Context: 

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) had conducted trials at 20 selected locations on selected crops to study the effect of IFFCO’s nano-urea (liquid) as a foliar spray.

More on News:

• The study showed that nano-urea can replace conventional urea for top-dressing.
• It combines nano urea with basal application of conventional urea resulting in a yield advantage of 3-8%.
• Based on the trials, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare provisionally notified Nano Urea as Nano Nitrogen Fertilizers in Fertilizer Control Order, 1985.

About Nano Urea:

• Nano-formulations or nano-sized fertilizers are made from ammonium humate, ammonia, urea, peat, plant wastes, and other synthetic fertilizers.
• They are developed using both mechanical and biochemical processes, i.e., materials are grounded to obtain nano-sized particles through mechanical means and biochemical techniques are employed to obtain effective nanoscale formulations.
• Nano-fertilizers are released very slowly in comparison to conventional fertilizers.
• They are specifically designed to release active ingredients in response to biological demands and environmental stress.
• Benefits:
  • Help to bring down India’s fertilizer import bill.
  • It is also expected to contribute to bringing down the annual subsidy on non-urea fertilizers.

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Context:

The National Health Authority (NHA) announces extension of its Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) till 31st December 2023.

About  Digital Health Incentives Scheme:

• It was launched with effect from 1st January, 2023 as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• Under the DHIS, the eligible health facilities and digital solutions companies shall be able to earn financial incentives of up to Rs. 4 crores based on the number of digital health records created and linked to ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) numbers of the patients.
• Under DHIS, incentives are provided to hospitals and diagnostic labs and to the providers of digital health solutions for enabling transformative digitization under ABDM.

Significance:

• The scheme proved to be a significant catalyst in promoting the adoption of digital health technologies and practices in healthcare delivery across the country. 

News Source: PIB

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Context:

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar has referred complaints against two opposition MPs to the Privileges Committee.

About Privilege Motion:

• Parliamentary privilege is the sum of certain rights enjoyed by each House collectively and by members of each House individually, without which they could not discharge their functions.
  • Eligibility: Parliamentary privileges are available to individuals who have the right to speak and participate in the discussions of a Parliament House or any of its committees. For Example: the Attorney General of India and Union ministers.
• If there is a belief that such a privilege has been breached, a motion can be raised by any member in the form of  Privilege Motion.
• Adjudicating Authority: The Speaker/RS chairperson is the first level of scrutiny of a privilege motion. 
  • Therefore, the Speaker/Chair can decide on the privilege motion himself or herself or refer it to the privileges committee of Parliament.
• Constitutional Provision: Article 105 expressly mentions two privileges, that is, freedom of speech in Parliament and right of publication of its proceedings for Members of Parliament (MPs).
• Rules Governing Privilege: The rules governing the privilege are mentioned in the Rule No 222 of the Lok Sabha Rule Book and Rule 187 in of the Rajya Sabha rulebook. 

Committee of Privileges:

• Mandate:  To examine every question involving breach of privilege of the House or of the Members of any Committee thereof referred to it by the House or by the Speaker.
• Lok Sabha: It  consists of 15 Members nominated by the Speaker. 
• Rajya Sabha: It consists of 10 members and is nominated by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. In the Rajya Sabha, the deputy chairperson heads the committee of privilege.

News Source:  The Indian Express

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The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that the rice price index rose by 2.8 percent in July from the previous month, reaching its highest level in nearly 12 years.

Reason for Price Surge:

• India’s Export Restrictions:
  • India, accounting for 40 percent of world rice exports, imposed a halt on its largest rice export category to stabilize domestic prices.

About Rice Price Index:

• It was introduced in 1996 , with the purpose of monitoring developments in the global agricultural commodity markets.
• Released by: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• Measurement: The FFPI is a measure of the monthly changes in international prices of a basket of food commodities.
• Commodities Included: The index tracks changes in prices for a basket of key food commodities, including cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat, and sugar.
• Base Period: 2014-2016

News Source: Economic Times

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Recently, the Union Home Minister chaired the 38th meeting of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language.

More on News:

• During the meeting, the 12th volume of the report of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language was also approved which will be presented to the President.

About Committee of Parliament on Official Language:

• It was set up in 1976 under Section 4 of The Official Languages Act, 1963.
• Mandate: To review the progress made in the use of Hindi for official purposes, and to make recommendations to increase the use of Hindi in official communications.
• Composition: It comprises 30 members of Parliament, 20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha, headed by Home- Minister.
• Under the provisions of the 1963 Act, the Committee submits its report to the President, who “shall [then] cause the report to be laid before each House of Parliament, and sent to all the State Governments”.

News Source: The Hindu

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In 2021-2022, India surpassed Brazil to become the world’s largest sugar producer, reaching an all-time high production of 359 lakh tonnes.

• The achievement is marred by concerns over the sustainability of the sugar industry due to dwindling resources.

About Sugarcane Crop:

• Sugarcane is a giant tropical grass from the family Graminaceae, whose stalk has the particular capacity to store a crystallizable sugar, sucrose.
• It is the main source of sugar, Gur (jaggery), khandsari and molasses.    
• Top Sugarcane Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar.     

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Status of Sugarcane Sector in India:

• The Largest Sugarcane Producer: India has emerged as the largest producer of sugarcane in the world, surpassing Brazil during the 2021-22.
• The Second Largest Sugar Exporter: India has consistently been the second-largest exporter of sugar, following Brazil. 

The excess sugar production in India can be attributed to several factors:

• Domestic Demand: India is the world’s largest consumer of sugar, necessitating high production levels to meet its huge domestic demand.
• Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) Scheme: The Central government’s FRP scheme mandates a minimum price that sugar mills must pay to sugarcane farmers. 
  • This policy ensures that farmers receive fair profits for their crops, making sugarcane cultivation an attractive and profitable option for them.
• State Government Subsidies: State governments offer significant subsidies to incentivize sugarcane cultivation. 
• Higher Exports: In 2021-2022, India exported a record 110 lakh tonnes of sugar, seeking to tap into international markets and capitalize on excess production.

Advantages of Increasing Sugar Production:

• Generation of By-Products: Sugar production yields valuable by-products like molasses, bagasse, and press mud, which find applications in producing ethanol, paper, and bio-fertilizers, promoting resource efficiency.
• Ethanol Production and Fuel Blending: Sugar mills can divert excess sugarcane to produce ethanol, which serves as a green fuel. Blending ethanol with petrol reduces crude oil imports, saving foreign exchange.
• Government’s Blending Targets: India has set blending targets of 10% ethanol with petrol by 2022 and 20% by 2025 to promote eco-friendly fuel usage.
• Diversification and Increased Income: Cultivating sugarcane allows farmers to diversify their agricultural activities, providing an opportunity for additional income streams.
• Crop Integration and Diversification: Sugarcane cultivation can be integrated with other crops like vegetables, fruits, and spices, leading to improved soil health, reduced pest and disease pressure, and higher crop yields.

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Excessive sugarcane cultivation impacts groundwater in several ways:

• High Water Consumption: Sugarcane is a resource-intensive cash crop that requires a large amount of water for its cultivation. 
  • In regions where rainfall is insufficient, sugarcane relies heavily on groundwater for irrigation.
  • The top sugarcane-growing states in India face significant water scarcity. 
• Non-Rechargeable Aquifers: Much of the groundwater used for sugarcane cultivation is found in confined aquifers, which are not easily recharged by rainfall, making it a finite and non-renewable resource.
• Large-Scale Water Usage: Producing 100 kg of sugar from one tonne of sugarcane can consume around 2 lakh liters of groundwater for irrigation alone. Additionally, water is needed for industrial sugar manufacturing and refining processes.
• Drought and Groundwater Stress: The top sugarcane-growing states are already prone to drought and face stress on their groundwater resources. 
  • The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reported that a significant portion of its groundwater assessment units in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka were classified as ‘semi-critical,’ ‘critical,’ or ‘over-exploited.’
• Environmental Concerns: Excessive groundwater extraction for sugarcane cultivation can lead to environmental issues such as land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and the drying up of wells and water bodies.

What needs to be done to address the challenges of excessive sugarcane cultivation and its impact on groundwater:

• Correcting Incentives: Assess and modify existing subsidy schemes that favor sugarcane over other crops. Introduce fair and comprehensive subsidies for a variety of crops to encourage diversification, even distribution of cultivation, and equitable income for farmers.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encourage environmentally responsible sugarcane cultivation practices, such as drip irrigation.
  • Drip irrigation reduces sugarcane water consumption by up to 70% compared to flood irrigation.
• Investing in Water-saving Systems: Implement water-saving and management systems like rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and canal irrigation networks to reduce stress on groundwater reserves and utilize alternative water sources for irrigation.
• Enhancing Groundwater Research: Invest in groundwater research to better understand its availability, distribution, and sustainable management. Improved data and mapping can inform better decision-making and resource allocation.
• Prioritizing Sustainability: As India advances in the agricultural sector, prioritize sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices, promoting crop diversification, and minimizing the strain on natural resources.

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: 

Recently, Earth Observed its first Plastic Overshoot Day on 28 July, 2023.

More About News

• According to Swiss-based research consultancy Earth Action (EA), on July 28, 2023, the Earth saw its first Plastic Overshoot Day.
• Plastic Overshoot Day marks the point when the amount of plastic waste generated exceeds the world’s capacity to manage it, resulting in environmental pollution. 
  • Each country has its own Plastic Overshoot Day, which is determined by the amount of plastic waste generated and the country’s capacity to manage it
• Plastic Pollution Crisis: The imbalance between the volumes of plastic that are produced and used, as well as the world’s ability to manage those volumes when they become waste, is the root cause of plastic pollution.
  • The global average consumption of plastic per person per year is 20.9 kg.
  • In the first 208 days of 2023, plastic waste is well-managed, meaning it is collected and then either recycled, incinerated or deposited in a sanitary landfill.
  • Short-life plastics, encompassing plastic packaging and single-use plastics, accounts for approximately 37% of the total plastic commercialized annually. 
  • By 2040 plastic production is set to double, with plastic pollution is expected to triple.
  • 175 countries account for 41% of the total mismanaged waste, or 64,63 days, while 12 countries are responsible for 52% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste, or 145 days of overshoot for 2023.
  • 12 Countries:  India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, Mexico, the United States, Saudia Arabia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran and Kazakhstan.
• Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI):  The gap in waste management capacity and plastic consumption is called MWI.
  • India ranks fourth in the MWI, with 98.55 per cent of generated waste being mismanaged and fares poorly in the management of plastics waste.
  • Expected mismanaged waste in India in 2023 will be 7,300,752 tonnes of plastic. 
  • India will also be responsible for releasing an average of 3,30,764 tonnes of microplastics into waterways.

Global Plastic Pollution Crisis

• Plastic Pollution: According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 7 billion of the 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic manufactured between 1950 and 2017 ended up as waste, either in landfills or dumped. 
  • If this is to continue unchecked, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. 
  • Marine Plastic Pollution: More than 14 million metric tonnes of plastic enters and damages aquatic ecosystems annually.
  • Climate Change: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastics are expected to account for 15 per cent of the total emissions allowable by 2050 if humanity is to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
• Plastic Recycling: According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only 15% of global plastic waste is collected for the purpose of recycling. 
  • Out of this, close to half is disposed off as residues, which results in only 9% of plastic waste getting recycled. 
  • Another 19% gets incinerated, 50% ends up in landfill and 22% evades waste management systems. 

Menace of Plastic Pollution in India

• India is the second-largest consumer of plastic globally, with packaging materials contributing significantly to the plastic waste generated. 
• According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates over 9.46 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, out of which only 60% is recycled. 
  • Plastic waste often ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans, causing irreversible damage to the environment and marine life. 
• Some of the challenges imposed by plastic pollution are:
  • Threat To Ecosystem: It threatens the biodiversity and health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic can harm or kill wildlife, damage habitats, and disrupt food webs.
  • Threat to Humans: It poses risks to human health and well-being. Plastic can contaminate the food chain and expose humans to harmful chemicals, reduce the quality and enjoyment of natural environments, and increase the spread of diseases.
  • Threat to Climate: It contributes to the climate crisis and resource depletion. Plastic emits greenhouse gases during its production, transportation, and degradation, and consumes large amounts of energy, water, and land.
  • Creates social and economic costs and inequalities: Plastic can affect the livelihoods and incomes of people who depend on natural resources, such as fishers or farmers. 
  • Climate Injustice: Plastic can create environmental injustice and discrimination, as some communities or countries bear a disproportionate burden of plastic waste generation or disposal.
• Flawed Waste Management System in India: Municipal authorities are responsible for the collection and transportation of waste, while the waste’s final disposal is usually left to informal waste pickers or landfill sites. 
  • Waste management is primarily focused on the collection and transportation of waste, while its disposal remains largely neglected. 
  • This has resulted in the pollution of water bodies and the emission of harmful gases like methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas.

Steps Taken to Reduce Menace of Plastic Pollution in India 

• Single Use Plastic Ban: On July 1, 2022, a ban was imposed on the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of identified single-use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential
• State Government Initiatives: In Delhi, stores of eco-alternatives – Vikalp Stores – have been set up in markets; 
  • Tamil Nadu launched a massive campaign on using cloth bags with vending machines set up under the Meendum Manjappai campaign; 
  • Uttar Pradesh is implementing the refillable model to promote reuse of packaging material.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR is a framework that holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including their disposal.
• EPR is implemented in India through various policies and regulations, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), and through collaborations between the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• India Plastic Pact: Launched by World-Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF India) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), to develop a platform to promote a circular system for plastics. 
  • Circular economy: It is a resource efficient economy where waste and pollution are eliminated, products and materials are kept in use at their highest value for the longest time possible, and natural systems are regenerated.

Way Forward

• Global plastic production must be capped and reduced to prevent plastic pollution from tripling by 2040. 
• Adopt a circular economy approach for tackling the problem of plastic pollution.
  • Circular economy solutions can reduce pollution by 80% by 2040. 
• Financial mechanisms and capacity-building are essential for participation and national legislation implementation.
• Ensure Accountability: Governments and businesses must be held accountable through mandatory disclosure and reporting.
  • Global North countries that export their waste to Global South countries must be held accountable for supporting infrastructure development in importing countries by at least the volume they export annually.
• Strengthen Waste Management Infrastructure: Financial support is required to invest in robust waste collection and recycling infrastructure across cities and towns.
  • Implement effective segregation systems, establish recycling centers, and promote the adoption of advanced technologies for plastic waste processing.
  • This can involve collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to develop innovative solutions.
• Investing in waste-to-energy plants using advanced technologies can reduce fossil fuel dependence and generate electricity while effectively managing plastic waste. 
  • India has the capacity to process 14.2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, accounting for 71% of primary plastic production.

News Source: Down to Earth

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