Annual Survey of Industries Report 2022-23

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23 which presents significant insights into the recovery and growth of the manufacturing sector in India. 

• The survey fieldwork was conducted from November 2023 to June 2024 for ASI 2022-23. 

What are the Key Highlights of the ASI Report 2022-23? 

• Employment Growth in Manufacturing:  
  • The ASI indicates that employment in manufacturing grew by 7.5% from 1.72 crore in 2021-22 to 1.84 crore in 2022-23, the highest rate of growth in the last 12 years. 
  • In 2022-23, the manufacturing sector created 13 lakh jobs, an increase from 11 lakh in FY22. 

 

• Gross Value Added (GVA) and Output Growth:  
  • The manufacturing GVA grew robustly by 7.3%, reaching Rs 21.97 lakh crore in 2022-23, up from Rs 20.47 lakh crore in 2021-22.  
  • The total industrial input increased by 24.4%, while the output grew by 21.5% in the sector in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22, reflecting a significant rebound in manufacturing activities. 

 

• Main Drivers of Manufacturing Growth: 
  • The primary drivers of manufacturing growth in 2022-23 were basic metals, coke and refined petroleum products, food products, chemicals, and motor vehicles.  
    • Together, these industries accounted for about 58% of total output. 
• Regional Performance: 
  • Top 5 states in terms of employment were Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. 
• Increase in Number of Factories:  
  • The number of factories increased from 2.49 lakh in 2021-22 to 2.53 lakh in 2022-23, marking the first full recovery phase after Covid-19 disruptions. 
• Informal Sector Decline:  
  • The informal sector saw a 1.5% decline in employment, dropping by 16.45 lakh to 10.96 crore in 2022-23, indicating a shift towards formal employment in manufacturing as per the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Enterprises (ASUSE) 2022-23 report released in July 2024. 
• Average Salaries: 
  • Average emolument per person rose by 6.3%, reaching Rs 3.46 lakh in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22. 
• Capital Investment Surge:  
  • Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) surged by over 77% to Rs 5.85 lakh crore in 2022-23, while net fixed capital formation saw 781.6% rise to Rs 2.68 lakh crore, supporting sustained manufacturing growth. 
    • Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), or "investment," refers to the acquisition of produced assets, including second-hand purchases, as well as the production of assets by producers for their own use, minus disposals. 
    • Net fixed capital formation is the amount of Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) minus the amount of consumption of fixed capital. 
  • Profits in the manufacturing sector increased by 2.7% to Rs 9.76 lakh crore.

What is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)? 

• About: 
  • The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is the primary source of industrial statistics in India.  
  • It began in 1960, using 1959 as the base year, and has been conducted annually since then, with the exception of 1972, in accordance with the Collection of Statistics Act of 1953. 
  • Since ASI 2010-11, the survey has been conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, which was amended in 2017 to extend its coverage to All India.  
• Implementing Agency: 
  • The National Statistical Office (NSO), a part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), conducts the ASI.  
    • The MoSPI is responsible for ensuring the coverage and quality of the released statistics. 
• Scope and Coverage of ASI: 
  • The ASI extends to the entire country. It covers all factories registered under Sections 2(m)(i) and 2(m)(ii) of the Factories Act, 1948. 
  • Bidi and cigar manufacturing establishments, registered under the Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966. 
  • Electricity undertakings engaged in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, are not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). 
  • Units with 100 or more employees registered in the Business Register of Establishments (BRE) maintained by State Governments, as shared by the respective states. 
• Data Collection Mechanism: 
  • Data for the ASI are collected from selected factories in accordance with the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, as amended in 2017, and the rules established under it in 2011. 

What are the Opportunities and Challenges to the Manufacturing Sector in India? 

