Daily Prelims Notes 29 September 2024

September 29, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

29 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. With new scheme, sun shines on rooftop solar installations

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Economy

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited solar panels installed under PM Muft Bijli Solar Yojana in Gujarat.

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Solar Yojana (PMSY):

It is a central government initiative to encourage the adoption of rooftop solar systems by offering significant financial subsidies and simplifying the installation process.
The households will be able to get up to 300 units of electricity free every month.

Subsidy Provisions:

60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW capacity.
40% subsidy for additional costs between 2 kW and 3 kW capacity.
Subsidy capped at 3 kW capacity.

Current Status (as of August 2024):

Gujarat leads the states in terms of installed rooftop solar capacity with 4,195 MW, followed by Maharashtra at 2,487 MW, and Rajasthan at 1,269 MW.
Cumulative national capacity stands at 13,889 MW.

Surya Gujarat Scheme (2019):

State government scheme to adopt rooftop solar, launched in 2019.
Gave 40% subsidy for systems up to 3 kW.
The scheme has boosted Gujarat’s performance.

Key Benefits

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana offers several significant benefits to participating households:

Free Electricity for Households: The scheme provides households with free electricity by installing subsidised rooftop solar panels, significantly reducing their energy costs.
Reduced Electricity Costs for the Government: By promoting the widespread use of solar power, the scheme is expected to save the government an estimated ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs.
Increased Use of Renewable Energy: The scheme encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix in India.
Reduced Carbon Emissions: The transition to solar energy under this scheme will help lower carbon emissions, supporting India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

2. Privately placed debt issuance, ECBs surge on lower cost of funds

Sub: Eco

Sec: External sector

Context:

Over the past three years, corporates have increasingly turned to private debt placements and external commercial borrowings, with both methods seeing a significant surge in funds raised.

Increase in Privately Placed Debt:

Funds raised through privately placed debt rose to ₹9.8 lakh crore in 2023 from over ₹6.52 lakh crore in 2021.
Privately placed debt is a type of debt financing where a business or institution sells securities to a select group of investors, rather than publicly.
It offers a way for companies to raise capital without having to meet the same legal and disclosure requirements as public offerings.

External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs):

Over ₹3.4 lakh crore was raised through ECBs in 2023.
External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) refers to the borrowing of funds by Indian companies from foreign lenders. ECBs can be in the form of loans or bonds.
More companies are opting for ECBs due to tax advantages, as there is no withholding tax on interest payments made through ECBs via Gift City.
ECB loans from development financial institutions (DFIs) are often cheaper than bonds and do not incur additional hedge costs or withholding taxes.

Debt issuance:

Debt issuance is an approach used by both the government and public companies to raise funds by selling bonds to external investors.
In exchange, investors receive interest payments on their investment over time, plus the bond’s face value when it matures.

Equity issuance:

Equity issuance is a strategic process by which a company sells new shares to investors, raising capital without incurring debt.
The investors who buy these shares become partial owners of the company and may receive dividends or benefit from an increase in the stock price.

Shift from Public Equity to Debt Issuance:

While public equity issuances and Qualified Institutional Placements remain popular, debt issuances are gaining momentum due to favourable ratings allowing companies to borrow at moderate rates.
Higher bank credit costs have pushed many firms towards privately placed debt, which is often purchased by mutual funds and insurance companies.
Banks view loans to NBFCs and unsecured loans as higher risk, leading non-banks to rely more on privately placed debt.
The BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector accounts for the largest debt issuances.

Qualified Institutional Placement:

A Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) is a way for companies listed on Indian stock exchanges to raise money by selling shares or other securities to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs).
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) are institutional investors that are deemed to have a higher level of financial sophistication and are eligible to invest in certain types of securities without the same level of regulatory oversight as individual retail investors.
e.g: mutual funds, insurance companies

Bond Market Trends:

Cheaper Bond Market: The Indian bond market has become less expensive, especially for companies with good credit ratings and strong cash flow.
The interest rate differential between the US 10-year Treasury yield and the Indian 10-year government bond yield has narrowed to below 2-2.5%, down from the historical range of 5-4%. This has made the Indian bond market attractive.

