturing sector and the formal economy.

Total Allocation: ₹2 lakh crore has been earmarked for employment and skilling initiatives, including the three ELI schemes.

First-Time Employment Scheme:

Duration: 2 years for enrollment, 3 years for expenditure.

Benefits: Provides a direct benefit transfer equivalent to one month’s salary (up to ₹15,000), distributed in three installments. Expected to benefit around 210,000 individuals.

Eligibility: Applies to first-time EPF enrollees earning less than ₹1 lakh per month. A minimum employment period of 12 months is required; early termination requires subsidy refund by the employer.

Job Creation in Manufacturing Scheme:

Duration: 2 years for enrollment, 6 years for expenditure.

Benefits: Incentivizes manufacturers to hire new employees, with an estimated benefit for about 30 lakh individuals.

Eligibility: Employers must hire a minimum number of first-time employees based on past EPF coverage.

Support to Employers Scheme:

Duration: 2 years for enrolment, 6 years for expenditure.

Benefits: Supports additional employment across all sectors with salaries up to ₹1 lakh per month, aiming to incentivize the hiring of approximately 50 lakh persons.

Eligibility: Targets employers meeting specific hiring thresholds.

Internship Program:

Scope: Offers internships to 1 crore youth at 500 top companies over five years.

Stipend and Support: Interns will receive ₹5,000 per month and a one-time ₹6,000 assistance. Companies are required to cover training costs and 10% of internship costs from CSR funds.

FOUR LABOUR CODES

Code on Wages, 2019:

• Consolidates existing wage laws into a single framework.
• Establishes a National Minimum Wage applicable across sectors.
• Mandates timely payment of wages and transparency in wage calculation.
• Ensures equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or other factors.

Code on Industrial Relations, 2020:

• Streamlines dispute resolution mechanisms for labor-related issues.
• Provides greater flexibility for employers in hiring, firing, and managing workforce.
• Regulates conditions for layoffs, retrenchment, and closures of establishments.
• Strengthens the process for registering and resolving industrial disputes.

Code on Social Security, 2020:

• Extends social security benefits, including health insurance and pensions, to informal sector workers.
• Mandates maternity benefits and other support for workers.
• Consolidates multiple social security schemes into a unified framework.
• Improves coverage and compliance for social security provisions.

Code on Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions, 2020:

• Sets comprehensive safety and health standards for various industries and workplaces.
• Mandates regular safety inspections and compliance checks.
• Establishes mechanisms for reporting and addressing workplace hazards.
• Enhances worker protection through improved enforcement of safety regulations.

National Pension System (NPS):

Introduction: Replaced OPS on January 1, 2004.

Regulation: Administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the PFRDA Act, 2013.

Funding: Employees and government make defined contributions; employees contribute 10% of basic pay and DA, with a matching 14% contribution from the government.

Opposition: Lower guaranteed returns compared to OPS, and mandatory employee contributions have led to calls for a return to OPS.

Fiscal Implications of UPS:

• Debt-to-GDP Ratio: UPS may strain government finances, contributing to a high debt-to-GDP ratio.
• Fiscal Burden: A Reserve Bank of India study indicates that if all states adopt OPS, the fiscal burden could be up to 4.5 times that of NPS, potentially reaching 0.9% of GDP annually by 2060.

10. How ISRO designed humanoid skull which will be used in Gaganyaan

Subject: Science and Tech

Sec: Space Sector

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) uncrewed Gaganyaan mission in 2025 will carry the female half humanoid Vyomitra (literally “space friend”). The design for Vyomitra’s skull, fashioned by ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit  in the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was finalised recently.

What are humanoids?

• Humanoids (or half-humanoids) are robotic systems designed to resemble humans — Vyomitra comes with movable arms, a torso, a face, and a neck — and function autonomously in space.
• Robotic systems are used to assist astronauts in performing repetitive and/or dangerous tasks in space, like cleaning of solar panels or fixing faulty equipment located outside the spacecraft.
• This protects astronauts, and allows them to work on the scientific mission at hand.

Why will ISRO send a humanoid to space next year?

• Next year’s mission is primarily designed to be a technology demonstration of the Vyomitra.
• ISRO will evaluate the performance of the robot’s technology to measure the likely impacts of space travel on human beings, ahead of India’s first crewed mission planned for later in 2025.

How did ISRO design the humanoid skull for Vyomitra?

