GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Union Cabinet has approved 'Mission Mausam' with a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years. This initiative aims to significantly enhance India's capabilities in weather and climate-related science and services.

About Mission Mausam

• Mission Mausam is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to tremendously boost India's weather and climate-related science, research, and services.
• Objective: To create a more weather-ready and climate-smart Bharat. 
• It will help to better equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, in tackling extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.
• Critical elements of Mission Mausam will include
  • deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers
  • development of improved Earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination
• Mission Mausam will focus on advancing research and development in atmospheric sciences, improving weather surveillance, forecasting, and management.
• The mission will leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing.
• The mission will benefit multiple sectors including agriculture, disaster management, aviation, and health. It aims to improve data-driven decision-making across urban planning, transport, and environmental monitoring.
• Institutional Role: Implementation will be led by the India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, with support from other Ministry of Earth Sciences institutions and national and international collaborators.
• Implementing Agency: It will be implemented by three key institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):
  • India Meteorological Department
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
  • National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting
• These will be supported by other MoES bodies, such as the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and the National Institute of Ocean Technology.

Need for 'Mission Mausam' in India:

Predicting weather events with a high level of accuracy has become increasingly important in India, one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change. It allows the country to better prepare - from issuing early heat and rain warnings to coordinating power supplies to guiding farmers on how to protect their crops.

• Vulnerability: Almost 58.6 percent of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity; over 40 million hectares (12 per cent of land) are prone to floods and river erosion; of the 7,516 km long coastline, close to 5,700 km is prone to cyclones and tsunamis; 68 per cent of the cultivable area is vulnerable to drought and hilly areas are at risk from landslides and avalanches.
• Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events: Extreme weather events like heatwaves and cloudbursts, which were rare in the past, are now happening throughout the year, highlighting the need for accurate forecasts.
• Climate-Induced Vagaries: Climate change has led to severe and unexpected weather conditions such as Wayanad landslide and lake bursts in Sikkim, Uttarakhand, underscoring the necessity for improved weather prediction.
• Need for Hyper-Local Weather Data: There is a growing demand for precise weather forecasts at very local levels for specific needs like farming and daily activities.
• Increased Intensity of Rainfall: The frequency and intensity of heavy, localized rainfall have surged, making accurate weather predictions crucial to manage water resources and prevent flooding.
• For accurate forecasting: In tropical countries like India, weather variability is inherently higher. IMD’s forecasts have improved vastly in the last few years as it has upgraded to technologies similar to the ones used by the U.S., the U.K. and Japan. Yet, there are still many days and geographies for which Indian forecasts go wrong, especially during winter and summer monsoon.

Challenges in weather forecasting

• Lack of weather monitoring ground stations: Currently, IMD operates around 800 automatic weather stations (AWS), 1,500 automatic rain gauges (ARG) and 37 doppler weather radars (DWR). This is against the total requirements of more than 3,00,000 ground stations (AWS/ARG) and around 70 DWRs.
• Dependency on global system: Currently, most of the prediction software used in forecasting are based on the global forecasting system and weather research and forecasting models, both of which are not the most modern.

India has announced the imposition of tariffs ranging from 12% to 30% on select steel products imported from China and Vietnam to safeguard and bolster its local steel industry amidst growing concerns over unfair trade practices and market disruptions caused by foreign imports.

Background and Rationale

• The decision to levy these tariffs comes in the wake of an anti-dumping investigation initiated by the Indian government.
• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), tasked with overseeing trade remedies, conducted a comprehensive inquiry into the impact of steel imports from China and Vietnam on the domestic market.
• This investigation was prompted by concerns that these imports, subsidized by foreign governments, were being sold at prices below the cost of production, undermining the competitiveness of Indian steel producers.

