Daily Prelims Notes 5 March 2024

March 5, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

Daily Prelims Notes

5 March 2024

Table Of Contents

1. RBI Tasks NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. for Interoperable Internet Banking System

Subject: Economy

Section: Monetary Policy

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken steps to accelerate the settlement of funds for merchants by directing NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL) to implement an interoperable system for Internet Banking.

RBI emphasizes the benefits it will bring to various payment transactions such as income tax, insurance premiums, mutual fund payments, and e-commerce.

Current Scenario and Challenges:

Non-Interoperability: Presently, transactions processed through Payment Aggregators (PAs) lack interoperability. This means that each bank needs to integrate separately with different PAs of various online merchants. With multiple PAs in the ecosystem, it becomes challenging for banks to integrate with each one individually.
Delays and Settlement Risks: The absence of a standardized payment system and rules leads to delays in the receipt of payments by merchants and poses settlement risks.

Objective of the Interoperable System:

Facilitate Quicker Settlement: The primary goal of the new interoperable system is to expedite the settlement of funds for merchants, enabling faster and smoother transactions.
Simplified Transactions: By creating an interoperable framework, customers will no longer need specific arrangements between the merchant’s PA and their bank for payments.

RBI’s Approval and Implementation Timeline:

Approval to NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd.: The RBI has approved NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. to implement the interoperable system for Internet banking transactions.
Expected Launch: The implementation of this new system is anticipated within the current calendar year, promising a more efficient and seamless payment experience.

Benefits for Stakeholders:

Merchants:
- Faster and more reliable settlement of funds.
- Reduced settlement risks and delays in receiving payments.
Banks:
- Simplified integration process with a standardized interoperable system.
- Enhanced efficiency in handling Internet banking transactions.
Customers:
- Seamless payment experience without the need for multiple arrangements.
- Quicker processing of transactions for various services such as insurance, mutual funds, and e-commerce.

Conclusion:

The RBI’s directive to implement an interoperable Internet banking system through NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. marks a significant stride towards streamlining digital payments in India.

NPCI – National Payments Corporation of India

About: NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
Role: NPCI develops and operates payment systems like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), and more.

NBBL – NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd.

About: NBBL is a subsidiary of NPCI, specifically focused on the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).
Role: NBBL operates the BBPS, which is a centralized bill payment system in India that allows users to pay bills and make recurring payments

BBPS – Bharat Bill Payment System

About: BBPS is a centralized system in India for payment of bills and other services.
Role: It provides a one-stop solution for payment of utility bills, such as electricity, water, gas, telephone, and more. Users can make these payments through multiple channels, including online platforms, mobile apps, agents, and bank branches.

In brief:

NPCI is the overarching organization responsible for retail payments in India.
NBBL is its subsidiary dedicated to operating the BBPS, which is a centralized bill payment system allowing users to pay various bills through different channels.

2. Indian Start-ups Urge CCI to Intervene in Google App Removal Dispute

Subject: Economy

Section: National Income

A group representing Indian start-ups has taken its battle against Google to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), requesting the regulator to mandate the reinstatement of apps removed by Google for alleged policy violations.

This move marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict with the U.S. tech giant within a crucial market.

Background:

Google’s Action: On a recent Friday, Google acted by removing over 100 Indian apps from its platform, citing violations of its policies. Notable apps were among those removed.
Policy Violations: The apps were removed due to non-compliance with Google’s policy, which requires payment of a service fee when in-app payment options other than Google’s are utilized.
Antitrust Directive: This dispute is further fueled by the backdrop of an antitrust directive from 2022. The directive, aimed at tech giants like Google, prohibits them from taking adverse actions against companies using alternate billing systems.

Start-ups’ Appeal to CCI:

Anticompetitive Allegations: The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) urging the CCI to intervene in the matter and labeled Google’s app removal as a “brazen move” that is anticompetitive in nature. The group believes that Google’s actions are detrimental to the market’s competitiveness and requested CCI to instruct Google to reverse its decision, emphasizing the potential “irreparable harm” that Google’s actions could cause to the entire market.

