GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The ongoing tectonic interaction between India and China is not a modern conflict but a natural, ancient process that has been occurring for millions of years. While geopolitical tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) make headlines, a much slower and continuous struggle is taking place below the Earth's surface. This phenomenon is caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which is leading to the shrinking of the Indian landmass as it slides under the Eurasian or Tibetan plate.

What are Tectonic Plates?

• The Earth’s crust is divided into large sections known as tectonic plates.
• The Indian plate, which once formed part of the supercontinent Gondwanaland, began drifting northward about 60 to 70 million years ago.
• Over millions of years, it moved towards the Eurasian plate (containing present-day China and the Tibetan Plateau).
• This collision resulted in the uplift of the Himalayas and the continuous process of subduction, where the Indian plate is slowly sliding under the Tibetan plate at a rate of 5 to 6 centimeters per year.
• This geological process is referred to as continental drift, which was responsible for the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. The Indian plate is still being squeezed under the Tibetan plate, causing the Himalayas to rise higher each year, including Mount Everest, which continues to grow in height due to this ongoing tectonic activity.

The Ongoing Tug-of-War

• The Indian plate’s constant movement under the Tibetan plate causes significant geological stress, building up over time. This stress is released in the form of
• The Himalayan region, being one of the most tectonically active areas on Earth, is prone to frequent seismic activity.
• Some parts of this region have not experienced a major earthquake in over 500 years, and experts believe a large earthquake is overdue.
• Recent studies show that regions like Hanle in Ladakh are rising slightly due to this tectonic interaction.
• Over the last 25 years, Hanle has moved upwards by around 5 cm and shifted northeastward by 85 cm.
  • Monitoring of these movements is done through sophisticated technology such as GPS and satellite tracking, allowing scientists to track the movement of these tectonic plates with high precision.

Implications of the Tectonic Tug-of-War

• Earthquakes and Seismic Activity: As the Indian plate slides under the Eurasian plate, it builds up tension that can cause earthquakes. The stress accumsulated due to this interaction may eventually release, leading to large, potentially catastrophic earthquakes. Given the historical absence of major quakes in some regions, experts warn that the region may be due for a "mega-earthquake."
• Rising Himalayas: The collision between these two plates also results in the constant rising of the Himalayan mountain range. The rate of uplift is approximately 5 mm per year, making the Himalayas one of the youngest and fastest-growing mountain ranges in the world.
  • To understand this process more accurately, Indian scientists from the CSIR Fourth Paradigm Institute (CSIR-4PI) have set up high-accuracy reference stations at key locations like Hanle in Ladakh and Bengaluru. Using advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments, they can measure the subtle movements of the land, helping predict seismic risks and better understand the tectonic forces at play.

The Supreme Court of India agreed to examine a petition filed by the Jharkhand Government, challenging an interim order by the State High Court. The High Court had ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee, which includes central government officers, to look into allegations of illegal immigration into Jharkhand from Bangladesh. The issue of alleged infiltration has been contentious, and the matter is now being reviewed by the Supreme Court.

What is the issue?

• In September 2024, the Jharkhand High Court passed an order in response to a public interest litigation (PIL).
• The PIL claimed that illegal immigration from Bangladesh was happening in six districts of Jharkhand. This infiltration was altering the demographic makeup of the region, particularly in the Santhal Pargana area, where the tribal population was allegedly decreasing and the Muslim population was increasing.
• The High Court order was based on an affidavit submitted by the Union Government, which suggested that “infiltration has been assessed to have taken place.”
• Jharkhand Government’s Points:
  • However, the Jharkhand Government has contested this claim, arguing that the Union Government’s assessment lacked proper data (based on outdated data from the 1961 and 2011 censuses) or evidence to substantiate it.
  • The State Government has also raised concerns over the High Court’s decision to intervene in what it claims is an issue that should be addressed through state mechanisms.
  • Jharkhand is not a border state, and therefore, the issue of illegal immigration and infiltration should fall under the state’s jurisdiction.
• The High Court’s Concerns
  • The High Court had expressed concern that the demographic shift in Jharkhand—specifically the decline of the tribal population from 44.67% in 1951 to 28.11% in 2011, while the Muslim population rose from 9.44% in 1951 to 22.73% in 2011—was indicative of the adverse effects of illegal immigration.
  • The Court had pointed to a “lackadaisical approach” by the State Government in tackling this issue and had called for a more proactive response.

Why this issue matters?

• This case highlights broader concerns about illegal immigration, particularly from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, and its impact on local demographics.
• Illegal immigration can cause significant social and political tensions, especially in states like Jharkhand, where tribal communities have historically been marginalized.
• The case also touches upon the autonomy of state governments to manage issues that impact their local populations versus the central government’s role in overseeing national security and migration-related concerns.
• While the Supreme Court has agreed to examine the case, the broader debate continues about how best to handle the issue of illegal immigration—whether through data-backed evidence or by giving more autonomy to states to manage their internal affairs.

How Migration is threat to internal security?

• Threat to stability: Migration, particularly illegal or unregulated, presents significant threats to internal security. These threats can manifest in various forms, affecting both social stability and national safety.
• Exploitation of Vulnerable Migrants: Terrorist organizations may target refugees, who are often vulnerable, for recruitment or manipulation. This fosters xenophobia and social division, creating security risks by labeling migrants as potential threats.
• Radicalization Risk: Migrants, especially in poor conditions, can be easily radicalized by extremist groups promising security, leading to direct threats to national stability.
• Direct Threats: Refugee movements can serve as cover for terrorists or extremists crossing borders, posing a direct risk to the state.
• Indirect Threats: Migrants can strain resources, lead to competition for jobs, and cause social unrest, which can be exploited by hostile groups to destabilize the region.
• Demographic and Social Tensions: Mass migration, especially in regions like North-East India, changes local demographics, overwhelming resources and leading to conflicts between indigenous and migrant populations.
• Economic Vulnerability: Migrants often face poverty and limited opportunities, which can lead to crime and increased susceptibility to radicalization by extremist groups offering solutions.
• Illegal Activities: Unregulated migration undermines the rule of law, with illegal migrants engaging in fraud, smuggling, and anti-national activities.
• Weakened Sovereignty: Inadequate regulation of migrants can erode national sovereignty, creating lawlessness and security risks.
• Militant Groups: In regions like Assam, perceptions of illegal migration can lead to the formation of radical groups, increasing the risk of violent extremism and internal conflict.

India’s reservation system has been a critical tool in promoting social and economic equality for historically marginalized communities, particularly the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This affirmative action was introduced to undo centuries of discrimination faced by these communities. However, after more than 75 years since independence, questions are being raised about whether the system still meets its intended goals and whether some groups within the SC category are benefiting more than others.

What is the objective of Reservations?

• The reservation system was designed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, to address the deep-rooted social and economic inequality that existed due to the caste system.
• The main aim of reservations was to provide equal opportunities for SCs and STs in education, government jobs, and public offices.
• This was a step toward achieving substantive equality — ensuring that marginalized groups had the means to improve their socio-economic status.

What is the ‘Quota-within-Quota’ System?

• The ‘Quota-within-Quota’ system is an approach to subdivide a larger reservation category into smaller, more targeted sub-categories.
• This system is aimed at ensuring that the most disadvantaged groups within a broader category, such as the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), or Other Backward Classes (OBCs), get a more focused share of the benefits from affirmative action policies.
• The concept is based on the idea that within a larger group, some sections may be more marginalized or face greater socio-economic challenges than others, and thus, need more specific support.
• How Does the System Work? In a typical reservation system, a percentage of seats or positions in educational institutions, government jobs, and public offices are reserved for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
  • Under the ‘quota-within-quota’ system, the overall reservation for a broad category (like SCs) is further subdivided into smaller quotas based on sub-castes or communities.
• Recently, the Supreme Court has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the reservation system. The primary issue is whether all SC subgroups benefit equally from reservations.
• Some SC communities appear to have advanced more than others, leading to the suggestion of a ‘quota-within-quota’ system. This would subdivide the SC reservation into smaller categories to better target the most disadvantaged groups within the SCs.

Data from Various States

Different states in India show varying outcomes regarding the impact of reservations on SC communities:

• Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu: In these states, two major SC groups — Malas and Madigas (Andhra Pradesh) and Adi Dravida and Pallans (Tamil Nadu) — show similar socio-economic outcomes. Both groups have benefited relatively equally from reservations in education and employment. The data suggests that there is no significant need for further subdivision of the SC quota in these states.
• Punjab: Punjab has had a ‘quota-within-quota’ system since 1975, dividing the SC quota into subcategories like Mazhabi Sikhs and Balmikis (more disadvantaged) and Ad Dharmis and Ravidasis (relatively better-off). This approach has helped the more marginalized groups catch up to others in terms of education, employment, and social mobility.
• Bihar: In Bihar, the government introduced a ‘Mahadalit’ category in 2007 to target the most disadvantaged SC groups. However, the policy lost effectiveness due to political pressures, which led to the inclusion of a broader range of SC groups. This diluted the original purpose of targeting the most marginalized groups.

Key Issues with the Reservation System

• Access to Reservations: A major problem with the current reservation system is the limited access to the benefits it provides. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, less than half of SC households have the necessary caste certificates to access reserved seats in education and government jobs. This indicates that many SC individuals are excluded from the benefits of affirmative action.
  • In contrast, states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh report higher percentages of SC households with caste certificates (over 60-70%), but these states are exceptions rather than the rule.
• The ‘Creamy Layer’ Debate: One idea being discussed is the introduction of a ‘creamy layer’ exclusion for SCs, similar to what exists for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The idea is to exclude wealthier or more educated individuals from the reserved categories. However, there is little evidence to support that wealthier SC individuals are no longer discriminated against or that they no longer face caste-based stigma in society.
• Political Influence: The design of reservation policies, including the subdivision of quotas, is often influenced by political motives rather than data-driven evidence. In states like Bihar, political pressures have led to the inclusion of broader categories in the reservation system, which undermines its effectiveness.
• Need for Updated Data: One of the major challenges in reforming the reservation system is the lack of comprehensive, updated data on caste-based disparities. The national Census, which can provide detailed caste data, has been delayed for years. Without reliable data, it is difficult to assess the real impact of reservations or to design policies that effectively target those who need them most.

Should There Be a ‘Quota-within-Quota’?

• The idea of a ‘quota-within-quota’ has both merits and challenges. In states like Punjab, where disparities between SC subgroups are significant, subdividing the SC quota has led to more equitable outcomes. However, in many other states, the need for further subdivisions is not clear, as the benefits of reservations appear to be fairly distributed across SC groups.
• Instead of focusing solely on subdividing quotas, the government should first address the more fundamental issue: improving access to reservations for all SCs. A large number of SC households do not have caste certificates, which restricts their ability to access the benefits of affirmative action.
• Moreover, any changes to the reservation system should be backed by updated, accurate data to ensure that policies are based on real needs and not political calculations. Only with better access, updated data, and a focus on genuine social and economic upliftment can the reservation system continue to serve its purpose of promoting equality in India.

India’s economy has grown at a healthy rate of 4.6% annually from 2019-20 to 2023-24, with even stronger growth of 7.8% in the last three fiscal years. The agricultural sector, which is crucial for rural livelihoods, has also grown steadily at an average rate of 4.2%. However, despite this economic progress, rural wages have not kept pace with inflation.

Rural Wage Growth vs. Economic Growth

• Nominal Wages: From 2019 to 2024, rural wages grew by 5.2% on average annually in nominal (current value) terms. For agriculture, this figure was slightly higher at 5.8%.
• Real Wages: When adjusted for inflation, the situation looks different. In real (inflation-adjusted) terms, rural wages grew at only -0.4% per year on average, indicating stagnation. For agricultural wages, the growth was slightly better at +0.2%.

In simpler terms, while wages have increased in name, the rise has not been enough to outpace inflation, meaning that the purchasing power of rural workers has not improved significantly.

