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2023 09 16

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 3:

  1. Jal Jeevan Mission remains a pipe dream
  2. Paris Agenda for People and the Planet

GS Paper 4:

  1. Examples of Ethics

Content for Mains Enrichment

  1. Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam
  2. Tamil Nadu: Women Temple Priest

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

  1. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
  2. National Judicial Data Grid
  3. OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) 
  4. Critical Raw Materials Act
  5. NavIC
  6. Banning Glue pads for rodent control
  7. Rubber 
  8. Red fire ants
  9. C295 aircraft

Mapping

  1. Mega oil refinery and petrochemicals project (Ratnagiri, Maharastra)

Jal Jeevan Mission remains a pipe dream

GS3/GS2 Paper

Syllabus: Environmental Conservation/ Government Policies and Intervention

Source: TH

Context: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a central government initiative to provide piped water to every rural household by 2024, faces challenges and limitations.

About the mission:

A fully functional tap water connection is defined as a household getting at least 55 litres of potable water per capita per day all through the year

Achievements of the mission:

  • Over two-thirds (66%) of rural householdsin India now have piped water connections, a significant leap from the 2019 baseline of 17%.
  • States Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity: Goa, Telangana, Haryana.
  • Union Territories Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity: Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
  • States with over 90% FHTC Coverage: Punjab, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar
  • States with Least FHTC Coverage: Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh

Present challenges with the mission:
Aspect Details
State Disparities Only a few states report high coverage rates. In contrast, populous states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have lower coverage.
Quality Concerns Some households, despite having tap connections, use local groundwater due to inadequate tap water quality.
Reporting and Certification Adoption numbers rely on self-reporting by villages and lack third-party certification.
Shortcomings in Reality Despite official claims of 100% household tap connections (FHTC), many households lack taps, and those with taps often receive limited water
Discrepancies in Reporting Discrepancies exist between official reports and ground reality, where eligible FHTC households are not fully connected to running water supply.
Water Treatment Efforts Water treatment plants have been commissioned to address water scarcity, but the challenge lies in commissioning pipes over difficult terrain.
Taps Get Stolen In some areas, taps provided by the mission have been stolen, and households lack sufficient storage to maintain a continuous water supply.

Suggestions:

  • Quality Over Quantity: Prioritizing consistent, high-quality tap water adoption in rural India is crucial. States with lower adoption rates and larger populations should receive assistance to improve their numbers.
  • Third-Party Assessment: Implement third-party assessments to verify the accuracy of reported tap water connections, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Focus on Lagging States: Prioritize states with lower adoption rates and larger populations to accelerate progress toward universal tap water coverage.
  • Public Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate rural communities on the benefits of clean tap water and proper water usage.
  • Make the Right to Water Legal: In India, the right to water is not enshrined as a fundamental right in the Constitution.

Other steps are taken for water management in Urban Areas:

  • Atal Bhujal Yojana: For sustainable management of groundwater resources with community participation in selected water-stressed areas.
  • National Aquifer Management Program: For mapping of aquifers, characterization, and development of aquifer management plans.
  • National Water Policy (2012): Include provisions like rainwater harvesting, augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall, etc.
  • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): To provide tap connections to over 1 crore households in 500 cities.

Conclusion:

On 28 July 2010, through Resolution 64/292, the United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to water and sanitation and acknowledged that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realization of all human rights.

Insta Links:

Mains Links: 

The Jal Jeevan Mission will be a major step towards improving our people’s ease of living and meeting their aspirations of a New India. Analyse. (250 words)

Prelims links:

Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)

  1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
  2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
  3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Ans: B

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Jal Jeevan Mission, Today's Article

Paris Agenda for People and the Planet

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Environment Conservation

Source: LM

Context: The article discusses the Paris Agenda for People and the Planet and the need for international solidarity to address poverty, climate change, and other global challenges.

  • African leaders amplified this dynamic by adopting the Nairobi Declaration during the first Africa Climate Summit in Kenya.

What is the Paris Agenda for People and the Planet?

The Paris Agenda for People and the Planet (held in June this year) is a global initiative aimed at eliminating poverty, preserving the environment, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable countries to climate change and conflicts.

The focus of the Summit:

It focuses on leveraging various sources of finance, including official development assistance, domestic resources, and private investment, to achieve these goals.

Key points of the Summit are:
Aspect Description
Goal To eliminate poverty, preserve the planet, and empower vulnerable countries to address crises.
Strategy Leverage all sources of finance, including official development assistance, domestic resources, and private investment.
Unity and Governance Transformation Transform the international financial architecture to be more efficient, equitable, and relevant to today’s world. Emphasize unity among nations.
Guiding Principles Four principles guiding the agenda:

1. No country should choose between poverty and the planet.

2. Recognize diverse transition paths for countries while working together to meet Paris Agreement goals.

3. Call for a financial stimulus to support vulnerable economies.

4. Scale up private capital flows to address global challenges and reduce inequalities.
Concrete Measures and Targets Achieve $100 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) for vulnerable countries. (This target has already been achieved)

Monitor and ensure access to $100 billion of climate finance.

Leverage private finance, aiming for $100 billion annually in developing and emerging economies.

Increase MDBs’ lending capacity by $200 billion over the next decade

Accelerate debt suspension and support climate resilience.
Further Work and Commitments Explore international taxation for climate commitments and address financial flows escaping legitimate tax systems.

Promote fair partnerships for local value addition and strengthen healthcare and food infrastructure.

Replenish the International Development Association (IDA) expansion of the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility

Include climate vulnerability in debt sustainability assessments.

Mitigate foreign exchange and other risks.

Establish an international finance facility for forests.

For major provisions of the New Global Financing Pact: Click Here

What more is needed:

  • Governments capable of providing additional SDR rechannelling mechanisms should contribute more.
  • Enhance G20’s Common Framework for Debt Treatments
  • Accelerating debt suspensionin countries experiencing debt distress

Insta Links

Editorial: Behind the smokescreen around private climate finance

Mains Links:  

Discuss the significance of climate finance for developing countries and the key challenges they face in accessing climate finance. (15M)

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Paris Agenda for People and the Planet, Today's Article

Examples of Ethics (16th September)

GS Paper 4

Syllabus: Applications of Ethics

Source: TH, LM

This is in continuation of yesterday’s Examples of Ethics

Example 1: China Xi’s Purges

Context: Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has reportedly been detained as part of ongoing corruption investigations. This follows the disappearance of Foreign Minister Qin Gang earlier, with no explanation provided for his removal from office.

  • These developments raise questions about Xi’s control over the military and ongoing political purges in China.

Ethical Issues with the Purges:
Ethical Issues Description
Lack of Transparency The sudden disappearance of officials without clear explanations raises concerns about transparency
Political Purges Removal of high-ranking officials may indicate an attempt to consolidate power and eliminate rivals.
Rule of Law Detaining officials in corruption investigations should adhere to the rule of law.
Lack of Due Process Detentions without clear legal processes raise concerns about due process and human rights.
Secrecy Providing vague explanations like “health reasons” contributes to a lack of trust.
“Chilling Effect” on Bureaucracy This may create fear in the minds of government officials while making a decision and lead to policy paralysis

Example 2: “Corporate Greed is the Problem”

Context: Over 13,000 workers from major US automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis) going on strike due to issues with contract negotiations. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is seeking higher wages, better benefits, and the reversal of concessions made during the companies’ financial difficulties.
Ethical Issue Example
Income Inequality CEOs earn millions while workers struggle for fair wages.
Worker Exploitation For automakers, worker’s compensation makes up just 4 to 5% of their total cost. Despite this, companies underpay workers, provide poor working conditions, or foster job insecurity to cut labour costs.
Unfair Labor Practices Despite the three companies making over USD 164 billion in profit last year, they are resisting fair wage increases and better benefits.
Environmental Impact Companies prioritise profits over sustainability.
Social Responsibility Companies neglect their role in society and their impact on workers.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, China Xi’s Purges, Corporate Greed, Today's Article

Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: TH

Context: Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam is a women’s rights grant scheme just rolled out in Tamil Nadu aimed at providing financial support to eligible women recognized as heads of families.

Under this scheme, eligible women are entitled to receive a monthly rights grant or basic income of ₹1,000 each. This amounts to an annual grant of ₹12,000 per beneficiary. The intention is to improve the livelihood of women, enhance their standard of living, and promote self-respect in society.

Beneficiary families should meet the following economic criteria:

  • Annual income below ₹2.5 lakh.
  • Ownership of less than five acres of wetland or less than ten acres of dryland.
  • Consumption of less than 3,600 units of electricity per year for domestic use.

A similar scheme has been launched by the Karnataka Government:

Karnataka Gruha Lakshmi Scheme supports women heads of families by providing eligible women will receive financial assistance of ₹2000 per month.

Usage: The examples can be used in Indian Society/ Social Justice/Women-related Questions in UPSC Mains Paper.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, Karnataka Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, Today's Article

Tamil Nadu: Women Temple Priest

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: IE

Usage: The example can be used in Ethics (to show values of inclusivity)/ Indian Society/ Social Justice/Women-related Questions in UPSC Mains Paper.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Today's Article, Women Temple Priest

Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, Today's Article

National Judicial Data Grid

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has announced that the Supreme Court of India has now joined the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) portal, which serves as a national repository of case-related data from courts across the country.

About National Judicial Data Grid:

  • The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) is an online platform created under the eCourts Project in India.
  • It serves as a comprehensive database that contains information about orders, judgments, and case details from District and subordinate Courts and High Courts across the country.
  • The NJDG is managed as part of the e-Courts project, which is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the in-house software development team of the Computer Cell, Registry of the Supreme Court.

Significance:

  • Easy access to case-related information, statistics, and year-wise breakdowns of Supreme Court cases.
  • Enhancing transparency, accountability, efficiency, coordination, informed decision-making, and optimal resource deployment.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, GS2, judiciary, National Judicial Data Grid, Polity, Today's Article

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: India has achieved the distinction of becoming the 13th country in the world authorized to issue Internationally Accepted OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) Certificates.

  • This accomplishment allows domestic manufacturers in India to have their weighing and measuring instruments tested within the country and then sell them in the international market.

About OIML:

  • The OIML is an intergovernmental organization established in 1955, with India becoming a member in 1956. It has 63 Member States and 64 Corresponding Members.

Significance:

  • Benefits indigenous manufacturers as they can export their weighing and measuring instruments worldwide without incurring additional testing fees, resulting in cost savings.
  • India can support foreign manufacturers by issuing OIML pattern approval certificates through its certified RRSLs, generating foreign exchange through fees and services.
  • Influence OIML policies and provide input to the OIML Strategy.

India now joins an exclusive group of nations, including Australia, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, France, United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, and Slovakia, as the 13th country worldwide authorized to issue OIML approval certificates.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, GS2, International Relations, OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology), Organisations, Today's Article

Critical Raw Materials Act

Source: DTE

Context: The European Parliament has approved the Critical Raw Materials Act.

  • The legislation aims to reduce the European Union’s (EU) reliance on China for critical minerals, essential for green technologies like solar panels, windmills, and electric car batteries.

The EU currently depends on China for 99% of rare earth metals. The regulation sets the framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of these raw materials, diversifying imports, and increasing processing capacity along the value chain 

About Critical Raw Materials: 

Critical raw materials are natural resources that are of strategic importance to a country or region due to their economic, industrial, and geopolitical significance.

These materials are essential for various industries, including technology, manufacturing, energy, and defence, and their availability can impact a nation’s economic security and competitiveness.

Examples of critical raw materials may include rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, graphite, platinum group metals, and certain minerals and metals that are essential for advanced technologies and clean energy solutions.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Critical Raw Materials, Critical Raw Materials Act, economy, GS3, rare earth metals, Today's Article

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Economic Times

Context: The Indian government has announced its intention to make it mandatory for smartphones to integrate with India’s homegrown navigation system, NavIC

  • The devices must either provide support for NavIC-powered chips or use NavIC chipsets.
  • For 5G phones, mandatory NavIC support is required by January 1, 2025, while all other phones operating in the L1 band, currently using the Global Positioning System (GPS), must provide mandatory NavIC support by December 2025

This move comes after Apple agreed to support NavIC in some of its newly launched iPhone 15 models. While NavIC will be encouraged for use in mobile devices, it won’t be the sole mandated navigation system, as cost and performance competitiveness will also be considered.

NavIC is India’s indigenous alternative to GPS and currently has seven satellites in orbit, with plans to expand to 12 in the future.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, GS3, Navic, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, Today's Article

Banning Glue pads for rodent control

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: The Delhi government has banned the manufacture, sale, and use of glue pads for rodent control, joining several Indian states in taking this step.

  • The ban follows an advisory by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) in 2011 and a subsequent one in 2021

About Glue Pads:

  • Glue pads are considered a cruel method of killing rodents as animals that get trapped in the strong glue die slowly from starvation and extreme pain.

Rat poison, often used as an alternative to glue pads, is also considered inhumane and poses risks to the ecosystem, animals that feed on poisoned rats, such as cats, snakes, mongoose, and predatory birds, can be harmed by the toxins.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Banning Glue pads for rodent control, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Today's Article

Rubber

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Rubber Board, is undertaking a project to increase the area under natural rubber cultivation in the northeastern states of India, excluding Sikkim but including West Bengal

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Rubber, Species in news, Today's Article

Red fire ants

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Economic Times

Context: Red fire ants, known scientifically as Solenopsis invicta and originating from South America, have invaded Europe.

  • These invasive ants are ranked as the world’s fifth-costliest species to combat.
  • Their painful stings can cause pustules, allergies, and even fatal anaphylactic shock. The researchers believe that climate change may facilitate their further spread in Europe.
  • Invasive species: drive plant and animal extinctions, threaten food security and exacerbate environmental catastrophes.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Red fire ants, Species in news, Today's Article

C295 aircraft

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken delivery of the first of 56 C295 aircraft in a significant move to replace its ageing Avro-748 fleet.

  • The C295, a versatile tactical transport aircraft, is set to revolutionize India’s military aircraft manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

C295 Aircraft Features:

  • The C295 aircraft, designed by Airbus, is a versatile tactical transport capable of various missions, including troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, medical evacuation, VIP transport, and firefighting.
  • It can carry up to nine tonnes of payload or 71 personnel at a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots. The aircraft can operate from unpaved, soft, and sandy/grassy airstrips and has a cruising altitude of up to 30,000 feet.

Indigenous Production: While major components such as engines and avionics are sourced from the US, Airbus will transfer manufacturing technology to TASL for most other components.

  • This is intended to achieve 95% indigenous production within a few years. The aircraft will feature indigenous radar warning receivers, missile approach warning systems developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, and a countermeasure dispensing system provided by Bharat Dynamics Limited.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, C295 aircraft, Defense, GS3, Today's Article

Mega oil refinery and petrochemicals project (Ratnagiri, Maharastra)

Mapping

Source: IE

The project was initially proposed in 2015 as a joint effort by India’s public sector refiners, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), in partnership with Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) and later joined by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

The refinery project in Maharashtra’s Konkan belt (Ratnagiri district) has faced challenges and delays but remains significant for India’s long-term energy strategy.

About the Konkan belt:

It is a coastal plain in western India that extends along the western coasts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. The Konkan is a narrow lowland that’s only about 50 km wide. It’s bounded by the Western Ghats mountain range to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, the Daman Ganga River to the north, and the River Aghanashini to the south.

September 16, 2023 /16 September 2023, Today's Article