2023 09 05

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 3:

Centre asks states to formulate a logistics policy
Wastewater – Turning Problem into Solution
The impact of food on climate

Content for Mains Enrichment

Breaking Stereotypes: Working mothers in sports

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Sanatan Dharma
Adopt a Heritage 2.0
PM-DAKSH
Ecocide
Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park (Tamil Nadu)
Aarogya Maitri Cube

Mapping

Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) (Visakhapatnam)

Centre asks states to formulate a logistics policy

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Indian Economy: Infrastructure

Source: ET

Context: The central government has urged states to create logistics policies to enhance ease of doing business and align with the PM GatiShakti initiative%2C%20etc.), which aids in infrastructure project planning.

Status:

India has ranked 38 out of 139 countries in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023 (2018 rank of India was 44)
Gujarathas topped the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2021 index
The unorganized sector amounts to over 90% of the logistics sector.

Need for Logistics policy in States:

The logistics cost in India (about 13-14 %) is high as compared to other developed economies (8%)
India’s logistics sector is highly defragmented and very complex esp. of states
This sector provides employment to more than 22 million people and is expected to grow at the rate of over 10% over the next 5 years
Logistics is the backbone of India’s international tradeand will help in the diversification of not only India’s export basket but also of products and countries.

Last year, India unveiled its National Logistics Policy (NLP) with the aim of promoting the seamless movement of goods and enhancing the competitiveness of the industry.

Aim of the New National Logistics Policy (NLP)

Reducing costs for the logistics sector to 8% by 2030
Develop skills among youthand create employment opportunities.
Promote the seamless movementof goods and enhance the competitiveness of the industry across the nation
Focus on some key areas like process re-engineering, digitization and multi-modal transport

Four Major Steps Under National Logistics Policy:


Steps	Description
Integration of Digital System (IDS)	Integration of digital systems from seven different departments (e.g., road transport, railway, customs, aviation, foreign trade, and commerce ministries)
Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP)	Improving cargo movement, real-time confidential information exchange, leveraging NICDC’s Logistics Data Bank Project
Ease of Logistics (ELOG)	Simplifying rules and streamlining logistics business
System Improvement Group (SIG)	Monitoring logistics-related projects and addressing obstacles

Other steps taken by the government:

The logistics divisionin the Commerce department has been created.
Logistics Efficiency Enhancement Program and Vehicle Fleet Modernization Program to improve logistics efficiency
So far, 22 states have already implemented logistics policies
Gati Shakti Scheme
Bharatmala Program(building about 84,000 Km of new highways)
Sagarmala Project (unlock the potential of the country’s 7,5000 Km coastline and 14,500 Km of navigable waterways)
Railways: Freight corridors
Previously, the government plans to replace the Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993 (MMTG)with a National Logistics Efficiency and Advancement Predictability and Safety Act (NLEAPS)

About PM Gati-Shakti National Master Plan

PM Gati Shakti Master Plan (2021), is a Rs. 100 lakh-crore project for developing ‘holistic infrastructure’. It aims to ensure the speed (Gati) and Power (Shakti) of infrastructure projects in the next four years, with a focus on expediting works on the ground, saving costs creating jobs, and bringing down the logistics cost.

Insta Links

Logistics Sector in India

Mains Links

A push towards logistics, prioritizing government measures to reduce India’s extremely high logistics costs, plethora of regulations, poor connectivity and distribution challenges is the current need of the hour. Elucidate. (15M)

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, logistics policy, Today's Article

Wastewater – Turning Problem into Solution

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Environment Conservation

Source: UNEP

Context: Recently, a report prepared by Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI), a global platform bringing together UN agencies, NGOs, the private sector etc. to tackle wastewater pollution, “Wastewater – Turning Problem to Solution” was released.

This report follows up on the Sick Water report from 2011 and aims to address the urgent need for sustainable water and wastewater management.

What is Wastewater?

Wastewater refers to water that has been used and contaminated through various human activities, such as domestic, industrial, or agricultural processes.

Key Messages of the Report:

Wastewater reuse could supply more than ten times the current global desalination
To unlock this potential, public perceptions and concerns about wastewater resource recovery and reuse must change.
Elevating wastewater reuse in international policy is crucial to addressing climate, nature, and pollution crises.
The huge potential of wastewater: It could serve as an alternative energy source for up to half a billion people, reduce global fertilizer use by over 10%, and irrigate around 40 million hectares of land.
Raw source for Industries: Wastewater can be a source of raw materials for various industries, including paper, polymers, pesticides, rubber, paint, biodiesel, food additives, and more, contributing to economic and environmental sustainability.

The Issues:

Improper wastewater management is a global challenge, exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, and climate change.
By 2030, domestic and municipal wastewater production is estimated to rise by 24-38%
Only 11% of domestic and industrial wastewater is currently being reused, indicating untapped potential.
Untreated wastewater remains a significant issue, with approximately 50% of it entering the environment.
Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, are disproportionately affected by poor wastewater management.
Sustainable wastewater management offers co-benefits like improved environmental and human health, reduced dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and energy diversification.
Barriers to wastewater resource recovery include inadequate political support, governance issues, data deficits, financing challenges, and cultural perceptions.

The Solution:

Sustainable wastewater management involves three key action areas:
- Reducing wastewater production
- Preventing contamination
- Sustainably managing wastewater for resource recovery and reuse.
Addressing these areas requires building blocks like effective governance, mobilizing investment, enhancing capacity, fostering innovation, data collection, and increasing communication and awareness.
Realizing the economic value of wastewater is essential, and a shared vision and collective action are needed from individuals, businesses, governments, and society to drive change at scale.
Detailed guidance on sewage treatment and reuse technologies.
Effective financing mechanisms that permit sufficient cost recovery.

To know different ways of treating wastewater: Click Here

Conclusion:

Wastewater needs to be viewed as a valuable resource with the potential to address environmental and societal crises. The transformation of wastewater from a pollution problem to a valuable resource is essential for addressing water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future.

Insta Links:

Wastewater surveillance

Mains Links:

Discuss the potential and benefits of efficient wastewater management in India. (15M)

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Today's Article, Wastewater

The impact of food on climate

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Agriculture

Source: BS

Context: Agriculture and the food we consume have a significant impact on climate change.

The impact of food on climate


Impact	Examples
Greenhouse Gas Emissions	Agriculture contributed to 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2018. Livestock digestion produces methane emissions (10% of agricultural emissions). India, with its large livestock population, generates 8% of its total greenhouse gases from methane emissions. Synthetic fertilizers and rice cultivation also contribute to emissions. Land use change and deforestation for agriculture release carbon dioxide (CO2).
Food Production	Energy-intensive processes in food production lead to CO2 emissions. Transportation of food over long distances results in fossil fuel consumption and emissions.
Food Waste	Decomposing food waste in landfills produces methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. The resources used to produce wasted food contribute to emissions.
Packaging	Production and disposal of food packaging materials generate CO2 emissions. Plastic packaging contributes to plastic pollution and affects ecosystems.
Food Choices	Consumption of high-impact foods like red meat generates more emissions than plant-based diets Food choices impact land use and deforestation patterns.

Impact of climate change on the food system:


Aspect of Food System	Impact of Climate Change
Crop Production	· Alters growing conditions, affecting crop yields and quality. · Increased temperatures can lead to heat stress in crops. · Changes in precipitation patterns can result in droughts or floods. · Altered pest and disease dynamics affect crop health.
Food Availability	· Unpredictable weather patterns disrupt seasonal food availability · Extreme weather events can damage crops and disrupt supply chains · Reduced food availability can lead to price fluctuations and shortages.
Food Quality and Safety	· Altered climate conditions affect the nutritional content of crops. ·Increased temperatures can lead to spoilage and food safety issues · Changes in water availability impact food processing and safety.
Food Security	· Climate-induced crop failures can lead to food insecurity · Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by food shortages · Migration and conflict may result from food-related stressors.
Food Distribution	· Transportation routes may be disrupted due to extreme weather events. · Increased energy costs for transportation impact food prices · Changes in trade patterns affect global food distribution.
Food Waste	· Climate change can exacerbate food waste due to spoilage from temperature fluctuations · Resource-intensive food production contributes to waste.
Ecosystem Disruption	· Climate change alters ecosystems and biodiversity, affecting pollinators and natural pest control · Loss of biodiversity can disrupt food production and ecosystem services.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has not strongly addressed food production’s impact on climate. Efforts to reduce emissions, such as the Netherlands’ attempt to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, have faced resistance and protests. Similarly, New Zealand’s proposal for a “burp” tax faced opposition. The influence of the meat industry on emissions remains challenging to confront, comparable to the fossil fuel sector.

Solutions:

Importance of Adaptation: Scaling up support, including finance, capacity-building, and technology transfer, is urgent to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability.
Crop diversification: Diversifying cropping patterns, particularly towards millets, pulses, and horticulture, for sustainable agriculture.
Adaptation Finance: Multilateral banks, financial institutions, and the private sector should mobilize more resources for adaptation.
Multi-Pronged Approach: Addressing the climate-hunger crisis involves creating resilient livelihoods, promoting climate-resilient food crops, empowering women, supporting small-holder farmers, and increasing knowledge about vulnerability and food security.
Sustainable Food Systems: Sustainability should be integrated into production, value chains, and consumption.
- Cash transfers for sustainable agriculture can be more effective than input subsidies.
Non-Agriculture Sector: Labor-intensive manufacturing and services can reduce the pressure on agriculture, especially for smallholders and informal workers.
- Strengthening rural MSMEs and the food processing sector is part of the solution.

Insta Links:

Climate change and agriculture

Mains Links:

What measures should India take to weather-proof its food security in the face of climate change?

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, The impact of food on climate, Today's Article

Breaking Stereotypes: Working mothers in sports

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: TH

Usage: The examples can be used in Essays/Ethics/ Indian Society/ Sociology papers

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Breaking Stereotypes: Working mothers in sports, Today's Article

Sanatan Dharma

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The term “Sanatan Dharma” is a Sanskrit phrase that can be translated as “eternal religion” or “eternal law.” It is commonly associated with Hinduism but is also used by Jains and Buddhists who believe in rebirth.

The term gained popularity in the late 19th century when it was used to signify Hindu orthodoxy in response to reform movements led by missionaries and groups like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj.
In the 19th century, “Sanatan Dharma” was used to promote Hindu orthodoxy as a reaction to reform movements. This term was adopted by various organizations and sabhas to defend traditional Hindu practices against reformers.
It was seen as a way to preserve the caste system and idol worship as essential aspects of the Sanatan Dharma tradition.

While the term “Sanatan Dharma” has been used to signify Hinduism, it does not represent a universally recognized philosophy within Hinduism, as there is no agreement on a static or universal doctrine. Instead, it has been employed to evoke a sense of homogeneity within Hinduism without specifying the exact nature of that homogeneity.

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Ancient and Medieval India, Arts and Culture, GS1, Sanatan Dharma, Today's Article

Adopt a Heritage 2.0

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a revamped version of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program, along with an Indian Heritage app and an e-permission portal.

This updated program encourages corporate stakeholders to utilize their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to enhance facilities at historically important monuments.
It also provides a comprehensive guide through the Indian Heritage app, offering information on ASI’s monuments, including historical structures, pictures, public facilities, and geo-tagged locations.

The ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ program includes various changes, such as a streamlined management structure for partner agencies, clear guidelines for semi-commercial activities, and a detailed scope of work and amenities required for monuments.

The updated program offers more flexibility, allowing companies to adopt entire monuments and develop their tourism infrastructure or provide specific amenities like drinking water facilities or cleaning services for one or more sites.

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Adopt a Heritage 2.0, Arts and Culture, GS1, Today's Article

PM-DAKSH

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020-21 with the goal of enhancing the competency levels of specific target groups to make them employable, whether for self-employment or wage-employment, thereby contributing to their socio-economic development.

The scheme is primarily aimed at Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), Safai Karamcharis (including waste pickers), and others.

The eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:

Age: Between 18 to 45 years.
Income: No income limit for SCs, Safai Karamcharis (including waste pickers), and DNTs. For OBCs and EBCs, the annual family income should be below Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh, respectively.

The scheme offers various types of training programs with different durations and costs per candidate:

Up-skilling/Reskilling
Short Term Training
Entrepreneurship Development Programme
Long Term Training

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, governance, GS2, PM-DAKSH, schemes, Today's Article

Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park (Tamil Nadu)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

On the third day of Sagar Parikrama Phase VIII, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying laid the Foundation Stone for a Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu (Valamavur, Ramanathapuram district).

What are Seaweeds?

Seaweeds are a type of marine algae, often found in coastal waters. It can vary in size and colour and is used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and agriculture. Seaweed is rich in nutrients and has diverse applications worldwide.

About the Park:

The park aims to promote seaweed cultivation for employment, value-added products, and conservation. It involves 136 coastal fishing villages and offers support to entrepreneurs. The Multipurpose Seaweed Park is a significant investment to promote seaweed cultivation and research, benefiting scientists, researchers, and local communities.

About Sagar Parikrama Yatra

It aims to raise awareness about sustainable marine resource use and promote schemes for coastal communities. It emphasizes a balance between marine resource use for food security and livelihoods while protecting marine ecosystems.

Status of the Fisheries Sector in India: Top of Form


Status	About
Production Ranking	2nd largest fish producer through aquaculture globally.
Export Ranking	4th largest fish exporter, contributing 7.7% to global fish production.
Production Rankings	1st in inland capture fish production, 3rd in overall fish production worldwide.
Livelihood Impact	Provides livelihood to about 3 crore people in India.

Initiatives related to the Fisheries Sector:


Initiatives	Description
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana	Government scheme to boost fisheries and aquaculture.
Palk Bay Scheme	A program focused on the Palk Bay region to enhance fisheries.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)	Fund for developing fisheries infrastructure.

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park, Sagar Parikrama Yatra, Today's Article

Ecocide

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Ecocide, Today's Article

Aarogya Maitri Cube

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Timesnow

India has built the world’s first portable disaster hospital, called the “Aarogya Maitri Cube”. The hospital can be airlifted and assembled into 72 cubes that contain essential medical equipment and supplies. The cubes can support 200 survivors for 48 hours during natural disasters or crises.

It has been developed indigenously under the Project BHISHM(Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri).

The hospital includes Operation theatres, mini-ICUs, Ventilators, Blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a Cooking station, Food, Water, a Shelter, Power generator.

About:

The “Aarogya Maitri Cube” is part of “Aarogya Maitri” project. The project aims to provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Aarogya Maitri Cube, Today's Article

Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) (Visakhapatnam)

Mapping

Source: TH

The Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) in Visakhapatnam will be inaugurated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

This terminal will facilitate passenger vessels with a capacity of 2,000 passengers per vessel and a draft of 8.1 meters. These developments aim to enhance the infrastructure and facilities at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).

Few important stats about India’s port sector:

India’s strategic location on global shipping routes with a 7,517 km coastline
Maritime transport handles 70% of India’s trade
India owns 30% of the global ship-breaking market
Sagar Mala Program focuses on port-led development with $123 Bn investment
100% FDI allowed via government and automatic routes.
India has 12 major ports and 200 non-major/intermediate ports.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is the largest major port, and Mudra is the largest private port.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port is the first 100% Landlord Major Port

September 5, 2023 /05 September 2023, Today's Article, Visakhapatnam, Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT)