DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd September 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: The recent killing of pro-Khalistan leader and a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar has caused diplomatic challenges in India-Canada Relations.

Background of the Issue:-

• Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, one of the most wanted terrorists in India, was shot dead by two unidentified men within the premises of a gurdwara in Canada Sunday night.
• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently made explosive allegations of a “potential link” between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a pro-Khalistan leader and Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
  • Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s name had been included in the wanted list handed over by the then-Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh, to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the latter’s visit to India in 2018.
• The Khalistan issue has always plagued bilateral ties, from the 1980s to the last eight years of Trudeau’s term.
• But this time, Ottawa has ratcheted up the ante and New Delhi is watching the situation keeping in mind the complexity of the bilateral ties and the reputational cost on the global stage.

About India-Canada Relations:-

• India and Canada have a longstanding bilateral relationship based on shared democratic values, the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nature.
• 1947: India established diplomatic relations with Canada in 1947.
• 1951: Canada’s aid program to India began in 1951 and grew substantially under the Colombo Plan.
  • Canada provided food aid, project financing, and technical assistance to India.
• 1974: deterioration of India-Canada relations due to India’s Smiling Buddha nuclear test.
• 1976: The Canadian government severed bilateral nuclear cooperation with both India and Pakistan in 1976 after claims that the fissionable material used to construct India’s first nuclear device had been obtained from the Canadian-supplied CIRUS nuclear research reactor.
• 1985: The bombing by Sikh separatists of Air India Flight 182 resulted in Canada and India maintaining a bilateral dialogue on anti-terrorism.
• 2015: The Prime Minister of India’s visit to Canada in April 2015 elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
• In recent years, both countries have been working to enhance bilateral cooperation in several areas of mutual importance.

Significance:-

• Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, numbering 16 lakh people of Indian origin.
• It accounts for more than 3 percent of the total Canadian population and 700,000 NRIs.
• At the Ministerial level, Canada and India enjoy a strategic partnership underpinned by Ministerial Dialogues on foreign policy, trade and investment, finance, and energy.
• At the official level, there are regular working groups that focus on counter-terrorism, security, agriculture, education, science, technology, etc.
• Trade relations
• In 2021, India was Canada’s 14th largest export market and 13th largest trading partner overall.
• India became the top source of foreign students studying in Canada — 2.3 lakh, according to 2022 data.
• India is a key partner as Canada strengthens its economic links to the Indo-Pacific under a new, comprehensive strategy for the region.

Challenges in India-Canada Relations:-

• Sikh extremism and the Presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada.
• Concerns about the revival of the Khalistan movement.
• Sikh Diaspora’s Influence on Canadian Politics
• Impediments for Trade: India’s Complex labour laws; Market protectionism; Bureaucratic regulations.

Areas of Cooperation:-

• Politically, India and Canada share commonalities in Parliamentary structure and procedures.
• Commercial: Bilateral trade between India and Canada stands at over USD 6.4 billion in 2020. Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• Nuclear Cooperation: Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010 by, the Joint Committee on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, restoration of nuclear cooperation.
• Security and Defense Collaboration: in international fora, mutual ship visits, Framework for Cooperation between India and Canada on Countering Terrorism in 2018
• People-to-People Ties
• Cultural Exchanges
• Cooperation during COVID-19 Pandemic. (Second Wave of COVID-19)

MUST READ: India and G20 Presidency

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements about G-20: (2023)

1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues.
2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2023)

Statement-I:

Switzerland is one of the leading exporters of gold in terms of value.

Statement-II:

Switzerland has the second-largest gold reserves in the world.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: The Innovative GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application was launched recently.

Background:-

• Shri Manoj Ahuja Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) launched the portal.

About GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:-

• Launched: September, 2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Objective: the portal and mobile application have been designed to transform agricultural practices across the nation.

Salient Features of the GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:-

• Comprehensive Information:-
• The portal and the app provide a comprehensive repository of yield estimation including village-wise GCES plan.
• Plot details where the crop-cutting experiments are conducted, post-harvesting crop weight, and drainage weight of the crop are also provided. (Crop Insurance)
• Geo-referencing:-
• It is one of the key features of the mobile application.
• It enables the primary worker to draw the boundary of the experimental plot and upload photos of the plot as well as of the crops through it.
• This feature will ensure transparency and accuracy of the data as well.

Challenges Addressed by GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:-

• Delay in Reporting: To date, data collection, compilation, and yield estimation is a completely manual process that causes delays in reporting by states.
  • In the new process, the field data will be collected using a GPS-enabled mobile application.
  • Storing the data in the server will ensure on-time reporting of crop statistics.
• Transparency: GPS-enabled devices provide precise latitude and longitude coordinates for data collection points.
  • This information ensures that data is linked to specific geographic locations, leaving no room for ambiguity or manipulation of data regarding where it was collected.

Significance:-

• It provides for a real-time estimate and technology in agriculture. (InfoCrop)
• It is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision towards maximizing digital technology for social benefit.

About General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES):-

• Conducted by: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI).
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• The estimates of crop production are obtained by multiplying the area under the crop and the yield rate.
• The yield rate estimates are based on scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments conducted under the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES).
• The GCES covers around 68 crops (52 food and 16 non-food) in 22 States and 4 Union Territories.
• Around 5,00,000 experiments are conducted every year with the help of State revenue and agricultural staff of a rank higher than the primary field staff of the departments.
• The field staff is periodically trained in the conduct of crop-cutting experiments.

MUST READ: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. India has more arable area than China.
2. The proportion of irrigated areas is higher in India as compared to China.
3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China:

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2022)

1. In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company.
3. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: A new fish species named Pterygotrigla intermedica has been discovered in Bengal’s Digha harbour recently.

Background:-

• The scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of vibrant orange-colored deep-water marine fish from Digha Mohana in West Bengal.
• It is the fourth species of Pterygotrigla genus reported in India so far.

About Pterygotrigla intermedica:-

• Family: Triglidae.
• Genus: Pterygotrigla.
  • It is a group of marine fish commonly known as gurnards or sea robins.
• Habitat: Species within the Pterygotrigla genus are primarily found in deep-water habitats.
• They are often associated with continental slopes and deep-sea environments.
• Distribution: The genus has a wide distribution, with various species located in different parts of the world’s oceans, including the Indian Ocean.
  • It is only the fourth species of the Pterygotrigla genus reported in India to date.
  • Worldwide, the Triglidae family comprises a total of 178 species, making this family of fishes ecologically significant (National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD))
• Food: Gurnards are carnivorous and feed on a diet that includes small fish, crustaceans, and other benthic organisms.
• Ecological Role: Gurnards play a role in marine ecosystems by controlling populations of smaller organisms and contributing to the overall food web.

Unique features of Pterygotrigla intermedica :-

• It has a distinct pectoral fin with black membranes on the inner surface, a white posterior margin, and three small white spots basally in the fin.
• It has a long opercular spine and a very short cleithral spine.
• It has a lateral line, gill rakers on the upper limb, and 12–13 on the lower limb of the first gill arch.
• It has a large black blotch between the 4th and 6th spines of the first dorsal fin.

MUST READ: Zebrafish

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives
2. of the Nagoya Protocol.
3. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels : (2023)

1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
3. They are omnivorous.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, Northeast’s Mithun got the ‘food animal’ tag.

Background:-

About Mithun:-

IMAGE SOURCE: lrrd.org

• Scientific Name: Bos frontalis.
• Distribution: It is native to the lush and hilly regions of Northeast India, particularly the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
• It is often referred to as the “Cattle of the Hills”.
• is considered a descendant of the Indian Gaur or bison. (Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI))

Physical Characteristics:-

• Mithun resembles the domestic cattle but exhibits distinctive features such as:-
  • a hump over its shoulders,
  • Longg upward-curving horns, and
  • a dewlap (skin flap) under its throat.
• Their coat color varies, including shades of black, brown, and white.
• The coloration is often influenced by their age and region.

Cultural Significance:-

• It plays a central role in the cultures and traditions of many indigenous communities in Northeast India.
• It is often referred to as the “family bank” due to its economic importance.
• In various tribal societies, Mithun is used in rituals, festivals, and ceremonies.

Economic Value:-

• Mithun is a valuable asset for local communities, serving as a source of livelihood and sustenance.
• They are used for meat, milk, and hides.
  • Their meat is considered a delicacy in the region.
• Mithun farming is an integral part of the traditional agro-pastoral system in these regions.
• Mithun milk, though produced less in quantity, is of high quality and can be used for the preparation of various milk products.
• Leather obtained from this species has been found to be superior to cattle.

Conservation Status:-

• IUCN: Vulnerable.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act of India: Schedule I.
• CITES: Appendix I.

MUST READ: New Breeds of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following organisms ·perform the waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the

distance to a source of their food? (2023)

1. Butterflies
2. Dragonflies
3. Honeybees
4. Wasps

Q.2) Consider the following ‘fauna : (2023)

1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, preparations are being held for the celebration of World Rhino Day 2023.

Background:-

• World Rhino Day is observed on 22nd September.

About World Rhino Day 2023:-

• Date: 22th September.
• Objective: to spread awareness for all five species of rhino and the work being done to save them.
• It was first announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010.
• This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their own unique ways.
• The scientific name and conservation status of the five species are: –
• Javan Rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus): Critically Endangered
• Sumatran rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis): Critically Endangered
• Black rhinos (Diceros bicornis): Critically Endangered
• White rhinos (Ceratotherium simum): Near Threatened (Southern white rhino)
• Greater One-Horned Rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis): Vulnerable

About Indian One-Horned Rhino:-

• The greater one-horned rhino (or “Indian rhino”) is the largest of the rhino species.
• Distribution: Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Assam, India.
• The greater one-horned rhino is identified by a single black horn about 8-25 inches long and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives it an armour-plated appearance.
• The species is solitary, except when adult males or rhinos nearing adulthood gather at wallows or to graze.
• Food: They primarily graze, with a diet consisting almost entirely of grasses as well as leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, fruit, and aquatic plants.

Conservation Status:-

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• CITES: Appendix-I
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.

Threats:-

• Poaching for the horns
• Habitat loss
• Population density
• Decreasing Genetic diversity

Conservation Efforts by India:-

• New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia have signed a declaration for the conservation and protection of the species.
• DNA profiles of all rhinos.
• National Rhino Conservation Strategy: It was launched in 2019 to conserve the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
• Indian Rhino Vision 2020: It was an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020.

MUST READ: Rhino population up by 200 in Kaziranga

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (2023).

1. Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes.
2. Converting crop residues into packing material.
3. Producing biodegradable plastics.
4. Producing biochar from thermochemical conversion of biomass.

Q.2) Recently, there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites? (2017)

1. Corbett National Park
2. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Sariska National Park

Syllabus

• Prelims –Governance

Context: Recent reports of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) suggest that wheat farmers lost Rs 40,000 crore due to govt policy.

Background:-

• The report says that judicious use of trade policy is needed to tame inflation at home without hurting farmer earnings.

About the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER):-

• Established: August 1981.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• Objective: to enhance the knowledge content of policy making by undertaking analytical research that is targeted at informing India’s policymakers.
• It also aims at improving the interface with the global economy.
• ICRIER is a policy-oriented, not-for-profit, economic policy think tank.
• ICRIER is a not-for-profit society registered under the Society Act,1860.
• It undertakes research on economic policy and dissemination activities on a cost basis for various Ministries of the Government of India, Bilateral and Multilateral International and Domestic organizations / Foundations.
• All reports and publications are available on the website icrier.org.
• Its activities are purely noncommercial in nature and are undertaken on a non-profit basis.
• ICRIER conducts thematic research in the following five thrust areas:-
  • Growth, Employment and Macroeconomics (GEM)
  • Trade, Investment and External Relations (TIER)
  • Agriculture Policy, Sustainability and Innovation (APSI)
  • Digital Economy, Start-ups and Innovation (DESI)
  • Climate Change, Urbanisation and Sustainability (CCUS)

DONATION:-

• ICRIER accepts general donations.
• All donations made to ICRIER are eligible for 50% tax exemption under Section 80G (5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

MUST READ: India and Wheat Exports

SOURCE:  BUSINESS STANDARD

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger( Guizotia aoyssinica) seeds.
2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in the news in the recent past for its very severe famine? (2023)

1. Angola
2. Costa Rica
3. Ecuador
4. Somalia

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3 (Science and Technology)

Context: Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as a transformative technology, capturing the attention of both public and private sectors worldwide.

• Its remarkable potential lies in its ability to deliver unprecedented computing speed compared to classical computers and its potential to revolutionize cybersecurity.

About Quantum Technology:

• Quantum computing is based on the principles of Quantum mechanics developed in the early 20th century to describe nature at the scale of atoms and elementary particles.
• It is a revolutionary approach to computation that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information.
  • It differs significantly from classical computing, which is based on classical physics and uses bits to represent data as either 0 or 1.

The Global Quantum Computing Landscape

• As of 2022, the quantum computing sector has attracted substantial investments, reaching approximately US$35.5 billion globally.
• This growth can be attributed to the promising leap in computing capabilities offered by quantum computers and the paradigm shift they bring to cybersecurity.

Inter-governmental quantum technology Initiatives:

• European Union: Quantum Technologies Flagship was established by the European Union (EU) in 2018 with a budget of approximately 1 billion euros which aims to consolidate European leadership in quantum technologies.
  • It brings together research institutions, private companies, and public entities to foster collaboration.
• AUKUS: AUKUS is a trilateral security arrangement formed in 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US).
  • The AUKUS Quantum Arrangement, initiated in 2022, aims to accelerate investments in quantum capabilities, with a focus on maintaining a strategic advantage in quantum computing and cryptography, particularly in competition with China.
• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: Also known as the Quad, established a Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group in 2021.
  • Its purpose is to ensure that standards and frameworks for key technologies, including quantum computing, are governed by shared interests and values.
  • In May 2023, the Quad Investors Network (QUIN) was launched, connecting investors interested in novel technologies.
• CERN Quantum Technology Initiative: The European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN) initiated the Quantum Technology Initiative in 2020.
  • It focuses on developing new computing, detector, and communication systems while advancing knowledge of quantum systems and information processing.

Private Initiatives:

• IBM: IBM, a technological innovation leader collaborating with the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago aims to develop a 100,000-qubit quantum computer over the next decade.
  • In 2022, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, joined the IBM Quantum Network, furthering quantum computing research and skills development in India.
• Google: Google achieved “quantum supremacy” in 2019 and has become a major player in quantum computing.
  • It collaborates with various quantum computing startups, including IonQ, QSimulate, and Pasqal.
  • In 2021, Google launched the Digital Future Initiative, a US$1 billion investment over five years in Australian infrastructure, research, and partnerships.
• D-Wave: D-Wave, headquartered in Canada specializes in both annealing and gate-model quantum computers and has worked closely with NASA and Google to set up Quantum Artificial Intelligence Labs.
• Infosys: In India, Infosys has partnered with Australian quantum cybersecurity firm QuintessenceLabs to create a quantum random number generator compatible with classical encryption systems, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.

Potential applications of quantum computing:

• New Medicines: Quantum computing can help simulate complex molecular interactions, allowing researchers to discover new drugs and optimize existing ones.
• Improved Climate Predictions: Quantum computers can process vast amounts of data, leading to more accurate climate models and better-informed policies for environmental preservation.
• Secure Communication: Quantum computers can enable ultrasecure communication using quantum encryption, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept sensitive information.
• Enhanced AI Models: Quantum computing can dramatically improve machine learning algorithms, enabling more efficient and accurate AI models for various applications.
• Logistics and Supply Chains: Quantum computing can find optimal solutions for complex optimization problems, such as routing and scheduling, to improve efficiency in logistics and supply chains.
• Better Investment Strategies: Quantum computing can analyze complex financial data, allowing for improved risk assessment and investment strategies in the financial sector.
• Climate Change: Quantum computing can enhance climate modelling and analysis, aiding in the development of effective climate change mitigation strategies.

Challenges in developing quantum computing technology:

• Engineering larger quantum processors: A practical QC needs at least 1,000 qubits. Currently, the largest quantum processor has 433 qubits.
  • Engineering barriers need to be overcome to create larger processors.
• Maintaining specific conditions: Qubits require extremely low temperatures, radiation shielding, and protection against physical shock to maintain their superposition states.
• Error-correction: Quantum error-correction is tricky due to the no cloning theorem, which states that a qubit’s state cannot be perfectly cloned.
  • Error-correction requires entangling each qubit with thousands of physical qubits.
• Error amplification: Researchers must develop QCs that don’t amplify errors when more qubits are added.
  • Keeping error rates below a certain threshold is crucial, as more qubits could otherwise increase informational noise.

Way Forward:

Just like the fast-growing Artificial Intelligence market, quantum computing, as another technology, has created a wave among the countries and companies globally to get into a race and acquire a leadership position.

Therefore the need of the hour is to build sufficient quantum computational capacity, develop skills in building and operationalizing a practical size and affordable cost quantum computer, continue research into realizing the various practical applications.

Source: ORF

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3 (Economy)

Context: In the recent times there is a growing concerns about the food inflation trend observed in India.

About Food inflation

• Food inflation refers to the increase in the prices of food items over time.
• It affects the purchasing power and welfare of consumers, especially the poor and vulnerable sections of the society.
• The main causes of food inflation in India can be classified into demand-side and supply-side factors.

Status of cereal crisis

• Persistently high inflation in cereal prices, particularly wheat and rice which lead to food inflation.
• Inflation in Cereals: In August 2023, cereals contributed almost as much to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation as tomatoes which accounted for 15.49% as compared to 15.51% for tomatoes.
• Inflation in Rice in the same month CPI inflation was 12.5%.

Main reasons behind Supply Chain disruptions in India:

• As per analysis by agricultural economist Ashok Gulati, non-basmati rice exports surged from 1.38 million tonnes in 2019-20 to 6.4 million tonnes in 2022-23 causing high food inflation. .
  • As per him, these exports occurred at prices lower than the minimum support price (MSP).
  • Rice from the free food program is leaking out of the country in significant quantities and leading to higher domestic prices and leading to food inflation.
• Fragmented supply chain: The extended and fragmented supply chain leads to wastage and escalating prices.
  • This situation arises due to the significant presence of unorganized players within the supply chain, resulting in operational challenges related to commercial viability.
• Logistical challenges: Logistics in India confront persistent challenges in terms of quality and connectivity.
  • Despite Indian national highways handling around 40% of cargo despite accounting for only 2% of the total road network, quality and connectivity remain problematic.
  • While port capacity is growing, the absence of proper connectivity to these ports leads to elevated costs and delays in cargo transfers.
• Inadequate cold storage and warehousing facilities: Warehousing plays a crucial role in the overall supply chain; however, it is predominantly under the purview of unorganized entities.
  • Presently, merely 20% of warehousing falls under organized structures, with the government controlling about 70% of this segment.
  • Insufficient cold storage capacity contributes to post-harvest losses for perishable commodities like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat.
• Climatic factors: Extreme temperature fluctuations and irregular rainfall patterns can adversely impact food grain production and yield.
• Global Influences: The global scenario also affects food inflation, with instances such as supply chain disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, and surges in international commodity prices.
  • These elements have raised input costs and restricted the availability of essentials like edible oils, cereals, and sugar.

Challenges of Food Inflation and procurement in India:

• No improvement in procurement: The desperate measures—controls and limits on stocks that are being used for the first time in 15 years, to access supplies did not help improve procurement much.
• Reduction in consumption: Reduction in farmers earnings reduces consumption spending in the economy.
• Impacting the economy: The food inflation and supply mess can spill over into the rest of the economy, distorting policies all around.
• Stressing of exchequer: Government buying products at market prices in competition with private buyers would bankrupt the exchequer.
• Stressing Farmers’ Income: It was decided to beat down market prices, resulting in decreasing farmers earnings and meant defying the Prime Minister’s instructions of doubling farmer incomes.
  • By selling wheat from the government’s stocks at prices lower than its economic cost (of buying, transporting and storing), market prices were dragged down to the MSP level.
• Hike in interest rates of the Central Bank: High retail inflation could force the central bank to hike interest rates, hurting India’s economic recovery and blowing up the treasury and threatening fiscal correction.

Steps taken by the Indian Government to control Food Inflation:

• Ban on Export of rice and wheat: The government has put a ban on wheat exports since May 2022 and on the export of atta and similar products since August 2022 to control food inflation.
  • The government also banned exports of non-basmati rice too.
• Placed export duty: The government, selling from its stockpile at prices lower than their economic cost, has placed a 20% export duty on parboiled rice.
• Ban on stockpiling and illegal storage: The government has also banned traders, millers, wholesalers and retail chains from holding more than 3,000 tonnes of wheat.
  • Smaller retailers and shops cannot stock more than 10 tonnes.
• Procurement to combat food inflation: The government procured all of 18.8 million tonnes of wheat against a target of 43.3 million tonnes.

Way Forward:

Therefore the need of the hour is to address the supply chain constraints causing food inflation in India which requires a comprehensive approach. This includes investing in rural infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage and processing facilities, upgrading transportation systems, and enhancing market access for farmers. India can significantly improve its supply chain efficiency, reduce food wastage, and mitigate the impact of inflation on food prices by implementing these measures.

Source:  LM

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Pterygotrigla intermedica discovered recently in Bengal, is the fourth species of the Pterygotrigla genus reported in India to date.

Statement-II:

Gurnards are carnivorous.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q3) With reference to the GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application, consider the following statements:

1. It was launched in 2017.
2. It provides for a real-time estimate and technology in agriculture.
3. It enables the primary worker to upload photos of the plot as well as of the crops through it.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1, 2 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 3only

Mains Practice Questions

Q.1) Explain the significance of international collaboration in advancing quantum computing and its applications. Highlight key inter-governmental and private initiatives. What challenges are the challenges in building quantum collaboration and suggest measures to overcome these challenges? (250 words)

Q.2) India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons? Explain (250 words)

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  22nd September 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – a