DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th April 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Current Event

Context: The Finance Ministry has notified amended rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to operationalise its earlier decision to allow up to 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) for the space sector. The new rules came into effect from April 16.

Background:-

• The notification dated April 16 comes ahead of Tesla chief Elon Musk’s visit to India early next week where he is expected to meet space startups, make a push for his space venture Starlink’s plans and announce his electric vehicle (EV) investment plans.

About FDI

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is defined as an investment in which a company takes controlling ownership of a business entity in another country. Therefore, foreign companies get directly involved with day-to-day operations in other countries.

India gets FDI through two routes:

• (a) Automatic route: Under this route, the non-resident or Indian company does not require a prior nod from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the government of India for FDI.
• (b) Government route: Under this route, the government’s approval is mandatory. The company will have to apply through Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal, which facilitates single-window clearance.

Key takeaways: 

• In February, the Union Cabinet had approved the amendment to the FDI policy for the space sector, allowing up to 100 per cent investment in certain categories.
• As per the latest Finance Ministry notification, 100 per cent FDI has been allowed for the space sector category of manufacturing and operation of satellites, satellite data products, and ground segment and user segment, out of which up to 74 per cent would be through the automatic route and government nod would be required for investment beyond 74 per cent.
• Under the earlier policy, any foreign investment in manufacturing and operating satellites is allowed only with government approval.
• Manufacturing of components and systems or sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment will be fully under the 100 per cent automatic route.
• Automatic FDI has also been permitted up to 49 per cent for launch vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, and creation of spaceports for launching and receiving spacecraft. Government approval would be required for investments beyond 49 per cent.
• Ministry has also provided detailed definition of ‘Satellites – manufacturing and operation’, ‘Satellite data products’,  “launch vehicles and associated systems or sub-systems”, “spaceport” etc.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Polity & Governance

Context: Votes in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election will be cast on April 19. The most critical time in the election process includes the last day of the campaign period (72 hours before the poll), the non-campaign period (the last 48 hours), and the poll day. Candidates are afforded the opportunity to make a final impression on the electorate, while the period of “election silence” allows voters to take a reflective pause.

Background:

• Several behind-the-scenes logistical and operational activities ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly. The scale of the exercise is immense — around 97 crore voters, 10.5 lakh polling stations, 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff, 55 lakh EVMs, and 4 lakh vehicles across the country — and timely and meticulous planning, rigorous implementation, and close supervision are essential to ensure free, fair, participative, and peaceful elections.

The last 72 hours

• The monitoring of campaign expenditure includes the last check of candidates’ expenditure registers and strengthening the inspection teams. There are Flying Squads (FSs), Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs), Excise Teams, and a 24X7 District Control Room.
• The FSs operate in three shifts round the clock in each Assembly constituency, swiftly responding to complaints. They can seize cash or items intended as bribes, document evidence, and initiate legal proceedings.
• SSTs are stationed at critical locations, and focus on intercepting illicit goods such as liquor and large amounts of cash to deter malpractices and prevent undue influence.
• The District Election Officers (DEOs) collaborate with senior police officials to develop strategies to manage any potential disturbances during the critical 72 hours leading up to the close of the voting.This includes the sealing of borders to keep out anti-social and disruptive elements.
• The final assessment is made of the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at the polling stations, which include the provision of drinking water, shade, wheelchairs, clean toilets, etc for the comfort and convenience of voters.

The last 48 hours

• Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the election campaign halts during the “silent period” that lasts for 48 hours ending with the conclusion of the poll.
• The District Magistrate issues orders underSection 144 of the CrPC, 1973, prohibiting unlawful assemblies, public meetings, and the use of loudspeakers, and limiting gatherings to no more than five persons. Door-to-door campaigning is still permitted.
• This period also sees “area domination” activities by the Central Armed Police Forces, a restriction on opinion polls, and political advertisements through electronic and social media, and the enforcement of a ban on the sale of liquor.
• To ensure transparency at critical polling stations, measures including the deployment of micro-observers, video and still cameras, webcasting, and CCTV surveillance are implemented.
• On the day before polling, randomly-formed polling parties are dispatched to the polling stations with electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other election materials. They move with security personnel in designated vehicles. Reserve EVMs are allocated to the Sector Officers.

The Polling Day

• The general restrictions on the poll day include using only one vehicle for the candidates, their agents, and party workers. However, using these vehicles to ferry voters to polling stations is considered a corrupt practice under Section 133 of the Representation of People Act (1951), attracting penal action under Section 123(5) of the Act.
• The use of mobile phones (except by officers on duty), canvassing, using campaign-related posters or banners, and loudspeakers or megaphones within 100 metres of a polling station are banned.
• Under Section 135(B) of the RP Act, employees are given a paid holiday on the poll date. Only persons entitled under Rule 49D of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, are allowed inside polling stations, including polling officers, public servants on duty in connection with the election, a child in arms accompanying an elector, etc.
• Booth Level Officers are stationed at Voter Assistance Booths to help voters locate their details in the alphabetical electoral roll locator for the polling station. Before polling commences, the Presiding Officer must demonstrate a marked copy of the Electoral Roll and the EVMs, and conduct a mock poll before the candidates’ polling agents.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – Environment

Context: According a recent report of Global Forest Watch, India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000.

Background:

• The Global Forest Watch, which tracks forest changes in near real-time using satellite data and other sources, said the country lost 4,14,000 hectares of humid primary forest (4.1 per cent) from 2002 to 2023, making up 18 per cent of its total tree cover loss in the same period.

About GLOBAL FOREST WATCH (GFW)

• Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an online platform that provides data, technology, and tools to help people everywhere protect forests.
• GFW is an initiative of the World Resources Institute (WRI), with partners including Google, USAID, the University of Maryland (UMD), Esri, Vizzuality, and many other organizations.
• It empowers users like conservation organizations, policymakers, journalists, and companies to manage and share information about forest cover and land use effectively.
• It sheds light on trends related to tree cover loss and offers insights into the current state of the world’s forests. This information is crucial for informed decision-making and policy formulation.

Source: Hindu

Syllabus

• Prelims – Current Event

Context: Nigeria became the 1st country to rollout a new meningitis vaccine, known as Men5CV.

Background:

• This historic achievement underscores the importance of global collaboration and the critical role of vaccines in safeguarding public health. Nigeria’s proactive approach sets a precedent for other countries in the fight against meningitis.

About MEN5CV VACCINE:

• Men5CV vaccine provides protection against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.
• These strains include A, C, W, Y, and X.
• Nigeria has taken the lead as the first country globally to introduce this vaccine, which is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• By covering multiple serogroups, Men5CV has the potential to dramatically reduce meningitis cases and contribute to the fight against this deadly disease
• Nigeria is one of the 26 meningitis hyper-endemic countries in Africa, situated within the region known as the African Meningitis Belt.
• The Men5CV vaccine holds the potential to change the trajectory of meningitis, preventing future outbreaks and saving lives.
• The Men5CV vaccine aligns with the global goal to eliminate meningitis by 2030.

Source: Hindustan Times

Syllabus

• Prelims – Environment

Context: The Union Environment Ministry has recently introduced modifications to the Green Credit Programme (GCP).

Background:

• These changes aim to strike a balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development.

About GREEN CREDIT PROGRAMME (GCP):

• The green credit represents a unit of incentive for a specific environmentally positive activity.
• Eg: Each tree planted and evaluated by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) after two years yields one ‘green credit.’

These credits serve two purposes:

• Compliance with forest laws: Necessitating recompense for forest land diversion.
• Reporting under environmental, social, and governance norms: Meeting corporate social responsibility requirements.

Green Credit Programme (GCP)

• The Green Credit Programme (GCP), notified on October 13, 2023, is a market-based mechanism introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the ‘LiFE’ – ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ initiative.
• The GCP aims to incentivize voluntary environmental actions by individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies.

Key features of the GCP include:

• Incentivizing Environmental Actions: Participants can earn Green Credits for activities that positively impact the environment, such as water conservation and afforestation.
• Governance Framework: An inter-ministerial Steering Committee supports the GCP, and The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator.
• Digital Platform: A user-friendly digital platform will facilitate the registration of projects, verification, and issuance of Green Credits.
• Green Credit Registry and Trading Platform: This platform will allow for the buying and selling of Green Credits.
• Ecomark Scheme: Alongside the GCP, the Ecomark Scheme accredits and labels eco-friendly consumer products.

Guidelines and Modifications:

• The Environment Ministry now empowers States to determine afforestation density based on local conditions, recognizing the variability in forest ecosystems.
• Indigenous species are prioritized, and naturally occurring seedlings are retained to foster ecosystem resilience.

Source: The Hindu

Previous Year Question

1. Q) Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
2. Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota
3. The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
4. Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3

Context: A report titled ‘Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry – Assessing the Solar Waste Quantum’ shed light on India’s escalating solar waste crisis. It was conducted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in collaboration with experts from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water.

Background:

• Recycling solar waste to recover materials will reduce import dependency and enhance India’s mineral security.

Key highlights of the Report:

• The current solar capacity of India, as of FY23, has generated about 100 kilotonnes (kt) of cumulative waste, which will increase to 340 kt by 2030. This volume will increase 32 times by 2050 resulting in about 19000 kt of cumulative waste. 77% of the cumulative waste generated by 2050 will be due to new capacities.
• Around 67% of the projected waste by 2030 is expected to be produced by five states – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthan will account for 24% of the waste generated by 2030, followed by Gujarat accounting for 16%, and Karnataka accounting for 12%.
• Discarded solar modules contain critical minerals essential for India’s economic development and national security, including silicon, copper, tellurium, and cadmium. The projected 340 kt of waste by 2030 is estimated to comprise 10 kt of silicon, 12-18 tonnes of silver, and 16 tonnes of cadmium and tellurium.

Recommendations made by the Report:

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) should maintain and periodically update a database of the installed solar capacity (containing details such as module technology, manufacturer, commissioning date, etc.) for accurate mapping of plausible waste generation centres.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should issue guidelines for collecting and storing solar waste. Furthermore, it should promote the safe and efficient processing of stored waste.
• Solar cell and module producers should start developing waste collection and storage centres to adhere to the responsibilities assigned in the Electronic Waste Management Rules 2022.

Challenges for recycling Solar Waste in India:

• The absence of specific comprehensive laws governing solar waste management hinders the establishment of standardised recycling practices and may contribute to inconsistent recycling efforts.
• Solar panels contain various materials like silicon, glass, aluminium, and toxic elements like lead and cadmium. Separating these components for effective recycling requires specialised technology, which is often expensive and not widely available in India.
• A large portion of solar waste ends up with informal recyclers who lack proper safety measures and often resort to environmentally harmful practices.
• In India, the lack of adequate demand for materials such as silicon wafers or glass cullet from recycled panels undermines the economic feasibility of recycling efforts.

Ways to manage Solar Waste in India:

• India can create a comprehensive regulatory framework to guide collection, recycling, and material-specific recovery targets for solar waste. The framework can also encourage incentives like green certificates to encourage recycling and mineral recovery. It should also include developing and implementing comprehensive policies to promote circular economy principles within the solar industry, encouraging resource efficiency, recycling, and reuse.
• Integrating informal recyclers into the formal system through training programs and providing them with proper equipment. This ensures safe, environmentally sound practices and also provides them a secured employment.
• By establishing dedicated refurbishment facilities, India can clean, repair, and retest slightly damaged panels, diverting them from the waste stream and providing affordable options for consumers.
• Encouraging and incentivising green innovators to design and prototype new sustainable products using recycled solar materials, thereby fostering creativity and effective utilisation.

Source:Indian Express

Q1.) With reference to Global Forest Watch (GFW), consider the following statements:

1. Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an online platform that equips people worldwide with data, technology, and tools to protect forests.
2. It is an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

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

Q2.) With reference to the Men5CV Vaccine, consider the following statements:

1. Men5CV vaccine provides protection against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.
2. Nigeria is the first country globally to introduce Men5CV.
3. The Men5CV vaccine aligns with the global goal to eliminate meningitis by 2030.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q3.) Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

The Green Credit Programme (GCP), is a market-based mechanism introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Statement-II:

The GCP aims to incentivize voluntary environmental actions by individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies.

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  19th April  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c