2023 04 15

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 1:

El Nino and Monsoon
Status of Women in Agri-food Systems

GS Paper 2:

Constitutional authorities in India

GS Paper 3:

WHO’s Global Framework for New TB Vaccines
Complete Human Genome

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Indian philosophy can guide the world

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

‘Mircha’ rice
e-prosecution portal
World Food Programme
Dabba Trading
NISAR Satellite
Gaganyaan Mission
Mapping

El Nino and Monsoon

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Important Geophysical Phenomena

Source: HT

Context: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is nearly a 70% probability of an El Nino developing this monsoon.

Understanding La Nina and El Nino:


Normal climatic conditions	Weather depends a lot on sea surface temperature (SST) → warm ocean → more clouds form → more rain falls In the Pacific Ocean, near the equator → warm water on the surface → Normally, a low-pressure system forms in northern Australia and Indonesia and a high-pressure system develops off the Peru coast Trade winds → blow strongly from east to west → convective storms/thunderstorms over Indonesia and coastal Australia.
El Nino and La Nina are two opposing climate trends that deviate from the normal conditions
El Nino		La Nina
It is typically known as the warm phase of ENSO – a band of warmer water spreading from west to east in the equatorial Pacific Ocean → brings rainfall in the central and eastern Pacific, and droughts in Australia, and Asia. El Nino is more frequent than La Nina		La Nina is identified as the cold phase – a band of cooler water spreads east-west → effects on climate (opposite of El Nino)
These are together referred to as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. These events occur every 2-7 years on average & have global effects on weather, wildfires, ecosystems and economics

Summary of the 2023 Southwest Monsoon Season Rainfall:

According to the IMD, the country as a whole is likely to receive 96% of the southwest monsoon from June to September and farmers need not worry about deficient rainfall.
The monsoon is the lifeblood of the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Nearly half of the country’s net-sown area lacks irrigation access, making the rain-bearing system vital → replenishing natural reservoirs → feeding power generation, factories and drinking supply.

El Nino in India:

In 1997, India faced the strongest El Nino ever, but the monsoon was normal.
Between 2001 and 2020, India saw seven El Nino years → Of these, 4 resulted in droughts (2003, 2005, 2009-10, 2015-16).
These years also saw kharif or summer-sown farm output (accounting for nearly half of the country’s annual food supply) decline by 16%, 8%, 10% and 3%, leading to inflation.
The 2023 El Nino is expected to develop following a triple dip La Nina event (2020-22).

Threats posed by El Nino:

A slippage of one percentage point in monsoon rainfall will mean a below-normal monsoon.
Drought drives up inflation, erodes farm incomes, reduces spending on consumer goods and hurts the overall economy.

Good news for India:

A currently positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) – temperature difference between two spots (western and eastern) in the Indian Ocean – boosts the rains and thwarts an El Nino. IOD is the.
Droughts are no longer the disaster they used to be, thanks to a significant leap in farm productivity.
- The country’s food output has risen sharply from about 50 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 323.5 million tonnes during 2022-23.
This will help avoid a scary “Malthusian world” of food production not keeping pace with population growth.

Additional steps needed to protect farmers: Setting up a system for specific advisory services and forecasts for all the districts based on different rainfall scenarios.

Insta Links:

El Nino

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2017)

With reference to the ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting the Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between the tropical Western Indian Ocean and the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
An IOD phenomenon can influence El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: 2

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, 15 April CA, El Nino, ENSO, GS 1, Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), La-Nina, Malthusian theory, Southwest Monsoon, Today's Article, Today’s article

Status of Women In Agri-food Systems

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization

Source: DTE

Context: According to a new report – The Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems – by the FAO, tackling gender inequality in agri-food systems can reduce hunger, boost the economy and reinforce resilience to shocks like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Framework for gendered agrifood system:

About the report:

It is the first of its kind since 2010 (State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2010–11: Women in Agriculture – Closing the gender gap for development).
It goes beyond agriculture to provide a comprehensive picture of the status of women working across agri-food systems.

Highlights of the report:

Almost four billion people rely on agri-food systems for their livelihoods and around half of them (are women) are prevented from realising their potential.
They are often held back by
- Inequality and discrimination – Rigid gender norms and roles, unequal power dynamics and discriminatory social structures
- Marginalised and denied agency
- Work in poorer conditions with lower wages and
- Carry a greater burden of care and unpaid work.
These impediments are compounded by additional challenges – climate, economic and price shocks, conflicts and the increasing risks of gender-based violence.
Even though women have gained more access to some resources (digital technology, financial services), gaps are either unchanged or growing especially for rural women.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the gap between women’s and men’s food security has grown to 4.3%.

India-specific findings:

Female participation in the labour force is low (1 in 5 women are working or looking for a job) but labour-force participation is relatively high among the poorest women, who depend on agriculture.
The female share of agrifood-system workers decreased by one percentage point between 2005 and 2019.
A 10% increase in mechanized tilling between 1999 and 2011 led to a 5% reduction in women’s farm labour with no increase in off-farm work because of limited off-farm opportunities for women.

Closing the gender gap and empowering women would: Increase global GDP by 1%/nearly $1 trillion → address the goals of ending poverty and reducing food-nutritional insecurity.

Suggestions:

Women need more access to and control over the livestock, water, seeds, land, technology, and finance.
Eliminating discrimination by engaging with men and boys.

Some best practices from India:

In Tamil Nadu, women involved in fishing-related work had wider social networks, and a greater adaptive capacity to seasonal stresses.
The MGNREG Scheme stipulates the provision of crèche facilities for young children for women involved in the schemes.
In northern India, participatory village committees addressing water access, health and nutrition issues have facilitated shifts in discriminatory norms, enabling women to speak in front of men and take on public roles.

Insta Links:

Scheme for Women Farmers

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, 15 April CA, FAO, GS 1, The Status of Women In Agri-food Systems, Today's Article, Today’s article

Constitutional authorities in India

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies

Source: TH

Context: Two recent comments of the SC will have a direct bearing on the concept of the independence of various constitutional authorities in India.

SC on the working of 2 key constitutional authorities:

Role of Governors in State politics: In a hearing of the ‘Sena versus Sena’ case, the Court expressed that Governors becoming part of political processes is disconcerting.
Independence of the Election Commission of India: The Court divested the executive of its sole discretion in appointing the CEC and ECs by forming a committee to suggest suitable names to man these constitutional posts.

Need for independent institutions:

Democracy requires a system of checks and balances to prevent the arbitrary use of power by the elected government.
India’s democracy provides for various constitutional authorities such as the Public Service Commission, the CAG, the ECI, the Finance Commission, etc.
Such bodies need complete independence –
- To regulate sectors of national importance without any executive interference.
- To enable them to function without fear or favour and in the larger interests of the nation.

How does the Indian constitution ensure their independence?

Empowering the President of India to appoint all constitutional authorities
Provides for the appointment/condition of service of individuals heading these institutions

Loose ends left by the Constitution:

Used simple words such as
- ‘shall be appointed by the President’ in the appointment of the PM (Article 75), the Attorney-General for India (Article 76), etc.
- Article 324 provides that the President will appoint the CEC and ECs ‘subject to any law made on that behalf by Parliament’.
The President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with the PM as the head in all matters.

Some best practices in the Indian constitution: The Constitution affixes the phrase “by warrant under his hand and seal” only to refer to appointment to positions (SC, HCs Judges; the CAG and the Governors) – distinguishing them from other constitutional positions.

Further reforms needed:

Set up well-defined criteria and procedures for the appointment of the CAG and the Governor.
For example, the process of selecting CAG should begin by appointing a committee → shortlisting names → a panel of three names should be forwarded to the President to make the final selection.

Insta Links:

Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies

Mains Links:

“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss (UPSC 2020)

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, 15 April CA, cag, ECI, Governor, GS 2, Independence of various constitutional authorities, Today's Article, Today’s article

WHO’s Global Framework for New TB Vaccines

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Science and Technology: Health

Source: WHO

Context: World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a draft document outlining a global framework to prepare countries for the introduction of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines for adults and adolescents.

What is tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.

Status of TB in India and the world:

As per the WHO Global TB Report 2022: India’s TB incidence for the year 2021 is 210 per 100,000 population (a decline of over 18% from 2020)
India has a large burden of the world’s TB, with an estimated economic cost of US$100 million lost annually due to this disease.

Need for new TB vaccines:

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) (the only available TB vaccine):

Has reduced in efficacy over the years due to the development of multi-resistant TB
It has limited efficacy in preventing pulmonary TB disease in adolescents and adults
It does not prevent the reactivation of latent pulmonary infection.

Currently, two vaccines VPM (Vaccine Projekt Management) 1002 and MIP (Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii) have been developed and identified for TB.

WHO’s Draft Framework:

It is in line with WHO’s End TB Strategy (to reduce TB incidence by 80%, TB deaths by 90%, and to eliminate costs for TB-affected households by 2030)

Key Features of the Draft Framework for New TB Vaccines


Feature	Description
Goals	Ensure the availability of new vaccines through sufficient, sustainable, and timely supply of the vaccine
Ensure accessibility to new vaccines through equitable delivery aimed at all who could benefit
Ensure acceptance of new vaccines by policymakers, end-users, and the health system.
Target Population	Adults and adolescents who see 90% of all TB cases, with a targeted approach towards main transmitters of pulmonary TB disease
Characteristics of vaccine:	The new TB vaccine should provide protection to both adults and adolescents; should replace existing BCG; should have an efficacy of at least 50%, and last for at least two years with a booster every five to ten years.
Financing	Sustained global/regional financing and political engagement are key aspects to allow for a rapid and equitable introduction and rollout of new TB vaccines.

Other initiatives for eliminating TB:


Initiative Name	Description
PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan	Target: Elimination of TB by 2025.
Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative: Ni-kshay Mitra (Donor) are those who can support by adopting health facilities (for the individual donor) for accelerating the response against TB to complement government efforts.
Ni-kshay Digital Portal: A platform for community support for persons with TB.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY): Provides Rs 500 support through direct benefit transfer to TB patients.
The Nikshay Ecosystem (National TB information system): To monitor TB patients and their treatment progress
National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025)	A comprehensive plan of the Indian government to eliminate TB from the country by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030.
TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign	A campaign to create awareness about TB and encourage people to get tested and treated.
WHO’s Find. Treat. All. #EndTB	A joint initiative by the WHO, the Global Fund, and the Stop TB Partnership to increase the number of people with TB who are diagnosed, treated, and cured, and to accelerate progress towards the goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2030.

Insta Links:

Tuberculosis

Mains Links:

Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve “health for all” in India. Explain. (UPSC 2018)

Prelims Links

Which of the following is/are bacterial infections?

Dengue
Tuberculosis
Leprosy
Hepatitis A
Yellow fever

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1, 2 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2, 4 and 5 only
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (b)

Justification:

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus and spread by an infected Aedes mosquito.
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae.
Hepatitis is caused by the Hepatitis A virus infecting the liver.
Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus(flavivirus) transmitted by mosquito bite.

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, TB vaccines, Today's Article, WHO’s Global Framework for New TB Vaccines

Complete Human Genome

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source: TH

Context: For the first time, the first complete end-to-end human genome has been published, as scientists have finally filled the gaps in the human genome that were previously too confusing to piece together.

What is Genome?

A genome is a genetic material that provides instructions for the development, growth, and functioning of all living organisms, composed of DNA with a sequence of chemical bases that determines an organism’s characteristics.

German botanist Hans Winkler coined the word “genome” in 1920, combining the word “gene” with the suffix “-ome,” meaning “complete set,” to describe the full DNA sequence contained within each cell.

What is Genome Sequencing?

It is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome. It involves identifying the order of nucleotides (A, T, C, G) that make up the DNA molecule in each of the chromosomes of an organism.

An analogy to understand Genome:

The genome can be compared to a reference book. In this analogy, a genome contains the DNA– instructions for life. It’s composed of a vast array of nucleotides (letters) that are packaged into chromosomes (chapters). Each chromosome contains genes (paragraphs) that are regions of DNA which code for the specific proteins that allow an organism to function.

What was the issue?

Human Genome Project completed the first human genome in 2003. However, scientists weren’t actually able to put together all the genetic information in the genome. There were gaps: unfilled, often repetitive regions that were too confusing to piece together. With the advancement of technology, these gaps have been filled now.

Findings of the Complete Human Genome:


Finding	Description
Number	The human genome contains roughly three billion nucleotides
Protein Coding genes	Just under 20,000 protein-coding genes (making up less than 2% of human DNA)
Non-Coding DNA	The remaining 99% of non-coding DNA sequences that do not produce proteins
Repetitive element	Over 50% of the human genome is repetitive, with multiple copies of near-identical sequences

What is Repetitive DNA?

It refers to sequences of DNA that are repeated multiple times within the genome of an organism. These repetitive sequences can be short, consisting of just a few nucleotides, or very long, containing hundreds or thousands of nucleotides.

Usage: Some repetitive DNA sequences have been found to have important functions, such as regulating gene expression, maintaining the structure of chromosomes, and protecting against the insertion of foreign DNA. However, many repetitive sequences do not have a known function and are sometimes referred to as “junk DNA”.

What is Satellite DNA?

The simplest form of repetitive DNA is called satellites, which are blocks of DNA repeated over and over in tandem. Satellite DNA is found in telomeres, which are the protective ends of chromosomes, and in centromeres, which help keep genetic information intact during cell division.

Usage: Researchers use satellite DNA as a genomic “fingerprint” to match crime scene samples and track ancestry.

For Genome India Project and Human Genome Project: Click here

Mains Link:

What is Genome Sequencing and what are its benefits? Also, enumerate the steps taken by India in this direction. (10M)

Prelims Links:

With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? (UPSC 2017)

Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: D

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, Human DNA, human genome, Today's Article

Indian philosophy can guide the world

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: IE


Tenet	Explanation	Example
Spiritual Democracy	Rejects monopolistic approach to ways of worship and India was never a theocratic state	India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens
Unity in Diversity	It has enabled India to accommodate and celebrate diversity.	India’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious society
Confluence with Nature	Gratitude towards nature, not conquest	India’s traditional practice of saluting nature at the start of every day. India promotes sustainability
Antyodaya	Puts the last man first, considers the most deprived for distribution of the fruits of development	India’s policies and schemes for the welfare of marginalized and vulnerable communities
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam	Imagines the entire world as one family, values mutual sharing and collectivism	India’s aid and assistance to countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine diplomacy

Usage: You can use these tenets to show how Indian philosophy can promote a more harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable society, especially in these troubled times.

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, CME, Indian Philosophy., Today's Article

‘Mircha’ rice

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: AIR

Context: Mircha’ rice of Bihar’s West Champaran has been awarded the GI tag.

Features of the Rice:

Name: The size and shape of the grain appear like that of black pepper; hence it is known as Mircha or Marcha Rice.
The grains and flakes of this rice have a unique aroma that makes it different. The cooked rice is fluffy, non-sticky, sweet and easily digestible with a popcorn-like aroma.

To know about GI Tags: See Infographic

April 15, 2023 /'Mircha' rice, 15 Apr 2023, Today's Article, West Champaran

e-prosecution portal

Source: TH

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has added a new feature to its e-prosecution portal that aims to ensure the timely disposal of criminal cases and fix the accountability of government lawyers.

Working: The feature will send alerts to senior officers whenever a public prosecutor seeks a stay in a criminal case more than twice.

About the e-prosecution module:

It is part of the Interoperable Criminal Justice System that links and enables the seamless transfer of data and information among different pillars of the criminal justice system.

The government has implemented the module in 751 prosecution districts and is working on software configuration for the remaining 153 districts.

About ICJS (Interoperable Criminal Justice System)


Topic	Information
Purpose	A national platform for integrating the IT systems used for the delivery of Criminal Justice in India
Pillars	Police (through CCTNS), e-Forensics, e-Courts, e-Prosecution, and e-Prisons
Implementation	National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is responsible for implementation in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Collaboration	The project is being implemented in collaboration with States and Union Territories
Infrastructure	Dedicated and secure cloud-based infrastructure with high-speed connectivity
Phases	Phase-I: individual IT systems implemented and stabilized; the search of records enabled; Phase II: the system is built on the ‘one data one entry’ principle for seamless data transfer
Benefits	Seamless transfer of data and information among different pillars of the criminal justice system, improved efficiency, reduced delays, increased accountability, and better conviction rates
For sexual assault cases	Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences, to track investigations into sexual assault cases across the country every two months.

