GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The growing recognition of millets as nutritious and sustainable food sources has sparked a renewed interest in their cultivation and consumption across India, particularly in rural areas.

Current Consumption Trends

• Despite perceptions of declining millet consumption due to the green revolution's focus on wheat and rice, rural consumers have maintained a strong connection to traditional grains.
• Rural areas are consuming millets on par with urban counterparts. Research indicates that states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka continue to incorporate millets into their diets, using them for food, fodder, and industrial applications.
• Rural vs. Urban Consumption: While overall millet consumption has decreased over the decades, rural consumption remains significantly higher than in urban settings. This enduring tradition highlights the need for companies and startups to recalibrate their strategies to better engage with rural markets.
• Government Initiatives and Support:
  • Public Distribution System (PDS)
  • Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman
  • Saksham Anganwadi
  • Poshan 2.0 

What is Millet?

• Millet is a collective term referring to a number of small-seeded annual grasses that are cultivated as grain crops, primarily on marginal lands in dry areas in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions.
• Examples: jowar (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), Kodo (Kodo millet), kutki (little millet), kakun (foxtail millet), Sanwa (barnyard millet), cheena (proso millet), kuttu (buckwheat) and chaulai (amaranth).
• Positives of millets:

• Nutritionally superior traits: Millet’s score over rice and wheat in terms of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibre content, as well as amino acid profile.
• For example, Bajra (pearl millet), has iron, zinc, and protein levels comparable to that of wheat, but it’s gluten-free and has more fibre.
• It can address the problem of “hidden hunger” arising from the consumption of energy-dense but micronutrients-deficient foods

• The rotis from bajra make one feel fuller for longer, as they take more time to digest and do not raise blood sugar levels too fast.

Advantages as a crop:

• Millets are hardy and drought-resistant crops.
• This has to do with their short duration (70-100 days, against 115-150 days for rice and wheat)
  • lower water requirement (350-500 mm versus 600-1,250 mm)
  • ability to grow even on poor soils and in hilly terrain

Where do millets lag?

• Eating Habits: For the poor, both in urban and rural areas, rice and wheat were once aspirational foods
• Dominance of traditional grains: Two-thirds of India’s population receives up to 5 kg of wheat or rice per person per month at Rs 2 and Rs 3/kg respectively.
  • The recent move to place two fine cereals free of cost from January 2023, further tilts the scales against millets.
• Cooking:Rolling Rotis is easier with wheat than millet flour.
• Low per-Hectare yields: The national average is roughly 1 tonne for jowar, 1.5 tonnes for bajra and 1.7 tonnes for ragi. Whereas it is 3.5 tonnes for wheat and 4 tonnes for paddy — are a disincentive.
• Presence of Infrastructure for traditional grains: With access to assured irrigation, they would tend to switch to rice, wheat, sugarcane, or cotton.
• Absence of government procurement at minimum support price (MSP): It makes farmers hesitant to grow even this high-yielding and naturally bio-fortified bajra, suitable for both post-monsoon Kharif and summer cultivation.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) for ten coastal districts in Kerala. This approval allows these districts to relax certain Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and start new development activities, including building construction closer to the sea.

Importance for Kerala:

• Kerala has about 590 km of coastline, with a high population density in coastal areas.
• The CZMP approval is expected to benefit around 10 lakh people by easing restrictions on building new homes and repairing existing ones.
• The new rules reduce the No Development Zone (NDZ) from 100 meters to 50 meters in certain areas, allowing for more construction.
• Key Changes:
• The NDZ around tidal waters will now be 50 meters instead of 100 meters.
• This change categorizes 37 village panchayats as CRZ-III A, allowing more development in densely populated rural areas.
• In total, the NDZ area in Kerala will be reduced significantly.
• Concerns for Mangroves:
• Mangrove areas, crucial for coastal ecosystems and fish breeding, will face reduced legal protection.
• The buffer zone for government-held mangroves is decreased from 4,300 hectares to 2,500 hectares.
  • Private landowners can now exploit mangroves on their properties, which poses a risk to these vital ecosystems.

October 31 is observed every year as World Cities Day. The world’s urban population has reached an estimated 4.7 billion, or 57.5% of the world’s total population, with projections to double by 2050. The theme for this year’s World Cities Day is ‘Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability’.

Challenges faced by cities

• Cities are confronting unprecedented challenges, particularly due to climate change.
• Despite progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation persist.
• In the Global South, challenges are compounded by rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources. Common issues include:

• Housing shortages
• Poor access to clean water and sanitation
• Increased vulnerability to climate-related events

Urbanization in India

• India’s urbanization trajectory is distinct from that of Western nations, which historically benefited from industrialization and colonial economic transfers.
• India experiences "poverty-driven urbanization," with significant rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban migration driven by economic distress.
• The COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in urban infrastructure, leading to reverse migration and highlighting vulnerabilities.
• Key Urban Challenges in India
  • Lack of Current Data: The absence of a 2021 Census hampers accurate assessments of urban population and planning.
  • Inadequate Spatial Planning: Urban planning is often outdated, failing to accommodate population growth and changes in demographics.
  • Economic Changes: Deindustrialization since the 1980s has resulted in job losses in major cities, with 40% of the urban population now residing in slums.
  • Climate Change Impact: Cities face severe pollution, flooding, and heat island effects. Eight out of the ten most polluted cities in India are in the National Capital Region (NCR) around Delhi.
  • Social Segregation: Urban areas are increasingly divided along social and religious lines, with a widening gap between affluent developments and those lacking basic housing.
  • Informal Sector Vulnerability: Approximately 90% of city jobs are in the informal sector, characterized by poor working conditions and lack of job security.
  • Governance and Planning Issues: Despite the 74th Constitutional Amendment aimed at decentralizing urban governance, many Indian cities remain under the control of undemocratic bodies.
• Elected representatives often lack control over urban planning, which is frequently outsourced to private entities and parastatals.
• Cities receive only 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental transfers, limiting their financial capacity for development.

The 16th edition of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia, saw representatives of countries trying to iron out a conclusive deal well past the deadline.

Background of the Convention

• The CBD follows previous meetings, including the 2022 summit in Montreal, Canada.
• Key outcome from the Montreal meeting: the 30-by-30 agreement aimed to protect 30% of land and water by 2030, addressing the current protection levels of 17% for land and 10% for marine areas.
• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) established 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent biodiversity action by 2030, including:
  • Reducing invasive alien species by 50%
  • Minimizing pollution risks to tolerable levels
  • Creating a mechanism for benefit-sharing from digital sequence information and integrating biodiversity into various policies

Current Developments at COP-16

• Although a final text is pending, negotiators have agreed to establish a subsidiary body that includes indigenous groups in discussions on conservation and biodiversity.
• A contentious issue at COP-16 was the Digital Sequence Information (DSI) agreement, focusing on the sharing of benefits from commercial products derived from DNA analysis of living organisms.
• Key agreements adopted include commitments to address biodiversity and climate change, mainstream biodiversity in various sectors, and manage invasive species.

India’s Contribution to COP-16

• India presented an updated biodiversity plan.
• Financial Commitment: India expects to spend approximately ?81,664 crore on biodiversity and conservation from 2025-2030. Between 2018-2022, it spent ?32,207 crore on these efforts.
• India emphasized the need for international finance to meet its biodiversity goals, aligning with Target 19 of the KMGBF, which seeks to mobilize $200 billion annually for biodiversity, including $30 billion from international sources.
• Significant initiatives by India include:
  • Establishing the International Big Cat Alliance to protect seven major big cat species, signifying a commitment to ecosystem health.
  • Increasing its Ramsar sites (wetlands of ecological importance) from 26 to 85 since 2014, with projections to reach 100 soon.

Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, is organizing the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on 5th and 6th November in New Delhi.

Key-highlights

• The theme of this summit is ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia’.
• The Summit will bring together Sangha leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions across Asia to foster dialogue, promote understanding and address contemporary challenges faced by the Buddhist community.
• Buddhism holds a unique position in the spiritual and cultural history of India and pan-Asia. The Summit marks a unique opportunity to bring together diverse voices of Buddha’s Dhamma across Asia.
• The summit is also a manifestation of India's 'Act East' policy, which is principled on collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light.

The Kerala Maritime Board has issued a call for expressions of interest to develop a cutting-edge maritime education hub in Neendakara, Kollam, through a public-private partnership. 