3. Centre streamlines cybercrime fighting mechanism

Sub: SCI

Sec: Awareness in IT

Context:

In an effort to further streamline cyber security and measures against cybercrime, President Droupadi Murmu allocated responsibilities to three Ministries and the National Security Council Secretariat.
Accordingly, the Cabinet Secretariat has notified changes in Allocation of Business Rules.
The borderless nature of cyberspace poses significant challenges for crime prevention and response.
This streamlined approach aims to bolster India’s defence against the increasing threat of cybercrime while improving the overall cybersecurity infrastructure.

Responsibilities under the notification:

Department of Telecommunications: Responsible for security of telecom networks.
Electronics & Information Technology Ministry (MeitY): Responsible for cybersecurity matters as per the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Internal Security Department (Home Ministry): Responsible for matters related to cybercrime.
National Security Council Secretariat: Responsible for overall coordination and strategic direction for cybersecurity.

Government Initiatives for cyber security:

Meghdoot Cloud Suite: A free and open-source cloud solution developed to address cybersecurity needs.
Hardened Mobile operating system: Developed by C-DAC to enforce custom security policies on pre-built software in devices.
CERT-In: Designated as the national agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents.
National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Implemented by CERT-In to monitor and detect cybersecurity threats.

Coordination mechanism:

State Responsibility: States/UTs are tasked with prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes through their law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
Support from the Centre: The Centre provides advisories and financial assistance to States/UTs for capacity building of LEAs.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Established to strengthen comprehensive mechanisms for addressing cybercrimes.
Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs): Set up in seven regions (Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatnam, Guwahati) under I4C to enhance coordination among LEAs, focusing on cybercrime hotspots and multi-jurisdictional issues.

Cybercrime Statistics:

As per the data published by the NCRB, cases registered under the cybercrime head (involving communication devices as medium/target) during the period from 2020 to 2022 rose to around 66,000 from around 50,000.

4. Another Wayanad in making? A Karnataka village’s residents fear environmental fallout from laterite mining

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Physical Geo

Context:

Kallamundkuru village in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district has become a centre of controversy due to large-scale laterite soil mining. This sudden increase in mining activity has raised concerns among environmental activists and locals about its impact on the area’s ecology and people’s livelihoods.

Details:

Location and Mining Details:
- Kallamundkuru village is in Moodabidri taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka.
- The laterite layer is at least 30 meters thick, with water-rich loose soil underneath.
Environmental Concerns:
- The area receives over 400 millimetres of rain annually, with heavy rainfall in July and August.
- Environmentalists worry about soil degradation, water resource depletion, erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of natural water flow.
- There are fears of a disaster similar to recent events in Wayanad, Kerala.
- There are demands for sustainable mining guidelines, including proper land restoration and ongoing environmental monitoring.

Laterite soils in India:

Laterite soil is a type of soil found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Formation:
- Laterite soil forms in hot, wet climates through a process called lateralization.
- It’s the result of intense weathering and leaching of parent rock material.
Composition:
- Rich in iron and aluminium oxides
- Low in silica content
- Often contains minerals like kaolinite, goethite, and gibbsite
Characteristics:
- Typically reddish or reddish-brown in color due to high iron oxide content
- Can harden significantly when exposed to air and sun
- Generally poor in nutrients for plant growth
- Often has a high clay content
Distribution:
- Found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia
- In India, it’s common in states like Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and the hilly areas of Odisha and Assam
Uses:
- Construction material (when cut into blocks and dried)
- Road construction
- As a source of aluminium and other minerals in some cases
Agricultural implications:
- Generally considered poor for agriculture due to low fertility
- Requires careful management and fertilization for productive farming
Environmental concerns:
- Mining of laterite can lead to environmental issues like erosion and habitat destruction
- Removal of laterite can affect local hydrology and soil stability
Scientific importance:
- Studied for insights into long-term climate changes and geological processes

Source: DTE

5. Echoes of a Forgotten Maritime Legacy

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

The resurfacing of World War II-era pillboxes on the beaches of Visakhapatnam, India.

About the pillboxes:

Etymology:
- The term “pillbox” comes from their resemblance to early 20th-century medicine containers.
Recent Discovery:
- Monsoon erosion has uncovered these pillboxes, which were long buried under sand.
- Two pillboxes:

One at K. Beach, now visible due to erosion.
Another at Jalaripeta fishing colony, still buried under sand and debris.

Historical Context:
- Pillboxes are small concrete fortifications built during World War II.
- They were part of a defensive network to protect Visakhapatnam from potential enemy invasions.
- Visakhapatnam was considered a key target due to its important naval base and natural deep harbour.
Design and Purpose:
- The pillboxes have loopholes for defenders to fire weapons.
- They were strategically positioned along the coastline.
- Their main purpose was to guard against threats from Axis forces, particularly Japanese submarines and aircraft.
Environmental Factors:
- The uncovering of these structures is due to beach erosion caused by monsoons.
- Environmental experts are concerned about increasing beach erosion in Visakhapatnam.

Source: TH

6. Export ban on non-basmati white rice removed

Sub: Eco

Sec: External sector

Context:

The Union government has decided to allow exports of non-basmati white rice (semi-milled or wholly-milled, whether or not polished or glazed) with immediate effect, reversing the ban on such exports imposed in July 2023.

Details:

It has set a minimum export price of $490 a tonne.
It has been removed from the prohibited list for exports to the free list with immediate effect, subject to the minimum export price.
The Ministry of Finance reduced the duty on parboiled rice from 20% to 10%.
18 million tonnes of non-basmati rice were exported annually before the restrictions were imposed last year.
The export of premium varieties of white rice to markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and eastern Asian countries will now be revived.
Exports dropped 50% because of the restrictions.

Basmati Rice:

Basmati rice is a type of aromatic long-grain rice, primarily grown in India and Pakistan.
Key characteristics include:
- Distinct nutty flavor and fragrant aroma
- Long, slender grains that elongate when cooked
- Fluffy texture when cooked properly
- Lower glycemic index compared to other white rice varieties
- Often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine

Basmati Rice Production in India:

India is the world’s largest producer of basmati rice. The crop is primarily grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, spanning several northern Indian states.
Major Producing States: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi.
Key importers of Indian basmati rice include Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, and European countries.
Top Basmati Rice Producers in India: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir

GI Tag for Basmati Rice:

Basmati rice received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India in 2016.
The GI tag covers basmati rice grown in specific regions of: Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Parts of western Uttar Pradesh, Parts of Jammu & Kashmir

Non-Basmati Rice:

It includes a wide variety of rice types, such as:
- Short-grain rice (e.g., sushi rice)
- Medium-grain rice (e.g., Arborio used in risotto)
- Other long-grain varieties (e.g., Jasmine rice)
- Brown rice variants
Non-basmati rice types can vary greatly in flavor, texture, and cooking properties depending on the specific variety.

Parboiled Rice:

Parboiled rice is rice that has undergone a special processing method before milling. The process involves:
- Soaking the rice in water
- Steaming it under pressure
- Drying it before milling
Key characteristics of parboiled rice include:
- Firmer, less sticky grains when cooked
- Higher nutrient content than regular white rice (some nutrients from the bran migrate into the grain during processing)
- Slightly yellowish colour
- Longer cooking time than regular white rice
- Often preferred in certain dishes for its texture and ability to remain separate when cooked.
- Both basmati and non-basmati rice can be parboiled. The parboiling process is a method of treatment rather than a variety of rice itself.

Source: TH

7. Can Kerala’s Policy to Limit Antibiotics Misuse Help Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Kerala has launched a pioneering initiative, “Operation Amrith,” to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by regulating the use of antibiotics, particularly focusing on banning the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics without a prescription. This has made Kerala the first Indian state to enforce such stringent rules, highlighting the state’s proactive measures in the fight against AMR.

Operation Amrith

Kerala initiated “Operation Amrith” (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention for Total Health) in an effort to halt the OTC sale of antibiotics without prescriptions by the end of 2024.

AMRITH programme enforces the original H1 rule, mandating a doctor’s prescription for acquiring any class of antibiotics.

Enforcement of the 2011 H1 Rule

The H1 Rule was introduced by the Indian government in 2011 as part of an amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Its primary objective is to regulate the sale of certain antibiotics and other drugs to control their overuse and misuse, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

In January 2024, Kerala became the first state in India to enforce the 2011 H1 rule that prohibits the sale of all antibiotics (first, second, and third-line) without a prescription. Even though the Indian government modified the 2011 rule in 2013 to allow OTC sales of first-line antibiotics, Kerala chose to uphold the original 2011 regulation.

