2023 09 11
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023
- Joint Statement from India and the United States
- African Union in G20
GS Paper 3:
- Management of electronic waste (e-waste) in India
Content for Mains Enrichment
- Coco Gauff
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Tribes India pavilion (G20)
- World food price index
- Crude Oil benchmark
- Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for fintech entities
- Mandatory Hallmarking
- Fujianvenator
- White sambar deer
- Nuclear-armed submarine
- Varuna-23
Mapping
- Timor-Leste
Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Social Justice
Source: UN Women
Context: The latest UN report titled “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023” reveals that despite global efforts, the world is failing to achieve gender equality.
What is Gender Equality?
Gender equality refers to the equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of all individuals, regardless of their gender. It involves ensuring that women and men have the same access to resources, education, employment, and decision-making processes. G
Key findings from the report include:
- Social aspects:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): If current trends continue, over 340 million women and girls (about 8% of the female population) will live in extreme poverty by 2030
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): One in four experiencing food insecurity.
- Older women face higher rates of poverty and violence than older men, with many lacking access to pensions.
- Violence: No country is within reach of eradicating intimate partner violence
- The number of women and girls in conflict-affected contexts has risen significantly
- Political aspects: Gender disparities persist in power and leadership roles
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Women spend 2.3 more hours per day on unpaid care and domestic work than men.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate change may push about 158 million more women and girls into poverty by mid-century.
- Progress on SDG: Progress on SDG 5 (gender equality) is significantly off track, with only two indicators nearing the target.
- Finance aspect: An additional $360 billion per year is needed to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment across global goals.
- Wage Gap: The labour and earnings gap remains persistently high. For each dollar men earn in labour income globally, women earn only 51 cents.
Persistent Challenges: Challenges include food insecurity due to climate change, insufficient efforts to combat intimate partner violence, rising conflict-affected contexts for women and girls, a significant number of girls and young women out of school, and persistent earnings gaps between men and women in the labour force.
For Underrepresentation of Women in Higher Education in India: Click Here
Recommendations:
The report calls for greater collaboration, funding, and policy actions to address gender disparities and emphasizes that failing to prioritize gender equality could jeopardize the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Addressing gender gaps in agrifood systems can reduce food insecurity and boost global GDP by nearly $1 trillion.
Insta Links:
Problems Faced by minority women in India
Mains Link:
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (Mains 2019)
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023, Today's Article, UN Women
Joint Statement from India and the United States
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: International Relations: India-US relation
Source: PIB
Context: A Joint Statement between India and the United States was released on the sidelines of the 18th G20 summit being held in New Delhi
Key aspects of the joint statement between India and the United States:
| Aspect | Summary |
| Partnership | Strategic partnership between India and the United States |
| Shared Values | Shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens, strengthen their relationship. |
| Quad Cooperation | The importance of the Quad in supporting a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific was reaffirmed. India will host the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2024 |
| UN Security Council Reform | President Biden supported India’s candidacy for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and the need for UN reform. |
| Technology Collaboration | India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). |
| Space Exploration | Joint efforts to the International Space Station, NISAR Satellite and planetary defence. U.S. support for India’s participation in asteroid detection and tracking via the Minor Planet Center |
| Semiconductor Supply Chains | Building resilient global semiconductor supply chains and investments by U.S. companies in India were noted. Microchip Technology initiative to invest $300 million in expanding R&D presence in India. Advanced Micro Device’s announcement to invest $400 million over the next five years to expand R&D and engineering operations in India. |
| Digital Inclusion | A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat 6G Alliance and Next G Alliance was signed to deepen cooperation in telecommunications. |
| Quantum | Participation of SN Bose National Center for Basic Sciences as a member of Quantum Economic Development Consortium. |
| Education | MoU signed between Indian universities, and the Association of American Universities (AAU) to establish India-U.S. Global Challenges Institute |
| Defence Partnership | The leaders pledged to deepen cooperation in defence, including in space and AI and highlighted ongoing defence collaborations. Aerospace and Naval Cooperation: Agreements related to aerospace, naval agreements, and maintenance and repair of U.S. Navy assets in India Commencement of negotiations to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India. India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), India to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft |
| Innovation and Trade Dialogue | An “Innovation Handshake” agenda under the India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue |
| WTO disputes | Mutually settled seventh and last outstanding WTO dispute over poultry products which was prohibited by India due to concerns over avian influenza. |
| Renewables | Inaugural meeting of the India-U.S. Renewable Energy Technologies Action Platform [RE-TAP], in August 2023, under which the two countries will engage in lab-to-lab collaboration, piloting, and testing of innovative technologies |
To know more about the India-US Partnership: Click Here
To learn more about India-US Economic Relations: Click Here
To know about the India-US defence Agreement: Click Here
Mains Links:
What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. ( UPSC 2019)
Prelim Links:
India Government Bond Yields are influenced by which of the following? (UPSC 2021)
- Actions of the United States Federal Reserve.
