DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam –11th May 2024

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 & GS 3

Context: India’s agricultural exports fell 8.2% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 on the back of shipment curbs on a host of commodities, from cereals and sugar to onions.

Background:-

• The value of farm exports totaled $48.82 billion in 2023-24, down from the record $53.15 billion of 2022-23 and $50.24 billion for the previous fiscal, according to Department of Commerce data.

Key takeaways

• Exports declined during the initial years of the Narendra Modi government (from $43.25 billion in 2013-14 to $35.60 billion in 2019-20), while accompanied by an increase in imports (from $15.53 billion to $21.86 billion).
• That was largely because of a crash in global agri-commodity prices. Low international prices reduced the cost competitiveness of the country’s exports, while also making it more vulnerable to imports.
• But the global price recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulted in India’s farm exports as well as imports zooming to all-time-highs in 2022-23, before dropping in the fiscal just ended.
• Drivers of exports: The fall in exports to have been led primarily by sugar and non-basmati rice.The government hasn’t allowed any sugar to go out of the country during the current production year from October 2023.
• Concerns over domestic availability and food inflation have similarly triggered a ban on exports of all white non-basmati rice since July 2023. Currently, only parboiled grain shipments are being permitted within the non-basmati segment, while also attracting a 20% duty.
• Two other items that have borne the brunt of export restrictions — again triggered by domestic shortages and rising prices — are wheat and onion.
• Drivers of imports: There is 7.9% dip in overall agri imports during 2023-24 due to a single commodity: edible oils. Lower global prices, in turn, brought down the vegetable oil import bill to below $15 billion during last fiscal.
• But even as the foreign exchange outflow on account of cooking oil has reduced, imports of pulses almost doubled to $3.75 billion in 2023-24, the highest since the $3.90 billion and $4.24 billion levels of 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively.

Policy takeaways

• Farmers and agri-traders, like all businessmen, want policy stability and predictability.
• When governments resort to banning/restricting agri export they usually privilege the interests of consumers over producers. These actions hurt more when taken overnight, like with wheat exports.
• Building export markets takes time and effort. A more predictable and rules-based policy — say, introducing temporary tariffs instead of outright bans or quantitative restrictions — is what many economists would recommend.
• The same goes for imports. The Modi government has done away with import duties on most pulses — arhar (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), masoor (red lentils), yellow/white peas and, earlier this month, chana (chickpea) — and kept it at 5.5% for crude palm, soyabean and sunflower oil.
• The above zero/low tariffs are at variance with the government’s own objective to promote crop diversification — weaning away farmers from rice, wheat and sugarcane to growing pulses and oilseeds, which are less water-guzzling and also significantly imported.

Source:Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Environment

Context: Environmental, climate change, and air pollution issues have featured in the 2024 Lok Sabha manifestos of most top political parties. But is it among the top priorities or guarantees for parties or candidates? This brings us to another question: Will we ever witness actual improvement in air quality without it becoming a people’s movement or a political issue?

Background:

• Despite mention in manifestos, pollution hasn’t become a campaign issue. It is a reflection of low traction at grassroots level.

Key Takeaways

• According to a 2019 study, the yearly deaths attributable to air pollution translate to an economic loss of Rs 2.7 lakh crore, that is, around 1.36 per cent of the country’s GDP.
• Another recent survey has revealed that the Indian GDP would have been 4.5 per cent higher if air pollution had grown 50 per cent slower each year.

What needs to be done to tackle air pollution?

• Any effective step to tackle pollution will come only when the issue becomes a mass movement.
• What it needs is public awareness in its true sense.It is the job of academicians, scientific communities, experts, scholars, and bureaucrats alongside local governmental bodies to make common Indians realise that clean air is also a fundamental right like clean water, health, food, shelter, etc.
• In addition to core research and scientific activities, a significant portion of the fund should be allocated for on-ground activities aimed at pollution reduction.
• Activities to tackle pollution need a federal structure, where policies and strategies need to be decentralised and diffused into micro environments through district and local bodies.
• Every ward under the municipalities or municipal corporations and every village under the blocks should be thoroughly scrutinised by the respective local bodies to find out the pollution source in the vicinity as well as the scope for air quality improvement. This information should then be disseminated to the people who are residents of the area.
• There should be specific plans to identify open areas favourable for the ventilation of air — and hence the pollutants — open water bodies, green cover for every ward in a city, and all of them should immediately be marked as green zones and restored. These measures will ensure that air pollution, as an issue, directly connects to every single individual in these micro environments.
• Regular outreach or public awareness programmes should be conducted at the municipality or block level, and facilitated by local experts, academicians, and teachers. These initiatives must aim to disseminate knowledge about environmental pollution and provide guidance on both actions to take and actions to avoid.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – Economy

Context: Vietnam has been actively advocating for a shift from its current “non-market economy” status to a “market economy” designation in the United States.

Background:

• For over two decades, Vietnam has remained on Washington’s list of non-market economies. By achieving market economy status, Vietnam hopes to avoid high import taxes and enhance its trade prospects. However, this shift involves complex negotiations and considerations, including opposition from certain US industries.

Key takeaways:

• A non-market economy refers to a country where market forces do not play a dominant role in determining prices, wages, and resource allocation.
• In contrast to market economies, where supply and demand largely dictate economic decisions.
• Non-market economies exhibit distinct characteristics.

Characteristics of Non-Market Economies

• Currency Convertibility: Non-market economies may have restrictions on currency convertibility. Their currencies might not be freely traded on international markets.
• Wage Determination: Wages in non-market economies are often set through centralized mechanisms (such as government or industry agreements) rather than free bargaining between labour and management.
• Ownership of Means of Production: The state often owns or significantly controls major industries and resources.
• Resource Allocation and Price Decisions: The government plays a central role in allocating resources and making decisions related to prices and output.
• Human Rights Considerations: Some assessments also take into account human rights practices within a country when determining its economic status.

Implications of Non-Market Economy Status:

• Countries classified as non-market economies face specific challenges in international trade:
• Anti-Dumping Measures: Non-market economies are subject to anti-dumping duties imposed by other countries. Anti-dumping measures aim to prevent unfair trade practices, such as selling goods below their production cost to gain an advantage in foreign markets.
• Trade Disputes: Disputes often arise between non-market economies and their trading partners regarding fair pricing, subsidies, and market access.
• Trade Relations: Non-market economy status affects a country’s trade relations, investment climate, and access to global markets.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – Geography

Context: The Border Roads Organisation will construct the world’s highest tunnel at Shinku La Pass at 16,580 feet to connect Himachal to Zanskar valley in Ladakh.

Background:

• The developments come at a time when the military standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh has entered its fifth year, with no indication of a resolution to the outstanding problems along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).

About SHINKU LA TUNNEL :

• The Shinku La tunnel is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the border areas of Ladakh.

Location and Altitude:

• The tunnel will be constructed at an altitude of over 16,500 feet.
• It is situated on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha Road link, which connects Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
• The construction of this tunnel is expected to be completed by 2025.

Purpose:

• The primary purpose of the Shinku La tunnel is to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
• It will facilitate the swift movement of troops and heavy weaponry to forward areas.

Significance:

• It will provide the Indian military access to the border areas of Ladakh from the Himachal side
• The completion of this project will improve the financial condition of Zanskar Valley residents by giving impetus to tourism.
• It will significantly enhance connectivity and security in the region.

World Record:

• Upon completion, the Shinku La tunnel will become the longest high-altitude highway tunnel in the world.
• It is also referred to as the world’s highest tunnel, connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh at an impressive elevation of 16,580 feet.

Source: Hindustan Times

Syllabus

• Prelims – Science

Context: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has developed biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum (2% WP), and registered it with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC)

Background:

• This registration aims to manage Foot Rot (also known as Bakane disease) in Basmati rice, which has been a persistent problem in the region, causing considerable losses to farmers and threatening the state’s export prospects.

About FOOT ROT (BAKANE DISEASE):

• Foot Rot, also known as Bakanae Disease, is a significant fungal disease affecting rice, particularly the Basmati variety.
• Foot Rot is caused by the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi (also known as Fusarium monoliforme).
• It primarily affects the roots and basal stems of rice plants.

The disease is characterized by:

• Abnormal elongation of seedlings
• Seedlings turning pale yellow
• Eventually, the seedlings dry up and die

Impact:

• Foot Rot not only affects yield but also poses health risks due to mycotoxin contamination in the affected rice grains.

Management:

• Chemical control: Historically, chemical fungicides were used to manage Foot Rot. However, their environmental impact and residue concerns have led to the search for alternative solutions.
• Biological control: The recent registration of Trichoderma asperellum 2% WP by Ludhiana’s Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) offers an eco-friendly approach. Trichoderma, when applied to seeds or seedlings, can suppress the growth of the Foot Rot pathogen.
• Cultural practices: Crop rotation, proper drainage, and avoiding waterlogged conditions can help reduce disease incidence.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims- Polity

Context: The recent arrests of chief ministers on corruption charges raises legal, political, and constitutional concerns and poses questions about its consistency with constitutional morality, especially in a parliamentary democracy like India.

Background:

• Opposition has alleged a breach of legal and constitutional values.

Constitutional Morality:

• Constitutional morality (CM) is a concept that refers to the principles and values underlying a constitution that guide the actions of both the government and the citizenry.
• The concept of constitutional morality was propounded by the British Classicist George Grote in the 19th century. He described CM as a “paramount reverence for the forms of the Constitution” of the land.
• In India, the term was first used by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Pillars of Constitutional Morality:

• Constitutional Values uphold the core values enshrined in the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, and the dignity of the individual.
• The Rule of Law upholds the supremacy of the law where everyone, including government officials, is subject to and accountable under the law.
• Democratic Principles ensure the functioning of a representative democracy where citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes and hold their elected representatives accountable.
• Fundamental Rights respecting and protecting the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, right to life and personal liberty, etc.
• Separation of Powers maintains the separation and balance of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• Checks and Balances establish mechanisms and institutions that provide checks and balances to prevent abuse of power and protect the rights of individuals.
• Constitutional Interpretation interprets the Constitution in a manner that promotes its underlying principles and values while adapting to changing societal needs and circumstances.
• Ethical Governance ensures ethical conduct in governance, transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.

Judgments Upholding Constitutional Morality:

• Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, 1973 established the “basic structure doctrine,” which essentially limits Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution and ensures its core principles remain intact. This can be seen as an early instance of the court upholding the spirit of the Constitution.
• SP Gupta Case (First Judges Case), 1982 labelled a constitutional breach as a severe violation of constitutional morality.
• Naz Foundation v. Government of NCT of Delhi, 2009 decriminalised consensual same-sex relationships between adults. The court emphasised that “constitutional morality” should prevail over societal perceptions of morality, upholding individual rights.
• Manoj Narula v. Union of India, 2014 stated that “Constitutional Morality means to bow down to the norms of the Constitution and not act in a manner which would become violative of the rule of law of action in an arbitrary manner.
• Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (Sabarimala Case), 2018 struck down the practice of excluding women of a certain age group from the Sabarimala temple. It emphasised that “constitutional morality” includes principles of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity, which outweighed religious customs restricting women’s entry.
• Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, 2018 read down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalised homosexuality.

Challenges to Constitutional Morality in India:

• One of the significant challenges is political interference in the functioning of constitutional bodies and institutions. This interference can undermine the autonomy and impartiality of these institutions, affecting their ability to uphold constitutional values. For example, there has been criticism surrounding the recent changes to the appointment committee for the Election Commission of India and the amended IT Rules 2023.
• Balancing judicial activism with judicial restraint is another challenge. While judicial activism can promote the protection of rights and enforcement of constitutional values, excessive activism can encroach upon the domain of the executive and legislature.
• Despite having a robust constitutional framework, ensuring effective enforcement and compliance remains a challenge. Implementation gaps, delays in justice delivery, and lack of awareness about constitutional rights among the general populace contribute to this challenge.

Source: Indian Express

Q1.)  Consider the following statements about the Foot Rot:

1. Foot Rot is a fungal disease affecting the Basmati rice.
2. Crop rotation, proper drainage, and avoiding waterlogged conditions can help reduce disease incidence.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

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

Q2.)The Shinku La tunnel, recently seen in news is an infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the border areas of

1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Manipur
3. Ladakh
4. Punjab

Q3.)  With reference to the non-market economy, consider the following statements:

1. A non-market economy refers to a country where market forces do not play a dominant role in determining prices, wages, and resource allocation.
2. Non-market economies may have restrictions on currency convertibility.
3. Non-market economies are subject to anti-dumping duties imposed by other countries.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  11th May 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – d

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c