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2023 08 02

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

  1. Impact of Climate Change on Children

GS Paper 3:

  1. NITI Aayog: Towards Decarbonising Transport 2023
  2. Plastic Overshoot Days

Content for Mains Enrichment

  1. Skilling in Emerging Technologies

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

  1. UNESCO heritage danger list
  2. Paharis and Paddaris
  3. Lithium Extraction
  4. The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023
  5. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
  6. Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality
  7. Akira ransomware

Mapping

  1. North Sea
  2. Kuril Islands

Impact of Climate Change on Children

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Social Justice/ Indian Society

Source: DTE

Context: A recent study has highlighted how climate change contributes to violence against children.

How climate change contributes to violence against children?
Aspect Description
Hazards and Disaster Risk Natural disasters create stressful environments, leading to higher risks of violence against children in relief shelters or at home. In post-disaster situations, children might be forced into labour for recovery efforts.
Gender Climate change can exacerbate child marriage in certain regions due to drought-induced economic pressures, affecting girls disproportionately.
Mobility and Immobility Climate migrants face increased risks of violence, and separation from families or caregivers makes children vulnerable. Immobility, as in slum areas, can lead to child abuse and violence.
Child Labor Natural disasters and climate-change-related industries (agriculture, mining, etc.) contribute to child labour, which can expose children to exploitation and violence.
Health Climate-related mental health issues can lead to increased perpetration of violence against children, as eco-anxiety and fear of consequences contribute to domestic violence.

As temperatures rise, infants will bear the greatest burden of malnutrition and rising food prices.

Children will suffer most from the rise in infectious diseases.

Addressing violence against children due to climate change requires a multi-faceted approach:

  • Integrated Policies: Develop context-specific policies that recognize the link between climate change and violence against children.
  • Early Warning Systems: Establish early warning systems for climate-related disasters that specifically consider children’s vulnerabilities.
  • Psychosocial Support: Offer counselling, play therapy, and mental health services to help children cope with anxiety and stress.
  • Gender-Sensitive Interventions: Focus on preventing child marriage, human trafficking, and gender-based violence exacerbated by climate change.
  • Climate-Resilient Education: Integrate climate change awareness and preparedness into school curricula to empower children with knowledge and skills to face climate-related challenges.
  • Child-Centred Disaster Plans: Develop and implement disaster preparedness plans that specifically address the needs and vulnerabilities of children during extreme weather events.
  • Child-Centred Shelters: Design and set up shelters that prioritize the safety and well-being of children during emergencies.

Also, refer to our previous article on the Impact of Climate change on Social issues

Insta Links:

Still a nightmare for domestic violence survivors

Mains Links:

Analyse the growing impacts of climate change on Indian Society. (10M)

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Impact of Climate Change on Children, Today's Article

NITI Aayog: Towards Decarbonising Transport 2023

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Environment Conservation

Source: NITI Aayog

Context: NITI Aayog released the “Towards Decarbonising Transport 2023″ report to support global discussions on sustainable transport during India’s G20 presidency.

What is Decarbonising Transport?

Decarbonising Transport refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

Examples: Promoting electric vehicles, using alternative fuels, improving energy efficiency, and investing in public transport and active mobility.

Status of emission from the transport sector:

  • As of 2021, the transport sector in India contributes to around 14-15% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Within the transport sector, road transport contributes to more than 90% of the total CO2 emissions.
  • India has the target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Key Highlights of the Report:

  • India has still no overall emissions or energy targets for the transport sector
  • India’s transport-sector emissions could increase 65% by 2030 and 197% by 2050 (from 2020 levels)
  • Contributors: Road > Rail transport

Recommendations of the Report:

The success of “Decarbonising Transport” rests on both a “mobility transition” and an “energy transition in transport”.
Recommendation Explanation Example
1. Increase Reliance on Zero-Carbon Electricity The transition towards using renewable energy sources for powering transport. Installing more charging stations for electric vehicles and promoting the use of renewable energy in public transportation systems.
2. Market Ramp-Up of Power-to-X Fuels Develop and invest in the production of carbon-neutral alternatives for energy-dense fuels used in long-haul aviation and maritime shipping. G20 countries collaborating to fund research and development of power-to-X fuel production techniques and facilities.
3. Eliminate Fossil-Fuel Subsidies Phase out subsidies that favour carbon-intensive transport modes, redirecting resources towards sustainable alternatives. Ending subsidies on gasoline prices and reallocating the saved funds to improve public transportation infrastructure and support EV adoption.
4. “Avoid, Shift, Improve” strategy It focuses on three main actions: avoiding unnecessary trips, shifting to more sustainable modes of transport, and improving the energy efficiency of vehicles and transportation systems. Many companies are adopting remote work options for their employees

Initiatives taken by India:

Conclusion:

India needs to have a comprehensive policy to decarbonize the transport sector to meet its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) i.e., reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030

Insta Links:

Decarbonizing Transport Project

Mains Links:

Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of decarbonizing the transport sector in India. (10M)

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Niti Aayog., Today's Article, Towards Decarbonising Transport 2023

Plastic Overshoot Days

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Pollution, Environment Conservation

Source: Ground Report, DTE

Context: In 2023, India experienced 157 days of plastic overshoot, which means that the country generated and accumulated a significant amount of plastic waste that exceeded its waste management capacity.

Also, in another news, a recent report highlights that India is one of the 12 countries accountable for 52% of the global mismanaged plastic waste, alongside nations like China, Brazil, Indonesia, and the United States.

What is Plastic Overshoot Day?

Plastic Overshoot Day marks the point in a year when the amount of plastic waste generated exceeds the capacity to properly manage and dispose of it. It signifies a tipping point where the world accumulates more plastic waste than can be effectively handled by waste management systems.

World’s first Plastic Overshoot Day on July 28, 2023, was marked recently.

Status of Plastic (as per the Report):

  • India has Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI) (ratio of the mismanaged waste and the total waste) of over 98%
  • India categorized as ‘The Waste Sponges’: It contributed a staggering over 73 lakh ton of mismanaged plastic waste in 2023
  • India has a relatively low annual per capita plastic consumption of 5.3 kg (USA has 221 kg)
  • 1.33 % of its total plastic waste was imported, while the country exported 0.8 % of its total waste
  • India will contribute an average of 16.7 days of plastic overshoot to the environment in 2023.

Measures Needed:
Measure Example
Reduce Single-Use Plastics Ban on plastic straws and cutlery
Promote Recycling and Circular Economy Implementing bottle deposit return systems
Improve Waste Collection and Management Increasing the number of recycling bins
Raise Public Awareness Conducting anti-plastic campaigns
Enforce Extended Producer Responsibility Manufacturers responsible for plastic waste
Innovate Packaging Solutions Creating biodegradable packaging materials
Policies Increasing investment in waste management policies like Extended Producer Responsibility
Global Treaty There is a  need for a global treaty on plastic pollution

Initiatives by India:

  • 1000 Cities to become 3-Star Garbage Free by October 2024
  • Mission LiFe
  • Plastic Waste Management Rule
  • Ban on single use of plastics
  • ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’campaign to maintain the cleanliness and environmental integrity of the state’s beaches (by Kerala Government)

Global Initiatives (for microplastics):

Conclusion: 

Further efforts should include enhancing India’s plastic waste tracking system, enforcing transparency in plastic usage by brands, involving the informal sector in the formal plastic management process, and creating product packaging that considers the final disposal stage.

Insta Links:

Mains Links:

We need to slow the flow of plastic at its source, but we also need to improve the way we manage our plastic waste. Examine. (10M)

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Plastic overshoot day, Plastic Pollution, Today's Article

Skilling in Emerging Technologies

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: PIB

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) India to offer skilling programs on emerging technologies.

