2023 07 29

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023

GS Paper 3:

Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition
The State of climate in Asia 2022

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh
Gulf Stream
Self-Reliant India Fund
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework
RBI’s Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI)
SemiconIndia 2023
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Ancient pathogens released from melting ice could wreak havoc on the world

Mapping

Lao PDR (Laos)
Niger
Papua New Guinea

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation

Source: LM

Context: The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the Lok Sabha.

Cooperatives in India and issues faced by them:

Meaning: Co-operatives are voluntary, democratic, and autonomous organisations controlled by their members who actively participate in its policies and decision-making.

Efforts to promote them:

After independence, the first five-year plan (1951-56) emphasised the adoption of co-operatives to cover various aspects of community development.
97th Amendment (2011): It inserted Article 43B in the DPSP of the Indian Constitution inserted,
- As per Article 43B. States shall endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies.

Issues faced by the co-operatives:

Inadequacies in governance
Politicisation and the excessive role of the government
Inability to ensure active membership
Lack of efforts for capital formation
Inability to attract and retain competent professionals
Elections to co-operative boards have been postponed indefinitely

What are Multi-state Co-operative Societies?

Regulated by the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act 2002, these are societies that have operations in more than one state (like FPOs).
Part IXB (also inserted by the 97th amendment) of the Indian constitution is applicable only to multi-state co-operative societies (as per an SC verdict), as states have the jurisdiction to legislate over state co-operative societies.

About the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023: It seeks to amend the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act 2002.


Key features	2002 Act	2023 Bill
Election of board members	Elections to the board are conducted by its existing board.	Co-operative Election Authority: The central government will establish the Authority to conduct such elections. It will consist of a chairperson, VC, and up to 3 members appointed by the central government on the recommendations of a selection committee.
Amalgamation of co-operative societies	Amalgamation and division by passing a resolution at a general meeting with at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.	Allows state co-operative societies to merge into an existing multi-state co-operative society, subject to the respective state laws.
Fund for sick cooperative societies		Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund: Multi-state co-operative societies that are in profit for the preceding three financial years shall finance the Fund.
Restriction on redemption of government shareholding	The shares held in a multi-state co-operative society by certain government authorities can be redeemed based on the bye-laws of the society.	Any shares held by the central and state governments cannot be redeemed without their prior approval.
Redressal of complaints		Co-operative Ombudsman: The central government will appoint one or more such Ombudsman with territorial jurisdiction. They shall complete the process of inquiry and adjudication within 3 months from the receipt of the complaint. Appeals (within a month) → Central Registrar appointed by the central government.

Importance of the Bill:

By increasing their transparency and implementing a system of frequent elections, it will strengthen cooperatives.
The Bill aims to address issues with the operation and governance of cooperative societies as well as match its provisions with those in Part IXB of the Constitution.

Issues related to the Bill:

Imposing a cost on well-functioning societies: Sick multi-state co-operative societies will be revived by a Fund that will be financed through contributions by profitable multi-state co-operative societies.
Dilute autonomy and independence of co-operatives: By empowering the government to restrict redemption of its shareholding in multi-state co-operative societies.

Insta Links:

Bill to amend Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act introduced in LS

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, 29 July CA, GS 2, The Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act 2002, The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023, Today's Article, Today’s article

Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Environment and Conservation

Source: PIB

Context: The Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change launched the Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC).

Where?

It was launched on the sidelines of the 4th G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting in Chennai.
The ECSWG meets to discuss the pressing environmental issues and promote global collaboration towards a sustainable and resilient future.

Founding members:

As many as 39 multinational corporations (MNCs) from sectors such as steel, FMCG, electronics came together to join RECEIC.
They pledged to adopt resource efficiency and circular economy principles to address environmental challenges rising from waste, including plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.

What is the RECEIC?

Conceptualised by India’s G20 Presidency, it is envisaged to be industry-driven and a self-sustaining initiative continuing to function even beyond India’s G20 Presidency.
The mission of this coalition is to –
- Facilitate and foster greater company-to-company collaboration,
- Build advanced capabilities across sectors and value chains,
- Bring learnings from the diverse and global experiences of the coalition members, and
- Unlock on-ground private sector action to enhance resource efficiency and accelerate circular economy transition.
The coalition is structured around the 3 guiding pillars of partnerships for impact, technology cooperation and finance for scale.

Significance of RECEIC:

It would play a pivotal role in promoting alliances, encouraging technological cooperation and knowledge transfer, fostering innovation, and facilitating the exchange of insights to enhance access to finance.
It will contribute towards progress on key global goals and priorities set by the G20 and other international fora.
RECEIC will also act as an overarching platform enabling industries to address information gaps and coordination challenges across the G20 members.

Other efforts of the Indian government to promote a circular economy:

The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2016: To curb the improper disposal of electronic products and to promote sustainable e-waste management practices.
The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022:
- It establishes Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines. EPR is an environmental protection strategy that makes the manufacturer of the product responsible for the entire life cycle of the product.
- Under this, 2.6 million tonnes worth of EPR certificates had been generated by plastic waste processors and around 1.51 million tonnes of those certificates had been purchased by PIBOs (Producers, Importers and Brand owners).
Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0: The focus is on source segregation of garbage, utilising the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of municipal solid waste, etc.

Challenges for circular economy in India:

Industries are reluctant to adopt the circular economy model due to supply chain limitations, lack of incentives to invest in recycling and remanufacturing processes, etc.
Many people in India are not familiar with the concept of a circular economy and its benefits.
India’s current infrastructure may not be well-equipped to support a circular economy. For example, insufficient recycling facilities and waste management systems.
There is a cultural resistance to the idea of reusing and recycling products in India.

Conclusion:

Industry-led coalition on resource efficiency and circular economy has the potential to transform aspirations into concrete actions. However, behavioural changes are an important prerequisite for this transformation.

Insta Links:

Moving away from the ‘take-make-dispose’ model

Mains Links:

Discuss the benefits of adopting a circular economy approach in terms of sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental conservation.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, 29 July CA, G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG), GS 3, Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition, Today's Article, Today’s article

The State of climate in Asia 2022

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Environment and Conservation

Source: DTE

Context: According to the State of climate in Asia 2022 report released by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Asia is the world’s most disaster-prone region.

About the report:

One of a series of WMO regional State of the Climate reports, it was released during a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction.
UN ESCAP (HQ: Bangkok; founded in 1947) is one of the five regional commissions under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Highlights of the report:

Over 50 million people were directly affected due to 81 weather, climate and water-related disasters in Asia during 2022.
The number of disaster events in the region decreased in comparison to 2021 (over 100 natural hazards).
But the effects of such events in 2022 were much more pronounced, with an increase in the number of fatalities, people affected and economic damage.
- For example, ~5,879 Asians died due to natural disasters in 2022 – 55% more than in 2021.
The economic cost of the damage has been over $ 36 billion and Pakistan accounted for 42% of this.

Floods and droughts in 2022:

The economic losses associated with floods exceeded the average over the past 20 years (2002-2021).
- This was primarily due to the significant economic losses from floods in Pakistan (over $15 billion), China (over $5 billion) and India (over $4.2 billion)
The economic losses associated with drought ($7.6 billion), mainly occurred in China, exceeding the 20-year average by nearly 200%.
- If compared with 2021, the economic cost of drought had more than doubled.

Challenges ahead:

Asia, the continent with the largest land mass extending to the Arctic, is warming faster than the global average.
- In 2022, the estimated mean temperature over Asia was 0.73°C above the 1991-2020 average, making it either the second/ third warmest year on record.
Global melting ice, glaciers and sea level rise, threatening more socio-economic disruption in the future.
- For example, in the north-east Indian Ocean and western tropical Pacific region sea level is rising at the rate of above 4 mm per year.
The expected increase in the frequency and severity of extreme events over much of Asia will impact agriculture.
- More than 25% of all climate-related loss and damage is associated with the agriculture sector.

Way ahead:

As early warnings are one of the most effective ways of reducing damage from disasters, significant gaps to be addressed to strengthen these systems.
Agriculture sector must be central in all climate adaptation planning.

Insta links:

State of the Global Climate 2022

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, The State of climate in Asia 2022, Today's Article

Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DST

Context: A new study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology reveals changes in the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh, India.

The research also estimated the surface ice velocity of the glacier, showing a reduction of about 28% in the lower ablation zone between 1999-2000 and 2020-2021.

Based on simulations, if the glacier continues to retreat at a similar rate, the study predicts that three lakes of different sizes may form due to subglacial over-deepening.

There are two main reasons for the rapid melting of the glacier:

First is global warming and increasing temperatures in the region
Second is that it is at a lower altitude than other glaciers in the Zanskar region

About the glacier:

Parachik Glacier is a mountain glacier in Kargil, Ladakh. It is a mass of ice moving slowly down the Nun-Kun slopes. This ice mass falls finally into the Suru River. It is one of the largest glaciers in the Suru River valley, covering an area of 53 square km and is 14 km long. The Suru River valley is a part of the southern Zanskar Ranges in the western Himalayas

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, 3 new lakes may form in Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to glacial retreat, geography, GS1, Today's Article

Gulf Stream

Source: BBC

Context: A scientific study has raised concerns that the Gulf Stream system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), could collapse as early as 2025.