Why Are Rural Wages Stagnant?

There are two main reasons why rural wages are stagnating despite the economy’s growth:

Rising Labour Force Participation Among Women

• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) measures the percentage of the working-age population (15 years and above) that is either employed or actively seeking work. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women joining the workforce, particularly in rural areas.
  • Female LFPR in Rural Areas: In 2018-19, the female LFPR in rural India was 4%. By 2023-24, this had risen to 47.6%. This is a major shift, showing that more women are willing to work.
• The reason for this increase is largely attributed to government programs like Ujjwala, Saubhagya, Swachh Bharat, and Har Ghar Jal. These initiatives have improved access to clean cooking fuel, electricity, water, and sanitation. This has reduced the time women spend on household chores, like collecting water or firewood, allowing them to take up more productive work outside the home.
• However, the downside of this increase in the workforce is that more people are now available for work. More workers, especially women, are willing to work at the same or even lower wages, which has led to a downward pressure on real wages in rural areas.

Shift Towards Agriculture

• Another key factor is where the new workforce is getting jobs. As more women enter the rural labour market, a significant portion of them is finding employment in agriculture. From 2018-19 to 2023-24, the share of agriculture in rural employment rose from 1% to 76.9%.
  • The problem with this is that agriculture is a labour-intensive sector with low productivity. In other words, each additional worker in agriculture adds less value to the output, leading to lower wages in agriculture.
  • As rural India has not seen a proportional increase in jobs in non-farm sectors (e.g., manufacturing or services), the majority of new entrants into the workforce are stuck in agriculture, which has limited capacity for high-wage growth.

Capital-Intensive Growth

• Economic growth in India in recent years has been increasingly capital-intensive. This means that industries like infrastructure, steel, and cement require more machinery and less human labor.
• The growth in such sectors generates wealth, but not enough employment for a large number of workers.
• As a result, the benefits of economic growth are accruing to capital owners (firms and industrialists) rather than labourers.

The Mitigating Factor: Income Transfer Schemes

While wage growth has been slow, the government has introduced income transfer schemes to provide additional support, especially to women and rural families. These schemes include:

• Direct Income Transfers: The government has provided annual income support of Rs 6,000 per year to 11 crore farmers through the PM-KISAN scheme. Additionally, free grain distribution has benefited over 80 crore people.
• State-Specific Schemes: Many states have implemented or announced schemes that provide direct financial support to women in rural areas. For example:
  • Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana: Transfers Rs 1,500 per month to women from families with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh. This amount can be crucial for rural women, whose average daily wage in August 2024 was Rs 311.5.

The Indian Army has conducted the first round of patrolling in the Depsang area along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), after conducting similar patrols in Demchok, following the consensus reached between the Indian and Chinese sides for disengagement and resumption of patrolling in the region. The Army now has “unrestricted access” to the five PPs in Depsang and two in Demchok.

Patrolling Points

• Depsang and Demchok were the last two friction points during the four and half years long tense stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.
• Since the LAC flare-up, the PLA troops blocked India’s access to five patrolling points in Depsang– PP 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13 – that are close to the LAC. 
• The area including Dault Beg Oldie airbase is a part of what is known as Sub Sector North in the India military parlance. 
• East of the Depsang plain lies Aksai Chin, an area illegally occupied by China since the 1950s. The region is strategically important not only due to its proximity to Siachen glacier and Karakoram range, but also because of the flat nature of the terrain. 
• The five patrolling points are located in an area called bottleneck which opens on a flat area that gives India a vantage point to keep an eye on two crucial Chinese roads connecting Tibet with Xinjiang.

OPEC+ has agreed to delay a planned December oil output increase by one month, as weak demand notably from China and rising supply outside the group maintain downward pressure on the oil market.

What is OPEC+?

• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was established in 1960 by five founding countries: Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Since its inception, OPEC has grown to include 13 member countries that together control a significant portion of the world’s oil reserves and production capacity.
• However, in 2016, in response to falling oil prices caused by rising S. shale oil production, OPEC expanded its reach by partnering with additional oil-producing nations that were not part of the original OPEC group. This broader coalition is known as OPEC+, which includes key non-OPEC oil producers like Russia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Oman.
• OPEC+ Members
  • OPEC Members: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Venezuela.
  • Non-OPEC Members in OPEC+: Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Brunei, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, South Sudan, and Sudan.
• OPEC+ collectively accounts for a significant portion of global oil production and plays a crucial role in determining oil prices worldwide through production cuts or increases.

OPEC+ Production and Spare Capacity

• OPEC+ has substantial spare capacity in terms of oil production. Spare capacity refers to the ability of oil producers to increase output quickly if necessary, in response to rising demand or disruptions in supply.
• For example:
  • Saudi Arabia has the potential to increase its production by up to 3 million barrels per day (bpd).
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) can potentially raise production by 4 million bpd.
• This spare capacity gives OPEC+ a significant role in managing global oil supply and stabilizing prices, especially when there are disruptions in major oil-producing countries, such as Iran.
• OPEC+ and Global Oil Prices: OPEC+ has significant influence over global oil prices. By adjusting production quotas, OPEC+ can influence supply, which in turn affects prices. For instance:
  • Production Cuts: OPEC+ often cuts production to raise oil prices when global demand is sluggish. For example, the group has cut production by 86 million bpd in recent years.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts, such as those involving Iran or other major oil producers, can lead to oil price volatility. OPEC+’s spare capacity can help stabilize prices in such situations, but the ability to do so depends on the geopolitical situation.

Global Oil Consumption and India’s Role

• India is the third-largest oil importer and consumer in the world, importing over 80% of its oil needs. India plays an increasingly important role in global oil markets:
• In July 2022, India became the top buyer of Russian oil, surpassing China.
• India is expected to become the largest source of global oil demand growth between now and 2030.
• This growing demand from India has significant implications for global oil prices and trade patterns, especially as the country continues to rely on imports to meet its energy needs.
• India’s Measures to Reduce Oil Imports
  • FDI in Oil and Gas PSUs: In 2021, the government allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in oil and gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the automatic route, encouraging private and foreign investment in India’s energy sector.
  • Coal Bed Methane (CBM): India is exploring Coal Bed Methane as an alternative energy source to reduce its dependence on crude oil. CBM is a natural gas extracted from coal beds, which is seen as a cleaner alternative.
  • Underground Coal Gasification (UCG): The government is using UCG to convert coal into synthetic gas, which can be used for electricity generation and industrial processes. This helps in reducing dependence on imported oil and gas.
  • National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP): India is also exploring gas hydrates (frozen methane deposits found under the ocean floor) as a potential energy source. The National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP) aims to map these resources and explore their commercial viability.
  • Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP): Under the OALP, India has opened up oil and gas exploration to private and foreign companies, allowing them to bid for exploration blocks in unlicensed areas. This aims to boost domestic oil and gas production.

The number of polio cases in Pakistan this year has risen to 45 after two fresh cases were detected in the country's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where the debilitating virus remains endemic.

About Poliomyelitis (Polio)

• Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus.
• It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.
• Transmission: The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine.
• Initial symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs.
  • Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.
• Treatment: There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life. There are two vaccines available (Both are effective and safe): 
  • Oral polio vaccine
  • Inactivated polio vaccine
• Global Polio Eradication Initiative: In 1988, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution for the worldwide eradication of polio, marking the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spearheaded by national governments, WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, and later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
• Progress so far: Wild poliovirus cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries to 12 reported cases in 2023. 
  • Of the 3 strains of wild poliovirus (type 1, type 2 and type 3), wild poliovirus type 2 was eradicated in 1999 and wild poliovirus type 3 was eradicated in 2020. 
  • As at 2024, endemic wild poliovirus type 1 remains in two countries:  Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Researchers at the University of Georgia recently made an interesting discovery about how nickel, a toxic metal, affects cells. Their findings, published in the journal PLoS Genetics, reveal that exposure to nickel can lead to a sterol deficiency in both mammalian (animals) and fungal cells.

Key-Findings

The research team discovered an unexpected connection between nickel exposure and sterol biosynthesis (the process of creating sterols) in fungal and mammalian cells. Here's a summary of their findings:

• Nickel Exposure Reduces Sterol Levels: When exposed to nickel, cells in both fungi and mammals had reduced amounts of sterols. Specifically, in fungi, the sterol ergosterol was significantly decreased.
• The Role of SRE1/SREBP: The researchers found that a specific protein called SRE1 (Sterol Response Element 1) in fungi is important for regulating sterol production. In mammals, a similar protein is called SREBP (Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein). When cells are exposed to nickel, this protein is activated and triggers the genes responsible for sterol biosynthesis.
• The Gene ERG25 and Nickel Tolerance: One crucial finding of the study was that a gene called ERG25, which is involved in sterol biosynthesis, plays a role in nickel tolerance. When the ERG25 gene was over-expressed (increased activity), fungal cells were better able to tolerate high levels of nickel. This suggested that the ERG25 protein helps the cell deal with nickel exposure by maintaining sterol production.
• Sterol Deficiency and Nickel Sensitivity: The study also found that fungal cells with a mutation in the Sre1 gene (which controls sterol biosynthesis) became very sensitive to nickel. Without proper sterol production, these cells couldn’t handle the stress caused by nickel, highlighting the link between sterol biosynthesis and nickel tolerance.

How does it connect to cell biology and potential medical applications?

• Nickel and Its Role: Nickel is a heavy metal often found in industrial environments, and it's also a known allergen and carcinogen for humans. However, certain organisms, such as plants, bacteria, and fungi, actually need nickel for normal biological processes. For example, the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans uses nickel for the function of an important enzyme called urease.
• Sterols and Their Importance: Sterols are lipid molecules (fats) that are a critical component of cell membranes in plants, animals, and fungi. They provide structural rigidity to these membranes, making them more stable. In humans and animals, the most important sterol is cholesterol, while in fungi, it is ergosterol.
  • Cholesterol: In humans, cholesterol is essential for many bodily functions, but if present in excess, it can build up in blood vessels and cause heart disease.
  • Ergosterol: In fungi, ergosterol plays a similar role to cholesterol but is the target of many antifungal drugs, like fluconazole, which inhibit ergosterol production to kill the fungus.

The United States has announced deployment of B-52 bombers, fighter jets, refueling aircraft and Navy destroyers to the Middle East, in a readjustment of military assets as the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group prepares to leave the region.

About B-52 Bombers

• The aircraft has high mission-capable rate, large payload, long range, persistence and ability to employ both nuclear and conventional precision standoff weapons.
• B-52s are powered by eight jet engines (an unusually high number).
• They can carry 32,000 kg of ordnance including bombs, rockets, missiles and precision guided weapons as well as air-launched cruise missiles and miniature air launched decoys.
• Though sub-sonic with a maximum speed of Mach 0.86, these can fly up to 50,000 feet and have a range of 14,200 km without aerial refueling.
• Its massive 185-foot wingspan, two feet more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, is too wide to allow traditional take-off or landing procedures and a special landing gear had to be developed by Boeing.
• The B-52 primarily provides the United States with immediate nuclear and conventional global strike capability.
• First flown in 1952, the aircraft began entering USAF service in 1955, with a total of 744 aircraft of different variants being produced. The last airframe was rolled out in 1962. The B-52 continues to be a critical contributor to the US national security strategy.
• At present, about 75 such aircraft are said to be in service, primarily based at Minot in North Dakota and Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana with the 2nd Bomb Wing and 307th Bomb Wing as part of the Air Force Global Strike Command.

The tragic death of Anna Sebastian, a young chartered accountant who allegedly succumbed to work stress, has raised serious concerns about the toxic corporate work culture in India. Her mother’s statement, comparing the current work culture to modern-day slavery, highlights the deep-rooted issues of excessive work hours, poor treatment of employees, and the exploitation prevalent in India’s corporate sector.