• The recently-designed Vyomitra skull will house the key components of the robot.
• It has been made using an aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg) known for its high flexibility, light weight, heat resistance, and mechanical properties.
• This alloy is commonly used for making automotive engines and aerospace components.
• Crucially, the skull has been designed to be incredibly sturdy, capable of withstanding some extreme vibrational loads that are experienced during a rocket launch.
• The high strength of the aluminium alloy offers a yield strength of more than 220 MegaPascals (1 MPa = 1 million pascals).
• The humanoid skull model has dimensions of 200mm x 200mm, and weighs only 800 grams.
• AlSi10Mg is also amenable to the Additive Manufacturing (or AM) technique. This is how the humanoid skull was created.

Additive Manufacturing (or AM) technique:

• AM enables easy induction of lattice structures, as incorporated in the humanoid skull design.
• It helps in significant reduction of the overall weight of the final product. Unlike conventional manufacturing techniques, AM follows a process in which a desired part or product is created in a layered manner, a commonly deployed mechanism in 3D printing.

What are the tasks that Vyommitra will perform in space?

• The Vyommitra humanoid will test the ground for the human spaceflight.
• Once fully developed for the unmanned flight, she will be able to perform activities which will include,

1. Procedures to use equipment on board the spacecraft’s crew module such as safety mechanisms and switches,
2. Receiving and acting on commands sent from ground stations.

• The functions listed for the humanoid include attaining launch and orbital postures, responding to the environment, generating warnings, replacing CO2 canisters, monitoring the crew module, etc.
• Vyommitra will have lip movement synchronised to mimic speech.
• She can also double up as an artificial buddy to an astronaut – providing audio inputs on aspects like the health of the spacecraft during the launch, landing and orbital phases of the manned mission.
• She will report back to Earth on the changes occurring in the crew module during the spaceflight and return.
• This will enable ISRO to understand the safety levels required in the crew module that will eventually fly a human being.

11. Current Chandipura virus infection in India considered the largest in 20 years: WHO

Subject: Science and Tech

Sec: Disease

Context:

The current outbreak of Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in India is considered the largest in the past 20 years and while authorities are making efforts to control the transmission of CHPV, further transmission is possible in the coming weeks, considering the favourable conditions for vector populations during the monsoon season in affected areas, warned the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its latest disease outbreak news on acute encephalitis syndrome due to Chandipura virus (India).

Rhabdoviridae family:

• CHPV is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family and is known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks of AES in western, central and southern parts of India, especially during the monsoon season.
• It is transmitted by vectors such as sandflies, mosquitoes and ticks.
• The case fatality ratio from CHPV infection is high (56-75%), and there is no specific treatment or vaccine available. 
• According to the note released by WHO, survival can be increased with early access to care and intensive supportive care of patients. 

CHPV infection:

• CHPV is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
• Other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies.
• Several species of sandflies like Phlebotominesandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti (which is also the vector for dengue) are considered vectors of CHPV.

Rhabdoviridae virus:

• Rhabdoviridaeis a family of negative-strand RNA virus.
• Vertebrates (including mammals, humans), invertebrates, plants, fungi and protozoansserve as natural.
• Diseases associated with member viruses include rabies encephalitiescaused by the rabies virus, and flu-like symptoms in humans.
• The individual virus particles (virions) of rhabdoviruses are composed of RNA, protein, carbohydrate and lipid. 

How is it transmitted?

• The virus resides in the salivary gland of these insects, and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates like domestic animals through bites.
• The infection caused by the virus can then reach the central nervous systemwhich can lead to encephalitis — inflammation of the active tissues of the brain.

Symptoms of CHPV infection:

• Initially with flu-like symptoms.
• Acute onset of fever
• Body ache
• Headache
• It may then progress to altered sensorium or seizuresand
• Other symptoms such asrespiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anaemia.
• The infection often progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may then lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalisation.
• Susceptibility has largely remained limited to children below 15 years.

How can the infection be managed?

• There is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for treatment.
• Disease progression can be as rapid as a patient reporting high fever in the morning, and their kidneys or liver being affected by the evening. This makes it harder to manage the symptoms.

Prevention of CHPV infection:

• Clean Surrounding: Chandipura virus is mostly infected from sand flies that breed over garbage, little and dirty areas.
• Avoid stagnation of water.
• Keep kids away from dustbins in public spaces.