Context: For the first time, Kerala organizes Transplant Games, a competitive sporting event for organ transplant recipients and donors.

Kerala to Host Transplant Games

• Aim: Transplant Games aims to honor organ donors and their families to raise the morale and confidence of organ recipients.
• Awareness: It will help to raise awareness about organ transplantation and foster a culture of organ donation.
• Building Community: The occasion helps Transplant recipients and donors to  bond, connect and build a community.
• Success of Organ Transplantation: It is to showcase the success of organ transplantation in improving the quality of life and spreading the message that  people who have undergone organ transplant surgeries can lead normal lives.
• The concept of Transplant Games, the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle in transplant recipients’ long-term management and well-being is well established.

Organ Transplantation in India:

• Increase in Organ Transplants: The number of organ transplants has increased by over three times from 4,990 in 2013 to 15,561 in 2022.
• Live Donors outnumber deceased donors:  Of the 15,561 transplants, a majority of 12,791 (82%) are from live donors and 2,765 (18%) are from cadavers (Corpses).
• Kidney transplantation Topped: Up to 11,423 of the 15,561 organ transplants are for the kidney, followed by liver (766), heart (250), lung (138), pancreas (24), and small bowel transplants.
• Removes Age Limit for Organ Recipients: The upper age limit of 65 years for eligibility for registration to receive deceased donor organs has been removed. 
  • Now, a person of any age can register to receive a deceased donor organ. 

• Domicile Requirement Abolished:
  • Earlier, the organ allocation policy of states required needy patients to have a domicile in that particular state to be registered as recipients on that state’s waitlist. Abolish Registration Charge:  Certain states asked for anything between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 to register a patient on the organ recipient waitlist) (such as Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala). 

National Policy for Organ Transplantation:

• Currently, different states have different rules; the Union government is considering changes to the rules so that there is a standard criteria followed in all states across the country
• The Centre also plans to change the rules of the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011 towards creating a national policy for transplantation.

Source: The Hindu

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Context: In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that Governors acting in their statutory capacity as University Chancellors are not bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

SC Judgment on Governors Acting as Chancellors: Key Rulings and Legal Precedence

• The judgment referred to the Kannur University Act, 1996, and quashed the reappointment of Gopinath Ravindran, as the vice chancellor of Kannur University.
• The SC stated that the chancellor of the state’s universities cannot merely rubber-stamp an action taken elsewhere or simply endorse or ratify someone else’s decision.
• Rule of Law: The rule of law requires that a statutory power vests in the body or authority shall discharge the entrusted statutory duty.
• Distinction between Chancellor and Governor: The Bench Held that the statute clearly distinguishes between the Chancellor and the State Government as distinct authorities.
  • When acting as Chancellor of a university under statute, the Governor does so in a separate and distinct capacity from their role as state governor.
  • The Governor’s actions as Chancellor are unrelated to their powers and duties as Governor hence not bound to act under the aid and advice of the council of ministers.
• Legal Precedence: In 1981, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in Hardware Lal, Rohtak v. G.D. Tapase, Chandigarh case, held that “the Governor was the ex officio Chancellor of the University. Therefore, under his office, he was not bound to act under the aid and advice of the council of ministers.’’

Recent developments: Recently, some states have taken steps to reduce the oversight of the Governor in-state public universities.

• On June 13, 2022, the West Bengal government passed a Bill to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister, as the Chancellor of 31 state public universities (such as Calcutta University, and Jadavpur University). 
• In April 2022, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed two Bills, to transfer the power of appointing the Vice-Chancellor (in public universities) from the Governor to the state government.   As of June 8, 2022, these Bills have not received the Governor’s assent.
• In 2021, the Maharashtra government also  amended the process to appoint the Vice Chancellor of state public universities. 

Also Read: Governor Can’t Keep Bill Pending Indefinitely

Controversy in Kerala case: 

• The Kerala Assembly passed a Bill in December 2022, to remove the Governor as the ex-officio Chancellor of 14 universities in the state.
• Due to recurring issues with the Governor on administration and appointments at these universities.
• Chancellor to be appointed by the state government: Under all eight Acts, the Governor is the ex-officio Chancellor of each university.  
  • The Bill removes this provision and empowers the state government to appoint a Chancellor for each university.

Governors Acting as Chancellor of Universities:

• State public universities are established through laws passed by state legislatures.  
• In most states,  the Governor has been designated as the Chancellor of these universities.
• In Telangana, where the state government appoints the Chancellor. 
• The Chancellor functions as the head of public universities and appoints the university’s Vice-Chancellor. 
• The Chancellor presides over the meetings of various university bodies (such as the Court/Senate of the university).
• Further, the Chancellor can declare any university proceeding that is not as per existing laws invalid.  In some states (such as Bihar, Gujarat, and Jharkhand), the Chancellor has the power to conduct inspections in the university.  
• The Chancellor also presides over the university’s convocation and confirms proposals for conferring honorary degrees.   

Source: The Hindu

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Context: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), accorded approval in respect of Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for various Capital Acquisition Proposals amounting to Rs 2.23 lakh crore.

India’s Drive for Self-Reliance in Defence

• Self-reliance: In line with the goal of the ‘Aatmanirbharta,’ an acquisition worth Rs 2.20 lakh crore (98% of the total AoN amount) will be sourced from domestic industries, which will substantially boost the Indian Defence Industry.
• Maximise Indigenisation: The Defence Acquisition Council has also approved an amendment to Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 to Maximise Indigenisation. 
  • A minimum of 50% of indigenous content shall be in the form of material, components & software manufactured in India in all procurement cases. 
  • To calculate Indigenous content, the cost of Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)/Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC)/After Sale Service shall be excluded.
• Encourage Start-ups/MSMEs Participation: For all procurement cases with AoN cost up to Rs 300 crore, registered MSMEs and recognized start-ups will be considered for the issue of Request for Proposal (RFP) without any stipulation of financial parameters.
  • This can further be relaxed with approval of the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) for AoN costs up to Rs 500 crore on a case-to-case basis. 

Defence Acquisition Council’s Recent Procurement Decisions:

• Procurement For Indian Army: 
  • Two types of Anti-tank Munitions namely, Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-2 and Type-3, which can neutralise Tanks and Armoured personnel carriers and enemy personnel. 
  • A state-of-the-art Towed Gun System (TGS)  to replace the Indian Field Gun (IFG) has been granted which will become a mainstay of the Artillery forces of the Indian Army
  • The Nubless projectile (155 mm) for use in 155 mm Artillery guns which will enhance lethality and safety of the projectiles. 
  • Procurement and integration of Automatic Target Tracker (ATT) and Digital Basaltic Computer (DBC) for T-90 Tanks will help maintain a combative edge of T-90 tanks over adversary platforms. 
• Procurement For  Indian NAvy: procurement of Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM) for a surface platform of the Indian Navy. 
  • The MRAShM is envisaged as a lightweight Surface-to-Surface Missile which will be a primary offensive weapon onboard Indian Naval Ships.
• Procurement For Indian Air Force: 
  • Procurement of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)-Prachand and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-Tejas) Mk 1A and upgradation of Su-30 MKI Aircraft for IAF from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • This equipment will provide enormous strength to the IAF, and acquisition from domestic defense industries will take indigenous capability to new heights.
  • It will also substantially reduce dependability on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Also Read: Defence Procurement Procedure 2020

Source: PIB

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Context:  In 2023, Nagaland is celebrating its 61st Statehood Day. The Prime Minister has greeted the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day.

About Nagaland

• Nagaland was formally recognized as a separate state on 1st December, 1963, with Kohima being declared as its capital. 
• The State of Nagaland Act, 1962, was enacted by the Parliament to give Nagaland statehood.

Foundation:             

• After India became independent in 1947, the Naga territory initially remained a part of Assam.
• However, a strong nationalist movement began seeking a political union of the Naga tribes, and extremists demanded outright secession from the Indian union. 
• This movement led to a number of violent incidents, and in 1955 the Indian army was called in to restore order. 
  • In 1963, the Naga people agreed to form a state part of an independent India.

Hornbill Festival

• Conceptualized in the year 2000, the Hornbill Festival is a ten-day annual tourism promotional event organized by the State Government.
• Aim: To showcase Nagaland’s rich and traditional cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity, and grandeur..
• Official Partners: Germany, the United States, and Colombia are official partners in 2023
• It is known as the ‘festival of festivals’. 
• It is also a tribute to the Hornbill bird, which is admired and revered by Nagas for its alertness and grandeur. 

Hornbill Bird:

• • The Great Indian Hornbill, a member of the hornbill family, is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
  • It is the official state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh.

• Conservation Status: 

• • IUCN: Near Threatened.
  • CITES: Appendix I 
  •  Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

• Threats:

• • Hunting: It poses another substantial threat to the species as it displays predictable behavior when regularly visiting the same feeding sites and is easily targeted by local hunters.

News Source: HT

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Context: India’s G20 presidency spanning from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, marks a significant chapter in global cooperation.     

What were the key highlights during India’s G20 presidency?

• The theme of India’s G20 presidency was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means “The world is one family”.
• India’s G20 Priorities: India focused on issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate financing, and equitable global health access to benefit the Global South or the developing countries.
• Brazil is set to assume the next G20 Presidency from 1 December 2023.

What were the key achievements during India’s G20 Presidency?

• Inclusion of African Union in G-20: The African Union became the new permanent member of G-20 (G20 now G21) since its inception in 1999.
  • Other Members: 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: It aims to integrate transport corridors between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.
• Setting up of Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): It is an international initiative aimed at promoting the development and deployment of biofuels as a low-carbon pathway to sustainable energy.
• G20 ministers issued the ‘Jaipur Call for Action: It aimed to Improve access to information for MSMEs.
• Goa Roadmap for Tourism: The Goa Roadmap is a key deliverable of India’s G20 Tourism Track.
• Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap (GIR) & Gandhinagar Information Platform (GIP) for Priority Landscapes: GIR and GIP will help restore land impacted by forest fires and mining, and reinforce the implementation of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI). 
• Chennai High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy: HLPs will help address sustainable economic growth, protection, conservation, and human development. 
• G20 Framework for Digital Public Infrastructure: The DPI framework will help ensure equitable access to and last-mile delivery of essential services at a societal scale, streamline governance, propel economic growth, and foster sustainable development. 

Conclusion

India’s G20 Presidency was significant because of the government’s push to popularize and “democratize” the G-20 within India, inviting about 1,00,000 delegates from over 125 countries to about 200 meetings in more than 60 Indian cities.

News Source: Economic Times

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Context: India and the US are confronted with a major diplomatic challenge, as an Indian intelligence official stands accused of orchestrating a plot to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.

US allegation:

• An Indian national’s arrest in  the Czech Republic  and Extardiate the  US and facing trial in court linked to an alleged conspiracy to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader.
• Charged with murder-for-hire: is alleged to have agreed to pay $100,000 for the assassination.
• Media reports suggested US authorities foiled a plot to assassinate Sikhs for Justice’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and raised concerns about India’s involvement.
• The indictment pointed to an Indian government employee’s alleged involvement, describing himself as a “senior field officer” and claiming experience in security management and intelligence.

India’s response: 

• India’s reaction to the US indictment charges has been measured, reflecting restraint given the gravity of the accusation.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) response: The indictment is a “matter of concern’’.
  • India’s response to US inputs contrasts with its past dismissal of similar Canadian charges, exhibiting a cooperative stance.
  • In the case of Canada, allege Indian government agencies’ involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Also Read: Khalistani Groups and India’s Diplomatic Challenge in the Face of Allegations

Source: Bussiness Standard 

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Context: COP28 participants reached a groundbreaking consensus to operationalize a Loss and Damage Fund, a crucial step towards addressing the devastating consequences of climate change for vulnerable countries.

Loss and Damage Fund: Key Highlights

• Loss and Damage Fund was proposed during COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in 2022.
• The fund will operate through an independent secretariat located at the World Bank and has received commitments of at least $450 million from various countries. However, a significantly larger sum is necessary to fulfill its intended purpose.

Also Read: COP28 Climate Summit 

Genesis of Loss and Damage Fund: 

What is the Loss and Damage Fund?

• • Aims: The loss and damage fund provides support to less affluent nations (such as Small Island Nations like Tonga, Fiji) that have contributed minimally to climate change but are disproportionately vulnerable to severe climate-related incidents.
  • Based on the Polluters Pay Principle.” 
    • This principle holds accountable entities responsible for environmental damage, making them liable for expenses related to remedial measures and compensating those affected by their actions. 
  • Interim Host and Operational Period: The World Bank will serve as the “interim host” for the fund for a duration of four years, operating in line with the principles of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

• Eligibility and Contributions:

• • All developing nations can apply for funds, and every country has been “invited” to contribute voluntarily.
  • A specific allocation has been set aside for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.

What are the challenges associated with Operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund?

• Hosting at the World Bank: The World Bank imposes high overhead fees for fund maintenance, prompting developing countries to seek an independent secretariat and a dedicated funding mechanism.
• Developed Country Contributions: Developed nations, notably the U.S., have shown hesitancy in committing as primary donors to the fund, raising concerns over funding sources.
• Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) Principle: Developed nations have opposed references to CBDR, equity, and liability within the fund’s draft, diluting its original purpose and essence.

Source: The Hindu

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Context: Recently, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) launched the first three vessels of the Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts for the Indian Navy.

INS Mahe, INS Malva, and INS Mangrol: Three Anti Submarine Warfare Ships

• Three vessels named INS Mahe, INS Malva, and INS Mangrol are of an eight-part series of Anti Submarine Warfare ships shallow water crafts for the Indian Navy replacing the existing Abhay class ASW Corvettes. 
• The first ship in the series is scheduled for delivery by November 2024.
• Significance: It showcased India’s achievements in indigenization and self-reliance in shipbuilding, portraying the country’s growing naval capabilities.

About Anti­ submarine Warfare ships:

• • Anti submarine warfare ships encompasses tactics and strategies involving surface warships, aircraft, submarines, and other platforms to detect, track, and prevent enemy submarines from engaging in hostile activities. 

• Objectives

• • • ASW operations are focused on locating, monitoring, deterring, damaging, or eliminating hostile submarines to ensure maritime security and protect vital naval assets.
    • They will handle anti-submarine operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations in coastal waters.

• Vessel Specifications

• • • Length and Width: The vessels are 78.0 m long, 11.36 m wide with a draught of about 2.7 m. 
    • Displacement: The displacement is about 896 tonnes, with a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 nautical miles. 

• Capabilities

• • ASW ships are outfitted with an array of weaponry, such as light-weight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, a 30mm close-in weapon system, and stabilized 12.7mm remote control guns.

Source: The Hindu

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Context: Recently, the World Meteorological Organization released a provisional ‘State of the Global Climate report’ on the sidelines of the COP-28 meet in Dubai.

State of the Global Climate Report 2023

• The report combines input from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, regional climate centres, UN partners and leading climate scientists. 

What are the key findings of the State of the Global Climate Report 2023?

• The global mean near-surface temperature in 2023 (to October) was around 1.40 ± 0.12 °C above the 1850–1900 average. 
• The past nine years, 2015-2023, will be the nine warmest years on record. 
• Ocean and Land Temperature Records: Record monthly global temperatures have been observed for the ocean — from April through to September — and, starting slightly later, the land — from July through to September. 
• Greenhouse Gas Concentrations Soar: Observed concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide — reached record high levels in 2022.
• Ocean Heat Content Peaks in 2022: Ocean heat content reached its highest level in 2022, the latest available full year of data in the 65-year observational record. 
• Antarctic Sea Ice Hits All-Time Low: Antarctic sea-ice extent reached an absolute record low for the satellite era (1979 to present) in February.
  •  Ice extent was at a record low from June onwards, and the annual maximum in September was far below the previous record low maximum. 
• Glacial Melt Crisis: Glaciers in western North America and the European Alps experienced an extreme melt season. 
  • In Switzerland, glaciers lost around 10% of their remaining volume in the past two years. 
• Climate-Induced Displacement: Extreme weather and climate conditions continued to trigger new, prolonged, and secondary displacement in 2023
• Food Security Concerns in 2023:Food security, population displacements and impacts on vulnerable populations continue to be of concern in 2023, with weather and climate hazards exacerbating the situation in many parts of the world.
• Extreme Weather’s Socio-Economic Toll: Extreme weather continues to lead to severe socio-economic impacts. 
  • Wildfires in Hawaii, Canada and Europe led to loss of life, the destruction of homes and large-scale air pollution. 

News Source: Economic Times

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Context:  This article is based on the news “Must assess ethical, social and cultural risks of climate engineering along with climate action: UNESCO report” Which was published in the DTE. UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) has published its first-ever report on the Ethics of Climate Engineering. 

What are the key highlights of the UNESCO report on the ethics of climate engineering?

• UNESCO’s Report: The report on the Ethics of Climate Engineering was published before the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• UNEP’s Report: Climate engineering has gained traction after the Emissions Gap Report warned the world would breach the warming mark of 2 degrees Celsius over the preindustrial era, even if the existing nationally determined contributions are delivered by 2030.

What is Climate Engineering?

• Climate Engineering: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its 5th Assessment Report, defined climate engineering as a broad set of methods and technologies that aim to deliberately alter the climate system to alleviate the impacts of climate change.
• Techniques: It is classified into two types (See Image). 
  • Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) which removes and stores the emitted carbon dioxide(CO2) from the atmosphere. CDR methods act very slowly and they are in principle reversible.
  • Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) reflects sunlight into space. Some SRM techniques could act quickly but they are probably difficult to reverse.

Also Read: World Climate Action Summit – COP28

What are the potential benefits of Climate Engineering?

• Rapid Response to Climate Change: These techniques aim to directly cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight away from the planet or removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Global Temperature Regulation: To complement mitigation and adaptation strategies, climate engineering could help regulate global temperatures and reduce the severity of heatwaves, extreme weather events, and sea level rise.
• Emergency Situations: In scenarios where the impacts of climate change become catastrophic and there is an urgent need to cool the planet quickly, certain forms of climate engineering might be considered as emergency measures.
• Addressing Specific Climate Threats: These techniques could be targeted to address specific climate threats, such as protecting vulnerable ecosystems or mitigating the impact of certain extreme weather events.
• Research and Learning: Conducting research on climate engineering can help scientists better understand the potential consequences, limitations, and risks associated with large-scale interventions.

What ethical issues and challenges are associated with climate engineering?

• Choosing Lesser Evil: Although there would be an opportunity cost for not adopting climate engineering, exploring these options is to defend the moral justifiability of doing ‘lesser evil’.  
  • Climate engineering involves risks and we need to choose from different natures and levels of risks. For instance, SRM poses much more serious risks than CDR. 
• Justice Issues: The unintended and unequal impact of climate engineering raises several justice issues, including intergenerational, distributive, procedural, and regional justice. 
  • Even when human beings as a whole would benefit from the successful deployment of these techniques, it would be impossible to equally distribute risks and undesirable side effects across different regions of the world. For example, manipulating climate using SRM can lead to extreme weather events including flood, droughts, and windstorms
• Slippery Slope: Climate engineering research could create a ‘slippery slope’ facilitating the acceleration toward eventual deployment of potentially risky technologies. 
  • A slippery slope relates to a certain action that could lead to a chain of events with a relatively extreme result.
• Moral Hazard: The climate engineering strategies share a ‘moral hazard’ that their use and resultant potential cooling effect could provide stakeholders with an excuse to slow the pace of reducing CO2 emissions or to continue using fossil fuels at current or even accelerated rates. 
  • Moral hazard concerns relate to situations in which there is a lack of urgency to act in the face of risk on the side of some persons who are not directly impacted by the risk at issue. 
• Organised Irresponsibility: Responsibility for the creation and resolution of environmental risks belongs to several institutions and systems viz. governments, industries, experts legal system, etc., but no institution seems to be specifically responsible. 
  • The systemic interdependence of all the institutions and systems is a labyrinth of simultaneous liability and unaccountability.
• Commodification of Nature: The ethical dilemma here is whether there should be markets for environmental goods. One view deems it unethical to trade nature whereas another assumes that markets can serve as an important mechanism for addressing environmental problems.
  • Climate has already made its way into the financial markets and stock exchanges, for example, the international carbon trading system. 

Way Forward:

•  Governance: Decisions on climate engineering techniques should be taken according to an ecosystem-flourishing approach and intergenerational and distributive justice considerations. 
  • For example, considering the scientific knowledge, specificity of technology under consideration, and the degree of uncertainty in the likely outcome of the implementation, etc.
• Participation and Inclusiveness: In addition to states’ efforts at a national level, a multilevel, polycentric, participatory approach from international cooperation down to regional activities within local communities should be encouraged for all climate actions including climate engineering. 
  • States must ensure that vulnerable, neglected, and marginalized individuals and groups, women, youth, and indigenous people are included as key stakeholders in the development and implementation of policies, decisions, and activities. 
• Role of Scientific Knowledge and Research: Scientific research on climate action including climate engineering, should be free from unjustified interference by political or economic interests and have the aim to reduce the uncertainties and risks of the different technologies. 
  • Further, attention must be paid to potential conflicts of interest, transparency and accountability, cultural implications, etc.
• Strengthening Capacity: States should strengthen their institutional, technological, and ethical capacities as regards climate action including climate engineering, and support their public and civic capacity-building activities. 
  • Business and Industry Should: Act ethically, follow relevant international standards, and closely collaborate with public sectors including local governments and appropriate international organizations.
• Education, Awareness, and Advocacy: International organisations, state governments, civil societies, etc. should play a prominent role in increasing public understanding and awareness of the ethical challenges associated with climate actions including climate engineering, the importance of scientific and practical uncertainties, and the need for democratic participation and decision-making.

Conclusion

The ethical dimensions of climate engineering, as outlined by the UNESCO report, necessitates a careful balance between addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and safeguarding against potential risks, emphasising the importance of inclusive governance, scientific integrity, and ethical considerations in shaping the trajectory of climate action.

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Context:  This article is based on the news “No progress at WTO agri talks; stockholding issue eludes consensus” Which was published in the Indian Express. The mini-ministerial meeting on agriculture at the World Trade Organization (WTO) was held recently.

What are the key highlights of the mini ministerial meeting on agriculture at the World Trade Organization?

• • Divided Priorities: The meeting did not achieve any substantial outcome due to persistent divisions between developed and developing nations on issues like public stockholding for food security and domestic support for farmers. 
    • Cairns Group of farm-exporting countries, advocated for a comprehensive reform blueprint of agriculture based on Article 20 of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). On the other hand, developing countries sought outcomes specifically on mandated issues like food security.
  • Offered Higher-level political guidance: The United Arab Emirates,  chair of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in February 2024, has called on ministers to offer political guidance to agriculture negotiators leading up to the conference to overcome the current deadlock.

• Challenges with Public Stockholding (PSH) Program: India’s PSH program faced challenges from major food grain exporters like the US and Canada. 

• • It has been argued that the program, particularly for rice, involves significant subsidies, leading to distortion in the global food grain market. 
• Public stockholding is a policy tool used by governments to purchase, stockpile, and distribute food when needed.

• Permanent solution for domestic food security: India and the G-33 coalition of developing nations and African countries advocate for a lasting resolution on domestic food security. 
  • The aim is to provide them with the flexibility to offer increased support to their farmers. 
• Questions on extended PMGKAY scheme: Canada has questioned India if its procurement under the extended PMGKAY will be conducted at the administered price, potentially impacting World Trade Organization domestic support commitments. 
• It has asked India to procure at prevailing market prices to mitigate trade distortions.

Also Read: Food Subsidy: What is It?, Its Components, Related Challenges and Concerns to the Delivery of Food Subsidy in India

What are the areas of concern for developing countries?

• Shrinking Policy Space for Product-Specific Support:  The Market Price Support (MPS) calculation under AoA does not consider inflation. 
  • This leads to an exaggerated calculation of the MPS and shrinkage of policy space for implementing MPS measures over time.
• Public stockholding (PSH) for food security purposes: According to World Trade Organization regulations, agricultural subsidies for developing countries should not surpass 10 percent of the value of their agricultural production with external reference price (ERP) of 1986-88 levels.
  • The ERP reflects a product’s export or import price during the base period and depends on a country’s status as a net exporter or a net importer of that product during the base period.
  • India has surpassed the prescribed threshold for rice subsidies several times, compelling it to utilize the ‘peace clause‘ established during the Bali ministerial in 2013. 
• Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM): It is a tool to counter import surges that may put agricultural production in developing nations at risk. 
  • As per the current Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) design, only 39 members, predominantly developed countries, can use Special Safeguards (SSGs). 
  • The SSM aims to extend similar measures to developing countries.
• Trade distorting AMS: The entitlement under the Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) or ‘Amber Box’ support has enabled developed countries to offer trade-distorting support with a concentration on specific products. 
  • This has resulted in the overproduction of agricultural commodities and subsequently contributed to a decline in their global prices and a surge in cheap imports in the domestic markets of developing countries.
• Dilution of Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT): Developed countries aim to weaken S&DT provisions for developing countries by imposing caps on these flexibilities. 
  • The Development box (Article 6.2) of AoA allows developing countries to provide support without prescribed limits for certain measures such as investment subsidies, generally available to agriculture.

What challenges has India raised at the World Trade Organization Meetings?

• Decreasing farm subsidies: India has been pressurized by the developed nations to decrease the subsidies provided to farmers. 
  • Although, the subsidy provided by India is considerably lower than what the US and EU provide. The Indian government’s subsidy to farmers amounts to $300 per farmer as against the $40,000 per farmer in the US.
• Peace clause with numerous conditions: The peace clause includes conditions like several notification requirements, making its application challenging.
  • The clause mandates comprehensive disclosure of Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) and annual procurement for food security programs, raising apprehensions within the government about potential scrutiny by other countries on domestic matters.
• Expiry of Peace Clause: If the clause expires before a lasting solution is established, essential programs like food security and policies safeguarding farmers, such as MSP could face challenges.
  • India perceives the limited timeframe proposed by Western powers for the peace clause as inadequate reassurance. 

Way Forward: 

• Modification of formula to calculate food subsidy cap:  India suggested measures like amendments to calculate the food subsidy cap and inclusion of programmes implemented after 2013 under the ambit of the ‘Peace Clause.’
• Updation of the external reference price (ERP): India emphasizes on the need to update the external reference price (ERP) from 1986-88 levels to current market rates. 
• It should account for inflation when determining the MSP ceiling, which is currently set at 10% of the total value of crop production, as permitted under World Trade Organization rules. 
• Three-year average price of a crop:  Using the three-year average price of a crop based on the preceding five-year period excluding the highest and lowest entries for that product. 
• Subsidy calculations need to be based on actual procurement rather than encompassing all eligible production.
• Allowing PSH Programs: Public stockholding programs designed for food security objectives should be permitted and deemed compliant with World Trade Organization rules under certain conditions. These conditions include:
• Ensuring that stocks acquired through PSH do not distort trade or harm the food security interests of other World Trade Organization members. 
• Members should refrain from exporting stocks acquired, except for international food aid and non-commercial humanitarian purposes.
• Special Safeguard Mechanism: Countries should have the right to protect their domestic markets from dumping by other countries through the Special Safeguard Mechanism.
• Opposing Dilution of S&DT provision: Developing countries should oppose any attempt to dilute the existing S&DT provisions especially capping of the support under the Development box and the reduction in the de minimis limit.

Conclusion

The recent World Trade Organization meeting on agriculture didn’t make much progress due to disagreements between rich and poor countries. India faces challenges with its food security programs, and there’s a need for fair global trade rules that consider the concerns of developing nations.

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Context:  According to the World Malaria Report 2023,  Malaria cases continue to dip in India but they are up globally.

What are the key highlights of the World Malaria Report 2023?

• As per  the World Malaria Report 2023 there were around 33 lakh malaria cases and 5,000 deaths in India last year, a decrease of 30% and 34 % respectively compared with 2021.
• The key finding regarding the malaria trend in India according to the World Malaria Report 2023
  • Reduction in Malaria cases and Fatalities in 2022: Approximately 33 lakh cases and 5,000 deaths reported, marking a decline of 30% and 34% respectively from 2021.
  • Reason for Decline: Effective preventive strategies, case management, availability of vector control tools, point-of-care diagnostics, and prompt community-level treatments.
• Globally Upward Trend: Globally, malaria cases rose to 249 million in 2022, depicting an increase of 5 million compared to 2021.
  • Over the past decade, global malaria cases have stabilized, decreasing from 243 million in 2000 to 233 million in 2019. 
  • However, amid the pandemic, cases surged, with an additional 11 million reported in 2020. This figure remained consistent in 2021 but escalated in 2022.
  • The global malaria deaths also rose, with 608,000 fatalities recorded in 2022, up from 576,000 in 2019.

Also Read: Climate Change And Rising Disease

About Malaria Disease

• Type of disease: Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes and caused by plasmodium protozoa. Prevalence: It poses a life-threatening risk, primarily affecting tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, South America, and Asia.
• Cause:
  • This disease is caused by plasmodium parasites, which spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. 
  • These parasites multiply initially in liver cells and then attack Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
• Transmission: The transmission of malaria occurs through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites proliferate first in liver cells before invading Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
• Species and Threat: Five parasite species cause malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax posing the most significant threat.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include fever and flu-like illness, characterised by chills, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Source: Indian Express

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Context: ISRO (India) is set to launch its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite. 

X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat): Key Highlights

• X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) will be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. 
•  Aim: It is India’s pioneering polarimetry mission aimed at studying various dynamics of astronomical sources in extreme conditions.
• It is only the world’s second polarimetry mission using X-ray after NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) that was launched in 2021.

About XPoSat

• XPoSat, India’s pioneering X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, marks the country’s first dedicated mission to delve into the dynamics of astronomical X-ray sources. 
• XPoSat Objective: To explore various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
• It carries two main scientific payloads in low Earth orbit:
• POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): 
  • Measures polarization parameters in the medium X-ray energy range (8-30 keV) from astronomical sources. 
  • Developed by Raman Research Institute (RRI) in collaboration with U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC).
  • Functionality: Polarimeter for astronomical observations in the 8-30 keV energy band.
  • Components: Includes a collimator, scatterer, and four X-ray proportional counter detectors.
  • Objective: Intends to observe nearly 40 bright astronomical sources over XPoSat’s planned 5-year mission lifespan, providing significant polarimetry insights.
• XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing)
  • It provides spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV for various X-ray sources, enhancing timing accuracy and resolution.
  • Features: Provides high-resolution spectroscopic information and timing capabilities in the 0.8-15 keV X-ray energy range.
  • Instrumentation: Employs Swept Charge Devices (SCDs) with superior energy resolution and passive collimators for background reduction.
  • Scope: Targets various sources, including X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, and active galactic nuclei, enabling long-term monitoring and spectral state observations.
• Significance of XPoSat in comprehending astronomical sources
  • Diagnostic method: Utilizing polarimetry measurements serves as a crucial diagnostic method for deciphering the emission processes from diverse astronomical sources.
  • Understanding the complexity of Astronomical Emission Mechanisms:  By amalgamating polarimetric observations with spectroscopic and timing measurements, scientists envisage surpassing the constraints of the current comprehension regarding astronomical emission processes.

Source: The Hindu

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Context: Countries around the world are currently navigating their strategies for combatting climate change, with each nation bringing its own set of concerns and interests to the forefront at the U.N. climate summit in Dubai, UAE.

BRICS Unity for Climate: Demanding Finance and Fair Play

• Bloc of Populous Developing Countries: Within this global discourse, Brazil, South Africa, India, and China have formed a cohesive bloc, representing populous and fast-developing nations. 
• Request for more climate financing and equity: Together, these countries are making collective appeals for increased climate financing and equity, guided by the “common but differentiated responsibilities” concept outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 
  • This concept underscores the belief that wealthier nations, having historically contributed more to emissions, bear a greater responsibility in addressing the climate crisis.

BRICS Power Generation Trends (2000-2022)

• China’s Dominance in Energy Production:

• • Fossil fuel share in China’s power generation reduced significantly from 82% (2000) to 65% (2022).
  • China leads globally in both clean and dirty energy.

• Global Impact of China’s Emissions:

• • China, responsible for about 30% of annual global emissions.
  • World’s largest greenhouse gas emitter.

• India’s Gradual Transition:

• • India’s clean energy share in power production increased from 17% to 23%.

• Saudi Arabia’s Fossil Fuel Dependence:

• • Over 99% of Saudi Arabia’s power produced by fossil fuels.
  • Approximately 67% from gas.

• Brazil’s Leadership in Clean Energy:

• • Brazil, one of two BRICS nations with a higher share of clean energy than fossil fuels.
  • Clean fuel contributes to over 90% of power generation.

Power Generation Trends in Select Indian States (2019-2022)

• Gujarat’s Notable Shift:

• • Drastic decrease in fossil fuel usage for power generation in Gujarat.
  • Decline from 80% (2019) to 60% (2022).
  • Rajasthan, like Gujarat, records a decline in fossil fuel usage.

• Clean Energy Leadership: Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh:

• • Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh lead among the top 15 states with a higher share of clean energy than fossil fuels.

• Tamil Nadu’s Stagnation Towards 50:50:

• • Tamil Nadu was progressing towards a balanced 50:50 clean-fossil fuel mix.

• High Fossil Fuel Dependence in Certain States:

• • Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Bihar consistently maintain more than 90% share of fossil fuels in power generation.

Also Read: World Climate Action Summit – COP28

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Context: The Privileges Committee of Rajya Sabha was convened recently to discuss unresolved complaints against Opposition MPs.

Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee

• The  privileges committee has decided to summon them for an in-person defense presentation. 
• The charges against the MPs include:  
• breach of privilege 
• Making allegations against high authorities.

What is Privileges Committee?

• Mandate:  The mandate of the privileges committee is to examine such cases and “make such recommendations as it may deem fit”.
  • It can call the relevant people and  related documents as part of its examination. 
  • It Submit a report and if the Council has not fixed any time for its presentation, the report shall be presented within one month of the date on which reference was made to the Committee .
  • A motion has to be passed for the consideration of the report and amendments can be suggested. 
  • The Chairman or any member of the  privileges Committee or any other member can move that the Council agrees, disagrees, or agrees with amendments, with the recommendations contained in the report.
• 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  privileges committee of privilege.

What is a Privilege Motion and who can move it?

• Rights and immunities: All Members of Parliament (MPs) and State Assembly (MLAs) enjoy rights and immunities, individually and collectively, so that they can discharge their duties and functions effectively.
• Breach of privilege: Any instance when these rights and immunities are disregarded by any member of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha leads to the breach of privilege which is punishable under the Laws of Parliament.
• Privilege Motion: Any member from either house can move a notice in the form of a motion against the member who he/she thinks is guilty of the breach of privilege.
  • Both Houses of the Parliament reserve the right to punish any action of contempt (not necessarily breach of privilege) which is against its authority and dignity, as per the laws. 
• The right to raise a question of privilege is based on satisfying two conditions, namely: 
  • The question shall be restricted to a specific matter of recent occurrence, and 
  • The matter requires the intervention of the Council.
• Significant Cases:  In 1978, Indira Gandhi was expelled from the Loksabha for breach of privilege against her following observations made by the Justice Shah Commission, which probed excesses during the Emergency.
  • in 1976 the Rajya Sabha expelled  Subramanian Swamy over charges of bringing disrepute to Parliament through his activities through interviews in foreign publications that were construed as “anti-India propaganda”.

News Source: The Hindu

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