Toxic Workplace Culture

• Excessive Work Hours and Exploitation: In India’s corporate sector, long work hours are justified as part of a ‘performance culture,’ often leading to employee burnout. While the top management enjoys high compensation, employees are expected to meet stiff targets with minimal resources, creating a toxic environment where respect and work-life balance are overlooked.
• Lack of Fair Treatment and Unfair Performance Metrics: Employees often feel undervalued due to the arbitrary nature of performance evaluations. Terms like “weeding out dead wood” reflect the callous approach towards employees, while variable pay disproportionately rewards top executives, exacerbating resentment and contributing to a toxic work culture.
• Abusive Language and Bullying: Toxic corporate behavior often extends to verbal abuse and bullying, with bosses using aggressive or intimidating language. Unlike in the U.S. and Europe, where employees can hold firms accountable for such behavior, India lacks strong legal recourse, leaving workers vulnerable to mistreatment.

Comparison with Public Sector Firms

• Better Work Environment in Public Sector: Public sector firms, though not offering large monetary rewards, are perceived to have a better work culture. Job security, unions, and less glaring pay inequality offer employees more stability and protection, making complaints about toxic work culture relatively rare in these sectors.
• Lack of Job Security in Private Sector: In contrast, the private sector is plagued with job insecurity, where employees face constant pressure to perform or risk being penalized. The ruthless approach to underperformance in the private sector creates an environment of fear and resentment, undermining employee morale and productivity.
• Unions as a Safeguard: Unlike private firms, unions in the public sector act as a check on management, ensuring that workers' rights are not arbitrarily violated. These unions help address grievances effectively, which reduces the occurrence of a toxic work culture.

Need for Reform and Regulation

• Corporate Affirmations and Disconnected Boards: Many corporations respond to such issues with surface-level solutions, such as new “codes of conduct” or “town hall meetings,” which fail to address the root causes of toxicity. Corporate boards, often disconnected from the realities of the workforce, lack the motivation to challenge management practices that harm employee well-being.
• Regulation as a Necessity: To address the worst excesses of corporate culture in India, regulatory intervention may be needed. Regulations could push corporate boards to take responsibility for work culture and ensure that employees are treated with respect and fairness, potentially creating an environment where abuses can be addressed more effectively.
• The Need for Accountability: Just as the Nirbhaya case led to a paradigm shift in addressing women’s safety, Anna Sebastian’s death could be a defining moment in changing the corporate work culture. Increased scrutiny and regulation could help prevent future tragedies and make Indian workplaces more humane.

Practice Question:

Q. Discuss the issue of toxic work culture in India’s corporate sector, focusing on the causes, impact on employee well-being, and potential regulatory solutions. How can India’s corporate culture be reformed to ensure a better work environment?

India is facing a significant shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, which has led to long queues at distribution centres and even police deployment to manage the crowds. The shortage, coupled with higher prices than the government-fixed maximum retail price (MRP), has exposed the failure in short-term planning, the inadequacies of price control mechanisms, and the broader issues with fertiliser subsidy policies.

Fertiliser Shortage and Poor Planning

• Shortage of DAP Stocks: The shortage of DAP fertiliser, which is crucial for early-stage crop development, has become particularly severe this year. Despite an estimated demand of 60 lakh tonnes (lt) during the rabi season, there were only 15-16 lt in stock on October 1, far below the required 27-30 lt. This indicates a significant failure in advance planning and stock management.
• Decline in Domestic Production and Imports: Domestic production and imports of DAP have been inadequate, with only 21.5 lakh tonnes produced (down from 23.3 lakh tonnes in 2023) and just 19.7 lakh tonnes imported during April-September 2024 (compared to 34.5 lakh tonnes in the same period in 2023). This shortfall has exacerbated the fertiliser crisis, leaving farmers scrambling for the commodity.
• Farmers' Struggle Amid Shortage: Farmers are struggling to obtain DAP in time for the sowing season, particularly for crops like mustard, potato, and wheat. The shortage has come at a time when good monsoon rains and higher crop prices have encouraged farmers to plant, but the lack of availability of fertiliser is severely limiting their ability to do so.