The AMOC drives the Atlantic’s currents and plays a crucial role in determining Europe’s weather. If it were to collapse, it could lead to lower temperatures and catastrophic climate impacts.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s most recent assessment suggests that the collapse of AMOC may not happen as quickly as the study proposes. The complexity of the climate system makes it difficult to have certainty about the exact timing and occurrence of such a collapse.

About Gulf Stream:

The Gulf Stream is a powerful ocean current in the North Atlantic Ocean. It originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows north-eastward along the eastern coast of the United States, then across the Atlantic towards Europe. It plays a significant role in regulating the climate by transporting warm water and heat from the tropics to higher latitudes, influencing weather patterns and temperatures in coastal regions.

About AMOC:

It is a large system of ocean currents. It is the Atlantic branch of the ocean conveyor belt or ThermoHaline Circulation (THC) and distributes heat and nutrients throughout the world’s ocean basins.

AMOC carries warm surface waters from the tropics towards the Northern Hemisphere, where it cools and sinks.
It then returns to the tropics and then to the South Atlantic as a bottom current. From there it is distributed to all ocean basins via the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

The ACC is the most important current in the Southern Ocean, and the only current that flows completely around the globe.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), geography, GS1, Gulf Stream, Today's Article

Self-Reliant India Fund

Source: PIB

Context: As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package, the Indian government announced a Rs. 50,000 crore Equity Infusion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Fund of Funds. The initiative aims to provide equity funding to viable and promising MSMEs to help them grow and become larger units.

The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund has been established to implement this plan, with Rs. 10,000 crores contributed by the Government of India and Rs. 40,000 crores from Private Equity and Venture Capital funds.
The SRI Fund operates through a mother-fund and daughter-fund structure for equity or quasi-equity investments. The NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL) is registered as the Mother Fund under the SRI Fund implementation.

The government has also taken several other initiatives to support the MSME sector, including the launch of the Champions 2.0 portal, the MSME Champions Scheme for financial assistance, budgetary support to Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro & Small Enterprises, and the “Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)” program aimed at strengthening MSMEs’ access to credit and markets and promoting technology upgradation.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, economy, GS3, SELF-RELIANT INDIA FUND, Today's Article

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework

Source: TH

Context: A successful joint expedition of ocean scientists from India, Bangladesh, and Mauritius, organized under the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework.

The expedition onboard ORV Sagar Nidhi was the first of its kind under the CSC framework,

Objective:

To enhance ocean observation and data collection to predict and manage changes in the Indian Ocean’s regional environment.
Fostering collaboration in measuring and modelling ocean parameters for better forecasting and services in the region.

About CSC


Aspect	Details
What is Colombo Security Conclave?	The CSC is a trilateral maritime security grouping formed in 2011, consisting of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Mauritius is the fourth member, and Bangladesh and Seychelles attended as observers with invitations to join the group.
Envisaged Goal	The CSC focuses on enhancing and strengthening regional security in five pillars: 1. Maritime Safety and Security 2. Countering Terrorism and Radicalization 3. Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime 4. Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology 5. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Significance	It serves as India’s outreach to the Indian Ocean (in alignment with India’s vision of “SAGAR” vision), emphasizing regional cooperation and shared security objectives. It also aims to counter China’s influence in the region and reduce the Chinese footprint in member countries.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework, Today's Article

RBI’s Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI)

Source: ET

Context: According to RBI data, digital payments in India saw a year-on-year growth of over 13% at the end of March 2023.

The RBI’s Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) reached about 395 compared to 377 in September 2022.

Reason for the increase:

The increase in the index was attributed to substantial growth in payment infrastructure and performance across the country.

About DPI:

The DPI (Digital Payments Index) assesses the level of digitalization in payments nationwide and showcases the growth of different digital payment methods. It is released semi-annually and consists of five main parameters with varying weights:

Payment Enablers (weight 25%)
Payment Infrastructure – Demand-side factors (10%)
Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors (15%)
Payment Performance (45%)
Consumer Centricity (5%)

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, RBI's Digital Payments Index, Today's Article

SemiconIndia 2023

Source: PIB

Context: Prime Minister inaugurates SemiconIndia 2023 in Gujarat, emphasizing India’s potential to become a global semiconductor hub and its commitment to innovation and technology.

What is Semicon India?

It is an annual conference organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with the primary objective of promoting the growth and development of India’s semiconductor industry.

Objectives:

It aims to showcase India’s capabilities in semiconductor design and manufacturing while facilitating networking and knowledge exchange among participants.

What are Semiconductors?

They are materials with unique electrical properties, crucial in manufacturing various electronic devices and playing a significant role in modern technology.