Impact of the Tariff Decision

The imposition of tariffs on steel products from China and Vietnam represents a strategic intervention by India to address concerns related to trade imbalances and market distortions. By imposing tariffs of 12% to 30%, the Indian government aims to:

• Protect Domestic Industry: The tariffs are designed to shield Indian steel manufacturers from the adverse effects of subsidized foreign imports, which can significantly undercut local prices and threaten the viability of domestic production.
• Promote Fair Competition: By increasing the cost of imported steel products, the tariffs seek to create a more equitable environment where domestic producers can compete on a level playing field. This is crucial for maintaining the sustainability of the local steel industry, which plays a vital role in India’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
• Encourage Local Investment: With reduced pressure from unfairly priced imports, domestic steel producers may be more inclined to invest in expanding their operations, improving technology, and enhancing productivity. This, in turn, could lead to increased employment opportunities and economic growth within the sector.
• Respond to Trade Practices: The move also reflects India's broader strategy to address perceived trade imbalances and protect its industries from practices deemed harmful to the local economy. This approach aligns with global trade practices where countries seek to enforce fair trade standards and mitigate the impact of unfair competition.

Afghanistan has announced the resumption of work on the TAPI pipeline, which had faced delays and disruptions due to political instability and security concerns in Afghanistan. Afghanistan said work would begin on a USD 10 billion gas pipeline traversing South Asia.

About TAPI Pipeline

• The TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) Pipeline is a natural gas pipeline. It aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India. The project was conceived to address energy needs and enhance regional economic integration.
• The TAPI project has been “under development” for three decades.
• It is being developed by the Galkynysh – TAPI Pipeline Company Limited with participation of the Asian Development Bank.
• Route: The pipeline starts from near the city of Mary in the southeastern part of Turkmenistan, close to the giant Galkynysh gas field which is meant to provide gas for the 1,814-kilometre link.
  • The pipeline is proposed to run from the Dauletabad gas field to Afghanistan, from where TAPI will be constructed alongside the highway running from Herat to Kandahar, and then via Quetta and Multan in Pakistan.
  • The final destination of the pipeline will be Fazilka in India, near the border with Pakistan.
• An initial agreement over the pipeline was signed between Iran and India in 1999.
• Objective: The pipeline seeks to supply gas from the vast Turkmenistan gas fields to South Asia, thereby improving energy security and fostering economic cooperation among the participating countries.
• Concern: Part of the pipeline passed through the restive Balochistan province. 
  • China is involved in the development of Gwadar Port in Pakistan. Gwadar is in Balochistan province. The port is being developed by China as a part of its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat  Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)—to all Indian citizens aged 70 and above, adding nearly six crore people to the list of beneficiaries.

About ABPM-JAY

• The scheme was first rolled out in 2018.
• Under the scheme, cashless hospitalisation benefit of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year is offered for secondary and tertiary healthcare services in empanelled hospitals.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme and the nodal agency to implement it is the National Health Authority (NHA).
• Eligibility: With the latest approval, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.
• Top-up coverage - For families already enrolled in Ayushman Bharat, senior members will receive an extra Rs 5 lakh top-up, which is solely for their use.
• Private insurance - Senior citizens with private health insurance can still take advantage of the scheme without any conflict with their existing coverage.
• Public health schemes - Seniors who are part of other public health schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will need to choose between their current insurance and the new Ayushman Bharat health coverage.

The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme with an allocation of Rs 10,900 crore for two years to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

About PM E-DRIVE

• PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme aims for the promotion of electric mobility in the country.
• This scheme will replace the existing FAME programme, which ran for nine years until March. However, PM E-DRIVE will not subsidise electric cars.
  • Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicle (FAME) Scheme was launched in 2015, which came to an end on March 31 this year.
• Key Components Of PM E-Drive Scheme:
  • Subsidies:Subsidies/Demand incentives worth Rs.3,679 crore have been provided to incentivize e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging EVs. The scheme will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.
  • E-Vouchers For Demand Incentives:Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is introducing e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail demand incentives under the scheme.
• There are no incentives for hybrid or electric cars.
• Electric vehicle adoption in India is at its nascent stage with overall penetration close to 7 per cent. Two-wheelers accounted for 56 per cent of the electric vehicle sales in the last financial year, while three-wheelers constituted 38 per cent.

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Power for modification of the scheme of budgetary support for the cost of Enabling Infrastructure for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) with a total outlay of Rs.12461 crore. The scheme would be implemented from FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32.

About the Scheme

• The scheme would be implemented from FY 2024-25 to FY 2031-32.
• It aims to enhance the country’s hydropower capacity, bolstering both energy security and infrastructure in remote areas.
• Scope and Coverage
  • The scheme will extend its support to hydropower projects with a cumulative generation capacity of about 31,350 MW, including a significant portion allocated to pumped storage projects (PSPs).
  • A total of approximately 15,000 MW capacity in PSPs will be covered under this initiative.
  • The scheme is inclusive of all hydropower projects over 25 MW, whether they are publicly or privately managed, provided the allotment process is transparent.
• Under the new scheme, the budgetary support for enabling infrastructure has been revised to better cater to varying project sizes.
  • For projects up to 200 MW capacity, the support limit is set at ?1 crore per MW.
  • For larger projects exceeding 200 MW, the funding will be ?200 crore plus ?0.75 crore per MW.
  • In exceptional cases, where substantial justification is provided, the support can increase up to ?1.5 crore per MW.
• This modification ensures that both smaller and larger projects receive appropriate financial backing based on their scale and requirements.
• The Government has been taking several policy initiatives to address the issues impeding Hydro Power development, viz., remote locations, hilly areas, lack of infrastructure etc.
• To promote the hydro power sector and to make it more viable, the Cabinet in March, 2019, approved measures, namely declaring large hydro power projects as Renewable Energy sources, Hydro Power Purchase Obligations (HPOs), tariff rationalization measures through escalating tariff, budgetary support for flood moderation in storage HEP and budgetary support for the cost of enabling infrastructure, i.e., construction of roads and bridges.

Of the nine vulture species in India, three of them — white-backed, slender-billed, and long-billed vultures — have seen a 99 per cent decline in the last decade. The main cause was the use of diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug to treat cattle, which has proved toxic for vultures when they feed on cattle carcasses. Other drugs like aciclofenac and ketoprofane, also toxic to vultures, were banned in 2023 but remain in use.

About Indian vulture (Gyps indicus)

• The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is a large bird of prey that belongs to the family
• With a wingspan of about 1.96 to 2.38 meters, it has a body length of about 75 to 85 centimeters.
• The plumage is primarily pale with dark flight feathers and a bare, pale head. The neck and head are covered in down, which is sparse compared to other vulture species.
• It has a hooked beak adapted for tearing flesh from carcasses.
• Indian vultures are scavengers, feeding mainly on the carcasses of dead animals. They play a critical role in the ecosystem by disposing of dead animals, which helps prevent the spread of diseases.
• Indian vultures are found primarilyin South Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Their range extends to some parts of Southeast Asia.
• Threat: The use of nemisulide, flunixine and carprofane posed risks to vultures, scavenger birds which feed on carcasses of animals treated with these medicines.
  • There is need to use vulture-safe alternatives like meloxicam and tolfenamic acid.
• Significance of Vultures
  • Vultures provide free ecosystem services, which are the contributions that ecosystems or wildlife make to human well-being.
  • Vultures are obligate scavengers that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling, removal of soil and water contaminants, and regulating the spread of diseases.
  • Their presence can help limit the transmission of diseases by controlling the populations of other facultative scavengers such as feral dogs.

Recent unrest in Bangladesh has led to significant political upheaval, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing the country amid widespread protests. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, now faces challenges as it attempts to stabilize the situation, with implications for regional geopolitics and India's strategic interests.

Current Instability

• Political Unrest and Leadership Change: Protests in Bangladesh, initially triggered by dissatisfaction with a ‘quota system’ for government jobs, escalated into widespread demonstrations against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her resignation and departure to India reflect the severity of the public dissent and the resultant power shift to an interim government led by economist Muhammad Yunus.
• Interim Government Dynamics: The interim administration, supported by the Army and facing significant public protests, has forced the resignation of key figures including the Chief Justice and central bank governor. The government’s legitimacy and stability are questioned as it navigates the ongoing unrest and political pressure.
• Potential for Geopolitical Influence: The current instability in Bangladesh opens opportunities for major powers like the U.S. and China to intervene, aiming to secure strategic advantages in South Asia. The situation, while not a classic ‘colour revolution,’ allows external forces to influence Bangladesh’s future direction and regional alliances.

Concerns

• Democracy and Islamist Radicalism: The shift in governance raises concerns about the potential erosion of democratic norms and the rising influence of Islamist radical parties in Bangladesh. This poses a threat to regional stability and presents challenges for India, which seeks to balance religious and political dynamics in its neighboring state.
• Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations: India’s historical support for Bangladesh’s independence and its previous positive relationship with Sheikh Hasina could be strained by the current turmoil. India faces the risk of increased militant activity and a potential shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, possibly favoring China over India.
• Regional Stability and Security Concerns: The evolving situation in Bangladesh could exacerbate regional security issues, including the Rohingya crisis and the rise of Islamist radicalism. The interplay between Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia may influence India’s strategic environment, requiring new diplomatic and security strategies.

Practice Question

Q. Analyze the implications of the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh for regional stability and India's strategic interests. How should India respond to the evolving situation in its neighboring country?

The Central government has traditionally evaded significant parliamentary scrutiny due to its strong majority. However, the current political landscape, with the BJP leading a coalition reliant on allies and a stronger Opposition, offers a renewed opportunity for enhanced parliamentary oversight. The newly constituted Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has started actively exercising its role, signifying a potential shift in parliamentary accountability.

The New Approach

• Proactive stance: The Public Accounts Committee has taken a proactive stance by selecting 161 subjects for review, most based on CAG reports. The PAC’s selection includes five subjects of suo motu interest, covering areas such as banking reforms, welfare schemes, energy policy, regulatory performance, and public utility charges.
• Constitutional Role and Limitations: Parliament holds constitutional power over the country’s finances, including tax imposition and government expenditure, which requires prior sanction through Appropriation Bills. The CAG audits financial functioning, and its reports are scrutinized by the PAC, which has historically played a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability.
• Challenges: Despite its assertiveness, the PAC faces challenges due to ruling government’s majority within the 22-member committee, which could undermine its effectiveness.

Required Focus

• Public Interest and Accountability: The PAC's focus on politically sensitive subjects reflects a broader public interest, seeking to address issues of crony capitalism and regulatory failures. This approach signifies an attempt to hold the executive accountable for its policies and actions, moving beyond mere expenditure scrutiny.
• Need for Strong Parliamentary Oversight: The PAC and other parliamentary committees, such as the Department Related Standing Committees, must assert their roles in enforcing executive accountability. This involves overcoming potential undermining by the ruling coalition and ensuring rigorous oversight of government functions.
• Implications for Governance: The renewed focus on parliamentary oversight could lead to increased transparency and accountability in governance. Effective functioning of these committees might enhance public trust and address critical issues affecting the economy and public welfare.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the role and significance of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in parliamentary oversight. How does the current political landscape affect its effectiveness, and what are the potential implications for governance?

Recent developments in China highlight the limitations of its decentralised economic model, once hailed as a key to its rapid growth. The shift towards increased central control under Xi Jinping and persistent issues of overcapacity reveal critical challenges in China's economic strategy.

China’s Approach

• Decentralisation and Overcapacity: China’s decentralisation allowed local governments significant control over economic initiatives, leading to rapid industrialisation and growth. However, this model also resulted in structural overcapacity, with local governments prioritising industrial expansion over public services, creating inefficiencies and financial waste.
• Centralisation under Xi Jinping: Since Xi Jinping's rise to power, there has been a move towards centralised control to address the inefficiencies caused by previous decentralisation. Central directives have become more specific, aiming to guide investment into strategic sectors like semiconductors, though this has often led to ineffective outcomes and increased financial losses among firms.
• Impact of Geopolitical and Economic Factors: China’s overcapacity issues are compounded by international geopolitical tensions and a drive for self-sufficiency. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and efforts to substitute Western markets with domestic demand have not resolved these issues, partly due to insufficient economic strength in participating countries and increasing global resistance to Chinese products.

Challenges/Issues

• Inefficiencies and Financial Losses: Research has shown that a significant portion of China's investment has been ineffective, with large amounts of money wasted on projects that did not yield expected returns. As a result, many industrial firms are now facing financial losses, reflecting the broader economic strain.
• Challenges in Technology and Self-Reliance: China’s ambition to dominate in high-tech sectors, such as semiconductors, has not been fully realised, despite substantial investments. The focus on self-reliance has led to misaligned investments that do not align with market demands, further straining economic resources.
• Geopolitical Repercussions: China’s economic challenges are intertwined with its geopolitical strategies, which have strained international relations. The negative global perception of Chinese products and investments has exacerbated the economic difficulties, limiting China’s ability to expand its market reach effectively.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the economic and geopolitical challenges faced by China due to its decentralised economic model and recent shifts towards centralisation. How have these factors impacted China’s global economic position and international relations?