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, e-prosecution portal, ICJS, Interoperable Criminal Justice System, Today's Article

World Food Programme

Source: TH

Context: India has signed an MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) to send 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan

Last month India declared at the India Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan, that 20,000 MT of wheat would be sent through the Iranian port of Chahbahar.

The situation in Afghanistan: As per WFP, nine out of 10 Afghan families could not afford enough food at present, and at least 20 million Afghans were facing the threat of starvation.

India’s stance on Taliban: India has not recognised the Taliban government in Kabul, but it has maintained that it requires “unimpeded access” to the people of Afghanistan to ensure that the humanitarian goods being sent reach them without getting diverted to tribal warlords and local Taliban leaders.

About World Food Programme


About	The World Food Programme is an international organization within the United Nations that provides food assistance worldwide. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals.
Founded	1961; HQ: Rome, Italy
Founders	Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Memberships	Member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG)
Objectives	To end hunger by protecting access to food, improving nutrition and achieving food security, supporting SDG implementation and partnering for its results
Strategic Plan	“Turning the tide against hunger” (2022-2025); Share the Meal Initiative: An initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) that allows donations through the ShareTheMeal app
Vision	Eradicate food insecurity and malnutrition by 2030 (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger)
Outcomes	1. People are better able to meet their urgent food and nutrition needs; 2. People have better nutrition, health, and education outcomes; 3. People have improved and sustainable livelihoods; 4. National programs and systems are strengthened; 5. Humanitarian and development actors are more efficient and effective
Funding	Funded entirely by voluntary donations from governments, corporations, individuals, and not-for-profit entities
Prizes	WFP has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger
Report	Global Report on Food Crisis
WFP and India	WFP has been working in India since 1963. Working to improve the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of India’s subsidized food distribution system, fortification of government-distributed food, and mapping and monitoring of food insecurity

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, Afghanistan, Today's Article, World Food Programme:

Dabba Trading

Source: TH

Context: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has issued several notices in the past week warning retail investors not to subscribe or invest in dabba trading

About Dabba Trading:


	Information
What is Dabba Trading?	Informal trading outside the purview of stock exchanges centred around stock price movements. However, trading is done without actually buying or selling the stocks on a formal stock exchange.
Example	If an investor places a bet on a particular stock at a price point of Rs. 1000, and the stock price later rises to Rs. 1500, the investor would make a profit of Rs. 500. However, if the stock price falls to Rs. 900, the investor would have to pay the difference to the dabba broker.
Risks	Lack of investor protection, dispute resolution mechanisms and grievance redressal mechanisms available within an exchange; the possibility of broker defaulting in paying the investor or entity becoming insolvent or bankrupt
How is it facilitated?	Transactions are facilitated using cash and operated using unrecognised software terminals
Why is it problematic?	Helps dabba traders escape taxation and remain outside the purview of the formal banking system
Legal implications	Recognised as an offence under Section 23(1) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA), 1956 and upon conviction, can invite imprisonment for a term extending up to 10 years or a fine up to ₹25 crores, or both

About NSE:

National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (est 1992; HQ: Mumbai) is one of the leading stock exchanges in India. NSE is under the ownership of various financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies.

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, Dabba Trading, Today's Article

NISAR Satellite

Source: TH

Context: India’s ISRO and NASA are jointly developing a satellite called NISAR that will map the most earthquake-prone regions in the Himalayas with unprecedented regularity.

How NISAR will map Himalayas’ seismic zones?

The satellite will use two frequency bands to image the seismically active Himalayan region and every 12 days, create a “deformation map” to give advance warning of land subsidence and places that are at greatest risk from earthquakes.

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, NISAR Satellite, Today's Article

Gaganyaan Mission

Source: TH

April 15, 2023 /15 Apr 2023, Gaganyaan mission, Today's Article