GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

India’s rural household faces various challenges regarding the adoption of LPG as a cooking fuel, despite government initiatives to promote its use. Most important barrier is “high cost of LPG cylinders”. Thus, the reliance increases on the solid cooking fuels like wood and coal. The impact of high cost of LPG is not limited to usage of solid fuels, but it has implications for socio-ecological well-being.

Challenges with Solid Cooking Fuels: 

• High refill costs, complicated application processes, lack of doorstep delivery, and ineffective grievance redressal mechanisms are significant challenges.
• Gender norms, systemic factors, and limited awareness about the benefits of LPG worsen these issues.
• Ease of access to fuel sources determines the choice of cooking fuel.
• Most households are unfamiliar with the concept of household air pollution.

Socio-ecological effects 

• Health issues: Many rural households in India face barriers to adopting LPG due to its high cost, leading to around 750 million people relying on solid cooking fuels like wood, dung, coal, and charcoal. However, these fuels pose health risks and have socio-economic and environmental impacts.
• Economic constraints: Despite having LPG connections, many households still resort to using fuelwood due to economic constraints.
• Socio-ecological crises: The rising price of LPG could lead to socio-ecological crises in areas where alternatives to fuelwood are scarce.
• Climate Change: Solid fuel combustion releases greenhouse gases and particulate matter, contributing to climate change and local air pollution, exacerbating environmental challenges.
• Social Inequity: LPG price hikes disproportionately affect marginalized communities and exacerbate social inequalities, as they may lack the financial resources to cope with increased fuel costs.
• Sustainability Challenges: LPG price hikes may hinder efforts to promote clean cooking solutions and achieve sustainability goals, undermining progress towards environmental conservation and public health improvement.
• Equity Perspective: LPG price hikes may exacerbate disparities in access to clean cooking fuels, particularly impacting women and economically weaker sections of society.

Recommended Measures: 

• Conduct awareness campaigns at household and community levels to educate people about the health risks of using biomass fuels and the benefits of switching to LPG. These campaigns should involve self-help groups and other social networks.
• Explore flexible payment options, such as installment payments for LPG cylinders, through existing self-help group networks and local banking systems.
• Take urgent action to make LPG more affordable for deserving sections of society, both in rural and urban areas.
• Consider electric and solar cooking as potential transitionary steps in the journey towards cleaner cooking solutions.Top of Form

Nagaland's Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections were stalled for 20 years due to opposition to the reservation of 33% of wards for women. Previous attempts to hold elections faced strong protests and violence.

Background: Women's Reservation in Nagaland 

• Legal Battle: Nagaland resisted implementing 33% reservation for women in municipalities and town councils, mandated by Article 243 T (3) of the Constitution.
  • Naga Mothers Association and People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) fought a 15-year legal battle to enforce the constitutional provision.
• Obstacles: Nagaland's government and prominent sections of Naga society opposed reservation, citing cultural customs and constitutional provisions.
  • The tribal bodies argued that women have traditionally not been part of decision-making bodies in Naga customs.
  • According to them, allowing reservation for women would violate special provisions granted to the state under Article 371A of the Constitution.

Intervention of Supreme Court: 

• In 2016, Supreme Court intervened, stayed the High Court's order, and revived the directive to hold elections within one month.
• State government, along with civil society groups, initiated violent protests against the reservation.
• SC bench, led by Justice Kaul, expedited the case in 2023, finally mandating elections to be held by June 2024.

While maritime security and geopolitics (Indo-Pacific, rules-based international order) have dominated discussions in recent time, there's a need to prioritize economic development, particularly through harnessing the potential of the Blue Economy (BE).