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):


About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)	The ISM was launched in 2021 under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) as a comprehensive program for the development of sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in India
Aim	To provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystems. ISM aims to serve as the nodal agency for the efficient, coherent and smooth implementation of the schemes.
Components	Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs and Display Fabs in India (fiscal support to eligible applicants for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs); Scheme for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics etc. Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
Why India Needs Semiconductor Industry?	Semiconductors are crucial for modern economics, powering electronic gadgets and devices. These microchips, also known as Integrated Circuits (ICs), are mainly made of silicon and germanium. India’s semiconductor consumption is projected to exceed USD 80 billion by 2026 and USD 110 billion by 2030. The manufacturing of these chips is concentrated in a few countries, including the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Other Initiatives related to Semiconductors	Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) Modernization; Support for Compound Semiconductors; Production Linked Incentives (PLI); Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, SemiconIndia 2023; India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Today's Article

Ministry of Earth Sciences

Source: PIB

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) celebrated its 17th foundation day with the launch of several citizen-centric initiatives.

Aim: These initiatives aim to enhance weather services, disseminate information, and promote ocean-related services and biodiversity.

Major Initiatives launched:

Four new meteorological centres were inaugurated in Imphal (Manipur), Kohima (Nagaland), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar).
A new website for disseminating alerts for block-level weather forecasts and advisories to benefit our agricultural community, including farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock rearers. The website will be accessible at https://www.greenalerts.in/.
Rainfall Atlas of India (1971-2020): prepared by IMD, using data from 4389 rain gauges and is expected to provide resources for various agencies, researchers, students and operational meteorologists.
Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System (IndOBIS): a web portal that features the biodiversity of the Indian Ocean Exclusive Economic Zone and also provides information on marine species of the Indian Ocean.

About MoES:

The Ministry of Earth Sciences was formed on 29 January 2006 (HQ: New Delhi) from a merger of the India Meteorological Department, the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, the Earth Risk Evaluation Centre, and the Ministry of Ocean Development. It plays a crucial role in providing services for weather, climate, ocean, hydrology, and seismology.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Today's Article

Ancient pathogens released from melting ice could wreak havoc on the world

Source: DTE

Context: The article discusses the potential risks associated with the release of ancient pathogens from melting ice in response to global warming.

For example, recently a 30,000-year-old virus was revived from Siberian permafrost, and an anthrax outbreak was linked to the thawing of spores in western Siberia.
The warming climate, particularly in colder regions like the Arctic, is accelerating the melting of ice, potentially releasing vast numbers of microorganisms, including ancient pathogens. However, the exact risk posed by these pathogens to modern ecosystems remains uncertain.

A new study published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology used simulations to estimate the ecological risks of releasing ancient pathogens. The results showed that just one percent of simulated releases of a single dormant pathogen could lead to significant environmental damage and widespread loss of host organisms worldwide.

While the risk from a single pathogen might seem small, the sheer number of ancient microbes being released increases the overall danger.
If these pathogens were to establish themselves in modern environments, they could become a potent driver of ecological change, potentially leading to species extinction.

Although the study did not model the potential risk to humans, there is a concern that these “time-travelling” pathogens could enter human populations through zoonotic pathways, similar to how viruses like SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and HIV likely originated from animal hosts.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, Ancient pathogens released from melting ice could wreak havoc on the world, climate change, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Today's Article

Lao PDR (Laos)

Mapping

Source: Newonair

During the 3rd round of Foreign Office Consultations, five MoUs were signed between India and Laos for Quick Impact Projects in education, health, water facility, and IT. Both countries have deep religious and people-to-people connections, fostering excellent political relations.

Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) are small-scale initiatives or programs that are designed to deliver tangible and immediate benefits to specific communities or areas. These projects aim to address pressing needs, provide assistance, or create positive changes quickly and efficiently.

Laos is a Southeast Asian country traversed by the Mekong River and is known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, Laos, Today's Article

Niger

Source: TH

In Niger, the military coup has led to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup plotters have named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader, citing security concerns related to jihadist violence.

Niger or the Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is a unitary state bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest. Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara (Sahel Region).

Niger’s history of coups and its vulnerable position in the Sahel region make the situation complex and closely watched by the international community.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, Today's Article

Papua New Guinea

Source: PIB

India and Papua New Guinea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sharing INDIA STACK, successful digital solutions implemented at the population scale, following the Global DPI Summit organized by MeitY in Pune.

The MoU aims to enhance digital transformation in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Identity, Digital Payment, Data Exchange, and Data Governance.

Papua New Guinea, in the southwestern Pacific, encompasses the eastern half of New Guinea and its offshore islands. A country of immense cultural and biological diversity, it’s known for its beaches and coral reefs.

July 29, 2023 /29 July 2023, Papua New Guinea, Today's Article