2023 09 18
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- HungerMap LIVE: Global insights and key trends
GS Paper 4:
- Parliamentary conduct
- Examples of Ethics (18th September)
Content for Mains Enrichment
- Project to revive Ancient Maritime Trade route
- Amrit Brikshya Andolan
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Santiniketan
- ‘Anti-trust’ Law
- Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics
- Water on the Moon
- India Seeks Australia’s Help to Combat Nipah Virus
- Segur elephant corridor
- Anamudi Shola national park
Mapping
- Tonga
HungerMap LIVE: Global insights and key trends
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions
Source: WFP: HungerMap
Context: The World Food Programme has released “HungerMap LIVE: Global insights and key trends”.
What is HungerMap LIVE?
HungerMap LIVE is a real-time monitoring system tracking key indicators of acute hunger, including household food consumption, livelihoods, child nutritional status, mortality, and access to clean water.
The trend:
The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has shown an alarming increase since 2015, a trend exacerbated by a combination of factors including the pandemic, conflict, climate change, and deepening inequalities, which calls for attention.
Key findings of the Report:
| Key Points (Global figures) | Details |
| Global Food Insecurity and Hunger | 828 million chronically hungry globally. 193 million experiencing acute hunger in 53 countries. |
| Countries with a High Prevalence of Insufficient Food | 12 countries account for 33% of the total number of people with insufficient food consumption Includes Somalia, Afghanistan, Syrian Arab Republic, Niger, Mali, Haiti, and more. |
| Prevalence of Crisis or Above Crisis Level Coping | Includes Haiti, the Syrian Arab Republic, Afghanistan, Yemen, and more. |
| Prevalence of Challenges Accessing Markets | Includes the Central African Republic, the Syrian Arab Republic, Namibia, and others. Note: A person is food insecure when they lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life. |
Hunger-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Hunger-related Sustainable Development Goals are the SDGs that have a bearing on hunger status directly or indirectly. Accordingly, these are:
- SDG 1 – End poverty in all its forms everywhere (poverty-hunger interlinkage)
- SDG 2 – Creating a world free of hunger by 2030
- SDG 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- SDG 6 – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- SDG 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns (choice of crops and nutrition)
- SDG 13 – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (climate change-related nutritional and food security issues)
India’s performance in hunger-related SDGs:
| Key Points | Details |
| Sustainable Development Ranking | In the 2021 Sustainable Development Report, India’s ranking slipped from 117 to 120 among 193 countries, placing it in the serious category of hunger. India also faces challenges related to zero hunger, health, well-being, safe drinking water, and gender equality among others. |
| Global Hunger Index (GHI) Ranking | The Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2022 ranked India 107 out of 121 countries, lagging behind Nigeria (103) and Pakistan (99). |
| Food Security and Malnutrition | According to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report 2022, India is home to over 224 million undernourished people. Despite initiatives like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, the mid-day meal scheme since 1995, and the POSHAN Abhiyaan, India struggles with high rates of malnutrition. |
Hunger-related programmes:
- Mission Poshan 2.0: The flagship programme dedicated to maternal and child nutrition.
- National Food Security Act 2013
- Zero Hunger Programme: Began in 2017 to improve agriculture, health and nutrition.
- Eat Right India Campaign
- Food Fortification / Fortification of rice
- PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
Conclusion
Going forward, effective implementation of the programmes with proper identification of the vulnerable population will help India perform better in hunger-related goals and achieve the target of zero hunger.
Mains Links:
Q) Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges to good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. ( UPSC 2017)
Q) How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack or availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? ( UPSC 2018)
Prelims Links:
Q) Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? (UPSC 2016)
- Undernourishment
- Child stunting
- Child mortality
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, food insecurity, Hunger, HungerMap LIVE, Today's Article
Parliamentary conduct
GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics
Source: TH
Context: The article (by Shashi Tharoor) discusses the need for improving parliamentary conduct in India’s Parliament and suggests emulating certain practices from the Houses of Westminster to address the issue of frequent disruptions.
There has been a problem of frequent disruptions in India’s Parliament, where members often resort to disrupting proceedings rather than engaging in constructive debates.
Recently, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (LS), Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha (in Rajya Sabha) were suspended for disrupting the parliament.
Evolution of Indian Parliament:
Initially, India’s parliamentary system was modeled after Britain’s Westminster model, and Indian MPs followed British parliamentary traditions with pride and authenticity.
Further Reading:
Issues in the Indian Parliament (from GS4 ethics perspective):
| Issue | Description | Solution |
| Frequent Disruptions | MPs resort to disruptive behaviour rather than engaging in constructive debates. | Create a culture of constructive debates through training and workshops. |
| Declining Standards | Over time, parliamentary behaviour has declined, and lawmakers often breach the code of conduct. | Role Modeling: Senior MPs should set an example by upholding high ethical standards in debates and discussions. |
| Impunity | Lawmakers who breach rules often face few consequences, leading to a culture of impunity. | Ensure consistent enforcement of penalties for misconduct, regardless of party affiliation. |
| Credibility Concerns | Disruptive conduct may have discredited Parliament in the eyes of the public, impacting its credibility. | Rebuild public trust through transparency, accountability, and adherence to parliamentary rules. |
| Inadequate Opposition Influence | Opposition MPs struggle to influence parliamentary outcomes due to party-line voting and the anti-defection law. | Institute regular Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQs) for accountability and dialogue. |
| While disruptions are tolerated to allow Opposition space, standards of behaviour have been compromised. | Opposition Day: Allowing the Opposition a designated day a week to set the agenda for debate. | |
| Speaker’s Role | The Speaker’s rejection of adjournment motions, amendments, and division votes hinders Opposition representation. | Ensure impartiality in the Speaker’s decisions and allow for robust debates. |
| Potential Damage to Democracy | Frequent disruptions and declining standards could damage the credibility of India’s democracy. | Prioritize democratic values and norms to restore public confidence in the Parliament. |
Insta Links:
PUBLIC SERVICE ETHICS/ADMINISTRATIVE ETHICS
Mains Links:
Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow in India? Critically examine. (UPSC 2014)
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, Parliamentary conduct, Today's Article
Project to revive Ancient Maritime Trade route
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: IE
Ministry of Culture (fully funded by it), in collaboration with the Indian Navy and Hodi Innovations based in Goa, is embarking on a project to reconstruct an ancient stitched ship reminiscent of vessels that sailed India’s ancient maritime trade routes over 2,000 years ago.
The Voyage:
Once the ship is ready, it will undertake a voyage to Bali, Indonesia, in November 2025, carrying a crew of 13 Indian Navy members from Cuttack, Odisha. The voyage aims to honour India’s old maritime trade routes and is part of a broader effort to revive and celebrate India’s maritime heritage.
The project aims to revive India’s maritime heritage and cultural connections with other countries.
Usage: The example can be used in Ancient history/Arts and culture Questions
About Project Mausam:
Project ‘Mausam’ is a cultural initiative led by the Ministry of Culture and implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. It aims to showcase a Transnational Mixed Route (Natural and Cultural Heritage) on the World Heritage List. The project explores monsoon patterns, cultural routes, and maritime landscapes in the Indian Ocean region.
- Its goals include understanding the historical impact of monsoon winds on interactions, shared knowledge systems, and cultural exchanges among coastal centres.
- The project fosters cross-cultural linkages with 39 Indian Ocean countries and focuses on cultural routes and maritime landscapes connecting different parts of the Indian Ocean littoral.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, Project Mausam, Project to revive Ancient Maritime Trade route, Today's Article
Examples of Ethics (18th September)
GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Example 1: Ayushman Bhav Campaign
Source: IE
It is a health campaign (part of Ayushman Bharat scheme), aimed at improving healthcare services and promoting well-being across the country.
| Ethical Value | Description |
| Inclusivity | The campaign’s primary goal is to provide inclusive healthcare services to all individuals, irrespective of their geographic location or financial situation. |
| Comprehensive Care | Ayushman Bhav represents a shift towards a more comprehensive and demand-driven healthcare approach. This reflects the ethical value of holistic care. |
| Accountability | The campaign promotes social accountability within the healthcare system through initiatives like Ayushman Sabhas. |
| Community Engagement | Ayushman Melas and the transformation of villages and urban wards into Ayushman Gram Panchayats or Ayushman Urban Wards encourage community engagement. This reflects the ethical value of involving communities in decision-making and healthcare initiatives, following the principle of “Jan Bhandari se Jan Kalyan.” |
| Equity and Access | It strives to bridge gaps and ensure that healthcare services are available to all, regardless of their circumstances. |
Example 2: Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2023 campaign
Source: PIB
The government has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2023 campaign. This pan-India campaign, celebrated from September 15 to October 2, is organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
| Ethical Values | Description |
| Voluntarism | The campaign encourages voluntary participation in cleanliness drives, reflecting community engagement and solidarity. |
| Welfare | Emphasis on the welfare of SafaiMitras (sanitation workers) demonstrates care for vulnerable individuals in society. |
| Ownership | Mobilizing youth to take sustained ownership of cleanliness reflects a sense of responsibility towards public spaces and the environment. |
| Solidarity | The campaign promotes unity and collective action for a common goal, fostering a sense of solidarity among participants. |
| Empowerment | Organizing welfare camps for sanitation workers (SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir) aims to empower them by improving their well-being and quality of life. |
| Convergence | Coordinating with various ministries to extend entitlements of welfare benefits demonstrates collaboration and inclusivity. |
| Environmental Ethics | The theme “Garbage Free India” underscores a commitment to environmental ethics and sustainable practices. |
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, AYUSHMAN BHAV CAMPAIGN, Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2023 campaign, Today's Article
Amrit Brikshya Andolan
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: TH
The Assam Government organized a campaign called “Amrit Brikshya Andolan” aimed at increasing the state’s green cover by planting saplings, primarily of commercial trees.
The campaign set out to achieve nine world records during this massive tree-planting drive.
The primary objective of the campaign was to plant one crore saplings across Assam, involving thousands of people from various regions of the state. Assam government intends to plant eight crore saplings in 2024 and an additional 10 crore saplings in 2025.
Usage: The campaign can be quoted in the Environment Conservation question
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, afforestation, Amrit Brikshya Andolan, Plantation drive, Today's Article
Santiniketan
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Economic Times
Context: Santiniketan, the renowned university town in West Bengal established by Rabindranath Tagore, has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
- The decision was made during the 45th World Heritage Committee Meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
About Santiniketan:
- Santiniketan was originally an ashram established by Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Debendranath Tagore, where people of all castes and creeds could meditate on the one Supreme God.
- It has historical and architectural significance, including structures like Santiniketan Griha and the Mandir (temple) with stained glass, which are associated with the founding of Santiniketan and the promotion of universal spiritual values.
- Visva-Bharati University, located in Santiniketan, was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and offers a wide range of degree courses.
- It has been declared a central university and an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament in 1951, with the Prime Minister serving as its chancellor.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, GS1, Modern India, rabindranath tagore, Santiniketan, Today's Article
‘Anti-trust’ Law
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Google is currently facing allegations in a U.S. court that it used illegal tactics to maintain a monopoly in online search.
- The S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and several U.S. states argue that Google’s “arrangements” with companies like Apple to be the default search engine on their devices constitute unlawful monopoly building.
- Google contends that its success is due to providing superior services rather than stifling competition.
This case is significant not only for Google but also for other major internet companies like Amazon and Meta, as it could set a precedent for how antitrust issues are addressed in the tech industry.
While the European Union has previously fined Google for antitrust violations, this case represents a growing “techlash” in the U.S. against the influence and practices of big tech companies.
“Anti-trust” issues, refer to concerns related to antitrust laws and regulations, which are designed to promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in the marketplace. These issues typically involve situations where companies or organizations engage in activities that hinder competition, limit consumer choice, or create monopolies or dominant market positions.
September 18, 2023 /‘Anti-trust’ issues, 18 September 2023, economy, GS3, Today's Article
Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal – www.upag.gov.in) was officially launched recently.
- This innovative platform is designed to revolutionize data management in India’s agriculture sector, addressing complex governance challenges.
- The portal aims to provide real-time, reliable, and standardized information, empowering stakeholders and facilitating more responsive and efficient agricultural policies.
Key Points:
- The UPAg Portal addresses key challenges in agriculture data, including lack of standardization, verification, dispersion, and different update frequencies.
- It offers data standardization, advanced analytics, granular production estimates, commodity profile reports, and flexibility for users to prepare their own reports.
- The UPAg Portal is part of the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture, focusing on harnessing data for growth, transparency, and agility in India’s agriculture sector.
- This initiative aligns with e-governance principles and aims to enhance data-driven decision-making for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in the agriculture domain.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, AGRICULTURE, economy, GS3, Today's Article, Unified Portal www.upag.gov.in for Agricultural Statistics
Water on the Moon
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: A recent study using data from the Chandrayaan-1 mission has suggested that high-energy electrons in Earth’s magnetosphere might be contributing to the formation of water on the Moon’s surface.
- The research indicates that electrons in our planet’s plasma sheet, a region of trapped charged particles within Earth’s magnetosphere, may play a role in weathering processes on the lunar surface, potentially leading to the formation of water.
- The study builds upon previous research that showed oxygen in Earth’s “magnetotail” is causing rusting on iron in the lunar polar region.
The analysis of remote sensing data collected by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper during the Chandrayaan-1 mission revealed that water formation in the magnetotail appeared to be consistent whether the Moon was inside or outside of it. This suggests the presence of water formation processes or sources not directly associated with solar wind protons.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, GS3, SCIENCE, space, Today's Article, Water on the Moon
India Seeks Australia’s Help to Combat Nipah Virus
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: The Wire
Context: India is seeking Australia’s assistance in combating the Nipah virus outbreak, which has claimed 12 lives in the country.
- The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has reached out to the Queensland government in Australia to obtain an antibody developed there for testing its effectiveness in neutralizing the Nipah virus in humans.
- While the antibody has shown promise in vitro (outside the body in artificial conditions), it has not been tested on humans.
- The move aims to generate data on the efficacy of the antibody against the virus, which has a high mortality rate of 50 to 70%.
Currently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for Nipah virus infection, and the treatment for human cases primarily involves supportive care.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, GS3, India Seeks Australia's Help to Combat Nipah Virus, Nipah Virus, SCIENCE, Today's Article
Segur elephant corridor
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: A Supreme Court-appointed committee has declared 12 private resorts along the Segur elephant corridor illegal.
- This corridor is vital for the movement of elephants and other wildlife between habitats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- The resorts were challenged by the owners who claimed the corridor didn’t comprise an elephant habitat. The committee ruled in favour of protecting the corridor, noting that the resorts had erected illegal structures that hindered elephant movement.
- While this decision safeguards the corridor, it has economic consequences for local communities reliant on resort employment.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Segur elephant corridor, Today's Article
Anamudi Shola national park
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Munnar Wildlife Division in Idukki, India, has successfully transformed the Pazhathottam area in the Anamudi Shola National Park from a burnt-out land filled with exotic tree species into a lush 50-hectare forest.
- This eco-restoration project carried out with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), removed exotic species and planted natural grass, revitalizing the area.
As a result, wildlife like bison and wild elephants have returned, and bird species like the Nigiri Pipit are now regular visitors. The project also revived natural streams, ensuring water security downstream.
An eco-development committee named “Haritha Vasantham” was formed for the project, involving local residents in its implementation.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, Anamudi Shola National Park, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Today's Article
Tonga
Mapping
Source: TOI
In 2023, record-high temperatures have been observed globally. Scientists attribute this unusual heat to various factors, including an underwater volcanic eruption off Tonga (Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai) in the South Pacific in January 2022.
While most volcanic eruptions typically cool the planet due to sun-dimming particles, this eruption released a significant amount of water vapour and Sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, a natural greenhouse gas that traps heat.
The volcano is located in the Tonga island of the South Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Tonga–Kermadec Islands volcanic arc formed due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Indo-Australian Plate.
Tonga is a Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 South Pacific islands, many uninhabited, most lined in white beaches and coral reefs and covered with tropical rainforest.
September 18, 2023 /18 September 2023, Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, Today's Article, Tonga