- Actions of the Reserve Bank of India.
- Inflation and short-term interest rates.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 Only
(c) 3 Only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:D
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Joint Statement from India and the United States, Today's Article
African Union in G20
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: International Relations: Multilateral Organizations
Source: IE
Context: The African Union (AU) became a new permanent member of the G20 during the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi, just three months after India proposed its inclusion.
About AU:
| Aspects | Description |
| About | The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of 55 member states in Africa. |
| Formation | In 1963, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded to promote cooperation among African states. In 2002, the OAU was succeeded by the AU with a goal to accelerate economic integration of the continent. |
| Objectives of the AU | The AU emphasizes greater unity and solidarity among African countries. It promotes political and socio-economic integration, peace, stability, security, and human rights. |
| Achievements of AU | African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Established in 2018, it seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services. Diplomatic Achievement: AU established a mission in Beijing, strengthening ties with China, Africa’s largest trading partner. It played a key role in brokering a peace deal between the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Women’s Economic Financial Inclusion: AU introduced a 10-year continental declaration for gender equality and women’s empowerment. |
| Challenges | Unconstitutional Hold on Power: At least 32 military coups or coup attempts since 2013; five out of seven attempts since 2020 succeeded. Disregard for the Rule of Law: Democratically elected governments crackdown on civil society organizations and the media. |
| Significance of AU’s Inclusion in G20 | The AU’s membership in the G20 offers an opportunity to reshape global trade, finance, and investment structures. It provides African interests and perspectives with a voice and visibility in the G20, potentially influencing global policy decisions. |
| Indian-African Relations | Social Infrastructure: India-Africa cooperation involves education, health, and skills enhancement at various levels. India-Africa Partnership (Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2030) Common Geo-Political Interests: India and Africa share interests in UN reforms, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and cybersecurity. Economic Cooperation: Trade amounted to USD 63.3 billion in 2018-19, contributing to economic ties. Asia-Africa Growth Corridor – an economic cooperation agreement between India, Japan and multiple African countries. |
| Opportunities in India-Africa Relations | Addressing Food Security: India and Africa can cooperate to ensure food and nutritional security, leveraging India’s agricultural expertise. Combating Neo-Colonialism: Differentiating from neo-colonial approaches, India focuses on building local capacities and equal partnerships. Preventing Global Rivalries: As global players engage with Africa, India and Africa can prevent rival ambitions and maintain cooperation. |
To know about detailed India-Africa ties: Click Here
Conclusion:
Having become a member of G20, AU should use this opportunity to address constitutional violations firmly and consistently. Address root causes of coups, such as corruption and insecurity, to deter military interference. Utilize natural resources for economic growth and empower citizens.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
“If the last few decades were Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa’s.” In light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (UPSC 2021)
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, African Union in G20
Management of electronic waste (e-waste) in India
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Environment Conservation
Source: Th
Context: The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) released a report on ‘Pathways to Circular Economy in Indian Electronics Sector’ in collaboration with NITI Aayog, aiming to explore opportunities for managing electronic waste (e-waste) more effectively.
What is E-waste?
E-waste refers to all items of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by their owner as waste without the intent of re-use.
Status of E-Wastes in India:
- India is the third-largest e-waste generator in the world after China and the USA (Global E-waste Monitor 2020).
- E-waste management in India is predominantly informal, with roughly 90% of collection and 70% of recycling handled by the informal sector.
- The level of e-waste is expected to grow due to cheaper phones and increased usage.
In November 2022, the Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, (which came into force on April 1, 2023) to digitize the e-waste management process and provide more transparency in handling e-waste.
Provisions of the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022:
- Restricted the use of hazardous substances (such as lead, mercury, and cadmium) in manufacturing electrical and electronic equipment that have an adverse impact on human health and the environment.
- Increased coverage: It has increased the range of electronic goods covered e.g., laptops, mobile, cameras etc.
- Targets fixed: Producers of electronic goods have to ensure at least 60% of their electronic waste is collected and recycled by 2023 with targets to increase them to 70% and 80% in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
- Companies will report these on an online portal.
- Extended Producer Responsibility Certificates (similar to carbon credit mechanism): This will allow the offsetting of e-waste responsibility to a third party.
- ‘Environmental compensation’ to be provided by the companies that don’t meet their target.
- Role of State Governments: They will earmark industrial space for e-waste dismantling and recycling facilities, undertaking industrial skill development and establishing measures for protecting the health and safety of workers engaged in the dismantling and recycling facilities for e-waste.