The Impact of Price Controls and Subsidies

• Price Controls and Their Impact on Imports: The government-imposed price control of Rs 27,000 per tonne for DAP, combined with a subsidy of Rs 21,911, has made imports unviable. The actual landed cost, including bagging and distribution, totals around Rs 65,000 per tonne, creating a significant gap that discourages fertiliser companies from importing DAP.
• Fertiliser Subsidy Crisis: The subsidy structure for DAP is not covering the actual costs involved in importation and distribution, leading to artificial shortages. Farmers are reportedly paying up to Rs 350 more than the government-fixed MRP of Rs 1,350 per 50-kg bag, highlighting the negative consequences of the price control mechanism.
• The Case for Policy Reform: The DAP crisis underscores the inefficacy of price controls and product-specific subsidies. It is argued that instead of continuing with these outdated mechanisms, a more efficient approach would be to offer a flat per-acre subsidy to all farmers, incentivising competition among suppliers and improving fertiliser availability and quality.

Practice Question

Q. Examine the issues arising from India’s fertiliser subsidy policy and price controls, particularly in the context of the current DAP shortage. What reforms are needed to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable fertiliser supply?

U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris’s endorsement as the Democratic Party’s nominee for the 2024 U.S. Presidential elections sparked significant political debate and online harassment. Her campaign was marred by AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation, which targeted her personal and professional life, spreading sexist, racist, and objectifying content. This issue highlights the growing concern over the role of technology in perpetuating gender-based online abuse, especially for women in power.

Digital Abuse and Disinformation

• Trolling and Deepfakes: Kamala Harris, like other women in politics, faced online harassment in the form of AI-generated deepfakes, racist, and sexist content. A manipulated video with her cloned voice circulated, making false claims about her character, reinforcing negative stereotypes and objectifying her.
• Targeting Women in Power: Women politicians, such as Nikki Haley, Giorgia Meloni, and others globally, are increasingly targeted by digitally manipulated content. AI-driven attacks, including explicit deepfakes, continue to gain widespread engagement on social media, impacting the public perception of these women and their dignity.
• Disproportionate Abuse of Women: The abuse faced by women online differs from that directed at men, as women encounter sexualized content, body-shaming, and derogatory stereotypes. While men face misinformation regarding political actions, women are more likely to be objectified or depicted in degrading ways, affecting their mental well-being.

Big Tech’s Responsibility and Failure

• Lack of Accountability: Tech giants like Meta, Google, and Twitter often avoid responsibility for spreading harmful content. They rely on ‘safe harbour’ protections, which prevent them from being held accountable for user-generated material, despite their ability to moderate and remove harmful content.
• Ineffective Content Moderation: Platforms fail to quickly address harmful content, with reporting mechanisms often too slow. This delay in content moderation allows abusive material, such as sexually explicit deepfakes, to proliferate, which exacerbates harm to women.
• Need for Legal and Technical Reforms: Policymakers and tech companies need to take swift action, including imposing hefty fines on platforms and reviewing harmful apps. The involvement of women in technology development and regulatory decision-making is essential to reduce gender bias in AI and digital platforms.

Gender Bias in AI and Technology

• AI’s Amplification of Bias: AI systems often perpetuate societal biases, especially when shaped by data sets with gender stereotypes. Women, particularly those in positions of power, are disproportionately affected by AI-driven harassment, amplifying existing prejudices rather than challenging them.
• Lack of Female Representation in Tech: There is a significant gender gap in the tech industry, with women underrepresented in AI development. The lack of diverse perspectives in tech companies leads to the creation of biased systems that fail to adequately protect women from online harassment and abuse.
• Policy and Governance for Safe Digital Spaces: To combat these issues, stronger governance frameworks are needed. Governments should enforce regulations that hold tech companies accountable for harmful content, and tech firms must invest in better moderation tools and safety measures to ensure online spaces are free from gender bias and harassment.

Practice Question:

Q. Discuss the growing concerns regarding online harassment of women in politics, especially with the rise of AI-generated content. Evaluate the role of Big Tech companies and the need for regulatory reforms to address this issue.