Daily Current Affairs UPSC 15 May 2024

Tea Board of India (TBI)

Tea Production Decline in Assam and West Bengal

• TBI data shows a potential 50% drop in tea production in Assam and West Bengal.
• TBI is a statutory body established in 1954 under the Tea Act, 1953.
• Ministry of Commerce oversees TBI operations.
• Headquarters located in Kolkata with overseas offices in London, Dubai, and Moscow.
• TBI consists of 31 members, including the Chairman.
• Major tea growing regions in India include Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh.

Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

Sighting of a Red Panda in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

• A Red panda was recently spotted in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.

Information about Red Pandas

• Red pandas are small arboreal mammals that are found in high-altitude forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China.
• They thrive best in temperate forests of the Himalayas, specifically in Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, at altitudes of 2,200-4,800m in mixed deciduous and conifer forests with dense bamboo understories.
• Red pandas are classified as endangered by the IUCN, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, and listed in Appendix I of CITES.
• Conservation issues facing red pandas include habitat fragmentation and degradation, predation by feral dogs, and occasional hunting and poaching.

Blue Flag Certification

Recommendation of Injambakkam-Akkarai Stretch Development Project

• The Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority has suggested the development project for the Injambakkam-Akkarai stretch, with the requirement to consider obtaining blue flag certification.

Blue Flag Certification

• Blue Flag Certification is an internationally recognized eco-label given to beaches, marinas, and boats that are environmentally friendly and clean.
• The certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which is based in Denmark.
• FEE has established 33 criteria that must be met in order to qualify for the blue flag certification.
• India currently has 12 blue flag-certified beaches, including Minicoy Thundi and Kadmat in Lakshadweep, Ghoghla-Diu, and Golden-Odisha.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

WPI Inflation Reaches 13-Month High in April 2024

• WPI measures the average change in prices of commodities for bulk sale at the early stage of transactions.
• Base year for WPI is 2011-2012.
• WPI is released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• WPI Index basket covers Primary Articles, Fuel and Power, and Manufactured products.
• WPI does not cover services.
• Food has a weightage of approximately 24% in WPI, which is lower than CPI.

Sahul

Discovery of Sahul

• Archaeologists have discovered evidence of a lost landscape called Sahul that existed during ancient times.

Characteristics of Sahul

• Sahul was a supercontinent that emerged during the last ice age as a result of glaciation, which caused global sea levels to drop. It was above sea levels approximately 70,000 years ago and connected Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands like the Aru Islands.

Importance of Sahul

• Sahul played a crucial role in enabling human migration across continents, allowing people to travel from Asia to Australia nearly 7,000 years ago.

India Volatility Index (VIX)

India VIX Surges Above 21

• India VIX recently surpassed the critical threshold of 21, indicating increased volatility in the Indian stock market.

Understanding India VIX

• India VIX is a measure of the expected fluctuations in an underlying index over the next 30 calendar days.
• Higher India VIX values suggest higher expected volatility, while lower values indicate lower volatility.
• It is calculated based on index option prices of NIFTY, a major stock index in India.
• The computation methodology for India VIX is based on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange (CBOE).
• The CBOE was the first to introduce a volatility index for US markets in 1993.

CAATSA

Warning to India on Chabahar Port Deal and CAATSA Sanctions

• The US State Department has issued a warning to India regarding potential sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) due to the India-Iran deal on the Chabahar port.

About CAATSA

• CAATSA is a US federal law passed in 2017 that aims to penalize countries with significant ties to Russia, North Korea, and Iran through economic sanctions.
• The law includes economic and financial penalties for nations engaging in substantial transactions with Russian intelligence and military entities.
• In 2018, the US House of Representatives approved an amendment to exempt India from CAATSA sanctions for purchasing the S-400 missile defense system from Russia.

Exercise Tarkash

Seventh edition of Indo-U.S. joint counter-terrorism exercise 'Tarkash'

• The seventh installment of the collaborative counter-terrorism exercise between India and the United States, known as 'Tarkash', took place in Kolkata.
• Participants included India's National Security Guard (NSG) and U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF).
• The exercise involved the participation of India's National Security Guard (NSG) and the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF), showcasing the cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism.

Arun Chandra Guha (1892-1983)

Arun Chandra Guha: Remembering a Freedom Fighter and Writer.

Background of Arun Chandra Guha

• Born in Barisal (East Bengal).
• Member of the Constituent Assembly and Member of Parliament till the third Lok Sabha (1963).

Key Contributions of Arun Chandra Guha

• Interest in politics during the Swadeshi movement of 1905.
• Active member of the Jugantar Party after 1910.
• Published Bengali journal Mandira and English journal Forward.
• Subscribed to Bagha Jatin’s Zimmermann plan.
• Literary works include Shristi Sabhyata, First Spark of Revolution, etc.

Values upheld by Arun Chandra Guha

• Patriotism.
• Courage.
• Leadership.

Land Grabs and Inequality

A report called 'Land Squeeze' from the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) highlights the increasing and converging pressures on global farmland.

Dimensions of Land Squeeze in India

• Land degradation and desertification: More than 70% of arable land in India is currently experiencing land degradation.
• Land concentration: The top 10% of landowners in India own 45% of farmland.
• Land Fragmentation: The average agricultural holdings in India are 1.08 hectares as of 2015-16.

Steps taken to address land inequality in India

• Land Reforms: Measures such as the abolition of intermediaries, tenancy reforms, ceiling on land holding size, and land consolidation have been implemented.
• Joint Forest Management Program: This program aims to provide enhanced access to forest resources and decrease land degradation.
• Voluntary group farming: Initiatives in states like Kerala and Telangana have increased women's access to land, provided livelihoods, and empowered them.

Way Forward

• Build integrated land, environmental, and food systems governance to prevent green grabs by prioritizing the right to land in climate governance.
• Implement caps on farmland investment and give farmers rights of first refusal on land sales.
• Establish public pension and insurance systems to secure farmers' livelihoods and facilitate the managed transfer of land to new farmers.

Advocates exempt from CPA liability: Supreme Court ruling

SC overturns NCDRC ruling on lawyers' services under CPA

• The Supreme Court has reversed a previous judgment by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission which stated that services provided by lawyers are covered under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 (re-enacted in 2019).
• The court emphasized that professionals, such as lawyers, should be treated differently from those engaged in business and trade, and are not subject to the provisions of the CPA.
• The bench has also called for a review of a previous judgment by VP Shantna in 1995, which held that doctors and medical professionals can be held liable under the CPA.

Overview of Consumer Protection Act (CPA)

• The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 was enacted to safeguard the interests of consumers and establish mechanisms for resolving consumer disputes.
• The CPA was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, which enhanced the provisions for consumer protection.

Key Features of Consumer Protection Act 2019

• Expanded definition of 'consumer' to include those who purchase goods or services online or through electronic means.
• Establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority to advocate for and enforce consumer rights.
• Improved dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and e-filing of complaints.
• Introduction of product liability action against manufacturers and service providers.
• Specific measures to prevent unfair trade practices in e-commerce and direct selling sectors.

6 Consumer Rights Under the consumer Act, 2019:

• Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to products and services that are safe for use and do not pose any harm to their health or well-being.
• Right to be Informed: Consumers have the right to receive accurate and complete information about the products and services they are purchasing, including ingredients, pricing, and any potential risks.
• Right to Choose: Consumers have the right to choose from a variety of products and services at competitive prices, without being limited to a specific brand or supplier.
• Right to be Heard: Consumers have the right to voice their opinions and complaints about products and services, and to have their concerns addressed by businesses and regulatory authorities.
• Right to seek Redressal: Consumers have the right to seek compensation or resolution for any damages or losses incurred due to faulty products or services, through legal channels or consumer protection agencies.
• Right to Consumer Awareness: Consumers have the right to access information and resources that help them make informed decisions about their purchases, and to be educated about their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

"India's Merchandise Trade: A Five-Year Review"

Assessment of International Disruptions and Domestic Hurdles

• The report by GTRI evaluates the impact of international disruptions and domestic obstacles on trade performance, as well as reviews market shifts.
• It also focuses on the diverse effects of FTAs on India's global trade dynamics.

Understanding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

• FTAs are agreements between countries aimed at reducing trade barriers and promoting stronger commercial ties.
• They can cover various areas such as goods, services, and intellectual property rights.

Key Findings on India's FTAs

• India's imports from FTA partners have increased significantly compared to exports.
• The FTA with ASEAN has led to faster growth in imports than exports.
• India ranks 17th globally in merchandise exports and 8th in merchandise imports.

Challenges with India's FTAs

• Low utilization of FTAs by India, standing at around 25% compared to 70-80% for developed countries.
• Higher compliance costs due to complex certification processes and rules of origin. 
• Non-tariff barriers such as stringent standards and technical barriers by partner countries like Japan.
• Limited awareness among exporters about the benefits of FTAs.

Recommendations on FTAs by Surjit Bhalla Committee

• Adopt an integrated approach towards trade in goods, services, and investment.
• Implement a program on technical regulations based on international standards to address non-tariff barriers.
• Provide institutional support to MSMEs to leverage FTAs in line with international obligations.
• Develop a database on FTA utilization and improve inter-ministerial coordination and stakeholder consultation.
• Utilize trade remedies like anti-dumping and countervailing duties available under FTAs.

"India Bracing for Intensifying Heatwaves, Study Finds"

Impact of Heatwaves in India

• India has experienced significant impacts from hotter heatwaves, which have been exacerbated by climate change.
• El Niño events have also contributed to the increased likelihood and intensity of heatwaves in the country.

Definition and Declaration of Heatwaves

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave as when temperatures exceed 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas, and 30°C in hills.
• IMD declares a heatwave based on these temperature thresholds.

Impacts of Heatwaves on Vulnerable Sections

• Heatwaves have forced schools to close, leading to educational gaps for children from low-income families and an increased risk of dropouts.
• Older adults, particularly in Asia and Africa, are facing acute heat stress due to heatwaves.
• Heatwaves have also resulted in reduced crop yields, putting pressure on farmers and agricultural systems.

Challenges in Addressing Heatwaves

• Heatwave Action Plans (HAPs) are often underfunded and may not consider local contexts.
• Vulnerable groups are not always properly identified, and there is a lack of periodic evaluations of HAPs.

Strategies for Mitigating Heatwave Impacts

• Long-term adaptation management plans and climate change policies are essential for addressing heatwaves.
• Workplace interventions such as scheduled rest breaks, fixed work hours, and rest-shade-rehydrate programs can help protect workers from heat stress.

Initiatives and Actions Taken

• The National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses was developed in 2021 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Heat Action Plans have been implemented in 23 states in collaboration with the IMD and the National Disaster Management Authority.
• IMD issues color-coded impact-based heat warnings, including Green (No action), Yellow Alert (Be updated), Orange Alert (Be prepared), and Red Alert (Take Action).

NHRC-India Deferred Accreditation Again

Reasons for NHRC's Deferral of Accreditation

• In 2016, NHRC's accreditation as 'A-status' was deferred due to various reasons.
• The deferment affected India's ability to vote at the Human Rights Council and some United Nations General Assembly bodies.

Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)

• GANHRI was established in 1993 as the International Coordinating Committee for human rights institutions.
• It was renamed as GANHRI in 2016 and has 120 members, including India.
• GANHRI accredits NHRI with 'A status' or 'B status' based on their adherence to the Paris Principles.
• The Paris Principles set minimum standards for NHRIs to be considered credible and independent.

Reasons for NHRC's Deferral of Accreditation

• NHRC's deferral was due to reasons such as police officers investigating human rights violations, lack of pluralism in composition, lack of diversity in staff and leadership, and insufficient action to protect marginalized groups.

"China-Myanmar Module Aids Banned Outfits in Manipur: NIA"

Insurgency in North-East Region (NER)

• The NIA chargesheet revealed that the China-Myanmar module of NSCN-IM supported banned Meitei outfits to infiltrate India, aiming to exploit ethnic unrest in Manipur and destabilize the state.
• The NER has been plagued by insurgencies for over 50 years, with demands ranging from sovereignty to political autonomy.

Factors contributing to insurgency in NER

• Ethnic conflict: Various ethnic groups like Nagas, Bodos, and Kukis demand separate statehood or autonomy.
• Illegal immigration: Influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, has led to the rise of groups like ULFA in Assam.
• Developmental deficit: Limited infrastructure and economic opportunities in the region have caused resentment among the local population.
• External interference: Insurgent groups have received support from external actors.

Efforts to address insurgency in NER

• Political dialogues and peace talks: Bodo Peace Accord (2020), Bru-Reang Agreement (2020) have been signed.
• Development initiatives: Initiatives like the North Eastern Council and PM-DevINE aim at integrated development of the region.
• Confidence-building measures: Programs like Civic Action and Surrender and Rehabilitation policies have been implemented.
• International cooperation: Intelligence sharing and coordinated operations with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar are being pursued.