- Role of manufacturers:
- Make the end product recyclable
- A component made by different manufacturers be compatible with each other
- Monitoring: The Central Pollution Control Board shall conduct random sampling of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market to monitor and verify the compliance of reduction of hazardous substances provisions.
Recommendations of the Report:
| Recommendation | Examples |
| Encourage manufacturers to reuse old components | China targets 5% of secondary raw material in new products by 2019 and aims for 35% by 2030. |
| Establish public-private partnerships for a reverse supply chain | Collect devices from users, wipe personal data, and recycle them. |
| Create an auditable database of collected materials | Maintain a transparent record of materials collected for accountability. |
| Develop geographical clusters for processing devices | Concentrate devices in specific areas for efficient dismantling and recycling. |
| Incentivize high-yield recycling centres | Promote facilities capable of extracting maximum value from e-waste, such as rare earth metals in semiconductors. |
| Support the right to repair by users | Encourage product repair and longevity to reduce electronic waste. |
Case study:
The Bhopal e-waste clinic, a pilot project, exemplifies this approach. It enables door-to-door collection or direct deposit at the clinic, offering a fee-based exchange. Its success warrants further study.
Best practice:
‘Karo Sambhav’, a Delhi-based PRO, has integrated informal aggregators in its collection mechanism → e-waste entered a safe and structured system → informal sector has an advantage in terms of financial and legal security.
IIT Hyderabad launched M.Tech courses in e-waste Resources.
Conclusion:
Efforts to create a circular economy for e-waste are crucial, given the unpredictable supply chains for electronic components, and the need to extract the full value of electronics in a formalized and reliable manner.
Insta Links:
Mains Link:
What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC 2018)
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2019)
In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
- The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
- The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
- The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
- The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Ans: 3
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, E-Wastes, Today's Article
Coco Gauff
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: BBC
Coco Gauff, a rising tennis star, fulfilled her potential by winning the recent US Open title. At just 19 years old, she became the fourth American teenager to achieve this feat.
Throughout her short career, Coco Gauff has demonstrated several ethical values through her actions and words:
- Honesty: Gauff openly talked about her emotions, including her father’s tears of joy, and addressed the doubts people had about her.
- Inclusivity: She highlighted the significance of pioneers like Billie Jean King and the Williams sisters in advocating for gender equality in tennis, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and equality.
- Self-belief: Despite criticism and setbacks, Gauff maintained belief in herself and her abilities.
- Advocacy: She used her platform to speak out against racial injustice and gun violence in the United States.
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Coco Gauff, Today's Article, US Open
Tribes India pavilion (G20)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: TRIFED, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is displaying traditional tribal art, artefacts, and paintings at the ‘Tribes India’ pavilion as part of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi’s Crafts Bazaar.
The Tribes India pavilion at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi showcases a diverse range of tribal arts and crafts, including:
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Today's Article, Tribes India pavilion, TRIFED
World food price index
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: The Print
Context: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that the world food price index fell to a new two-year low recently.
- This decline reversed a previous month’s rebound, with most food commodities experiencing decreases, although rice and sugar prices
FPI, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities.
It consists of the average of five commodity group price indices – cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, weighted with the average export shares of each of the groups.
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, AGRICULTURE, economy, GS3, Today's Article, World food price index
Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for fintech entities
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed the establishment of a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for fintech entities.
What are fintech entities?
Fintech entities are financial technology companies that leverage technology to provide innovative financial services and solutions. They often operate in areas such as digital payments, lending, investing, insurance, and wealth management. Examples of fintech entities include Paytm, PhonePe, PolicyBazaar, Zerodha, CRED etc.
What is an SRO?
An SRO is a non-governmental organization that sets and enforces industry rules to protect customers, and promote ethics, equality, and professionalism. They ensure compliance through impartial mechanisms, maintaining discipline and enforcing penalties.
- SRO regulations complement existing laws and regulations.
The need for SROs in fintech:
- Promoting Responsibility: SROs promote responsible practices and ethics in fintech to prevent unethical behaviours like excessive interest rates and borrower harassment.
- Building Trust: They address issues like market integrity, data privacy, and cybersecurity, building trust among consumers, investors, and regulators.
Functions of SROs:
- Communication: Serve as a link between members and regulatory bodies like the RBI.
- Standards: Set industry benchmarks and encourage professional conduct.
- Training: Provide member training and awareness programs.
- Dispute Resolution: Establish a uniform grievance resolution framework.
Advantages of SROs:
- Expertise: SROs offer industry expertise and insights to members.
- Ethical Standards: They enforce ethical standards, enhancing industry trust.
- Oversight: Act as watchdogs, preventing unprofessional practices.
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO), Today's Article
Mandatory Hallmarking
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The third phase of mandatory hallmarking in India, starting from September 8, 2023, will include an additional 55 districts, bringing the total number of districts covered under this system to 343.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is like a quality stamp for jewellery and precious metal items. It tells you how pure or good the metal is.
The principal objectives of the Hallmarking Scheme are to protect the public against adulteration and to obligate manufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness.
Hallmarking in India:
- At present two precious metals namely gold and silver have been brought under the purview of Hallmarking.
- Mandatory hallmarking order is applicable on 14, 18 and 22 carats of gold jewellery/artefacts only.
- BIS assigns a unique HUID (Hallmarking Unique ID) number to all hallmarked items
- Consumers can verify the authenticity of hallmarked items using the ‘verify HUID’ feature in the BIS Care app.
What is the Hallmarking scheme?
Under the Hallmarking scheme of the Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS), Jewellers are registered for selling hallmarked jewellery and recognised testing and hallmarking centres.
Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery: Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery has come into force from June 2021. In the first phase, mandatory hallmarking was implemented in 256 districts of the country with effect from 23 June 2021 and in the second phase additional 32 districts were covered.
Aim of the scheme:
- To protect consumers against victimization due to irregular gold or silver quality
- Develop India as a leading gold market centre in the World and develop export competitiveness
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, BI, Mandatory Hallmarking
Fujianvenator
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: WION
Context: Scientists in China have uncovered fossils of a peculiar, bird-like dinosaur named Fujianvenator prodigiosus, which lived around 148 to 150 million years ago in southeast China.
- This dinosaur had long legs and arms resembling wings, with an unusual anatomy suggesting it may have been a fast runner or lived like a modern wading bird.
- Researchers believe that Fujianvenator sheds light on a critical evolutionary stage in the origin of birds.
Features:
- It is described as a “bizarre” animal with bird-like features but significant differences, such as three claws on its wing-like forelimb.
- Fujianvenator’s discovery contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary history of birds, which evolved from two-legged, feathered dinosaurs known as theropods during the late Jurassic period.
- The fossils are relatively complete but lack the skull and parts of the feet, making it challenging to determine their exact lifestyle and diet.
- Notably, its lower leg bone (tibia) was unusually long compared to its thigh bone (femur), a feature distinct from other theropods like Tyrannosaurus.
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Fossils, Fujianvenator, GS3, Species in news, Today's Article
White sambar deer
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Deccan Herald
Context: Researchers have made a rare discovery of a “white” sambar deer with a condition called leucism, resulting in white or pale skin, in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, India.
- Leucism is a genetic condition that affects the pigmentation of an animal’s skin, feathers, scales, or fur. Unlike albinism, which causes a complete absence of pigment, leucism results in a partial loss of pigment, leading to white or pale colouration in affected areas.
About Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary:
This sanctuary spans three districts and serves as a crucial connection between Bannerghatta National Park in the north and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve and Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in the south.
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Today's Article, White sambar deer
Nuclear-armed submarine
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: The Economic Times
Context: North Korea has introduced its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” known as Submarine No. 841, which has been assigned to patrol the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan.
- This submarine, named Hero Kim Kun Ok, is deemed a key component of North Korea’s naval force and is likely a modified version of a Soviet-era Romeo-class submarine acquired from China in the 1970s.
- It is equipped with 10 launch tube hatches, suggesting it may carry ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
TNWs typically refer to short-range weapons that have not been classified as “strategic” under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Defense, GS3, INTERNAL SECURITY, Nuclear-armed submarine, Today's Article
Varuna-23
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: [PIB](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1955639#:~:text=(https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pib.,exercise%20was%20initiated%20in%201993.)
Context: The 21st edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise ‘Varuna-23’ took place in the Arabian Sea. This exercise involved guided missile frigates, a tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and helicopters from both the Indian and French Navies.
His exercise has a long history, dating back to 1993, and has evolved into a symbol of the strong India-France strategic relationship, providing a platform for learning and cooperation in maritime security.
Other defence Exercises between India and France:
- Varuna – Naval exercise
- Desert Knight-21and Garuda (Air exercise)
- Shakti – Army exercise
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Varuna-23
Timor-Leste
Mapping
Source: ET
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the opening of an Indian embassy in Dili, the capital city of Timor-Leste, during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta.
Timor-Leste is a Southeast Asian nation occupying half the island of Timor and is ringed by coral reefs teeming with marine life. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, of which the western half is administered by Indonesia, the exclave of Oecusse on the island’s north-western half, and the minor islands of Atauro and Jaco. Australia is the country’s southern neighbour, separated by the Timor Sea.
Timor-Leste was a Portuguese colony until 1975, followed by Indonesian rule after the conflict. In 1999, it gained independence through a UN-sponsored act and became the 1st sovereign state of the 21st century (in 2002)
September 11, 2023 /11 September 2023, Timor-Leste, Today's Article