Aim: The collaboration aims to upskill students of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in areas like cloud computing, data annotation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

Under this initiative, AWS India will provide self-paced online learning programs at no cost to students through DGT’s Bharat Skills platform. The platform serves as a central repository of updated curricula, course content, question banks, and learning videos for various courses.

Usage: The example can be used as a way forward in questions related to Skilling using a public-private model of learning in future technologies.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Skilling in Emerging Technologies, Today's Article

UNESCO heritage danger list

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: Experts from UNESCO have recommended adding the Italian city of Venice to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to long-standing problems such as over-tourism and the effects of climate change.

  • The city has been grappling with these issues for years, leading to deterioration and damage to its cultural and environmental attributes. Kyiv and Lviv in Ukraine are also recommended to be put on the danger list this year.

List of World Heritage in Danger:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) compiles the list of World Heritage in Danger.

The List contains world heritage sites that are threatened by various conditions such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, wars, pollution, unchecked urbanisation, poaching, and uninhibited tourist development.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Arts and Culture, GS1, Today's Article, unesco, UNESCO heritage danger list

Paharis and Paddaris

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The government has introduced the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha to include four communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Jammu and Kashmir.

  • The four communities proposed for ST status are “Gadda Brahmin,” “Koli,” “Paddari Tribe,” and “Pahari Ethnic Group.”

Currently, the dominant ST communities in J&K are the Gujjars and Bakerwals, who were given ST status in 1991 along with the smaller groups of Gaddis and Sippis. The proposed expansion of the ST list has caused unrest among the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, who fear a reduction in their share of the quota benefits.

  • The Pahari Ethnic Group includes Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, with some Kashmiri-origin settlers in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
  • The Paddari Tribe, residing in the remote Paddar area of Kishtwar district, is also proposed for ST status.

The Bill seeks to include these four communities in the ST list, potentially granting them reservation benefits in government jobs and educational institutions, despite existing apprehensions and disputes among different communities.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, GS1, Paharis and Paddaris, society, Today's Article, TRIBES

Lithium Extraction

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Business Line

Context: India has successfully extracted lithium from the mineral concentrate on a laboratory scale.

  • The country has demonstrated its capability to develop technologies for the beneficiation of lithium ore to lithium mineral concentrate.
  • The processing and refining methods for lithium ore can vary depending on the type of lithium deposit, the characteristics of the ore, and the intended end-use of the lithium compounds.

India has recently identified a comprehensive list of 30 critical minerals, including lithium, as part of its mineral security strategy.

About Lithium:

  • Lithium (Li), sometimes also referred to as ‘White gold’ due to its high demand for rechargeable batteries, is a soft and silvery-white metal.

Major Global Lithium Reserves:

  • Chile > Australia > and Argentina are the top countries with Li reserves.
  • Lithium Triangle: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, geography, GS1, Lithium, Minerals, Today's Article

The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE, TH

Context: The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, introduced in Lok Sabha, aims to change the law governing the administration of Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

  • The Bill proposes giving the government an expanded role in the appointment and removal of IIM Directors and initiating inquiries.

Current law:

  • The 2017 Act granted the IIMs greater autonomy by declaring them “institutions of national importance.”
  • The current IIM Act allows the institutes to be run by their board of governors, which has the power to make policy decisions related to administration and functioning.

Changes proposed in the new bill:

  • The new Bill seeks to appoint the President of India as the “Visitor” to the IIMs, giving the President powers to conduct audits, order inquiries, and appoint or remove chairpersons and directors of the IIMs.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, GS2, IIM Amendment Bill 2023, Polity, Today's Article

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: [PIB](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1944401#:~:text=Gross%20Fixed%20Capital%20Formation%20(GFCF,2022%2D23%20(Provisional%20Estimates)&text=The%20Government%20and%20private%20sector%20together%20invest%20in%20the%20economy.)

Context: The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in the Indian economy has increased from over Rs 32 lakh crore (constant 2011-12 prices) in 2014-15 to about Rs 54 lakh crore in 2022-23 (Provisional Estimates)

What is GFCF?

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) refers to the total amount of investment made in the production of physical assets, such as buildings, machinery, equipment, and infrastructure, within a country during a specific period. It indicates the increase in the nation’s capital stock and productive capacity.

Generally, the higher the capital formation of an economy, the faster an economy can grow its aggregate income.

Importance of GFCF:

  • Economic Growth: Increasing investments lead to the expansion of productive capacity, which can result in higher output and overall economic development.
  • Employment Generation: For instance, constructing a new factory or infrastructure project employs workers in various stages of development.
  • Technological Advancement: This helps improve productivity and competitiveness by enabling businesses to adopt more efficient methods and processes.
  • Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure like roads, ports, and utilities enhances a country’s connectivity and supports economic activities.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), Today's Article

Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: [IE](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/how-uidai-is-using-ai-to-tackle-payment-frauds-8871408/#:~:text=Minister%20of%20State%20for%20Finance,%E2%80%93%20Finger%20Image%20Record%20(FMR%2D)

Context: UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) is employing artificial intelligence-based technology to address fraud in the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS). The technology is called Finger Minutiae Record–Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality.

What is FMR-FIR?

The Finger Minutiae Record–Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality is an Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning technology used by UIDAI to prevent fraud in Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS).

How does it work?

It verifies the authenticity of fingerprints during authentication by combining finger minutiae (distinct ridge characteristics) and finger images. This technology helps detect cloned fingerprints, ensuring that only real fingerprints are used for verification, thus enhancing security and preventing fraud.

Need?

In FY2023, the total number of fraud cases in the banking system was 13,530. Of this, almost 49 per cent or 6,659 cases were in the digital payment – card/internet – category.

Significance:

As payment-related frauds rise, this AI-based solution aims to enhance security and curb financial crimes associated with the AePS system.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality, Today's Article

Akira ransomware

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Akira ransomware is a type of ransomware that targets both Windows and Linux devices.

  • It encrypts data on the affected devices, appends filenames with the “.akira” extension, and deletes Windows Shadow Volume copies to prevent data recovery.
  • The ransomware also terminates Windows services to ensure uninterrupted encryption. After stealing and encrypting sensitive data, the attackers demand a ransom, threatening to release the data on the dark web if their demands are not met.

How it works?

  • The ransomware is spread through spear phishing emails with malicious attachments, drive-by downloads, specially crafted web links in emails, and insecure Remote Desktop connections.
  • It has targeted various domains, including education, finance, real estate, manufacturing, and consulting, and once inside a corporate network, it spreads laterally to other devices using stolen Windows domain admin credentials.

To protect against Akira ransomware and other similar threats, users are advised to:

  • Maintain up-to-date offline backups
  • Keep operating systems and networks updated
  • Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication
  • Enforce data encryption
  • Block attachment file types that are commonly associated with malicious code
  • Regular security audits of critical systems

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Akira ransomware, Cyber issues, GS3, TECHNOLOGY, Today's Article

North Sea

Mapping

Source: TH

The U.K. Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced plans to grant more than 100 licenses for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea starting in the autumn. The goal is to slow the decline in oil and gas production to secure domestic supplies, even as the U.K. is committed to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.

The North Sea lies between Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. An epeiric sea ( on the continental plate and having a very low depth avg. of 90m) on the European continental shelf, it connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the English Channel in the south and the Norwegian Sea in the north.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, North Sea, Today's Article

Kuril Islands

Mapping

Source: IE

The Kuril Islands dispute between Russia and Japan has gained attention amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Kuril Islands dispute, known as the Northern Territories dispute in Japan, is a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia over the ownership of the four southernmost Kuril Islands.

The Kuril Islands are a volcanic archipelago administered as part of the Sakhalin Oblast in the Russian Far East. The islands stretch approximately 1,300 km northeast from Hokkaido in Japan to Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the North Pacific Ocean.

August 2, 2023 /02 August 2023, Kuril Islands, Today's Article