Recently, the Centre has approved interest-free loans worth ₹3,295 crore to States for 40 new projects, identified across 23 States for the development of tourism sites and infrastructure under ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)

About Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale under SASCI

• Implementation 

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• • The loans will be provided to the States for a period of 50 years and will be interest-free. 
  • The State governments are responsible for providing land for the projects, implementing them, and managing their operations after completion. 
  • All projects must be completed within a timeline of two years.The State Government is solely responsible for the project’s operations and maintenance, potentially through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
• Fund Distribution
  • The Department of Expenditure will release 66% of the funds as the first instalment directly to the States. 
  • Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Tourism
  • States can submit multiple projects, with a maximum funding of Rs. 100 crores per project.
• Project Identification
  • These projects include lesser-known tourist destinations such as Bateshwar in Uttar Pradesh, Ponda in Goa, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh, and Porbandar in Gujarat. .

Tourism in India

• India’s tourism sector is a major industry that contributes to the country’s GDP and creates jobs.
  • The tourism sector contributes around 9% of the country’s GDP.
• Growth and status: 
  • India’s tourism sector has grown significantly over the past two decades. 
  • In 2023, India recorded 9.24 million foreign tourist arrivals, a 43.5% increase from 2022. 
  • The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that India’s travel and tourism sector will contribute almost INR 21.15 trillion to the economy in 2024. 
  • India ranked 39th among 119 countries according to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report published by World Economic Forum (WEF).
• Growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): India recorded 9.24 million FTAs in 2023, reflecting a 43.5% growth compared to 6.44 million in 2022. 
• • This growth contributed to significant foreign exchange earnings (FEEs).
• Growth in Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs): Domestic tourism has shown remarkable growth, with 2509.63 million Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) recorded in 2023 (provisional), up from 1731.01 million DTVs in 2022.

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Impact of Tourism in India

• Economic
  • Economic Contributions:
    • Employment: Tourism accounted for approximately 7% of India’s GDP in 2022 and created 76.17 million jobs directly and indirectly in the same period​.
    • Foreign exchange earnings: The foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism rose significantly, reaching ₹2.3 lakh crore in 2023, showing its economic importance.
  • Employment Generation: The tourism sector created 76.17 million direct and indirect jobs in 2022-23, an increase from 70.04 million jobs in 2021-22.
  • Infrastructure Development: Over the last few years, India has invested $1 billion (₹7,000 crore) to improve tourism infrastructure, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
  • Promotion Efforts: The Government is holistically promoting India’s tourism products in domestic and international markets to establish India as a leading global travel destination.
• Cultural Impact
  • Tourism promotes cultural exchange and heritage preservation. 
  • For instance, the Taj Mahal in Agra attracts millions of visitors annually, generating funds for conservation.
• Social Impact
  • Tourism empowers local communities through employment and skill development. 
  • Rural tourism initiatives like those in Raghurajpur, Odisha, support artisans and craftspeople, enabling the preservation of traditional skills such as Pattachitra painting while enhancing livelihoods for over 2,000 families.
• Environmental Impact
  • While tourism boosts economic growth, it also leads to environmental concerns such as waste and pollution. 
    • For example, in 2023, the influx of over 1.2 million tourists to Leh-Ladakh resulted in a significant increase in plastic waste, with over 200 tons of waste collected monthly in peak tourist seasons. 
  • Tourism has driven the adoption of eco-friendly practices and conservation efforts in India. 
    • For example, Kaziranga National Park in Assam has seen increased funding for wildlife conservation due to eco-tourism. 

Government Initiative to promote tourism in India

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme (2014): This scheme aims to develop theme-based tourist circuits across India, leveraging cultural, historical, and natural heritage. It focuses on creating world-class tourism infrastructure and experiences.
• PRASAD Scheme (2014): The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme focuses on the development and beautification of pilgrimage sites in India. It aims to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience for domestic and international tourists.
• Paryatan Parv (2015): This nationwide campaign encourages domestic tourism by organizing cultural events, festivals, and activities across the country. It aims to promote India’s diverse cultural heritage and attract domestic tourists to explore different regions. 
• Dekho Apna Desh Initiative (2015): This initiative encourages domestic tourism by promoting the exploration of India’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. It aims to create awareness about lesser-known destinations and promote domestic travel.
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (2015): This initiative promotes cultural exchange and integration between different states of India. It encourages state pairings to organize cultural exchange programs, festivals, and activities, fostering a sense of unity and promoting domestic tourism.
• E-Visa (2014): The Indian government has implemented an e-Visa system, making it easier for foreign tourists to obtain visas and travel to India. This has significantly streamlined the visa process and made it more convenient for international tourists.
• Dharamshala Declaration (2022): It outlines India’s plan to revitalize tourism post-pandemic, aiming for a $150 billion GDP contribution, $30 billion in foreign exchange earnings, and 15 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2024. 
  • By 2030, it targets a $250 billion GDP contribution, 137 million jobs, 56 million foreign tourists, and $56 billion in earnings, establishing India as a global tourism hub.

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Potential of India’s Tourism Sector

• Diverse Attractions:
  • India’s varied geography and culture offer destinations ranging from natural wonders like the Himalayas and backwaters of Kerala to historical landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and Hampi.
  •  With 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, India has a global edge in cultural and natural heritage​.
  • For example, the tourism circuit in Varanasi, integrated with Buddhist sites like Sarnath, appeals to both domestic and international tourists​.
• Growing Domestic Tourism:
  • Government initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 have fueled domestic travel. 
  • In 2023, domestic tourist visits increased to 2509.63 million, reflecting the effectiveness of these campaigns​.
• Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs):
  • The rise in FTAs, with 9.24 million visitors in 2023 (up from 6.44 million in 2022), highlights India’s increasing appeal as a global tourist destination. 
  • This was bolstered by e-visa availability and a multilingual tourist helpline​.
• Niche Tourism:
  • Growth in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, medical, and wellness tourism is evident, with Kerala’s Ayurveda and yoga retreats being standout offerings. 
  • India has also become a popular destination for Himalayan trekking​.

Challenges with India’s Tourism Sector

• Infrastructure and Connectivity:
  • Many tourist destinations, especially in remote regions like the Northeast, lack basic infrastructure. 
  • For example, Arunachal Pradesh’s scenic locales remain underexplored due to inadequate road and air connectivity​.
• Safety and Hygiene:
  • Safety concerns, particularly for women, and sanitation issues negatively impact tourism. 
  • Varanasi, despite being a spiritual hub, faces challenges with waste management, deterring many visitors​.
• Underutilized Heritage:
  • While sites like Jaipur and Agra are over-visited, others, such as Khajuraho and Hampi, suffer from neglect and poor promotion, missing opportunities for global attention​.
• Seasonal Tourism:
  • Popular destinations like Shimla and Manali experience overcrowding during peak seasons but lack strategies to attract tourists in off-seasons, leading to uneven economic benefits​.
• Skilled Workforce:
  • The shortage of trained personnel in hospitality and tourism affects service quality. This includes a lack of skilled guides and managers in many tourist hubs​.

Way Forward

• Infrastructure Development: Developing better connectivity in remote areas, such as new airports in the Northeast and enhancing rail networks, can unlock tourism potential. 
  • For instance, improved roads and transport to Ladakh have boosted visitor numbers​.
• Sustainable Tourism: Kerala’s Responsible Tourism initiative integrates community development with eco-tourism, providing a successful model for other states​.
• Focused Marketing Campaigns: Revamping the Incredible India campaign with themes like spiritual tourism and Ayurveda can attract specific traveler groups. 
  • Similar efforts in Rajasthan, focusing on its desert culture, have shown success​.
• Safety and Security Measures: Deploying tourist police in key hotspots, improving signage, and enhancing digital safety for travelers, especially women, can improve India’s global image​.
• Promotion of Off-Season Tourism: Events like the Ladakh Winter Festival or discounted travel packages during lean periods can help spread tourism activity year-round​

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Conclusion

India’s tourism sector has immense potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance global cultural engagement. By addressing challenges like infrastructure gaps, seasonal dependency, and safety concerns, alongside leveraging its diverse heritage and natural attractions, India can establish itself as a global tourism powerhouse, contributing significantly to its development goals.

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The recent state elections were marred by political parties making excessive, often unrealistic promises, especially in the lead-up to the polls, leading to undesirable outcomes.

About Welfare Politics

• In politics, welfare refers to a range of government programs that help people and families with basic needs or maintain a standard of living. 
• Welfare programs are funded by taxpayers and provide benefits such as food stamps, vouchers, or direct payments to recipients. 
• Welfare programs are often based on the principles of:
  • Equality of opportunity
  • Equitable distribution of wealth
  • Public responsibility for those who are unable to meet their basic needs.

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Welfare Politics vis-à-vis Identity Politics

Social Protection and Welfare Politics in India

• Social Security as a Human Right:
• Recognized by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and emphasized by the ILO’s 2012 Recommendation for all nations to establish a “social protection floor.”

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• India spends relatively low on social  protection, as highlighted in the ILO’s World Social Protection Report, 2022.Informal employment constitutes 90% of  India’s workforce, making social security crucial to address vulnerabilities.
• Expansion of Social Protection:
  • Despite initial reluctance, social protection  measures have expanded steadily, influenced by political-economy considerations.
  • Social welfare expenditures increased from  1.2-1.3% of GSDP in 2017-18 to about 1.6% in 2022-23 across 11 states (Crisil report, 2023).
• Women-Centric Welfare Schemes:
  • Women-focused schemes are increasingly  central to India’s welfare architecture. Examples include:
    • Delhi and Himachal: Cash transfer  schemes for women.
    • Tamil Nadu: Kalaignar Magalir  Urimai Scheme (Rs. 1,000/month for women above 21 with household income < Rs. 2.5 lakh).
    • Madhya Pradesh: Ladli Behna Scheme (Rs. 1,250/month for poor women).
    • Congress-ruled states: Mahalakshmi (Telangana) and Gruha Lakshmi (Karnataka) programs.
  • Cash transfers to women have proven economic and social benefits, including improved household consumption and potential empowerment.
• Evolution of Political Welfare Schemes:
  • The central government initially resisted welfare expansion (e.g., opposition to MGNREGA). However:
    • 2019: PM-KISAN income transfer scheme for farmers launched.
    • 2020: During COVID-19, MGNREGA and the National Food Security Scheme were expanded.
    • Free cereal distribution continues for 800 million households under the National Food Security Act.
• Trends in Political Competition and Welfare Stability:
  • States with higher political competition (e.g., Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh) continue or modify existing welfare schemes, ensuring stability.
  • States with low political competition (e.g., Gujarat) are less proactive in introducing new programs.
• Challenges in Social Protection Framework:
  • Most schemes lack legal backing and remain administrative in nature.
    • Example: Women’s income transfer schemes often reflect paternalistic views, treating women as passive beneficiaries in male-headed families. 
  • Absence of legal guarantees raises concerns  about the stability of such schemes.
  • Groups with low political leverage (e.g., the  very young and the elderly) are losing out on existing protections.

Key Issues with Welfare politics

• Temptation of Populism:
  • Politicians often mobilize votes by making excessive promises, particularly to the poor.
  • There has been a demographic shift in poverty:
    • In 1990, 90% of the poor lived in  low-income countries.
    • Currently, 75% of the poor live in  middle-income countries, which has fueled demands for higher living standards.
• Welfare State and Freebies:
  • Pre-election promises by political parties in  Indian states promotes Revdi culture which included free gas cylinders, smartphones, scooters for women, enhanced cash transfers, farm loan waivers, free food packets, and free electricity for farmers.
    • Revdi culture is a term used to describe the distribution of freebies to voters during election campaigns. 
• Challenges in Delivery:
  • There are significant resource constraints that  make fulfilling these promises unsustainable.
  • For instance, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana,  and Karnataka faced fiscal crises after elections due to over-promising welfare schemes.
• Targeting Problems:
  • Exclusion errors result in the genuine poor being left out of welfare programs.
  • Inclusion errors lead to non-poor individuals benefiting unnecessarily, which strains limited resources.
  • Voluntary surrender of subsidies has proven ineffective; for example, only 10.3 million out of 247.2 million LPG customers surrendered subsidies in 2021 despite government appeals.

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Freebies vs. Welfare Programs

Unintended Consequences of Welfare politics

• Corruption and Black Marketing:
  • Scarcity of subsidized goods and services creates an environment where bribes, commission payments, and black-market practices thrive.
  • A 2016 study by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) found that nearly 40% of food grains distributed under PDS were diverted and sold on the black market.
• Perverse Incentives:
  • Politicians may be incentivized to make even more excessive promises, driven by vested interests and the demand for black-market premiums.
  • In Himachal Pradesh, the ruling government promised free electricity to farmers and cash transfers to women before the 2022 state elections. It led to financial crises, with the state failing to meet its obligations in timely payments.
• Impact on Productive Investments:
  • Excessive spending on unsustainable welfare programs diverts resources from critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  • In Telangana, the government introduced Rythu Bandhu, a scheme providing direct income support to farmers which led to a backlog in critical services.
• Erosion of Trust in Politics:
  • Persistent gaps between promises and delivery erode public trust in political parties.
  • This lack of trust undermines the credibility of sincere governance efforts.
  • In Himachal Pradesh (2024), after the ruling party made ambitious promises like free electricity and cash transfers to women, the state faced fiscal difficulties, and many of these promises remained unfulfilled. 

Economic and Governance Concerns

• Fiscal Stress:
  • Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which provides free food grains to 810 million people at an annual cost of Rs. 2 trillion, resemble universal basic income schemes.
  • Such programs strain fiscal resources, leaving little for capital expenditure essential for long-term inclusive growth.
• Difficulty in Identifying the Poor:
  • The dominance of the informal sector makes income assessment challenging.
  • With only about 100 million taxpayers, income tax data is insufficient for identifying the poor accurately.