In 2013, following the Chennai Declaration document and initiative by medical societies in India, the Indian government modified the rule to limit the OTC restriction to second and third-line antibiotics, allowing the sale of first-line antibiotics without a prescription.

Aim of modification: This modification was aimed to ensure that life-saving antibiotics remained accessible to the public, especially in remote areas of the country where doctors might not be readily available.

About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication previously used to treat them. It is also known as antibiotic resistance.

As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body.

The WHO defines antimicrobial resistance as a microorganism’s resistance to an antimicrobial drug that was once able to treat an infection by that microorganism.

The resistance to antimicrobials is a natural biological phenomenon. However, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics accelerates the development of AMR.

Microbial resistance to antibiotics has made it harder to treat infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), blood poisoning (septicaemia) and several food-borne diseases.

8. Surviving in India’s Salt Desert: The Resilience of the Indian Wild Ass in the Rann of Kutch

Sub: Geo

Sec: Mapping

Why in News

The Rann of Kutch, particularly the Little Rann of Kutch, remains a significant ecological region as it supports the last population of the Indian wild ass, also known as khur. Conservation efforts have helped the species rebound from near-extinction, though conflicts with human activities, such as salt farming and agriculture, threaten the delicate ecosystem.

Geological Evolution of the Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is a salt desert that evolved between 150-200 million years ago when the Arabian Sea extended into the region. Geological upheavals raised a landmass that separated the Kutch basin from the sea. The Little Rann of Kutch is situated at the end of the Gulf of Kutch, covering approximately 5,000 square kilometers, primarily in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district.

About Rann of Kutch

It is a large area of salt marshes that span the border between India and Pakistan.

It is located mostly in the Kutch district of Gujarat, with a minor portion extending into the Sindh province of Pakistan.

It is divided into the Great Rann and Little Rann. It extends east and west, with the Thar Desert to the north and the low hills of Kutch to the south.

The Indus River Delta lies to the west in southern Pakistan.

The Little Rann of Kutch lies southeast of the Great Rann, and extends southwards to the Gulf of Kutch.

The climate of the ecoregion is: Temperatures average 44 °C during the hot summer months, and can reach highs of 50 °C. During the winter the temperature can drop to or below freezing.

The Rann of Kutch is the only large flooded grasslands zone in the Indomalayan realm. The Indomalayan realm is one of the eight biogeographic realms.

The area has desert on one side and the sea on the other enables various ecosystems, including mangroves and desert vegetation.

The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the Indian wild ass (khur). To conserve this species, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (IWAS) was created in 1973.

In 2008, to project Kutch as an international nature destination, the Government of Gujarat designated the area as the Kutch Biosphere Reserve.

The Little Rann contributes to 30% of India’s salt production, and the salt industry attracts an annual influx of about 5,000 families during the salt farming season.

About Indian Wild Ass: The Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur), also called the Indian onager or, in the local Gujarati language, Ghudkhur and Khur, is a subspecies of the onager native to South Asia.

It is currently listed as Near Threatened by IUCN.

The khur is a hardy animal adapted to harsh, arid environments. It survives on xerophytic vegetation and has an efficient digestive system that processes the region’s dry flora.

These animals can run at speeds of up to 70 km per hour on the flat terrain.

Khur closely resemble zebras in size and live up to 21 years. Female khurs (mares) live in stable groups, while males (stallions) are often solitary, especially during the breeding season.

The gestation period is long, lasting 11 to 12 months, and mares often experience concurrent pregnancy and lactation.

Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary: Located in the Little Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat state of India. It is spread over an area of 4954 km².

The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1972 and came under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The sanctuary is one of the last places on earth where the endangered wild ass sub-species Indian Wild Ass (Khur) (Equus hemionus khur) belonging to Asiatic Wild Ass species Onager (Equus hemionus) can be spotted.

Agariyas: Agariyas have traditionally been making salt from underground brine in the Little Rann of Kutch.

The 60,000-odd Agariyas at the Little Rann produce 30 percent of India’s inland salt. The forest department is issuing ‘Agar’ cards to some Agariyas for extraction of salt. The card is only valid for a year and lists 23 conditions. Use of heavy machinery is not allowed.

In 1973, the area was designated as a Wild Ass Sanctuary and their (Agariyas) access to it was restricted by the forest department.

The latest acknowledgment gives the Agariyas official access to land and in turn, access to bank finance and markets. But legal recognition of their traditional rights, by rights settlement, is still awaited.

The wild ass population improved from a meager 362 in 1969 to 4451 in 2014 and 6082 in 2020, shows that salt production activities have no negative impact on wildlife.

The forest department stated that as per the Mines Act, 1952, salt production is not a mining activity.

About Maldharis: The Maldharis are a tribal herdsmen community in Gujarat, known for managing livestock.

The term Maldhari means “keeper of animal stock.” They have lived in the Gir National Park and Banni Grasslands for over a thousand years, co-existing with lions, which the park was established to protect.

The community breeds Banni Buffaloes, a species native to the region, well-adapted to Kutch’s hot climate.

9. Concerns Over Adulteration in Tirupati Laddu Ghee: A Detailed Analysis

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why In News

The iconic Tirupati laddu prasadams, known for their religious and cultural significance, have come under scrutiny after reports suggested that the ghee used in their preparation may have been adulterated with fats from multiple sources, including animal fats. This has raised concerns about the quality and authenticity of the ghee being used in the sacred offerings.

Background: The Tirupati laddu, offered at the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh, is traditionally made with cow ghee. Recent reports indicate that the ghee used might have been adulterated with fat from sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats.

Allegations of Adulteration

A technical report by the Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) found that the ghee used in Tirupati laddus was adulterated with a range of fats, including:

Vegetable fats: Soya bean oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, wheat germ oil, maize germ oil, and cottonseed oil.

Animal fats: Fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (pig fat).

Other fats: Coconut oil, palm kernel fat, and palm oil.

Process to Detect Adulteration in Milk Fat

Milk fat, like other organic fats, consists of triglycerides, which are molecules composed of glycerol and fatty acids. These triglycerides vary based on the source of the fat. The method used to identify adulteration involves gas chromatography, a sophisticated technique used in the dairy industry to separate and analyze the chemical composition of fats.

Triglyceride patterns: These differ depending on the source of the fat (cow ghee, goat milk, vegetable oils, or animal fats).

About triglyceride: It is a type of glyceride composed of a single glycerol molecule chemically bonded (esterified) with three fatty acids. It is the primary form of fat found in both animal fat and vegetable oils.

Sources: Found in both plant-based oils (like olive, sunflower, and soybean oils) and animal fats (like butter, lard, and fish oils).

Energy Storage: Triglycerides serve as a major energy reserve in animals and humans, stored in fat cells (adipocytes).

Role in Health: Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood can be a risk factor for heart diseases, while adequate levels are necessary for maintaining energy balance.

Gas chromatography: A technique that provides a characteristic wave pattern representing the proportions of different types of triglycerides in a sample.

What is Gas chromatography? It is an analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. It is widely used in chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, food testing, and forensic science.

Components:

Carrier Gas: Usually helium or nitrogen, used to carry the sample through the column.

Column: Packed with a stationary phase, this is where the separation of compounds occurs.

Detector: Identifies and quantifies compounds as they exit the column. Common detectors include Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and Mass Spectrometer (MS).

Dietz Precht method: This method uses five equations to calculate ‘s-values,’ which can detect specific types of adulteration.

The method identifies adulteration in dairy products by comparing the triglyceride patterns of pure cow ghee with foreign fats like vegetable oils or animal fats.

Process: Involves five specific equations that generate ‘s-values’, which indicate the presence of different adulterants.

s1: Detects adulteration with oils like soya bean, sunflower, and rapeseed.

s2: Detects coconut and palm kernel fat.

s3: Points to palm oil and beef tallow.

s4: Identifies lard (pig fat).

s5: Total adulterated fat in the sample.

Application: The method is widely used in dairy laboratories and is recommended by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) for detecting adulterants in ghee.

Significance: Detects even small quantities of foreign fats and ensures the purity of dairy products. It is particularly relevant for food safety and consumer protection in India, given the economic and cultural significance of ghee.