About the Maritime Education Hub

• The proposed maritime education hub will be developed through a public-private partnership and aims to offer a wide range of courses, including:
  • Marine Engineering
  • Maritime Law
  • Marine Technology
  • Nautical Science
  • Naval Architecture
  • Offshore Engineering
• In addition to academic offerings, the hub will focus on providing placement and career development opportunities, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the industry's needs.
• Strategic Location and Collaborations: Kerala's strategic position along the Arabian Sea, with direct access to international shipping routes, enhances its role as a key hub for trade and maritime activities in the Indian Ocean region. The state’s vibrant maritime ecosystem will facilitate partnerships between industry and academia, promoting internships, research, knowledge exchange, and skill development programs.
• Alignment with National Vision: The establishment of the maritime education hub is part of the Shipping Ministry’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which outlines 39 initiatives aimed at creating a robust innovation ecosystem within the maritime sector.
  • This vision focuses on elevating education, research, and training to meet global standards, reinforcing India's position in the international maritime landscape.
• Need: This initiative responds to the rising demand for skilled professionals in the maritime sector, driven by India's projected ship management sector growth of 6% annually. With the increasing shipping volumes and the expansion of coastal and cruise tourism, the need for comprehensive maritime training has become imperative.
  • • With India’s share of the global seafaring workforce expected to increase from 10-12% to 20% over the next decade, addressing the anticipated talent gap is crucial.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing for a comprehensive upgrade of its first batch of 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets, with financial arrangements currently being finalized.

About

• The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a multirole combat fighter aircraft developed jointly by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Based on the Su-30 design, the Su-30MKI features thrust vectoring control and canards, enhancing its maneuverability.
• Development: Development began in 1995 with prototypes built by Sukhoi between 1995 and 1998. By January 2020, the IAF had 260 Su-30MKIs, with additional deliveries expected.
• Design and Avionics: The Su-30MKI features an aerodynamic airframe made of titanium and aluminum alloys, with a length of 21.9 m, wingspan of 14.7 m, and maximum take-off weight of 38,800 kg.
  • It has a tandem glass cockpit for two pilots, integrating advanced avionics like the Elbit Su 967 HUD, multifunction displays, and a fly-by-wire control system.
  • The aircraft is equipped with a N011M passive electronically scanned array radar, soon to be upgraded to the Zhuk AESA radar.
• Weapon Systems and Countermeasures: The Su-30MKI carries a 30mm Gsh-30-1 cannon and features 12 hardpoints for external stores, with a capacity of up to 8 tons.
  • It can launch various air-to-surface missiles, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and is compatible with air-to-air missiles such as R-27R, R-73, and R-77.
  • The aircraft integrates a tarang radar warning receiver and employs countermeasures like chaff and flare dispensers.
• Engine and Performance: Powered by two Al-31FP turbojet engines, each producing a thrust of 12,500 kgf, the Su-30MKI can reach speeds of Mach 1.9. Its unrefueled flight range is 3,000 km, extending to 8,000 km with in-flight refueling capabilities.

The Aditya-L1 mission, India's first scientific endeavor dedicated to studying the Sun, has released its first significant scientific results.

What Has Been Found?

• Scientists using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), the primary payload of Aditya-L1, successfully estimated the onset time of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun in July.
  • CMEs are powerful explosions that can release vast amounts of plasma into space, potentially disrupting satellites and communication systems on Earth.
• This precise estimation, based on unique data collected by VELC, marks a significant step in understanding these energetic eruptions and their characteristics.

About Aditya-L1

• Launched in: 2023
• Aditya is India's first space-based mission to study the solar system's biggest object. It is named after Surya - the Hindu god of the Sun (Aditya).
• Aditya-L1 is designed to monitor the Sun continuously, with a particular focus on CMEs, as the Sun approaches the maximum phase of its current solar cycle (Cycle No. 25).
• Positioned in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point, the spacecraft enables uninterrupted observation of solar activities.
  • Lagrange point 1 (L1) is the exact place between the Sun and Earth where the spacecraft has now reached. L1 is located 1.5 million km (932,000 miles) from the Earth, which is 1% of the Earth-Sun distance.
• The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload, developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAp), allows scientists to study CMEs close to the solar surface for the first time.
• The mission has a planned lifespan of five years, aiming to provide valuable data that could enhance our understanding of solar dynamics and their implications for life on Earth.

Recent advancements in super-resolution microscopy have revolutionized imaging techniques, allowing scientists to observe cellular structures with unprecedented clarity, beyond the limits of traditional light microscopy. This breakthrough enhances research capabilities in biology and medicine, enabling detailed study of processes such as protein interactions and cellular functions.

What is the Diffraction Limit?

• When we use light-based instruments like telescopes or microscopes, there's a limit to how clearly we can see small details. This limit is known as the diffraction limit.
• Essentially, it defines how well these instruments can distinguish between two close objects.
  • The resolution of a telescope, for example, tells us how well it can separate two distant objects. The better the resolution, the closer together the objects can be while still being seen as separate.
• Science Behind Resolution: In the late 19th century, a German engineer named Ernst Karl Abbe discovered a formula that explains the maximum resolution based on two factors: the wavelength of light and the numerical aperture of the instrument. The formula is:

d=w2Nd = \frac{w}{2N}d=2Nw?

• • d = maximum resolvable distance (the smallest detail you can see)
  • w = wavelength of light (the distance between light waves)
  • N = numerical aperture (a measure of how much light the lens can gather)
• Due to the diffraction limit, traditional light microscopes could see cells but not the smaller structures inside them, like proteins or viruses.
• Microscopy: Starting in the 1980s, scientists developed a new technique called super-resolution microscopy. This advancement allows us to see much smaller details than what was previously possible, going beyond the diffraction limit.
• How Super-Resolution Works: Instead of simply shining light through the microscope, super-resolution microscopy uses special molecules called fluorophores. When these molecules are exposed to radiation, they glow. The microscope can then analyze this glow to understand the surrounding structures, allowing scientists to visualize much smaller objects, including parts of cells and even atoms.
• Recognition for Innovation: In 2014, the developers of super-resolution microscopy were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work, marking a significant advancement in our ability to observe the microscopic world.

The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan (October 22-24, 2024) featured a significant bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, aimed at revitalizing the India-Iran partnership amid regional tensions, particularly concerning the Gaza conflict. Both nations seek to enhance their collaboration, acknowledging their historical ties and shared interests.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

• Potential for Cooperation: During their meeting, both leaders recognized the untapped potential in their bilateral relationship, particularly in energy, trade, and infrastructure development, such as the Chabahar port. They discussed Iran's appreciation for India's role in facilitating its entry into multilateral organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
• Energy Security: Iran's vast oil and natural gas reserves, essential for India's energy needs, were a focal point of discussion. Despite sanctions, Iran's crude production reached 3.4 million barrels per day in May 2024, indicating a resilient energy sector that India could potentially tap into to meet its energy demands.
• Strategic Projects: The Chabahar port is pivotal for enhancing connectivity between India, Iran, and Afghanistan, allowing for streamlined humanitarian aid and trade. A railway link between Chabahar and Zahedan, along with a proposed gas pipeline to India, represents critical infrastructure projects that could bolster economic ties and regional stability.

Military and Counterterrorism Cooperation

• Defense Collaboration: Potential military cooperation was explored, emphasizing Iran's advancements in weapons technology, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The historical defense cooperation agreement from 2001 could be revitalized, fostering joint development in military technology and capabilities.
• Counterterrorism Synergy
  India and Iran could benefit from joint counterterrorism efforts, sharing intelligence to combat threats from groups operating in Pakistan. Joint exercises and collaboration in maritime security through naval port calls could enhance both nations' strategic interests in the region.
• Diplomatic Engagement: India's ability to engage independently with adversarial nations, such as Israel and Iran, showcases its strategic autonomy. This diplomatic maneuvering is crucial in advancing India's interests in West Asia while mitigating the impact of provocative statements that could derail relations.

Future Prospects

• Need for Strategic Autonomy: India's history of strategic autonomy, particularly in its engagements during the Ukraine war, offers a framework for bolstering ties with Iran. Both countries recognize that their relationship holds greater importance than the occasional political missteps.
• Focus on West Asia: India is committed to strengthening its outreach in West Asia, viewing Iran as a critical partner. The BRICS meeting could serve as a catalyst for renewed diplomatic and economic collaboration between the two nations.
• Long-term Vision: The meeting represents an opportunity for India and Iran to reassess their partnership's long-term vision, emphasizing economic ties, energy security, and regional stability. A mutual commitment to overcoming past hurdles will be essential in realizing the full potential of their relationship.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the significance of the India-Iran relationship in the context of regional security and energy cooperation. How can India leverage its strategic autonomy to foster stronger ties with Iran amid geopolitical challenges?

The potential commencement of the Census next year could lead to the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, a contentious issue, particularly for southern states concerned about representation. This brings to light India's historical experience with multi-member constituencies aimed at enhancing representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Historical Background of Multi-Member Constituencies

• Concept and Implementation: Multi-member constituencies were introduced in India during the first two general elections (1951-52 and 1957) to ensure representation for SCs and STs. These constituencies allowed voters to elect more than one member, with specific arrangements for general and reserved candidates, thereby aiming to promote inclusivity.
• Initial Elections and Composition: In the 1951-52 elections, out of 72 Lok Sabha seats reserved for SCs, 71 were two-member constituencies, and North Bengal had a unique three-member setup. This design was intended to ensure that SCs and STs were adequately represented alongside general candidates, reflecting their population distribution across regions.
• Decline in Usage: The use of multi-member constituencies faced challenges, as evidenced by the 1957 elections, where significant victories for SC and ST candidates in two-member constituencies led to dissatisfaction among general category candidates. This resulted in the eventual decision to abolish the system, influenced by court rulings that permitted reserved category candidates to contest general seats.

Political Implications and Consequences

• Election Outcomes: The electoral outcomes in 1957, which favored SC and ST candidates in constituencies previously thought to be favorable for general candidates, raised questions about the effectiveness of the multi-member system. This shift prompted general candidates to challenge the legitimacy of these election results.
• Judicial Review and Legislative Changes: Following various legal challenges, the Supreme Court upheld the right of SC and ST candidates to contest both reserved and general seats in two-member constituencies. This judicial decision catalyzed a reconsideration of multi-member constituencies, ultimately leading to legislative amendments to eliminate them from the electoral framework.
• Long-term Impact on Representation: The dissolution of multi-member constituencies marked a significant shift in electoral strategy and representation in India. It reinforced the existing single-member constituency framework, prompting further discussions on how to ensure equitable representation for marginalized communities in the political landscape.

Current Relevance and Future Considerations

• Upcoming Census and Delimitation: With the impending Census and discussions surrounding delimitation, the historical context of constituency representation gains renewed significance. Stakeholders are once again debating how best to ensure fair representation in light of demographic changes and evolving political landscapes.
• Implications for Southern States: Southern states express concerns about potential reductions in their parliamentary representation due to population shifts. This scenario highlights the ongoing need to address representation equity, especially for historically marginalized groups.
• Broader Electoral Reforms: The historical experiment with multi-member constituencies offers insights into the complexities of electoral representation. As India approaches future electoral reforms, it must balance the interests of various groups while ensuring inclusivity and fairness in the democratic process.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the implications of the historical experiment with multi-member constituencies in India. How do past experiences inform current debates on delimitation and representation in the context of the upcoming Census?

The recent Monetary Policy Statement from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has garnered attention due to the current repo rate, which has remained unchanged at 6.50% for 20 months. This decision reflects the RBI's ongoing struggle to balance inflation control with economic growth amid rising prices and global uncertainties.

Repo Rate Dynamics

• Interest Rate Impact: The repo rate, currently at 6.50%, influences borrowing costs for banks, affecting lending rates for consumers and businesses. The rate was significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support economic recovery, but subsequent increases aimed to curb inflationary pressures have not yet succeeded in stabilizing prices.
• Inflation Concerns: Inflation remains a pressing issue, with the Consumer Food Price Index reaching 9.24% in September 2024, driven by soaring food prices like tomatoes (42.4%) and onions (66.2%). Despite projections of inflation stabilizing at 4.5%, the actual rate stands at 5.49%, complicating the RBI's monetary policy effectiveness.
• Growth Projections: Despite challenges, the RBI projects a growth rate of 7.5% for the current year. However, various economic headwinds, including global uncertainties and supply chain issues, pose risks to achieving this target, prompting cautious optimism from policymakers.

Economic Headwinds

• Geopolitical Risks: The RBI’s Monetary Policy Report highlights risks to growth stemming from geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and climate change impacts. Factors such as global demand deceleration and volatile crude oil prices further complicate the economic outlook.
• Financial Conditions: The Monthly Economic Review from the Ministry of Finance describes the Indian economy as "satisfactory" yet notes that underlying demand conditions need attention. Concerns arise from moderated bank credit and declining foreign portfolio investments, which could affect overall economic momentum.
• Common People's Concerns: The "worm’s eye view" of the economy reveals pressing issues faced by the average citizen, including unemployment, stagnant wages, and rising inequality. These concerns are exacerbated by the high cost of living, inadequate public services, and bureaucratic inefficiencies that disproportionately affect lower-income groups.

Future Outlook

• Potential Turbulence: The ongoing geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, pose significant risks to global stability and could impact India’s economy. Domestic factors, such as upcoming elections and regional conflicts, could also add to the volatility.
• Preparedness for Challenges: India must brace for potential economic turbulence due to external and internal pressures, emphasizing the need for robust policy measures and adaptive strategies. Policymakers are urged to focus on inclusive growth to address the disparities faced by marginalized populations.
• Need for Balanced Policy: A balanced approach is essential in navigating the complexities of growth and inflation while ensuring the concerns of the common people are prioritized. Continuous monitoring of economic indicators will be crucial for formulating effective monetary policy.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the challenges faced by the Reserve Bank of India in balancing growth and inflation through monetary policy. What measures can be taken to address the concerns of the common people amid rising economic pressures?