Google’s Response and Public Criticism:

Denial of Wrongdoing: Google has denied any wrongdoing in this matter and refrained from commenting on the letter sent to CCI.
Criticism from Indian Companies: The app removal has garnered criticism from Indian companies, many of which have had longstanding disagreements with Google over its practices.

Key Points:

Market Impact: The dispute between Google and Indian start-ups has wider implications for the Indian app market’s competitiveness and the freedom of companies to use alternate billing systems.
Regulatory Intervention: ADIF’s appeal to the CCI reflects a growing demand for regulatory oversight and intervention to ensure fair practices in the digital ecosystem.
Awaiting Response: Both Google and the CCI have yet to respond to the recent developments, leaving the fate of the removed apps and the broader market dynamics in question.

Conclusion:

The clash between Google and Indian start-ups over app removals underscores the challenges faced by tech platforms operating in India’s burgeoning digital landscape.

With calls for regulatory scrutiny and demands for fair competition growing louder, the outcome of this dispute will be closely watched by stakeholders across the industry.

Competition Commission of India

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a regulatory body established by the Government of India to enforce the Competition Act, 2002.

Overview:

Establishment: The CCI was constituted in March 2009 as a statutory body responsible for promoting and sustaining competition in markets, preventing anti-competitive practices, and protecting the interests of consumers.
Repeal of MRTP Act: It replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act), following the recommendations of the Raghavan Committee.

Composition:

The Commission is composed of:
- One Chairperson
- Six Members
These members are appointed by the Central Government.
The Chairperson and Members are whole-time members of the Commission.

Competition Act, 2002:

Purpose: The Competition Act, 2002, was enacted to promote competition, prevent anti-competitive practices, and ensure fair trade practices in India.
Prohibitions:
- Anti-Competitive Agreements: The Act prohibits agreements that significantly affect competition.
- Abuse of Dominant Position: It regulates entities that hold a dominant position in a market to prevent abuse of such position.
- Combinations: The Act regulates mergers, acquisitions, and combinations that may have an adverse impact on competition.
Establishment of CCI and Competition Appellate Tribunal:
- The Act led to the establishment of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as the primary regulatory authority.
- It also established the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) for hearing appeals against the decisions of the CCI.
Amendments:
- The Act was amended in 2007 by the Competition (Amendment) Act to further strengthen competition regulations.
Replacement of COMPAT with NCLAT:
- In 2017, the Government replaced the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

The Competition Commission of India plays a crucial role in promoting fair competition, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring a level playing field for businesses operating in India’s markets.

3. Scrutiny on De Minimis Trade Rule: Impact on Online Shopping and U.S. Economy

Subject: Economy

Section: External Sector

The de minimis exception, a trade rule allowing duty-free entry of parcels under $800 per person per day, is under intense scrutiny as it shapes the landscape of online shopping and raises concerns about its impact on American competitiveness, consumer safety, and trade practices with non-market economies like China.

Impact of De Minimis Rule:

De Minimis Exception: The de minimis exception allows parcels valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free per person per day. This rule has enabled online retailers to offer extremely low prices, making it attractive to American consumers.

Scrutiny and Concerns:

Lawmakers’ Concerns: Lawmakers are now questioning about the rule facilitating the entry of products made by forced labor, illicit drugs, or unsafe materials into the U.S.
Drug Trafficking Concerns: A group of 40 lawmakers has raised concerns about the de minimis trade facilitating the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into the U.S.
Legislative Actions: Lawmakers have introduced legislation to exclude non-market economies like China from the de minimis rule. The proposed bills aim to make the practice reciprocal, aligning with the U.S.’s trade objectives.

Defense of the De Minimis Rule:

Industry Defense: The National Foreign Trade Council argues that restricting its use would lead to increased costs for American consumers and small businesses.
Impact on Consumers: Critics of changes to the de minimis rule argue that it could significantly increase the cost of online purchases for consumers. For example, a $50 package could double in price if the rule is amended.

Trade Figures and Growth:

Surge in De Minimis Packages: The number of de minimis packages entering the U.S. has skyrocketed, exceeding 1 billion in 2023, up from 134 million in 2015.
China’s Dominance: China is the largest source of retail packages entering the U.S. under the de minimis rule, accounting for the majority of the nearly 3 million small parcels entering daily.
E-commerce Growth: Cross-border e-commerce, including de minimis packages, has seen significant growth. China’s online sales expanded nearly 20% in 2023, reaching $257 billion, with the U.S. being the biggest market.

Potential Impact of Repeal:

Financial Impact: A repeal or amendment of the de minimis rule could add $20 to $30 to each transaction, making it financially challenging for businesses to maintain their low prices.
Trade Dynamics: Changes to the de minimis rule could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy, international trade relations, and the competitiveness of American businesses in the global market.

Conclusion:

The debate over the de minimis trade rule reflects broader concerns about trade practices, consumer affordability, and the role of online shopping in the modern economy.

As lawmakers and industry stakeholders navigate this issue, the future of online retail, particularly in relation to non-market economies like China, remains uncertain. The outcome of this scrutiny could reshape the landscape of cross-border e-commerce and consumer choices in the years to come.

About De Minimis rule

The De Minimis rule, created in 1938, refers to a threshold below which certain goods or transactions are exempt from certain taxes, duties, regulations, or reporting requirements.

The term “De Minimis” is Latin for “of minimal concern” or “trifling.”

Origin and Purpose:

The De Minimis concept was initially introduced in the Tariff Act of 1930 in the United States. It was designed to simplify customs procedures and reduce administrative burdens on low-value imports.
The rule recognizes that the cost and effort of collecting duties or enforcing regulations on very small transactions or goods may not be worthwhile compared to the revenue or benefit gained.
It aims to facilitate the flow of small-value shipments across borders while allowing customs agencies to focus their resources on higher-value or riskier imports.
For example, in the context of international trade, if the value of a shipment falls below the De Minimis threshold, it may not be subject to customs duties or import taxes.

Evolution and Changes:

Over time, the De Minimis threshold has been adjusted to reflect changing economic conditions, inflation, and trade practices.
In the United States, the De Minimis threshold for imports has increased over the years. For instance:
- The original De Minimis threshold in 1938 was set at $5.
- It was increased to $200 in 1994.
- In 2016, it was further raised to $800 per person per day for most goods imported into the U.S.

Implications:

Benefits for Consumers: Higher De Minimis thresholds can benefit consumers by allowing them to import low-cost goods without incurring additional duties or taxes.
Simplification of Customs Procedures: It helps streamline customs procedures, particularly for express shipments and e-commerce transactions.
Promotion of Trade: By reducing barriers to cross-border trade on low-value items, it encourages international commerce and access to global markets.
Challenges: Critics argue that excessively high De Minimis thresholds may disadvantage domestic producers by allowing cheap imports to flood the market. It can also make it challenging to enforce regulations related to product safety, intellectual property rights, and environmental standards.

Conclusion:

The De Minimis rule, established in 1938 and subsequently adjusted, plays a significant role in international trade, customs procedures, and consumer access to global markets. While it offers benefits such as simplified customs procedures and lower costs for consumers, it also raises questions about fair competition, revenue loss for governments, and regulatory enforcement. The threshold continues to be a subject of debate and consideration as trade practices evolve in the modern global economy.

4. Immunity won’t protect legislators taking bribes to vote in Parliament from criminal prosecution: Supreme Court

Subject: Polity

Section: Parliament

Context:

The Supreme Court of India, led by a seven-judge Bench, delivered a unanimous decision stating that parliamentary privilege or immunity does not shield legislators from criminal prosecution for bribery related to voting or speaking in Parliament or State Legislative Assemblies.