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Way Forward

• Targeted Welfare Mechanisms:
  • Welfare programs should be designed to accurately identify and deliver benefits to those who genuinely need them.
  • There needs to be a balance between avoiding exclusion errors and preventing inclusion errors.
• Fiscal Discipline:
  • Political parties should refrain from making unrealistic and unsustainable promises, particularly during elections.
  • Focus should be on resource-efficient and impactful welfare initiatives.
• Public Awareness:
  • Campaigns should encourage voluntary surrender of subsidies by non-poor beneficiaries.
  • For instance, public appeals like the one by Prime Minister Modi for surrendering LPG subsidies need to be strengthened.
• Accountable Governance:
  • Corruption and inefficiencies in service delivery must be addressed to build public confidence.
  • Investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure should be prioritized.

Conclusion

While welfare schemes have increased social protection, their administrative nature and lack of legal guarantees pose challenges to sustainability. A balanced, legally-backed framework is essential to ensure inclusivity, stability, and long-term empowerment of vulnerable groups.

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Recently a tragic incident occurred near the Harappan site of Lothal, where a researcher from IIT Delhi lost her life after the trench she was working in collapsed. 

About Lothal

• Etymology: The name “Lothal” translates to the “mound of the dead”.
• Discovery: Lothal was discovered by S.R. Rao, an Indian archaeologist, in 1954
• Lothal was nominated in April 2014 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Geographic Significance: It is one of the southernmost sites of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).
  • Lothal is notable as the only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Trade Center: Lothal was a thriving trade hub in ancient times, dealing in beads, gems, and ornaments, with trade links extending to West Asia and Africa.
• Tidal Dockyard: Lothal’s most celebrated excavation is its tidal dockyard, which is the oldest known artificial dock in the world.
  • It connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River, aiding maritime trade.
• Architecture: Lothal was divided into two parts:
  • The Citadel or Upper Town, which housed administrative and elite residential structures.
  • The Lower Town, where common people lived.
• Seals: Lothal has the third-largest number of seals among all IVC sites.
  • These seals depict various animals, including short-horned bulls, mountain goats, tigers, and composite creatures like the elephant-bull.
• Pottery: The most commonly found pottery in Lothal is redware, which was primarily used for daily activities.
• Terracotta Art: Lothal unearthed gamesmen resembling modern chessboards.
  • Animal figures with movable heads and wheels, likely used as toys, were also discovered.

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About the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• Establishment: The ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, who is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology” and served as its first Director-General.
• Ministry: The ASI functions under the Union Ministry of Culture.
• Responsibilities: The ASI is tasked with protecting and maintaining monuments and archaeological sites of national importance under provisions of:
  • The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
  • The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act).

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Five bar-tailed godwits were recently observed together at Pulicat Lake by a naturalist, marking a rare and notable sighting.

About Bar-tailed Godwit

• Bar-tailed godwits are migratory shorebirds celebrated for their exceptional endurance during migration.
• Scientific Name: Limosa lapponica
• Distribution: They are found across Northern Europe, Asia, western Alaska, Africa, the Persian Gulf, India, southeast Asia, China, and Australia.
• Breeding Grounds: These birds breed in the Arctic region.
• In India: Wintering populations of bar-tailed godwits are distributed across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Migration Pattern: These birds exhibit unique physiological adaptations to sustain their long flights, such as shrinking their digestive organs to conserve energy and losing nearly half their body weight during migration.
• Behavior: Bar-tailed godwits display bold and aggressive behavior at their breeding grounds, often engaging in territorial disputes.
• Their calls are onomatopoeic, resembling the sound “godwit, godwit.”
• Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Near Threatened.

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About Pulicat Lake

• Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish water ecosystem in India, following Chilika Lake in Odisha.
• The lake receives inflow from the Arani River at its southern tip, the Kalangi River from the northwest, and the Swarnamukhi River at its northern end.
• Pulicat Lake runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal, featuring a sandbar that makes it a unique lagoon ecosystem.
• Location: It is situated on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, lying mostly within Andhra Pradesh on the Barricade Island of Sriharikota.
• Pulicat Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary is a habitat for various bird species, including flamingos, grey pelicans, painted storks, and kingfishers.

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In August 1987, U.S. beaches were plagued by the “Syringe Tide,” where used syringes, blood vials, and body tissues washed ashore on the Jersey Shore and New York City beaches.

Key Highlights of the Syringe tide

• Concern: Children playing with discarded syringes became an emblem of public health neglect, sparking widespread fear.
  • Tourism was severely impacted, with economic losses reaching $7.7 billion.
• Root Cause: The waste was traced to improper disposal by New York City, which dumped hazardous refuse into poorly managed landfills.
• The Fear Factor: In the shadow of the emerging HIV/AIDS epidemic, the sight of syringes evoked heightened fear and stigma.
• • Discovered in 1983, HIV/AIDS was seen as a death sentence in the 1980s, with limited understanding and rampant misinformation.
• Link to Medical Waste: The association of syringes with HIV exacerbated public anxiety, pushing the administration to act swiftly.

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About Biomedical Waste

• Bio-medical waste means any solid and/or liquid waste including its container and any intermediate product, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological or in health camps
• Composition: 85% of healthcare waste is general, non-hazardous waste.
  • 15% is hazardous waste, including infectious, chemical, radioactive, and sharp waste.

Types of Healthcare Waste

• Infectious Waste: Contaminated with blood, body fluids, or pathogens.Pathological Waste: Human tissues, organs, and fluids.
• Sharps Waste: Needles, syringes, blades, and broken glass.
• Chemical Waste: Laboratory reagents, disinfectants, and heavy metals.
• Pharmaceutical and Cytotoxic Waste: Expired drugs and genotoxic substances.
• Radioactive Waste: Materials contaminated by radionuclides.
• General Waste: Non-hazardous materials similar to domestic waste.

Global Conventions and Protocols for Biological Waste Management

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Biomedical Waste Management Rules 

• Categorization of Hazardous Waste: For the first time, hospital waste was officially recognized as hazardous under the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules.
• Regulatory Framework: The Act empowered Pollution Control Boards at central and state levels to oversee and regulate waste disposal.
• Major Updates:
• • 2016: Comprehensive amendments were made to address advancements in waste management technology.
  • 2020: Minor revisions refined existing protocols to enhance compliance.
• Current Practices: Today, stringent protocols ensure segregation, treatment, and responsible disposal of hospital waste.

2018 Amendment to Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules

• Phase-out of Chlorinated Plastics: Healthcare facilities must eliminate the use of chlorinated plastic bags (excluding blood bags) and gloves by March 27, 2019.
• Annual Report Publication: All healthcare facilities are required to publish their annual report on bio-medical waste management on their websites within two years of the 2018 amendment.
• Bar Coding and GPS Tracking: Operators of common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facilities must implement bar coding and GPS tracking for waste handling by March 27, 2019.
• Data Reporting and Analysis: State Pollution Control Boards must collect, analyze, and submit detailed information on bio-medical waste generation, treatment facilities, and disposal methods to the Central Pollution Control Board.
• On-site Pre-treatment: Healthcare facilities must pre-treat laboratory waste, microbiological waste, blood samples, and blood bags on-site using WHO-recommended methods before sending them to common treatment facilities.
• Stricter Compliance: Increased penalties and stricter enforcement mechanisms are in place to deter non-compliance.
• Focus on Small-Scale Generators: Specific guidelines have been introduced for small-scale healthcare facilities to ensure proper waste management practices.
• Emphasis on Training: Regular training programs are mandatory for healthcare workers to raise awareness about safe handling and disposal of biomedical waste.
• Promotion of Green Technologies: Incentives and subsidies are being provided to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly technologies for waste treatment and disposal.
• Mandatory Training: All healthcare workers must undergo mandatory training on biomedical waste management practices, including segregation, handling, and disposal.

Global Influence on India’s Policies

• HIV Connection: The global response to HIV and the U.S. reforms influenced India’s trajectory in biomedical waste management.
• Workforce Safety: Awareness of HIV highlighted the importance of protecting medical professionals from occupational hazards.

Challenges in Biological waste management

• Health Risks from Unsafe Disposal: Annually, 16 billion injections are administered worldwide, with many needles and syringes improperly disposed of.
• Risks include:
• • Infections: Unsafe disposal leads to HIV, hepatitis B (30% risk), and hepatitis C (1.8% risk) from single needle-stick injuries.
  • Injuries: Accidental sharps injuries threaten healthcare workers and waste handlers.
  • Toxic Exposures: Poor waste handling increases exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Harmful Emissions: Open burning and low-temperature incineration release dioxins, furans, and heavy metals, posing environmental and health risks.
• Water Contamination: Poorly managed landfill disposal contaminates local water sources.
• Pollution and Pathogens: Untreated biomedical waste contributes to soil and air pollution and facilitates the spread of infectious diseases.
• Service Gaps in Waste Management: In 2021, only 61% of hospitals globally had basic healthcare waste management systems.
  • Fragile contexts fare worse, with only 25% compliance in healthcare facilities.
• Compliance and Regulation Gaps: Despite advancements, the enforcement of healthcare waste regulations remains inconsistent and uneven across regions.
  • Rural and resource-limited regions face acute challenges in ensuring safe disposal, exacerbating health and environmental risks.

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Way Forward for Biomedical Waste Management in India

• Strengthening Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Invest in waste management facilities in rural and underserved regions to ensure safe handling and disposal of biomedical waste.
  • Establish decentralized waste treatment units to reduce the burden on urban facilities.
• Enhanced Monitoring and Enforcement: Deploy digital systems for real-time tracking of biomedical waste from generation to disposal using GPS and barcoding technologies.
• Awareness and Training: Conduct extensive awareness campaigns for healthcare workers, patients, and the public about the risks associated with biomedical waste mismanagement.
• Incentivizing Eco-Friendly Practices: Promote the use of green technologies, such as autoclaving and microwaving, for treating biomedical waste.
  • Provide subsidies for small-scale healthcare facilities to adopt sustainable waste management solutions.
• Focus on Waste Segregation: Ensure strict implementation of segregation protocols at the source, including separate bins for different categories of waste.
• Collaborative Efforts: Encourage partnerships between public, private, and non-governmental organizations to share best practices and resources for effective biomedical waste management.
  • Engage local communities in monitoring and reporting biomedical waste violations.
• Periodic Policy Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews of existing biomedical waste regulations to address emerging challenges and incorporate advancements in waste management technologies.
• Research and Development: Invest in R&D to develop innovative, cost-effective technologies for waste treatment and disposal with focus on recycling and repurposing biomedical waste where possible to reduce environmental impact.
• Global Collaboration: Learn from global best practices in biomedical waste management and adapt them to India’s context.

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Australia has taken a groundbreaking step by implementing a social media ban for children under 16, sparking a mix of praise, concern, and criticism. 

Key Provisions of the Ban

• The legislation, described as a world-first, aims to protect minors from the physical and mental health risks associated with social media but has also raised questions about its feasibility and broader implications.
• Platforms under the law: Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok must prevent under-16s from logging in.
  • Non-compliance could result in fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).
• Implementation: A trial phase for enforcement begins in January, with full implementation set for next year.
• Absolute Law : Unlike similar measures in other countries, which often require parental consent rather than a complete ban.

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Challenges and Concerns

• Implementation Hurdles: The need for effective age verification mechanisms raises privacy and feasibility issues.
• Unintended Risks: Critics warn of children seeking alternative, less secure online platforms.
• International Relations: The ban adds tension to Australia’s already complex relationship with US-based tech giants.

Other Global Initiative

• France and the U.S.: Require parental consent for minors to access social media, but do not impose outright bans.
• Florida: Faces legal challenges over a similar ban targeting children under 14, citing free speech concerns.

Social Media Regulation in India

• Information Technology Act, 2000: The primary legislation governing digital activities in India, including social media.
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: These rules specifically regulate social media platforms, imposing various obligations on them.
• Key Provisions under the rule:
  • Appointment of Grievance Officer: Social media platforms must appoint a grievance officer to address user complaints.
  • Removal of Harmful Content: Platforms are required to remove content that is illegal, harmful, or objectionable.
  • Traceability of Origin of Messages: Platforms must be able to identify the first originator of information, raising concerns about privacy.
  • Due Diligence: Platforms must exercise due diligence in verifying the authenticity of user accounts and content.
  • Transparency Reports: Platforms must submit periodic transparency reports to the government.
• Relevant Authorities:
  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): The primary government body responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to information technology, including social media.
  • Cybercrime Investigation Cell (Cyber Cell): Investigates cybercrimes, including those related to social media.
  • Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Monitors and responds to cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
• Purpose of the regulation: These regulations aim to balance free speech with the need to control misinformation, hate speech, and other harmful content on social media platforms.
  • However, they have also raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance.

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Way Forward

• Balanced Approach: Implement regulations that safeguard children while preserving individual freedoms, ensuring that privacy and free speech are not compromised.
• Effective Age Verification: Develop secure, privacy-focused age verification systems to prevent misuse while maintaining data protection standards.
• Collaborative Policymaking: Involve stakeholders, including mental health experts, tech companies, and parents, to create inclusive, evidence-based policies.
• Promoting Digital Literacy: Introduce programs to educate children and parents about responsible social media use, empowering them to navigate online spaces safely.

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As many as five recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium to transfer high court judges are pending with the government for over six months.

• The disclosure came in response to a query about the status of pending Collegium recommendations in Lok Sabha.

Indian Constitution on the Transfer of Judges

• Article 222 Provisions: Under Clause (1) of Article 222, a judge of one High Court may be transferred to another High Court by the President after consulting with the Chief Justice of India.
  • Judges transferred under this provision are entitled to a compensatory allowance, as determined by Parliament.
• Transfer Process
  • The transfer process is initiated by the Chief Justice of India, whose opinion is determinative in such matters.
  • The recommendation is reviewed by the Supreme Court Collegium, which consists of the CJI and the four senior-most judges of the SC.
  • Judges’ consent is not required for High Court transfers.
• Judicial Review of Transfers: Judicial review in matters of transfer is extremely limited, as established in the S.C. Advocates-on-Record case (1994).
  • A transfer can only be challenged if it was made without the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India.
  • Bias or other grounds are excluded due to the element of plurality in the decision-making process.

About Collegium System

• Supreme Court Collegium: Composed of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
  • The Supreme Court Collegium is responsible for recommending appointments, transfers, and elevations of judges to the 25 High Courts and the Supreme Court.
  • After these recommendations are processed by the central government, the President issues final orders for their implementation.
• High Court Collegium: Composed of the Chief Justice of the High Court and its two senior-most judges.
  • It recommends appointments and elevations specific to the High Courts

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Evolution of the Collegium System

• First Judges Case (1981):  Held that the Chief Justice of India’s recommendation could be refused by the executive for “cogent reasons.”
  • Established executive primacy over the judiciary in judicial appointments.Second Judges Case (1993): Introduced the Collegium system by interpreting “consultation” as “concurrence.”
  • Determined that the CJI’s opinion must reflect institutional consensus, formed in consultation with the two senior-most SC judges.
• Third Judges Case (1998): Expanded the Collegium to a five-member body comprising the CJI and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
• Fourth Judges Case (2015): Struck down the NJAC Act, 2014, and the associated constitutional amendment, upholding the Collegium system to protect judicial independence.

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The Competition Commission of India has launched a probe into Google for alleged abuse of its dominant position in the real money gaming (RMG) ecosystem.

Key Developments

• CCI Investigation: The CCI’s Director General has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation within two months.
• Complaint by Winzo: The investigation stems from a complaint by RMG platform Winzo, alleging discriminatory practices by Google.
  • The complaint centers on a pilot project introduced by Google that selectively allowed some fantasy sports (DFS) and rummy apps, such as Dream11, on its Play Store.

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Allegations Against Google

• Market Distortion: The CCI raised concerns that Google’s prolonged pilot programs and lack of transparency in enforcement policies distort competition in the RMG ecosystem.
  • Such practices could stifle innovation and hinder smaller ventures from entering the market.
• Abuse of Dominant Position: The allegations include abuse of Google’s dominance by selectively offering cheaper distribution to certain apps while restricting others.

Case Study of Alleged Manipulation

• Discriminatory Pilot Programme: In 2022, Google initiated a pilot program to test hosting only Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and rummy apps on its Play Store in India for a year.
  • Winzo claimed the pilot’s limited scope was “devoid of any reason” and discriminatory, providing competitors like Dream11 a significant market advantage.
  • Dream11 allegedly gained 1.7 crore new users within two months of the pilot program’s launch.
•  Restrictive Advertisement Policies: Google restricted its advertising policy to allow only DFS and rummy apps to host ads on its platform.
  • Winzo argued that this limited access to Google’s advertising tools, giving unfair advantages to selected apps.
• Sideloading Barriers: After users sideloaded the Winzo app from its website, Google Pay displayed warnings during in-app payments, such as:
  • “This person might be flagged as risky.”
  • “This is an unusually high amount.”
  • These messages potentially deterred users from completing transactions, affecting Winzo’s business.

Google’s Defence against the allegations

• Ambiguity in Legal Definitions: Google cited the absence of an objective definition of “games of skill” in India, as such classifications depend on specific game formats, features, and rules.
• Fragmented Gaming Regulations: The company highlighted the fragmented nature of gaming laws in India, with differing regulations across states.
• Pending Rules from the IT Ministry: Google noted that online gaming rules notified by the IT Ministry, which require self-regulatory bodies to approve games on platforms like Play Store, are yet to be fully implemented.

Trend of Increasing Scrutiny on Tech Giants

• Action Against Meta: Days before the Google probe, the CCI fined Meta (parent company of WhatsApp) ₹213.14 crore for abusing its dominant position regarding WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 privacy policy update.
  • The CCI directed Meta and WhatsApp to implement behavioral remedies within a defined timeline.
  • Prohibit sharing user data from WhatsApp with other Meta companies for advertising purposes for five years.
• Broader Antitrust Trends: The investigation reflects India’s growing scrutiny of tech giants over anticompetitive practices, particularly in sensitive digital ecosystems like gaming and data privacy.

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About the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

• Establishment: The CCI was established in 2003.
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Statutory Body: Enforces competition law under the Competition Act, 2002.
• Background: Formed based on recommendations of the Raghavan Committee, replacing the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969.
• Aims and Objectives
  • To promote and sustain competition in markets.
  • To protect consumer interests and ensure freedom of trade.
  • Functions as a quasi-judicial body, providing opinions to statutory authorities and adjudicating cases.
• Composition: Comprises a Chairperson and up to six members.
• Decisions and orders issued by the CCI are binding on the parties involved.
• Judicial and Appellate Mechanism: Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) established under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2009 to hear appeals against CCI’s decisions.
  • Replaced in 2017 by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

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SAREX-2024

Context: Recently, The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the Kochi coast. 

Key Details of SAREX-2024

• Theme: Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration.
• Objectives
• • Facilitate the exchange of strategies for managing large-scale maritime contingencies and improving international cooperation for maritime safety.

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Significance of ICG’s Role

• Leading Maritime Agency
  • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has become a key organization for managing search and rescue operations in India.
• Promoting Maritime Safety
  • By working with different stakeholders, the ICG has significantly improved safety at sea.
• Supporting the SAGAR Vision
  • Its efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, focusing on regional security and development.
• Strengthening Global Partnerships
  • The ICG’s contributions establish India as a reliable and proactive partner in international maritime activities.

Global Engagement Scheme

Context: Recently, the Government of India launched the Global Engagement Scheme to promote India’s cultural heritage and improve India’s global image.

About Global Engagement Scheme

• It is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture.  
• Objective:
  • Strengthen international relations: Foster people-to-people connections and cultural exchange between India and other countries.
  • Enhance India’s global image: Promote India’s diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions.
• Key Activities
  • Festival of India (FoI):
    • Organizes cultural festivals in various countries featuring:
      • Folk arts (music, dance, theater, puppetry)
      • Classical and traditional dance
      • Contemporary dance
      • Classical and semi-classical music
      • Theater
    • Provides financial support to participating artists, including folk artists.
  • Grant-in-aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies:
    • Supports cultural programs and activities organized by Indian cultural societies abroad.
  • Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists:
    • Objective: Support old and poor artists aged 60 and above who have significantly contributed to their fields.
    • Assistance Amount: Up to Rs. 6000 per month, adjusted with any state artist pension received.

National Seed Congress (NSC)

Context: Recently, the 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024 took place in Varanasi.

Major Announcements

• Seed Parks: Plans for 200 seed parks to boost agricultural leadership in Uttar Pradesh.
• SATHI Portal: Introduction of a portal to enhance seed quality traceability and improve certification systems.
• Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas: Launch of a tool using geospatial technology to map fallow lands in Eastern India

Key Highlights National Seed Congress (NSC) Event

• Organized by:  The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. 
• Objectives
• • Strengthening Seed Systems: Promoting innovation and partnerships to make seeds more accessible and affordable.
  • Empowering Farmers: Ensuring smallholder farmers have access to high-quality seeds to tackle climate impacts and food security challenges
• Theme: “Fostering Regional Cooperation, Partnerships, and Knowledge in the Seed Sector.”

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India’s Role in the Global Seed Industry

• Leveraging Biodiversity and Research: India’s rich biodiversity and strong research capabilities are driving its emergence as a major player in the global seed industry.
  • The government is promoting the use of advanced technologies and public-private partnerships to develop high-quality seeds that are resilient to pests, diseases, and climate change.
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices: India is focusing on sustainable agriculture practices, including the cultivation of climate-resilient crops like oilseeds and millets.
• International Partnerships: India is actively collaborating with other countries, especially in South Asia, to share knowledge and technology in the seed sector.
• Ensuring Quality and Safety: The government is working to strengthen the regulatory framework for the seed industry to ensure quality and safety standards.

Koraga tribal community

Context: The Kerala Revenue Department, through the Scheduled Tribes Development Department’s corpus fund, has launched Operation Smile to provide land titles (patta) to the Koraga community in Kasaragod and Manjeswaram taluks.

About Koraga tribal community

• Habitat: The Koraga tribe is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) found in Kasaragod district (Kerala) and Karnataka.
• PVTG Status: Identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; currently, there are 75 PVTG communities in India.
  • Categorized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Presidential Order of 1956.
• Language: The Koragas primarily speak Tulu but also have their own independent language.
• Social Structure: Divided into 17 exogamous clans (called Bali).
  • The family is matrilineal, with descent traced through the female line.
  • After marriage, residence is patrilocal.
  • Property is equally divided between sons and daughters.
• Religion and Beliefs: Worshippers of different Bhutas (spirit deities) such as Panjurli, Kallurti, Korathi, and Guliga.
  • Associated with Bhuta Kola, a ritualistic folk dance tradition in Tulu Nadu.

Eklavya’ Digital Platform For Officers’ Training

Context: Recently, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) launched an online learning platform for the Indian Army nicknamed as “Eklavya”.

About Eklavya Digital Platform

• The Eklavya Digital Platform is a military training initiative developed under the aegis of Headquarters Army Training Command, with Army War College as the sponsor agency.
• Aim: To enhance professional education and training for Indian Army officers under the Decade of Transformation (2023–2032) and the 2024 theme: Year of Technology Absorption.
• Development:
  • Developed by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, with support from the Directorate General of Information Systems.
  • Hosted on the Army Data Network with scalable architecture, allowing seamless integration of training establishments and hosting a variety of courses.
• Knowledge Hub: Features a centralized “Knowledge Highway”, a searchable repository for journals, research papers, articles, and other resources under a single window.

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Significance

• Promotes continuous professional military education.
• Decongests and enriches existing physical courses with contemporary content.
• Prepares officers for specialist appointments and fosters domain specialization.
• Aligns with the Indian Army’s modernization goals under the Decade of Transformation and Year of Technology Absorption.

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