Context:

• The 60-member Manipur Assembly recently failed to hold a Special Session to discuss the ongoing ethnic violence as the governor did not issue any notification to convene it despite a recommendation from the State Cabinet. 

Constitutional Role of Governor in calling Legislative Assembly Session:

• Article 174: Under this, the State’s Legislature must convene at least twice every year, with no more than a six-month gap between the end of one session and the start of the next session.
• Article 163: Although it is the Governor’s prerogative to summon the House, the Governor is required to act on the “aid and advice” of the Cabinet. 
  • So when the Governor summons the House under Article 174, this is not of his or her own will but on the aid and advice of the Cabinet.

Can the Governor refuse the aid and advice of the Cabinet?

• No-confidence motion against the Chief Minister: When the Chief Minister appears to have lost the majority and the legislative members of the House propose a no-confidence motion against the Chief Minister, then the Governor can decide on his or her own on summoning the House.

News Source: The Hindu

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Context:

• India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently agreed to conclude the review of their existing free trade agreement in goods by 2025 which is known as ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
  • A free trade agreement is a pact between two or more nations to reduce barriers to imports and exports among them. 

About ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA):

• The AITIGA is a trade deal between the ten member states of ASEAN and India.
• ASEAN and India signed the Agreement at the 7th ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultations in Bangkok, Thailand in 2009. The Agreement, which came into effect in 2010, is sometimes referred to as the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.
• This framework agreement set the basis for India and ASEAN to negotiate future trade agreements. The Agreement covers trade in physical goods and products and does not apply to trade in services.

About Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN):

• It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• It is a political and economic union of 10 member states in Southeast Asia.
• The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.

Institutional Mechanism of ASEAN.

• Chairmanship of ASEAN: It rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of ASEAN member states.
• ASEAN Summit: 
  • The ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body in ASEAN comprising the Head of States or Government of ASEAN Member States. 
  • The ASEAN Summit is held twice annually.
  • The First ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia on 23-24 February 1976
• ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC):
  • Established in 2008, ACC comprises the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and meets at least twice a year to prepare for the ASEAN Summit. 
  • The ACC coordinates the implementation of the mandate of ASEAN Leaders and all cross-pillar initiatives of ASEAN.
• ASEAN Community Councils:
  • The ASEAN Community Councils comprise the Council of all the three pillars of ASEAN. Under their purview are the relevant ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies.
    • ASEAN Political Security Council
    • ASEAN Economic Community Council
    • ASEAN Socio Cultural Community Council

Forums led by ASEAN:

• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): The 27 member multilateral grouping was developed in 1993 to facilitate cooperation on political and security issues to contribute to regional confidence-building and preventive diplomacy.
• ASEAN Plus Three: The consultative group initiated in 1997 brings together ASEAN’s ten members, China, Japan, and South Korea.
• East Asia Summit (EAS): First held in 2005, the summit seeks to promote security and prosperity in the region and is usually attended by the heads of state from ASEAN, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. ASEAN plays a central role as the agenda-setter.

Member Countries:

• ASEAN Secretariat – Indonesia, Jakarta.
• Members:

News Source: Economic Times

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Context:

• For several weeks, the Mediterranean area has been grappling with severe heat, resulting in wildfires spanning nine countries from Algeria to Greece.

More about the news:

• At the end of July, Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures hit a record 28.7 degrees Celsius (83.66 Fahrenheit), with some eastern parts of the waters reaching more than 30 C.
• The high temperatures are threatening people and land-based ecosystems as well as causing harm to marine life.

Concerns with high sea temperatures:

• Gasses like oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolve better at colder temperatures. Thus, the warmer the water, the less oxygen is available to breathe.
• Higher temperatures cause an increase in metabolism and the organisms need more food to maintain this metabolic rate and thus, heightening the risk of death by starvation for marine life.
• It contributes to increased occurrences of algal blooms exacerbating the reduction of oxygen levels and generating toxins that are detrimental to fish, marine mammals, and birds, among other organisms.

About the Mediterranean Sea:

• It is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean which  lies between the continents of Eurasia and Africa enclosed almost completely by land.
• The Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar on the west and to the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea, by the Dardanelles and the Bosporus respectively, on the east. 

Bordering Countries:

• Europe (from west to east): Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, the island state of Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, and the island Republic of Cyprus
• Asia (from north to south): Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
• Africa (from east to west): Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco

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Context:

• A government-conducted study on social welfare programs has indicated that participants in the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) chose not to continue receiving refills primarily due to gender-related factors and the ready accessibility of traditional alternatives.

More about the news:

• Addressing gender dynamics: The study highlights that clean fuels can enhance women’s quality of life, reduce burdensome tasks, and create better opportunities.Effective policies must not only involve women but also address gender dynamics for equal decision-making power. 
• More Interventions for smokeless kitchens: The study suggests the PMUY should implement more interventions, awareness programs, and mindset shifts to achieve smokeless kitchens in India. 
• Bridging gender gap: The success of PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) is praised for narrowing the gender gap in house ownership, with more homes registered in women’s names in states like Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Uttarakhand.

About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas 
• Aim: To provide LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
• Phase 1: The scheme was launched on 1st May 2016. The target under the scheme was to release 8 Crore LPG Connections to the deprived households by March 2020. 
• Phase2: Under the Union Budget for FY 21-22, provision for release of additional 1 Crore LPG connections under the PMUY scheme has been made. In this phase, special facilities have been given to migrant families.
• Current Status: As on 1st March 2023 there are 9.59 crore PMUY beneficiaries.

Target Beneficiaries under the scheme: 

• Adult women belonging to any of the following categories, are eligible beneficiaries under the expanded scheme.
  • SC Households
  • ST Households
  • Most Backward Classes
  • Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
  • Tea and Ex- Tea Garden tribes
  • Forest Dwellers
  • People residing in Islands and River Islands
• Release of LPG connection under this Scheme shall be in the name of the women belonging to the BPL family.

Benefits to Citizens:

• Cash assistance: It is provided for PMUY connections by Government of India – Rs. 1600 (for a connection 14.2kg cylinder/ Rs. 1150 for a 5 kg cylinder). 
• LPF Refill: All PMUY beneficiaries will be provided with first LPG refill and Stove both free of cost along with their deposit free connection by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
• Subsidy: For the year 2023-24, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a subsidy of Rs. 200 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year to be provided to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

News Source: Business Standard 

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Context:

• The U.K. is planning on more drilling in the North Sea for oil and natural gas which will help it become more energy independent.

Exploration in the North Sea:

• The 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf was the first international legislation to establish the rights of countries over the continental shelves adjacent to their coastlines. 
• This convention facilitated North Sea exploration which was followed by the U.K.’s enactment of the Continental Shelf Act, effective in 1964.

Continental Shelf Act:

• This legislation authorized the exploration and utilization of the continental shelf, aligning with the principles of the 1958 Geneva Convention. 
• Specifically, it defined the extent of the U.K.’s authority over undersea oil and gas reserves (excluding coal) in proximity to its coastal areas.

About North Sea:

• Epeiric Sea: It is an epeiric sea on the European continental shelf connecting to the Atlantic Ocean through the English Channel in the south and the Norwegian Sea in the north. 
  • An epeiric sea is a continental body of water which is very large in area and is either completely surrounded by dry land or connected to an ocean by a river, strait or arm of the sea.
• Location: It lies between England and Scotland on its west, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France on its south, and Norway, Denmark, and Germany on its west.
• Major Rivers draining into North Sea: the Rhine,  Thames, and the Elbe rivers
• Important Islands: Shetland’s Mainland, Orkney’s Mainland Island, Norwegian Stord Island
• Climate: The North Sea experiences an oceanic temperate maritime climate, characterized by slightly high temperatures. Winters are long but cool while summers are short and mild.

News Source: The Hindu

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Context:

A new study led by the ‘Clinical Studies and Trials Unit’ of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that vaccination against COVID-19 before contracting the infection provided around 60 per cent protection against post-discharge death after at least one dose.

Key Findings of Study:

• According to the researchers, vaccine effectiveness reduced after 168-195 days but was still around 86 percent.
• Overall, the study findings suggest that a post-discharge mortality rate of 6.5 per cent in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 warrants a vigilant follow-up, the study said.
• The current analysis additionally showed that the participants younger than 18 years had 1.7 times higher odds of dying after discharge from the hospital.
• Post-COVID condition (PCC) was reported in 17.1 per cent of the participants and was linked with 2.7 times higher odds of post-discharge mortality. 
  • PCC is defined by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as “signs, symptoms, or conditions that persist or develop at four weeks or more after the initial infection”. 
• As many as 14,419 participants were followed up at least once between four weeks and one-year post-discharge. 
  • Of the 942 deaths, 175 (18.6 percent) were in the age group of 18-45 years.
• A series of three nested case-control analyses were conducted on follow-up data collected in the National Clinical Registry for COVID-19 between September 2020 and February 2023 from 31 hospitals.
  • Nested case-control analyses are studies that include diagnosed individuals in comparison to matched controls who have not developed the disease.

News Source: DTE

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Context: 

Indian scientists have developed the first ever low-pungent mustard based on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, while being non-GM and transgene-free. 

About Gene-edited Mustard:

• Gene-edited mustard refers to a variety of mustard plant that has been altered using gene editing techniques, specifically the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

• In this process, specific genes within the mustard plant’s DNA are modified to achieve desired traits, such as reduced pungency and increased resistance to pests and diseases. 
• In it, precise changes to the existing DNA are made without introducing foreign genes from other species. 
• This approach is often considered non-GMO (genetically modified organism) and transgene-free, as it involves modifying the plant’s own genetic material to achieve the desired characteristics.

How did Scientists Created this Gene-Edited Mustard?

• Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) have “edited” 10 out of the 12 GTR genes in ‘Varuna’, a high-yielding Indian mustard variety. 
• For this, they used CRISPR/Cas9 – a gene-editing tool deploying an enzyme, which acts as a “molecular scissors” to cut the DNA at precisely targeted locations of the gene, and then letting the natural DNA repair process take over.
• Results:
  • The GTR-edited mustard contained low-seed high-leaf glucosinolates
  • It showed  resistance against the virulent fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and the insect pest Spodoptera litura. 

Benefit of Gene Edited Mustard:

• Less Pungent: Gene Edited Mustard is less pungent as normal mustard seeds have high levels of glucosinolates, a group of sulfur and nitrogen-containing compounds contributing to the characteristic pungency of their oil and meal. 
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Gene-edited mustard can be engineered to be more resilient against pests and diseases, leading to increased crop yield and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.
• Improved Shelf Life: By enhancing the plant’s natural defense mechanisms, gene-edited mustard may have a longer shelf life due to its increased resistance to spoilage organisms.
• Non-GMO Approach: Gene-edited mustard can be developed without introducing genes from unrelated organisms, which aligns with non-GMO principles and may help alleviate concerns associated with genetically modified crops.
• Import Bill of India:  Edible oils imports were valued at $20.84 billion (Rs 167,270 crore) during the fiscal year ended March 2023, thus there is a need to augment domestic production.

Genetically Modified (GM) versus Gene Editing (GE)

News Source: The Indian Express

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Context: 

Recently, the Ministry of Finance has imposed a 40 percent export duty on onions to ensure a more stable domestic supply. 

More on News:

• Prices of pulses have also risen sharply in recent months, speeding to 13.3% in July from 10.6% in June.
• The retail prices of tomatoes have shot up to ₹200-250 per kilogram in several parts of the country in the near month.
  • Recently, prices have fallen to Rs 50-70 per kilogramme with arrival of new crops from Nashik, Naryangaon and Aurangabad belt in Maharashtra.

Factor Responsible for Price Rise:

• Tomato: 
  • Extreme Weather Conditions: The months of April and May experienced heatwaves and high temperatures, followed by delayed monsoon showers in southern India and Maharashtra. 
    • These adverse weather conditions led to pest attacks in tomato crops, affecting the quality and yield of the produce.
  • Low Prices for Farmers: Prices as low as ₹6 to ₹11 per kg were reported between December of the previous year and April of the current year. 
    • Many farmers had to sell their crops at these low prices or even abandon their fields, leading to a decrease in supply.
  • Lean Production Period: July and August typically represent a lean production period for tomatoes as they fall between crop yields, further exacerbating supply shortages.
  • Plant Viruses: The Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) and the Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV).
    • These viruses have caused partial to complete crop losses in tomato plantations over the last three years.
• Pulses: 
  • Below-Par Monsoon: One of the primary factors is a below-par monsoon in August. 
    • The sown area for pulses in the Kharif season has decreased by almost 10% compared to the previous year due to deficient rainfall towards the end of the sowing season. 
    • As of August 18, the southwest monsoon has been 6% below its long period average (LPA), leading to concerns about reduced pulse production.
  • Reservoir Levels: Reservoir levels in the country have also been lower compared to the previous year, with only 62% of total capacity as of August 17, 2023, compared to 76% in the previous season. This impacts irrigation for pulse crops.
• Onion: 
  • Shortage in Stored Produce: Onions are not grown year-round, and they have specific planting and harvesting seasons. 
    • The Rabi crop, which is harvested post-March, is most amenable to storage due to its lower moisture content. However, unseasonal rain and hail storms in March and April damaged a significant portion of the Rabi crop, affecting the stored onions’ quality. 
    • This forced farmers to offload their stored onions earlier than usual.
  • Lower Acreage: Another factor is the lower-than-expected acreage of onion cultivation. 
    • In the previous year, there was a dip in onion acreage, with sowing covering only about 3.29 lakh hectares out of a target of 3.76 lakh hectares. 
    • This reduced cultivation contributed to a reduced onion supply in the market.
  • Export Demand: Demand for Indian onions in the international market has been high, particularly from countries like Bangladesh and West Asia.
    • In fiscal 2022-23, India exported 25.25 lakh tonnes of onion as compared to 15.37 lakh tonnes in 2021-22.

Government Initiative to check Pricing of Agricultural Commodities:

• Price Stabilization Fund: It was established in 2014-15, to absorb extreme volatility in selected commodity prices.
• Operation Greens: It aims to promote farmer producers organizations, agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management. 
  • The operation aims to aid farmers and help control and limit the erratic fluctuations in the prices of onions, potatoes and tomatoes.
• Price Support Scheme (PSS): The PSS, under the Agriculture Ministry, is operationalised only when prices of agri-produce fall below the minimum support price (MSP).
  • Under this, physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds and Copra will be done by Central Nodal Agencies with proactive role of State governments
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
• e-NAM (National Agriculture Market): e-NAM is an online platform that connects agricultural markets across the country, enabling farmers to access a wider market and obtain better prices for their produce.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: It aims to provide all-around financial support to the farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, farmer groups like Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), etc. to create post-harvest management infrastructure and build community farming assets throughout the country.

Challenges in Agriculture Pricing:

• Demand-Side Challenges:
  • Fluctuating Consumer Demand: Consumer preferences for agricultural products can change rapidly, leading to fluctuations in demand. Sudden shifts in dietary habits or health concerns can affect demand for specific crops.
  • Income Elasticity: The demand for agricultural products is often income-sensitive. In times of economic downturns, consumers may reduce their spending on certain agricultural products, leading to lower prices.
  • Global Market Influences: International factors, such as global commodity prices and trade policies, can impact demand. Imports or exports of agricultural products can disrupt domestic markets.
  • Consumer Awareness: Consumer awareness regarding food safety, quality, and certifications can influence demand. Products meeting specific standards may command higher prices.
• Supply-Side Challenges:
  • Weather and Climate Change: Weather-related challenges, such as droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change, can lead to crop failures and reduced supply.
  • Pest and Disease Outbreaks: Outbreaks of pests and diseases can devastate crops, reducing yields and affecting the availability of agricultural products.
  • Input Costs:Fluctuations in the prices of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides can impact production costs, affecting the supply of agricultural goods.
  • Infrastructure and Storage: Inadequate post-harvest infrastructure and storage facilities can result in post-harvest losses, reducing the effective supply of agricultural products.
  • Land Fragmentation: Fragmentation of agricultural land into smaller plots can limit economies of scale and reduce overall production efficiency.
  • Market Access and Intermediaries: Challenges in accessing markets and the role of middlemen can result in farmers receiving lower prices for their produce.
  • Government Policies: Government policies related to procurement, subsidies, and trade can influence supply. Policies that restrict exports or set minimum support prices (MSPs) can impact the availability of agricultural products.

Way Forward:

• Leverage Technology: Utilize precision agriculture, IoT (Internet of Things), and remote sensing to boost crop yields, lower production costs, and provide farmers with valuable information.
  • Develop mobile apps offering real-time market data, weather updates, and best practices to empower farmers with informed decision-making abilities.
• Crop Diversity: Encourage farmers to grow high-value, climate-resilient crops to reduce dependence on traditional crop MSPs.
• Innovative Farming: Promote innovative practices such as organic, vertical, and hydroponic farming to access niche markets and increase profits.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Foster collaborations between government, private sector, and farmer groups to strengthen market connections, enhance value addition, and bolster farmers’ bargaining power.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Implement initiatives like contract farming, agri-logistics infrastructure development, and agro-processing units for fair and lucrative markets for farmers.
• Direct Sales through FPOs: Promote direct sales by encouraging Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to sell produce, eliminating middlemen and increasing farmers’ earnings.
• Reform APMC Rules: Amend Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) rules to reduce commissions and fees, ensuring that more of the profit goes directly to the farmers.
  • According to the RBI, farmers receive less than 50% of the retail price for major traded crops like tomatoes.
  • The margin between what a farmer gets and what a consumer pays consists of a host of other charges such as commissions, mandi charges, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) memberships fees, etc.
• Improve Value and Supply Chains: Enhance value and supply chains to address perishability and transportation issues.
• Promote Cultivation in Controlled Environments like Poly Houses and Greenhouses to enhance yield and manage pest issues effectively.
  • Poly house is a type of greenhouse, where special types of polyethylene sheets are used as covering materials, under which crops can be grown partially or under fully controlled climatic conditions.

News Source: The Hindu

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