Historical Overruling:

This ruling overturns a 1998 Supreme Court decision (the JMM bribery case judgment) that previously granted lawmakers immunity from corruption prosecution if their bribed actions were executed as part of their legislative functions.
Chief Justice of India’s Observations:
- The Chief Justice emphasized that privileges and immunities should not be used to evade the general law, highlighting that corruption undermines the essence of Indian parliamentary democracy.
- He clarified that the act of bribery is considered complete once the corruption money is accepted, irrespective of the legislator’s subsequent actions within the House.

Implications for Parliamentary Immunity:

The Court rejected the notion that reducing parliamentary immunity would unjustly expose opposition members to a criminal investigation, arguing instead that bribed lawmakers compromise the constitution’s aspirational and deliberative ideals, thereby weakening democracy.
Criteria for Immunity:
- The judgment specified that parliamentary immunity could only be invoked to preserve the dignity and authority of the legislative body or in the exercise of a legislator’s rights to free speech and protest.
- Any claim for immunity that does not meet these criteria would not be accepted.
- The Court recognized that criminal courts and legislative houses have concurrent jurisdiction over bribery allegations, stating that one does not negate the jurisdiction of the other.

Background of the Appeal:

The ruling came in response to an appeal by JMM leader Sita Soren, accused of accepting a bribe during the 2012 Rajya Sabha elections.
The case revisited the controversial JMM bribery scandal of 1993 involving payments to MPs, including Sita Soren’s relatives, to secure their votes during a no-confidence motion against the then government.
Reaffirmation of Rule of Law: Chief Justice Chandrachud concluded that granting MPs immunity from bribery prosecution would undermine parliamentary democracy and contravene the rule of law, firmly positioning the judiciary against corruption within legislative bodies.

Parliamentary Privileges:

Parliamentary privileges are special rights, immunities and exemptions enjoyed by the two Houses of Parliament, their committees and their members.
These privileges are defined in Article 105 of the Indian Constitution.
Under these privileges, the members of Parliament are exempted from any civil liability (but not criminal liability) for any statement made or act done in the course of their duties.
The privileges are claimed only when the person is a member of the house.
As soon as s/he ends up being a member, the privileges are said to be called off.
Parliament has not made any special law to exhaustively codify all the privileges. They are rather based on five sources:
- Constitutional provisions
- Various laws made by Parliament
- Rules of both the Houses
- Parliamentary conventions
- Judicial interpretations

Privileges:

Freedom of Speech in Parliament:
- The freedom of speech and expression guaranteed to a citizen under Article 19(2) is different from the freedom of speech and expression provided to a member of the parliament.
- It has been guaranteed under Article 105(1) of the Indian constitution. But the freedom is subject to rules and orders which regulate the proceedings of the parliament.
- Limitations:
  - Freedom of speech should be in accordance with the constitutional provisions and subject to rules and procedures of the parliament, as stated under Article 118 of the Constitution.
  - Under Article 121 of the Constitution, the members of the parliament are restricted from discussing the conduct of the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
Freedom from Arrest:
- The members enjoy freedom from arrest in any civil case 40 days before and after the adjournment of the house and also when the house is in session.
- No member can be arrested from the limits of the parliament without the permission of the house to which s/he belongs so that there is no hindrance in performing their duties.
- If the detention of any members of the parliament is made, the chairman or the speaker should be informed by the concerned authority, of the reason for the arrest.
- But a member can be arrested outside the limits of the house on criminal charges against him under the Preventive Detention Act, the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), the National Security Act (NSA), or any such act.
Right to Prohibit the Publication of Proceedings:
- Article 105(2) of the Constitution, no person shall be held liable for publishing any reports, discussions etc. of the house under the authority of the member of the house.
- For paramount and national importance, it is essential that the proceedings should be communicated to the public to aware them of what is going on in the parliament.
Right to Exclude Strangers:
- The members of the house have the power and right to exclude strangers who are not members of the house from the proceedings. This right is very essential for securing free and fair discussion in the house.

Source: TH

5. GI recognition for Narasapur crochet lace craft revives hopes of struggling artisan

Subject: History

Section: Art and Culture

Context:

The Narasapur crochet lace craft from the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh has been awarded the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, revitalizing this traditional craft.

Details:

Conferred by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The craft is centralized around key trading hubs such as Narsapur and Palacole in West Godavari district and Razole and Amalapuram in the Konaseema region.
It supports nearly 15,000 women artisans who specialize in producing lace-based garments, home furnishings, and accessories.
Alankriti Lace Park in Narasapur town is run by the state government.

Tracing the origin:

The Narasapur crochet lace craft, which dates back to 1844, was introduced to local women in the Godavari region by Macrae and his wife, associated with a Christian missionary in Dummugudem (now in Telangana), Scotland.
They facilitated the sale of these products both in India and overseas. Despite challenges like the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929, the craft thrived, involving over 2,000 women by the early 1900s.

History of Narasapur:

The existence of Narsapur dates back to 1173 AD. Dutch people landed in Narsapur in 1626. Narsapur was used as a port by the Dutch and ships and boats were built here.
It was noted for its ship-building activity and some of the Europeans also were customers at this place; small boats are still built in Narsapur.
In the 16th century, Portuguese established their own factory which remained as a trading centre for a few years.
In the 18th century, Narsapur became an important trading port. From this port, teak was exported to other regions. The ports at Kakinada and Narsapuram became famous for manufacturing ships.
At present there is no port handling at Narsapur.
According to Alexander Hamilton’s A New Account of the East Indies (1727):
- “Next to Matchulipatam (Machilipatnam) is Narsipore, where the English had a Factory for long Cloth, for the Use of their Factory of Matchulipatam, when they manufactured Chintz there. It also affords good Teak Timber for building, and has a fine deep River, but a dangerous Bar, which makes it little frequented.”
The trade of the town has steadily declined since the abolition of the company’s factory in 1827.

Source: TH

6. Tired of spam or fraud calls? File a complaint on

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Awareness in IT

Chakshu platform:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced Chakshu, an online platform for telecom users to report suspected fraud or spam callers, accessible via sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc.

Details:

This initiative aims to empower citizens to report fraudulent communications related to various services such as bank accounts, payment wallets, SIM and utility connections, KYC updates, impersonation, and sextortion.
Alongside, the DoT launched the Digital Intelligence Platform, a secure data-sharing tool for stakeholders like Telecom Service Providers, law enforcement, financial institutions, and social media platforms, among others, to combat fraud.
Furthermore, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw endorsed the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) feature, which would allow users to see the registered name of incoming callers, despite concerns over privacy implications.
The minister emphasized the importance of informed consent and mentioned that recommendations for CNAP by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India would undergo thorough review before implementation.

What’s Chakshu Portal?

The Chakshu portal, part of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, allows citizens to report suspected fraud communications aimed at defrauding telecom service users. Examples include fraudulent communication related to bank accounts, payment wallets, SIM cards, and impersonation as government officials or relatives.

How to Use Chakshu Portal to Report Spam Calls, fraud

Log in to the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal at sancharsaathi.gov.in
Select the ‘Chakshu’ option under ‘Citizen Centric Services.’
Review the disclaimer and the uses of ‘Chakshu,’ then click ‘continue for reporting.’
Fill out the form with details such as the medium, category, and timing of the suspected fraud communication.
Add personal details, verify with OTP, and submit the complaint.

Chakshu Portal: What you can report on Sanchar Saathi Portal

Check mobile connections issued in their name and report unnecessary or unauthorized connections.
Report stolen/lost mobile handsets for blocking and tracing.
Verify the authenticity of mobile handsets when purchasing new or used devices.
Report incoming international calls displaying Indian telephone numbers as caller ID.
Check details of licensed wireline Internet Service Providers.

Furthermore, the Department of Telecom has introduced the DIP, which will facilitate the sharing of information with law enforcement agencies, banks, and other financial institutions to combat fraud. The combined efforts of Chakshu and the Digital Intelligence Platform are expected to bolster the detection and prevention of cyber fraud.

Source: TH

7. The status of India’s nuclear programme

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Nuclear Technology

Context:

On March 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the start of the process of core-loading the indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

What is PFBR?

The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is a significant advancement in nuclear technology, designed to produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes.
This reactor marks a pivotal point in India’s nuclear power strategy, representing the commencement of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
Initially, India utilized Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and natural uranium-238 (U-238) as the primary fissile material in the first stage, producing plutonium-239 (Pu-239) and energy through nuclear fission processes involving U-235 and heavy water as a neutron moderator.
In the second stage, the PFBR will use Pu-239 along with U-238 to generate energy, U-233, and additional Pu-239. This step is facilitated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (BHAVINI), established by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 2003.
The final stage involves combining Pu-239 with thorium-232 (Th-232) to produce energy and U-233. This strategic progression, conceptualized by Homi J. Bhabha, leverages India’s substantial thorium reserves, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in nuclear energy for the country.

Why was the PFBR delayed?

The development of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in India has been fraught with setbacks, including prolonged delays, escalating costs, and several broken commitments, attracting a wide array of critics.
There were international sanctions imposed on India after the ‘Smiling Buddha’ nuclear test, necessitating a switch from the planned enriched uranium to a mixed carbide fuel.
Additionally, technical issues with the reactor coolant further contributed to the project’s delay, pushing the commercial operation deadline to October 2022.

How does PFBR work?

The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) operates on the principle of using a breeder reactor mechanism, where it generates more fissile material (plutonium-239, Pu-239) than it consumes.
In contrast to Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) that utilize natural or low-enriched uranium-238 (U-238) and produce Pu-239 as a byproduct, the PFBR takes this produced Pu-239 and combines it with additional U-238 in a mixed oxide form. This mixture is then loaded into the reactor’s core along with a breeder blanket, a layer that interacts with the fission products to create more Pu-239.
A distinctive feature of the PFBR is its use of fast neutrons (hence “fast” in the name), which are not moderated or slowed down, enabling certain fission reactions that contribute to the breeding process.
The reactor uses liquid sodium as a coolant in two separate circuits for safety and efficiency. The primary circuit carries the coolant through the reactor core, absorbing heat and radioactivity, and then passes the heat (but not the radioactivity) to a secondary coolant circuit through heat exchangers.
This secondary circuit then uses the transferred heat to generate electricity.
Challenges in operationalizing the PFBR have been noted, including the complex behavior of its systems in practical settings compared to theoretical expectations. For instance, the process of preheating the reactor vessel to 150 degrees Celsius took significantly longer than anticipated.

What role can SMRs play?

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear reactors, especially in the wake of delays experienced with projects like the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).
With a maximum capacity of 300 MW, SMRs require less land and incorporate enhanced safety features.
SMRs also have the potential to utilize low-enriched uranium, which India could import from the U.S. under the 123 Agreement.
Expanding the role of SMRs in India’s energy mix would necessitate amendments to the Atomic Energy Act (1962) and related legislation to enable private sector involvement under the supervision of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Body (AERB), ensuring that both nuclear fuel and waste management adhere to international safeguards as directed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Significance and challenges of Phase II:

Stage II of India’s nuclear power program, represented by the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and its envisioned expansion with four more Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), each with a 600 MWe capacity, is aimed at enhancing the country’s nuclear power output.
Challenges:
- Renewables, such as solar energy, have become significantly cheaper, making nuclear power less competitive in terms of cost.
- Public sentiment towards nuclear energy has shifted after the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in 2011.
- The technical and operational complexities associated with FBRs.
- The use of thorium in future reactors introduces complications due to the production of various radioactive isotopes, complicating waste handling and storage.
Recommendations:
- The International Atomic Energy Agency has recommended establishing an independent statutory regulator, leading to the proposal of the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA) Bill.

Source: TH

8. Indigenous Greenland women sue Denmark over forced contraception

Subject: Geography

Section: Human geography

Context:

In Greenland, 143 Indigenous Inuit women have filed a lawsuit against Denmark, demanding compensation of nearly 43 million kroner ($6.3 million) for being forcibly fitted with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) during the 1960s and 70s.

Details:

These women, some of whom were teenagers at the time, allege that Danish health authorities violated their human rights by inserting these devices without their awareness or consent, aiming to curb population growth in Greenland amidst improving living conditions and healthcare.
Although Greenland transitioned from a Danish colony to a province in 1953, the matter has prompted a joint investigation by the governments of Denmark and Greenland, with findings expected next year.

About Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (ICD):

An IUD is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s put into one’s womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.
It releases copper to stop one getting pregnant, and protects against pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years. It’s sometimes called a “coil” or “copper coil”.

Uses, advantages and disadvantages:

When inserted correctly, IUDs are more than 99% effective.
An IUD works as soon as it’s put in and lasts for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type.
It can be put in at any time during one’s menstrual cycle, as long as one is not pregnant.
It can be taken out at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It’s then possible to get pregnant straight away.
There’s a small risk of getting an infection after it’s been fitted.
There’s a small risk that one’s body may push out the IUD or it may move.
It may not be suitable if one has had previous pelvic infections.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

About Greenland:

Greenland is a North American autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
It is the larger of two autonomous territories within the Kingdom, the other being the Faroe Islands; the citizens of both territories are full citizens of Denmark.
As Greenland is one of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union, citizens of Greenland are European Union citizens.
The capital and largest city of Greenland is Nuuk.
Greenland lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
It is the world’s largest island, and is the location of the northernmost area of the world – Kaffeklubben Island off the northern coast is the world’s northernmost undisputed point of land, and Cape Morris Jesup on the mainland was thought to be so until the 1960s.

Source: TH

9. What is ‘dry ice’ at the centre of the Gurugram restaurant incident?

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Context:

At a Gurugram restaurant, the diners were mistakenly given “dry ice” as a mouth freshener, leading to severe health reactions including vomiting blood.

Dry ice:

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, recognized by authoritative bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a hazardous substance.
Direct contact with skin or ingestion can lead to significant harm to both skin and internal organs due to its extremely cold temperatures and the risk of sublimation into carbon dioxide gas, potentially causing breathlessness.

Primary Use:

Primarily utilized as a cooling agent for food products, dry ice is favoured for its ability to maintain lower temperatures than water ice and for leaving no residue, other than incidental frost.
It finds applications in preserving frozen foods where conventional mechanical cooling is impractical.
Additionally, dry ice is employed in fog machines for theatrical effects and other applications requiring temporary refrigeration.

Characteristics:

Sublimates at 194.7 K (−78.5 °C; −109.2 °F) under Earth’s atmospheric pressure.
Can lead to hypercapnia if it outgasses in confined spaces.

Safe Handling Guidelines:

Awareness campaigns are necessary to educate food business operators and citizens on the proper and safe handling of dry ice.
FSSAI warns against storing dry ice in enclosed spaces and underscores the need for well-ventilated areas to mitigate health risks.
The FDA emphasizes that dry ice should not compromise food safety and advises against its direct consumption or skin contact.
- Establishments using dry ice should implement safety procedures and employee training to prevent accidental ingestion or contact, according to the FDA.
The CDC recommends using gloves designed for cold temperatures, safety goggles, and working in well-ventilated areas to handle dry ice safely, strictly advising against its consumption.

Source: TH