Contribution of blue economy to economy 

• India is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world, with a coastline spanning 7,517 kilometers across nine coastal states and 1,382 islands.
• Nearly 250 million Indians live within a distance of 50 km from the coastal areas of India.
• Its maritime industries include trade, shipbuilding, and cruise tourism, generate significant economic output.
• It provides employment opportunities for the approximately 4 million people.
• The 12 largest ports in India, along with 187 smaller ports, handle almost 1,400 million tons of cargo yearly; by volume, maritime routes account for 95% of all trade in the country.
• India’s fish production is only 6% of global production, and its contribution is only 1% to the national GDP.
• India’s blue economy supportsalmost 95 per cent of all businesses in the country through transportation, and it’s estimated worth is around 4 per cent of the country’s GDP. 
• India's Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2 million square kilometres has a bounty of living and non-living resources with significant recoverable resources such as crude oil and natural gas.
• Blue Economy is intrinsically linked to the following SDGs:
  • SDG 14- conserving and using oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 6 - Clean Water
  • SDG 7- Clean and Renewable Energy.

India’s measures to strengthen its blue economy 

• The goal of the Global Maritime India Summit and the G20 are to foster a blue economy with an emphasis on green ports, sustainable infrastructure, cruise tourism, and international investments.
• Draft National Policy for Blue Economy was unveiled in 2021 with the goals of preserving marine biodiversity, enhancing the GDP contribution of the ocean economy, and improving the quality of life for coastal people.
• Deep Ocean Mission was established in 2021 to create technology such as underwater robotics and manned submersibles in order to extract both living and non-living resources from the deep ocean.
• Maritime India Vision, 2030 (MIV 2030) was unveiled with the goal of accelerating the maritime sector's ten-year growth while emphasizing the establishment of an environmentally sound and sustainable maritime sector.
• India launched its first Marine Spatial Planning frameworkin Puducherry in collaboration with Norway under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative to minimise conflicts between economic sectors.
• Sagarmala Project:The Sagarmala project is the strategic initiative for port-led development through the extensive use of IT enabled services for modernization of ports.
• O-SMART: India has an umbrella scheme by the name of O-SMART which aims at regulated use of oceans, marine resources for sustainable development.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management: It focuses on conservation of coastal and marine resources, and improving livelihood opportunities for coastal communities etc.
• National Fisheries Policy: India has a National Fisheries policy for promoting 'Blue Growth Initiative' which focuses on sustainable utilization of fisheries wealth from marine and other aquatic resources.

Challenges faced by Blue economy 

• Climate change, pollution, overfishing and inadequate regulatory frameworksare the major issues.
• Natural Disasters: Coastal communities in India face significant challenges from natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.
• Decline of oceans: Given the current state of decline of world oceans, the increase in development efforts could further deteriorate the situation.
• Erratic monsoons and warming tropical waters have already endangered these livelihoods.
• Marine debris (bottles, rubber, household items, and plastic bags), carries along with it a large number of invasive species to the Indian shores, thus becoming a new source of threat to the livelihood of the locals.

Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary (Pachishe Boisakh) is celebrated on May 7, every year. This year marked the 163rd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.

About 

• Rabindranath Tagore, known as the 'Bard of Bengal', was a versatile genius born on 7 May 1861.
• Tagore was a poet, novelist, essayist, philosopher and musician.
• Literary Contributions: Tagore was a prolific writer, composing over 2,000 songs, novels, dance dramas, and short stories. Some of his notable works include "Gitanjali," "Gora," "Ghare Baire," and "Shesher Kobita." Tagore started writing short stories at the age of 16. The famous short stories written by him include Kabuliwala, Kshudita Pashan and Atithi.
• Musical and Philosophical Influence: Tagore's compositions encompassed a wide range of themes. Tagore's best works are Gora, Gitanjali, Rakta Karabi, Ghare Baire, Shesher Kobita, Raja O Rani, Tasher Desh, Dena Paonaand Shanchayita.
• Nobel Prize Laureate: In 1913, Tagore became the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature for his profound impact on world literature.
• Contribution to National Anthems: Tagore authored the national anthem of India (Jana Gana Mana) as well as Bangladesh (Amar Shonar Bangla).

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 65th Raising Day on 7th May, 2024. 

About BRO 

• Founded: 7th May 1960
• Ministry: Ministry of Defence
• Type: Statutory body
• The BRO is an executive force responsible for road construction in India and is a part of the Indian Armed Forces.
• It constructs and maintains roads, bridges, tunnels, and airfields primarily in strategic areas along India's northern and western borders.
• Over the past six decades, the BRO has built over 62,214 kilometers of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels, and 21 airfields in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions along India's borders and in friendly countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
• The BRO will soon start construction on the Shinkun La Tunnel, which will be 4.10 kilometers long. Once completed, it will be the world's highest tunnel at 15,800 feet, surpassing China's Mila Tunnel at 15,590 feet.

‘D voters’ remained a key issue in Assam during India's general elections.

Who is a D-Voter? 

• "Doubtful voter" or "D-voter" is a term used in Assam to refer to individuals whose citizenship status is uncertain during the creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
• Legal Ambiguity: Neither the Citizenship Act of 1955 nor the Citizenship Rules of 2003 provide clear definitions for "doubtful voter" or "doubtful citizenship."
• Creation of the National Population Register (NPR) and NRIC: The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 established guidelines for the creation of the Citizenship Rules, 2003, which outline procedures for the creation of the NPR and the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC).
• Classification Process: Individuals whose citizenship is in question are classified as D-Voters.
  • The Local Registrar includes their details with appropriate remarks in the population register for further inquiry.
  • After the verification process, families or individuals are notified through a specific pro forma about their classification as D-Voters.
• Appeal Process: D-Voters have the opportunity to be heard by the Taluk or Sub-district Registrar of Citizenship before a decision is made on adding their name to the register. The Registrar has ninety days to complete and justify their findings.
• D-Voters are not allowed to vote in elections or run for office in the nation's elections.

The Delhi High Court has instructed schools, colleges, and other relevant organizations to include education about "Virtual Touch" along with teaching "Good Touch" and "Bad Touch".

What is Virtual Touch?

• Virtual touch can be defined as the perception or experience of physical contact or interaction that occurs in cyberspace or the digital realm.
• It refers to the sensation of touch or the potential for interaction with others through online platforms, such as social media, messaging apps, or virtual reality environments.
• Recognizing virtual touch involves understanding the boundaries of appropriate online behavior and being aware of potential risks and dangers associated with digital interactions, such as cyberbullying, online grooming, or exploitation.

India has emerged as the world's third-largest solar power generator in 2023, surpassing Japan, according to Global Electricity Review 2024 report. Solar energy's contribution to global electricity hit a record 5.5%, with India's solar generation reaching 5.8% of its total electricity production.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• India's Solar Power Ranking: India overtakes Japan to become the third-largest solar power generator globally, with solar energy contributing significantly to its electricity generation.
• Global Renewable Energy Usage: Renewable energy, including wind and solar, now accounts for over 30% of global electricity, with clean energy sources, including nuclear power, comprising nearly 40% of total global electricity generation.
• Carbon Intensity Reduction: The surge in renewable energy has led to a 12% decrease in the carbon intensity of global electricity since 2007.
• Solar Energy Growth: Despite challenges like reduced hydropower production due to drought conditions, solar energy remains the fastest-growing electricity source globally for the 19th consecutive year. Solar added double the new electricity capacity compared to coal in 2023.
• India's Solar Generation Increase: India's solar generation increased by 18 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023, positioning it fourth globally behind China, the United States, and Brazil. These four nations contributed 75% of the global increase in solar generation.
• Global Solar Generation Growth: Global solar generation in 2023 was over six times higher than in 2015.

Typhoid fever is a common ailment in India, often diagnosed using the Widal test. However, this test has limitations, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Understanding the shortcomings of the Widal test and exploring alternative solutions is crucial for effective management of typhoid fever.

About Widal Test 

• The Widal test is a rapid diagnostic tool used to detect infections caused by bacteria like "Salmonella typhi" or "Salmonella paratyphi."
• It works by observing if the patient's blood contains antibodies against these bacteria, which can cause them to clump together when mixed with healthy red blood cells. A positive result suggests the presence of Salmonella typhi and a likely case of typhoid fever.

Limitations of the Widal Test: 

• The Widal test may provide false positives or negatives due to various factors such as prior antibiotic treatment and cross-reactivity with antibodies from other infections.
• A single positive Widal test result is insufficient for diagnosis, requiring multiple samples over time, which is often impractical.
• Consequences of Widal Test Use:
  • Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, obscuring the true burden of typhoid fever in India.
  • Exacerbation of antimicrobial resistance issues.

A deadly strain of avian influenza is spreading across the global ocean. Scientists estimate that it has caused the death of tens of millions of poultry and wild birds around the world.

What is Bird Flu? 

• Bird flu, or avian flu, is a naturally occurring illness caused by Type A influenza viruses, with the current strain being H5N1.
• It primarily spreads among wild birds like ducks, geese, and gulls, who shed the virus in their saliva, mucus, and feces.
• Domestic poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, are also susceptible to infection.
• Types of Avian Influenza:
  • Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) may cause mild symptoms or no illness in domestic poultry.
  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) causes severe illness and high death rates among infected poultry. In 1997 the HPAI H5N1 virus first emerged in poultry in Hong Kong, and again in China in 2003.
• Impact on Ocean Wildlife:
  • The current strain of avian influenza, A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b, has led to mass deaths among wild birds and marine mammals.
  • In Peru, over 100,000 birds from 24 species died
  • 13 marine mammal species have been affected, with thousands of deaths recorded in countries like Argentina and Peru.
• Human Health Concerns: While humans can be infected with H5N1, such cases are relatively rare, and the risk to the public has been considered low.

ISRO has made significant progress in developing its semi-cryogenic propulsion systems by successfully igniting a pre-burner.

About                        

• The pre-burner ignition test is part of ISRO's efforts to develop a powerful semi-cryogenic engine that will use a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants.
• This engine aims to increase the payload capacity of launch vehicles like
• Start fuel ampule: Semi-cryogenic engine ignition is achieved using a start fuel ampule which uses a combination of Triethyle Alumnide and Triethyle Boron developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
• Next steps include testing the engine power head and fully integrating the engine. Additionally, ISRO is working on developing a semi-cryo stage with 120 tons of propellant loading.

Rising temperatures in India’s urban landscape are attributed to the urban heat-island effect, making the metro areas significantly warmer than their surroundings

What is the Urban Heat Island Effect? 

• The urban heat island effect refers to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings.
• It occurs due to human activities and urban infrastructure that absorb and retain heat more effectively.
• Causes and Effects:
  • Building Materials: Concrete and asphalt in cities absorb heat during the day and release it slowly, keeping temperatures elevated, especially at night.
  • Lack of Green Spaces: Urban areas have fewer trees and green spaces, reducing natural cooling through shade and exacerbating the heat island effect.
  • Energy Demands: Metropolitan cities have higher energy demands for transportation, industry, and air conditioning, releasing heat into the air and straining energy sources.
  • Building Density: Dense urban development limits airflow and creates heat-trapping spaces between structures, leading to higher temperatures.
  • Air Quality: Urban heat islands have poorer air quality due to trapped pollutants, and warm water from cities can harm nearby streams and ecosystems.
  • Contribution to Global Warming: Urban heat islands may contribute to overall warming by increasing temperatures locally and potentially beyond.
  • Energy Demands and Power Outages: High urban temperatures increase energy demands for cooling, straining energy resources and causing power outages during peak periods.
• Relationship with Climate Change: Heat islands and climate change are related but not the same. Urban heat islands contribute to local temperature increases, which can exacerbate the effects of climate change.

The recent hearings before a nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India in the case of Property Owners Association vs State of Maharashtra revolve around two pivotal questions concerning Article 39(b) of the Constitution and the conflict between fundamental rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

Interpretation of Article 39(b): 

• Definition of "Material Resources": The hearings focus on elucidating the meaning of the term "material resources of the community" as mentioned in Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which pertains to legislation aimed at securing and distributing resources for the common good.
• Legal Immunity for DPSP-based Laws: A central inquiry is whether laws enacted to fulfill the objectives of Article 39(b), which advocate for equitable resource distribution, are immune from challenges based on fundamental rights to equality and freedom, thus highlighting the conflict between Part III and Part IV of the Constitution.

Historical Evolution and Legal Precedents: 

• Constitutional Amendments and Judicial Interpretations: The discussion traces the evolution of constitutional provisions, particularly the introduction of Article 31C through the 25th amendment in 1971, which aimed to shield certain laws from judicial scrutiny regarding their alignment with
• Impact of Landmark Cases: Legal analyses of landmark cases such as Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala (1973) and Minerva Mills vs Union of India (1980) shed light on the judiciary's attempts to reconcile the conflict between fundamental rights and DPSPs, highlighting the intricate constitutional balance.
• Pending Clarifications: Despite judicial interventions, uncertainties persist regarding the interpretation and validity of Article 31C, necessitating a definitive ruling by the Supreme Court, as exemplified by the ongoing deliberations in Property Owners Association vs State of Maharashtra.

Mains question: 

Examine the constitutional tensions between fundamental rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, with specific reference to Article 39(b) of the Indian Constitution.

The brief delves into the competency of elected representatives in India, highlighting the importance of various skills and qualities beyond educational qualifications for effective governance.

Competencies Required for Elected Representatives: 

• Behavioural Skills: Effective communication, leadership, and negotiation skills are essential for politicians to engage with stakeholders, unite diverse teams, and drive behavioural change initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
• Functional Competencies: Representatives must possess a deep understanding of legislative processes, policy implementation, and citizen engagement to influence policy changes through legislative advocacy and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
• Domain-based Competencies: Tailored expertise in specific domains like healthcare policy, infrastructure planning, and technological advancements is crucial for addressing constituency needs and making informed policy decisions.

Institutionalization of Competency-based Politics: 

• Alignment with Karmayogi Competency Model: Incorporating existing competency models like the Karmayogi Competency Model from Mission Karmayogi to identify skill gaps and develop comprehensive capacity-building plans for elected officials.
• Utilization of Training Resources: Leveraging central and State training institutions, online platforms, and civil society organizations to provide orientation, workshops, and research support for continuous learning and skill development.
• Shift in Public Perception: Encouraging citizens to demand more accountability from elected representatives, focusing not only on promises but also on their ability to deliver results and uphold integrity, thereby making competency a central aspect of political discourse.

Mains question: 

Examine the significance of behavioural, functional, and domain-based competencies for elected representatives in India's governance framework.

The recent Human Development Report highlights India's development challenges and the need for a comprehensive strategy for progress.

India's Ranking on HDI and Gender Inequality Index: 

• HDI Ranking: India's ranking on the Human Development Index (HDI) improved slightly in 2022, reaching 134 out of 193 countries, but still lagging behind several neighboring countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
• Gender Inequality Index: While India's ranking on the Gender Inequality Index improved in 2022, it still faces significant gender disparities, particularly in labor force participation rates, with a substantial gap between men and women.
• Global Inequality Trends: The Human Development Report raises concerns about increasing inequality globally, with significant economic concentration in a few countries, exacerbating disparities and limiting agency for marginalized populations.

Concerns about Rising Inequality: 

• Impact on India: When adjusted for inequality, India's loss in HDI is substantial, highlighting the need to address income disparities, which are higher than those observed in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
• Implications of Income Inequality: The World Inequality Lab study underscores the widening income gap in India, with the top percentile earning significantly more than the rest of the population, leading to economic polarization and challenges in aggregate demand, consumption, and human welfare.
• Record High Household Debt: India's household debt levels have reached a record high, accompanied by low savings and high debt burdens, necessitating a reevaluation of growth strategies to prioritize human development over short-term gains.

Mains question: 

Discuss the implications of rising inequality on human development and the economy.