IPCC: Part Two of Sixth Assessment Report

Why in News?

Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released the second part of its sixth assessment report. This second part of the report is about climate change impacts, risks and vulnerabilities, and adaptation options.

• The first part of this report, on the physical science of climate change in 2021. It had warned that 1.5 degree Celsius warming was likely to be achieved before 2040 itself.
• The third and final part of the report, which will look into the possibilities of reducing emissions, is expected to come out in April 2022.

What are Important Observations of the Report?

• Population at Risk: Noting that over 3.5 billion people, over 45% of the global population, were living in areas highly vulnerable to climate change.
• Indian Scenario: The report identifies India as one of the vulnerable hotspots, with several regions and important cities facing very high risk of climate disasters such as flooding, sea-level rise and heat-waves.
  • For example, Mumbai is at high risk of sea-level rise and flooding, while Ahmedabad faces serious danger of heat-waves.
• Complex, Compound and Cascading Risks: The latest report warns that multiple disasters induced by climate change are likely to emerge in different parts of the world in the next two decades.
  • Multiple climate hazards will occur simultaneously, and multiple climatic and non-climatic risks will interact, resulting in compounding overall risk and risks cascading across sectors and regions.
• Near to Long-term Risks: Even if adequate efforts are made to keep the global rise in temperatures within 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-industrial times.
  • Even temporarily exceeding this warming level will result in additional severe impacts, some of which will be irreversible.
  • The magnitude and rate of climate change and associated risks depend strongly on near-term mitigation and adaptation actions.
  • Projected adverse impacts and related losses and damages escalate with every increment of global warming.
• Coupled System: There is a strong focus on the interactions among the coupled systems climate, ecosystems (including their biodiversity) and human society.

• Regional Variation: Vulnerability of ecosystems and people to climate change differs substantially among and within regions.
  • These are driven by patterns of intersecting socio-economic development, unsustainable ocean and land use, inequity, marginalization, historical and ongoing patterns of inequity such as colonialism, and governance.
• Health Impacts of Climate Change: It has found that climate change is increasing vector-borne and water-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue, particularly in sub-tropical regions of Asia.
  • It has also said deaths related to circulatory, respiratory, diabetic and infectious diseases, as well as infant mortality, are likely to increase with a rise in temperature.
  • Increasing frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves, flooding and drought, and even air pollution was contributing to under-nutrition, allergic diseases and even mental disorders.
• Current Adaptation and its Benefits: Progress in adaptation planning and implementation has been observed across all sectors and regions, generating multiple benefits.
  • However, adaptation progress is unevenly distributed with observed adaptation gaps..
  • Many initiatives prioritise immediate and nearterm climate risk reduction which reduces the opportunity for transformational adaptation.

Adaptation Risks & Strategies

• Gaps in Adaptation: The report also highlights large gaps in the adaptation actions that are being taken and the efforts that are required. It says these gaps are a result of “lack of funding, political commitment, reliable information, and sense of urgency”.
  • Adaptation is essential to reduce harm, but if it is to be effective, it must go hand in hand with ambitious reductions in greenhouse gas emissions because with increased warming, the effectiveness of many adaptation options declines.
• Need for Holistic Changes: It is clear now that minor, marginal, reactive or incremental changes won’t be sufficient.
  • In addition to technological and economic changes, shifts in most aspects of society are required to overcome limits to adaptation, build resilience, reduce climate risk to tolerable levels, guarantee inclusive, equitable and just development and achieve societal goals without leaving anyone behind.

What is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?

• It is the international body for assessing the science related to climate change.
• It was set up in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.
• IPCC assessments provide a scientific basis for governments at all levels to develop climate related policies, and they underlie negotiations at the UN Climate Conference – the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

What is the Assessment Report of IPCC?

• The Assessment Reports, the first of which had come out in 1990, are the most comprehensive evaluations of the state of the earth’s climate.
  • Every few years (about 7 years), the IPCC produces assessment reports.
• Hundreds of experts go through every available piece of relevant, published scientific information to prepare a common understanding of the changing climate.
• The four subsequent assessment reports, each thousands of pages long, came out in 1995, 2001, 2007 and 2015.
  • These have formed the basis of the global response to climate change.
• Over the years, each assessment report has built on the work of the previous ones, adding more evidence, information and data.
  • So that most of the conclusions about climate change and its impacts have far greater clarity, certainty and wealth of new evidence now, than earlier.
• It is these negotiations that have produced the Paris Agreement, and previously the Kyoto Protocol.
  • The Paris Agreement, negotiated on the basis of the Fifth Assessment Report.
• The Assessment Reports - by three working groups of scientists.
  • Working Group-I - Deals with the scientific basis for climate change.
  • Working Group-II - Looks at the likely impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation issues.
  • Working Group-III - Deals with actions that can be taken to combat climate change.

Source: IE

Market Infrastructure Institution

Why in News?

Recently, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) noted that the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the country's largest equities and derivatives exchange is a systemically important market infrastructure institution (MII).

What are MIIs?

• Stock exchanges, depositories and clearing houses are all Market Infrastructure Institutions and constitute a key part of the nation's vital economic infrastructure.
• According to a panel set up (in 2010) under the chairmanship of former Reserve Bank of India Governor Bimal Jalan, the term ‘market infrastructure’ denotes such fundamental facilities and systems serving this capital market.
  • The primary purpose of the securities /capital market is to enable allocation/reallocation of capital/financial resources.
• MIIs helps in optimal use of money in the economy and fostered economic development.
• They constitute the nucleus of the capital allocation system and are indispensable for economic growth and have a net positive effect on society like any other infrastructure institution.

Why are they considered to be systemically important?

• MIIs are systemically important in India is clear from the phenomenal growth of these institutions in terms of market capitalization of listed companies, capital raised and the number of investor accounts and the value of assets held in the depositories’ account.
• Any failure of such an MII could lead to even bigger cataclysmic collapses that may result in an overall economic downfall that could potentially extend beyond the boundaries of the securities market and the country.
• Given the potential for a domino effect that a failure of an MII could have on the wider market and economy, governance and oversight are absolutely critical and need to be of the highest standards.

What are the specific institutions in India that qualify as MIIs?

• Among stock exchanges, the SEBI lists seven, including the BSE, the NSE, the Multi Commodity Exchange of India and the Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India.
• There are two depositories — charged with the safekeeping of securities and enabling their trading and transfer — that are tagged MIIs: the Central Depository Services Ltd. and the National Securities Depository Ltd.
• The regulator also lists seven clearing houses including the Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing Corporation.
  • Clearing houses, for their part, help validate and finalise securities trades and ensure that both buyers and sellers honour their obligations.

Source: TH

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the countrywide implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) with the budgetary allocation of Rs 1,600 crore for five years.

• Under the mission, citizens will be able to create their Ayushman Bharat health account numbers, to which their digital health records can be linked.
• Ayushman Bharat is a flagship scheme of India which was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

What is Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?

• It was launched in September 2021 by the Prime Minister through a video conference.
• It aims to provide digital health IDs for all Indian citizens to help hospitals, insurance firms, and citizens access health records electronically when required.
• The pilot project of the Mission had been announced by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15^th August 2020.
  • The project is being implemented in the pilot phase in six States & Union Territories.
• The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will be the implementing Agency.

What are the Features of the Mission?

• Health ID:
  • It will be issued for every citizen that will also work as their health account. This health account will contain details of every test, every disease, the doctors visited, the medicines taken and the diagnosis.
  • Health ID is free of cost, voluntary. It will help in doing analysis of health data and lead to better planning, budgeting and implementation for health programs.
• Healthcare Facilities & Professionals’ Registry:
  • The other major component of the programme is creating a Healthcare Professionals’ Registry (HPR) and Healthcare Facilities Registry (HFR), allowing easy electronic access to medical professionals and health infrastructure.
  • The HPR will be a comprehensive repository of all healthcare professionals involved in delivering healthcare services across both modern and traditional systems of medicine.
  • The HFR database will have records of all the country’s health facilities.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Sandbox:
  • The Sandbox, created as a part of the mission, will act as a framework for technology and product testing that will help organisations, including private players intending to be a part of the national digital health ecosystem become a Health Information Provider or Health Information User or efficiently link with building blocks of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

What are the Benefits and Related Concerns?

• Expected Benefits:
  • Ensure ease of doing business for doctors and hospitals and healthcare service providers.
  • Enable access and exchange of longitudinal health records of citizens with their consent.
  • Create integration within the digital health ecosystem, similar to the role played by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in revolutionising payments.
  • The mission will improve "equitable access" to quality healthcare as it'll encourage the use of technologies such as telemedicine, and enable national portability of health services.
• Concerns:
  • The lack of a data protection bill could lead to the misuse of data by private firms and bad actors.
  • Exclusion of citizens and denied healthcare due to faults in the system are also a cause of concern.

Way Forward

• The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) still does not recognize Health as a justiciable right. There should be a push draft at making health a right, as prescribed in the draft National Health Policy, 2015.
• In addition, the failure of a similar National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom must be learnt from and the technical and implementation-related deficiencies must be proactively addressed prior to launching the mission on a pan India scale.
• The standardisation of NDHM architecture across the country will need to find ways to accommodate state-specific rules. It also needs to be in sync with government schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana and other IT-enabled schemes like Reproductive Child Health Care and NIKSHAY etc.

Source: TH

INS Visakhapatnam

Why in News?

Recently, the India-made stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam was formally affiliated to the Visakhapatnam port.

• This marks the formal induction of the first of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers.
  • Under the P-15B (Visakhapatnam Class), a total of four warships were planned (Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, Surat) to be inducted.
  • It is indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai.

What is INS Visakhapatnam?

• INS Visakhapatnam is the lead ship of the P15B class of guided missile stealth destroyers and was commissioned on 21^st November 2021.
• The ship symbolises India's matured shipbuilding capability and quest for the Make in India initiative towards achieving 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
• The crew of the ship abides by her motto 'Yasho Labhasva' - a Sanskrit phrase that translates to 'Attain Glory'.
  • It embodies the indomitable spirit and capability of this mighty ship to achieve success and glory in every endeavour. 
• Visakhapatnam class ships are follow-on of the Kolkata class destroyers (P-15A) commissioned in the last decade.
• The ship is on her maiden visit to the port for participating in the Presidential Fleet Review (PFR) and MILAN 2022.
  • The fleet review is a long-standing tradition followed by navies all across the world and it is an assembly of ships at a pre-designated place for the purpose of displaying loyalty and allegiance to the sovereign and the state.

What are the Features of P15B Ships?

• These ships are amongst the most technologically advanced Guided Missile Destroyers of the world, with state-of-the-art weapon/sensor package, advanced stealth features and a high degree of automation.
• These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM).
• The ship has several indigenous weapons systems like medium range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAMs), indigenous torpedo tube launchers, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers and 76-mm super rapid gun mount.

What is the Role of P-15B in the Security of India?

• The Indian Navy’s responsibilities to safeguard a large coastline of 7516 Kms and about 1100 offshore islands along with 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have been enhanced in the present geopolitical scenario.
• Destroyers like the P-15B class shall play an important role in the larger oceans of the Indo-Pacific, making the Indian Navy a potent force.
• The guided missile Destroyers are deployed for various responsibilities like escort duties with the Carrier Battle Group to protect the Naval fleet against any air, surface and underwater threats.

Source: PIB

Janaushadhi Diwas

Why in News?

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), under the aegis of Department of Pharmaceuticals is going to celebrate their 4^th Jan Aushadhi Diwas.

• All the activities will be organised within the spirit of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” and several events have been planned at 75 locations.
• This will generate awareness about the usages of generic medicines and benefits of Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.
• The theme of this year's (2022) Janaushadhi Diwas is Jan Aushadhi-Jan Upyogi.

What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?

• PMBJP is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in 2008 under the name Jan Aushadhi Campaign.
  • The campaign was revamped as PMBJP in 2015-16.
• Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementation agency for PMBJP.
  • The Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of India works under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers.
  • BPPI has also developed the Janaushadhi Sugam Application.
• A medicine is priced on the principle of maximum 50% of average price of the top three brands branded medicines. Thus, the prices of Jan Aushadhi Medicines are cheaper by at least 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of the branded medicines.

What is the objective of the PMBJP?

• To make available quality medicines, consumables and surgical items at affordable prices for all and reduce out of pocket expenditure of consumers/patients.
• To popularise generic medicines among the masses and dispel the prevalent notion that low priced generic medicines are of inferior quality or are less effective.
  • Generic medicines are unbranded medicines which are equally safe and having the same efficacy as that of branded medicines in terms of their therapeutic value.
• To ensure easy availability of the menstrual health services (Janaushadhi ‘Suvidha’ sanitary napkins) to all women across India.
• Generate employment by engaging individual entrepreneurs in the opening of PMBJP Kendras.

What is Janaushadhi Kendra?

• These are the centres from where quality generic medicines are made available to all.
• Bureau of Pharma PSUs in India (BPPI) supports Janaushadhi Kendras as a part of PMBJP.
• The Government has set a target to increase the number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to 10,500 by the end of March 2025.
  • As on 31^st January, 2022, the number of stores has increased to 8,675.
• Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1451 drugs and 240 surgical instruments.
  • Further, new medicines and nutraceuticals products like protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bar, immunity bar, sanitizer, masks, glucometer, oximeter, etc. have been launched.

What has been the Performance of the PMBJP?

• In the current financial year 2021-22 (till 31^st January, 2022), PMBI has made sales of Rs. 751.42 Crore which led to savings of approximately Rs. 4500 Crore to the citizens.
• This scheme is also providing a good source of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings.
• Average sales per store per month has grown to Rs 1.50 lacs (including Over-The-Counter & other products) as per a survey.
  • Over-The-Counter refers to a medicine that can be bought without a prescription.

Source: PIB

National Science Day 2022

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister greeted India's scientific community on the occasion of National Science Day (28^th February).

What are the Key Points?

• National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated annually on 28^th February to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Nobel laureate and Physicist CV Raman on this day in 1928.
  
  • In 1986, the National Council for Science & Technology asked the Government of India to designate 28th February as NSD.
  • Since 1987, the event has been celebrated all over the country in schools, colleges, universities and other academic, scientific, technical, medical and research.
• The day aims to propagate the message of the importance of science and its application among the people.
• The purpose of celebrating this day is to enhance scientific temper, popularisation of science and encourage innovative activities by infusing scientific temperament in the masses and to create a positive scientific research culture.
• The Nodal Agency to support celebration of NSD is the National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Theme 2022: "Integrated Approach in science and technology for Sustainable Future".
  
  • The theme focuses on a four-fold integrated approach for a sustainable future which are
    
    • Extended scientific intervention encompassing engineering
    • Medical and other institutions.
    • Extra scientific integration involves identification of the needs of other ministries like Jal Shakti, Railways, among others.
    • Extended science driven all inclusive approach integrating startups and industry.

Source: PIB

International Intellectual Property Index 2022

Why in News?

Recently, India has improved its overall International Intellectual Property (IIP) score from 38.4% to 38.6%, and the country is ranked 43^rd out of 55 countries on the International Intellectual Property Index.

• International Intellectual Property Index is an annual report compiled by the US Chambers of Commerce.
• This year (2022) the index is topped by the US with 95.4%.

What is the International Intellectual Property Index?

• The 2020 U.S. Chamber International IP Index titled ‘Art of the Possible’ creates a template for economies that aspire to become the 21^st century, knowledge-based economies through more effective IP protection.
  
  • In its eighth edition, the Index maps the IP ecosystem in 53 global economies, representing over 90% of global Gross Domestic Product.
  • The Index evaluates the IP framework in each economy across 50 unique indicators which industry believes represent economies with the most effective IP systems.
• The indicators create a snapshot of an economy overall IP ecosystem and span nine categories of protection:
  
  • Patents,
  • Copyrights,
  • Trademarks,
  • Design Rights,
  • Trade Secrets,
  • Commercialization of IP Assets,
  • Enforcement,
  • Systemic Efficiency,
  • Membership And Ratification Of International Treaties.

What is the US Chamber of Commerce?

• It is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
• The group was founded in April 1912 out of local chambers of commerce at the urging of President William Howard Taft and his Secretary of Commerce and Labour Charles Nagel.

What are Indian Government Initiatives for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection?

• Indian Patent Act 1970
• National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016
• India is also a member of the following important World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)-administered International Treaties and Conventions relating to IPRs.

Source: BS

Exercise Dharma Guardian 2022

Why in News?

Recently, a Joint Military Exercise, “Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022”, between India and Japan will be conducted at foreign training node, Belagavi (Belgaum, Karnataka) from 27^th February to 10^th March 2022.

What is Exercise Dharma Guardian?

• Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022 is an annual training event which is being conducted in India since 2018.
• The scope of this exercise covers platoon level joint training on operations in jungle and semi urban/urban terrain.
• The joint exercise schedule includes house interventions drills, raid on terrorist hideouts in semi urban terrain, combat first aid, unarmed combat & close quarter combat firing where both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats.
• Special emphasis is being laid on enhancing tactical skills to fight global terrorism and on enhancing inter-operability between the forces and to promote Army to Army relations.

What are Other Military Exercises between India and Japan?

• Malabar: India and Japan with the United States and Australia participate in the naval wargaming exercise named Malabar.
• JIMEX (naval)
• SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force)

Source: IE