• Opportunities: 
  • Broad Domestic Market and Demand: The Indian manufacturing sector has witnessed robust demand for its products from both domestic and international clients.  
    • The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recorded at 58.8 in May 2024 indicates expansion within India's manufacturing landscape. 
  • Sectoral Advantage: Key manufacturing sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, industrial machinery, and textiles, have shown significant growth in recent years.  
    • Pharmaceutical manufacturing costs in India are approximately 30%–35% lower than those in the US and Europe. 
  • Outreach to the Global South Market:  Indian manufacturing is shifting from European to Asian Global Value Chains (GVC), with foreign value-added (FVA) from Global Southern partners increasing from 27% to 45% in 2005-2015.  
    • This offers Indian firms a chance to establish their own GVCs and position India as a regional growth hub. 
  • Rise of MSMEs: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute around 30% to India’s GDP and play a vital role in driving economic growth, accounting for nearly 45% of the country’s total exports. 
    • As of March 2024, over 4 crores MSMEs were registered on the Udyam portal, with 67% identified as manufacturing MSMEs. 
  • Potential for Growth: The Indian manufacturing sector has the potential to reach USD 1 trillion by 2025 highlighting its critical role in the economy. 
• Challenges: 
  • Outdated Technology and Infrastructure: Reliance on outdated technology and insufficient infrastructure hampers Indian manufacturers' ability to compete globally and meet international quality standards. 
  • Shortage of Skilled Workforce: According to the World Bank, only 24% of India's workforce possesses the skills needed for complex manufacturing jobs, compared to 52% in the US and 96% in South Korea. 
  • High Input Costs: The Reserve Bank of India (2022) reported that logistics costs in India are 14% higher than the global average, affecting the overall competitiveness of the manufacturing sector. 
    • Also the land acquisition process is complex in India. 
  • Competition from China and Import Dependence: In 2023-24, China accounted for nearly 42% of India's textiles and clothing imports, 40% of machinery, and 38.4% of electronics imports. 

Way Forward 

• Investment in Infrastructure: Enhancing infrastructure quality and accessibility while reducing logistics costs can attract more investment in manufacturing. 
• Need for Industry 4.0: Industry 4.0 adoption can help the manufacturing sector contribute 25% to GDP by FY26. Indian manufacturers are investing 35% of their operating budgets in digital transformation, and this amount should be increased. 
• Promoting Export-Oriented Manufacturing: Supporting the development of export-oriented manufacturing can help Indian businesses enter new markets and improve competitiveness through targeted policies. 
• Financial Assistance: Many MSMEs face challenges in securing credit for exports, making enhanced financial support for SMEs crucial for their growth. 
• Enabling Regulations: Streamlining regulations can reduce burdens on businesses and promote investment in manufacturing. 
• Skill Development: Increasing training programs can address the skilled labour shortage and enhance the sector’s competitiveness, as demonstrated by Vietnam’s success in becoming a global manufacturing hub.

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the key opportunities and challenges facing the manufacturing sector in India and suggest measures to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

Source: FE

Why in News?

Recently, on 29^th September, the world observed the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW), highlighting its implications for food security and environmental sustainability. 

• A 2023 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that about 30% of global food production is lost or wasted, which could feed the hungry. This urgent issue demands immediate action, especially in India, where post-harvest losses are significantly high. 

What is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste? 

• The IDAFLW, designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2019, focuses on the critical issue of food loss and waste(FLW), it aims to raise awareness and mobilise efforts to reduce FLW, highlighting the need for financial support to achieve climate goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 
• The initiative aligns with SDG Target 12.3, which aims to halve global food waste and reduce food losses by 2030, and is linked to the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 
  • Reducing FLW is a climate solution that requires increased climate finance. 

What are the Implications of Food Loss and Waste (FLW)? 

• Impact on Food Security: According to a study published in Nature, approximately 29% of the global population experiences moderate to severe food insecurity while one-third of food produced (1.3 billion tonnes) is lost or wasted. 
  • FLW contributes to a significant decrease in the availability of food for consumption, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations. 
• Environmental Consequences: Enormous resources land, water, energy, and labour are wasted alongside food, contributing to the depletion of natural resources. 
  • Carbon Footprint: Food wastage generates 3.3 billion tons of CO2 equivalents annually, contributing heavily to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 
  • Water Usage: The amount of water wasted on uneaten food is equivalent to the annual flow of Russia’s Volga River or three times the volume of Lake Geneva. 
  • Land Usage: Nearly 1.4 billion hectares of land are used to produce food that is ultimately wasted, roughly 28% of the world’s agricultural land. 
  • Energy Waste: About 38% of total global food system energy is consumed in producing food that is lost or wasted. 
  • Methane Emissions: Food waste in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2, thus accelerating climate change. 
  • Climate Goals: The agricultural sector's inefficiencies make it difficult to meet global climate targets, as emissions from food systems account for up to 37% of all GHG. 
• Economic Impacts: The economic costs associated with FLW are significant, leading to lost income for producers and higher prices for consumers. 
  • Food prices often fail to reflect the true social and environmental costs of food production, resulting in market inefficiencies and reinforcing inequalities. 

How Significant are FLW in India? 

• Post-Harvest Losses: According to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Services (NABCONS) survey conducted in 2022, India incurs food losses worth Rs 1.53 lakh crore (USD 18.5 billion). 
  • Major losses include 12.5 million metric tonnes of cereals, 2.11 million metric tonnes of oilseeds, and 1.37 million metric tonnes of pulses. 
  • Around 49.9 million metric tonnes of horticultural crops are lost annually due to inadequate cold chain infrastructure. 
  • Key Causes of Post-Harvest Losses: A survey by Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) found that food loss largely occurs during harvesting, threshing, drying, and storage due to low levels of mechanisation. 
    • Poor storage facilities contribute to roughly 10% of total food grain losses in India, according to the Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGSMRI). 
• National Food Loss: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that India wastes 74 million tonnes of food each year, representing a loss of 92,000 crore rupees. 
  • Food waste in restaurants stems from overproduction, large portion sizes, and the complexity of offering a wide variety of dishes, leading to spoilage. 
    • Additionally, customers often over-order, leaving food uneaten or discarded. A lack of awareness among staff and patrons about the economic, social, and environmental impacts further exacerbates the problem. 
  • According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021, Indian households generate 50 kg of food waste per capita per year, resulting in a total of 68,760,163 tonnes annually. 

Why is Reducing FLW Crucial for India’s Future? 

• Climate Change: Reducing food wastage could significantly lower GHG emissions, addressing a key contributor to climate change. 
  • Reducing FLW can cut emissions by as much as 12.5 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent (Gt CO₂e), which is equivalent to removing emissions from 2.7 billion cars from the road. 
  • By minimising FLW, the strain on natural resources like water and land, can be significantly reduced to ensure that more food reaches those in need. 
• Food Security: Globally, Between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022 . As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 74% of India's population is unable to afford a healthy diet.  
  • With millions of people in India still malnourished, cutting food loss could help ensure that more food reaches those in need, particularly in times of crisis. 
• Economic Efficiency: By improving post-harvest processes, India can enhance farm productivity, reduce waste, and boost farmer incomes, fostering a more resilient agricultural economy. 

What are India’s Initiatives to Combat Food Loss and Waste? 

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana:  It is a central sector umbrella scheme by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) aimed at reducing food loss and waste through the development of robust food processing and preservation infrastructure across India. 
  • Key Components:  
    • Cold Chain, Value Addition & Preservation Infrastructure: Establishes integrated cold chain,  preservation infrastructure and value addition Infrastructure to minimise post-harvest losses. 
    • Mega Food Parks: Aims to streamline food processing and distribution(was discontinued by the Government of India in April 2021). 
    • Agro Processing Clusters: Promotes localised food processing units to reduce food wastage and enhance local supply chains. 
    • Operation Greens: Provides credit linked financial aid in the form of grants-in-aid / subsidy is provided for establishing food processing projects leading to creation of food processing and preservation infrastructure facilities.  
• Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy (IFSA): This initiative, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), brings together various stakeholders to prevent food loss and waste throughout the supply chain. It also facilitates the safe distribution of surplus food. 

What Actions are Needed to Address FLW? 

• Promote Mechanisation: Farmers using mechanised equipment like combine harvesters report significantly lower losses in paddy production. However, only a small percentage of Indian cultivators own such machinery. 
  • Expanding mechanisation through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) can make technology more accessible to small and marginal farmers, reducing on-field losses. 
• Improve Storage and Packaging Solutions: Traditional storage methods, including sun drying and jute packaging, are prone to contamination, quality degradation, and spoilage due to rodent attacks or pilferage. 
  • Implementing solar dryers, airtight packaging, and upgrading India’s grain storage capacity by 70 million metric tons (MMT) over five years, as planned by the government, could significantly curb post-harvest losses. 
• Waste Management Protocols and Recycling: Adopting the UN Global Food Loss and Waste Protocol could enable India to quantify food loss across the value chain and develop targeted solutions.  
  • Recycling food waste into compost, biogas, or energy provides a sustainable way to manage excess production and post-harvest waste. 
• Redistribute Surplus Food: Surplus food can be redistributed to those in need, reducing hunger and food insecurity. Alternatively, surplus food can be converted into animal feed or organic manure, offering an effective recycling solution. 
• Consumer Responsibility: Consumers play a vital role in reducing food waste by purchasing only what is necessary.  
  • Changing consumer behaviour through awareness campaigns can drive responsible consumption patterns. 
• Adopt Innovative Technologies: Innovations such as mobile food processing systems, better logistics, and e-commerce platforms can help bridge the gap between food production and consumption, reducing inefficiencies in storage, transportation, and distribution. 
• Food Collection from Social Events: Social events often lead to significant food wastage. City-based organisations are already collecting surplus food from events and distributing it to slum areas, addressing both food waste and hunger. 
• Align Food Production with Demand: To minimise resource wastage, aligning food production with actual demand can optimise the use of water, energy, and land, ensuring that excess resources are not expended on food that will eventually go to waste. 

Conclusion 

Reducing food loss and waste in India is not just a matter of improving economic efficiency; it is about safeguarding food security for millions while mitigating environmental damage. Technological innovations, along with supportive policies, can pave the way for reducing food wastage by 50%. As India moves toward a sustainable future, addressing food loss and waste is an essential part of the solution to feeding its population and protecting the planet.

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the implications of food loss and waste on food security in India. What measures can be taken to address this issue?

NAMASTE Scheme

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recent government data as part of the NAMASTE scheme, from over 3,000 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), reveals that 92% of the 38,000 manual scavengers and workers involved in hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning across India's cities belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or other backward class (OBC) communities.  

• This highlights caste-based occupational segregation and the dangers these manual scavengers face. 

What is the NAMASTE Scheme? 

• About: The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), focusing on eliminating manual scavenging and promoting sanitation worker safety. 
  • NAMASTE, with an outlay of Rs. 349.70 crore, aims to cover all 4800+ ULBs by 2025-26, replacing the earlier Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS). 
  • As per the new modified scheme, profiling of Sewer/Septic Tanks Workers (SSWs) engaged by ULB would be undertaken.  
  • These SSWs are proposed to receive occupational safety training, personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, and health insurance Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), 
• Goal of NAMASTE: The goal is to profile SSWs engaged by ULB, provide safety training and equipment, and offer capital subsidies to turn them into "sanipreneurs" or sanitation entrepreneurs, promoting self-employment and formal employment opportunities. 
  • A key objective is to eliminate fatalities in sanitation work and improve the living conditions and health of sanitation workers. 
    • Between 2019 and 2023, at least 377 people across the country have died from hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, according to government data tabled in Parliament.   
• Progress of Profiling: As of September 2024, 3,326 ULBs have profiled approximately 38,000 SSWs. 283 ULBs reported zero SSWs, while 2,364 reported fewer than 10 SSWs. 
  • State-Level Efforts: 12 states and Union Territories, including Kerala and Rajasthan, have completed the profiling process. 
    • 17 states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, are still in the process. 
    • Some states like Tamil Nadu and Odisha are running their own separate programmes and not reporting to the Centre. 
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs estimates around 100,000 SSWs are currently employed in India's urban areas based on urban population statistics and decadal growth rates. 

What is Manual Scavenging? 

• About: Manual scavenging (MS) refers to the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks. Although banned in India under the PEMSR Act, 2013 the practice persists.  
  • The Act prohibits employing anyone for cleaning or handling human excreta and broadens the definition to include cleaning septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks.  
  • It recognizes the practice as "dehumanising" and seeks to address the historical injustices faced by manual scavengers. 
• Efforts to Reduce MS:  
  • Constitutional Safeguards: 
    • Article 14: Guarantees equal protection of the law for all citizens, ensuring manual scavengers are not subjected to discriminatory practices based on caste or occupation. 
    • Article 16: Ensures equal employment opportunities for all, prohibiting caste-based discrimination in government jobs, promoting the economic upliftment of manual scavengers. 
    • Article 17: Abolishes untouchability and punishes those enforcing it. This protects manual scavengers from caste-based exclusion and stigmatisation. 
    • Article 21: Ensures the right to live with dignity, offering manual scavengers the legal grounds to demand protection from dehumanising work. 
    • Article 23: Protects against forced labour, ensuring manual scavengers cannot be coerced into working under harsh conditions without proper wages or safety standards. 
  • Legal Framework: 
    • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013: The Act prohibits manual scavenging, including the construction of insanitary latrines, and mandates the demolition or conversion of such latrines into sanitary ones. 
      • It also provides for the identification and rehabilitation of manual scavengers through skill development, financial assistance, and alternative employment. 
    • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: It criminalises the employment of scheduled castes in manual scavenging. 
  • Government Initiatives and Schemes: 
    • Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SESRM): This scheme provides assistance to identified manual scavengers to help them transition into self-employment. 
    • National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): NSKFDC provides concessional loans and financial support for the socio-economic upliftment of Safai Karamcharis and their families. 
    • Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan: It  is a national campaign to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers. 
    • Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0: Encourages ULBs to ensure the safety of sanitation workers, focusing on mechanisation and the promotion of protective measures. 
      • SafaiMitra Suraksha Challenge (SSC) launched as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, this initiative encourages cities to mechanise sewer cleaning and prevent fatalities by reducing manual intervention. 
    • The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Guideline suggests that at least 10% of  self-help groups (SHGs) formed should be of persons engaged in vulnerable occupations, including sanitation workers.  
      • These SHGs would  then be empowered to run their own enterprises. 

How does Caste-Based Occupation Perpetuate Manual Scavenging in India? 

• Caste Hierarchy and Social Discrimination: Dalits are at the bottom of the social hierarchy in the Indian varna system. They are often associated with tasks deemed "polluting," such as handling human excrement.  
  • This caste-based discrimination not only ostracises them from mainstream society but also subjects them to exploitative labour practices.  
  • The stigma attached to their work exacerbates their marginalisation, as they face discrimination from both upper castes and, at times, within their communities. 
• Jajmani System and Inherited Occupations: The traditional jajmani system, which reinforces inherited caste-based roles, plays a vital role in perpetuating manual scavenging.  
  • This inheritance normalises manual scavenging within their communities, making it difficult to escape these occupations. 
• Lack of Alternatives: Many Dalits in manual scavenging continue this degrading work due to a lack of viable alternatives. Families depend on meagre food handouts, as caste discrimination limits job opportunities, perpetuating poverty and exclusion. 
• Structural Barriers and Discrimination: Legal frameworks like the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, aim to prohibit caste-based discrimination, but enforcement is weak. Despite the introduction of the PEMSR Act, 2013, the conviction rate remains very low, further exacerbating the problem. 
  • Manual scavengers often lack access to basic rights and services such as water, education, and healthcare, reinforcing the caste nature of this occupation and hindering their ability to pursue alternative livelihoods. 
• Discrimination in Education: Children from manual scavenging families face discrimination in schools, leading to high dropout rates. They are often treated as outcasts, subjected to bullying, and forced into labour themselves.  
  • This cycle of discrimination limits educational opportunities, further ensuring that the next generation remains trapped in caste-based occupations. 

What are the Challenges of Abolition and Rehabilitation of Manual Scavenging in India? 

• Lack of Understanding and Awareness: The PEMSR Act, 2013 clearly defines manual scavenging. However, many government officials are unaware of who qualifies as a manual scavenger.  
  • Often, these individuals work under the titles of scavengers or sweepers, leading to concealed and inaccurate data collection. 
• Inefficiency in Demolishing Insanitary Latrines: The root cause of manual scavenging are insanitary latrines that remain unaddressed due to slow and ineffective administrative actions. 
  • According to Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011, India has over a million of insanitary latrines, many of which still dispose of night soil (term for human waste that was collected from areas without sewer systems or septic tanks) into open drains and are manually serviced.  
  • The mandated conversion or demolition of these latrines has not been effectively implemented across states. 
• Inadequate Sewage and Drainage Systems: Despite advancements in other sectors, wastewater management and drainage systems in India remain underdeveloped. Poor planning and insufficient investment in modern sewage systems perpetuate the need for manual scavenging. 
• Failure to Enforce Legal Prohibitions: The Indian government has been ineffective in penalising those who continue to employ manual scavengers illegally.  
  • Laws like the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, and PEMSR Act, 2013, are routinely ignored, allowing the practice to persist. 
• Barriers in Accessing the Criminal Justice System: Dalits and marginalised communities face significant barriers to justice, as police often ignore or refuse to investigate crimes against manual scavengers, particularly when perpetrators are from dominant castes.  
  • This systemic bias undermines legal protections and discourages victims from seeking redress. 
• Harassment from Employers and Community: Manual scavengers seeking to leave the occupation often encounter threats, physical violence, and social exclusion.  
  • Community pressure and retaliation from dominant caste groups keep individuals trapped in exploitative conditions, making it difficult for them to abandon manual scavenging. 
• Scarcity of Alternative Employment Opportunities: Manual scavengers rely on daily donations for survival, making it difficult to leave the occupation without immediate access to alternative livelihoods.  
  • Social and economic barriers, including caste and gender discrimination, limit their ability to secure new employment. Corruption further exacerbates these challenges, with bribes often required to obtain reserved government positions. 
• Inadequate Date: Government surveys have been ineffective in accurately identifying and documenting the number of manual scavengers.  
  • Discrepancies in reports from various sources highlight a significant underestimation of the problem. Without comprehensive and regular surveys, targeted interventions remain challenging. 

Way Forward 

• Link Rehabilitation to Social Security Schemes: Link rehabilitation programs with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and other social security laws. This will facilitate access to employment for scavenging communities, helping to eliminate the practice. 
• Enhance Coordination: Establish a coordination committee involving key ministries to facilitate a unified approach to abolishing manual scavenging. Strengthening the role of NGOs and community organisations can help enforce the Act at the local level. 
• Address Railway Practices: The Indian Railways, as a significant contributor to manual scavenging, must transition to bio-toilets and provide regular progress reports to Parliament to ensure accountability and transparency. 
• Auditing Mechanisms: Form a national-level monitoring committee to regularly oversee the implementation of the NAMASTE scheme and conduct comprehensive social audits to identify and address systemic issues. 
• Revise Legislative Framework: Amend existing laws to ensure consistency and enhance protections for manual scavengers. Encourage accountability among monitoring agencies. 
• Invest in Technology and Resources: Allocate sufficient funds to local authorities for procuring advanced cleaning technologies, thereby reducing manual intervention and improving working conditions for sanitation workers. 

Drishti Mains Question: Q. What are the systemic barriers that hinder the effective implementation of laws prohibiting manual scavenging in India? Discuss possible solutions.

MP-Rajasthan MoU on PKC-ERCP Link Project

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Recently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to implement the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) river link project.  

• This project is being implemented as part of the Government of India's National Perspective Plan (NPP) for the interlinking of rivers (ILR). 

What is the Modified PKC-ERCP? 

• Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC): It is a river-linking initiative designed to divert surplus water from the Parbati, Newaj, and Kalisindh rivers to the Chambal River.  
  • It is part of the 30 links in the National Perspective Plan (1980), formulated by the Central Water Commission and the Union Ministry of Irrigation. 
  • It aims to provide water for domestic use, optimise water resources within the Chambal basin, and benefit regions in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.  
  • Rivers Involved in the Project: 
    • Chambal River: 
      • Origin: Singar Chouri Peak, Vindhya Mountains, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. 
      • Major Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, Parbati. 
    • Parvati River: 
      • Origin: Vindhya Range, Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh. 
      • Significant Tributaries: None. 
    • Kali Sindh River: 
      • Origin: Bagli, Dewas District, Madhya Pradesh. 
      • Major Tributaries: Parwan, Newaj, Ahu. 
• Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP): The ERCP was proposed by Rajasthan in 2019 to optimise water resources.  
  • It aims to facilitate intra-basin water transfer within the Chambal basin. 
  • It aims to harness surplus monsoon water from the Kalisindh, Parvati, Mej, and Chakan sub-basins and divert it to the water-deficient sub-basins of Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga, and Parbati.  
  • This initiative will supply drinking and industrial water to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan, including Alwar, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, and Jaipur. 
  • The ERCP aims to establish a network of water channels that will span 23.67% of Rajasthan's area and benefit 41.13% of the state's population. 
  • Benefits: 
    • The ERCP is expected to create an additional command area of 2 lakh hectares and provide irrigation to 4.31 lakh hectares.  
    • It aims to improve groundwater levels in rural Rajasthan, enhancing socio-economic conditions.  
    • The project also supports the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) by ensuring sustainable water sources to boost industrial growth and attract investment. 
• Modified PKC-ERCP: 
  • The Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-ERCP (PKC-ERCP) Link Project is an inter-state project that merges the PKC link with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).  
    • This integration addresses issues like water sharing, cost-benefit distribution, and water exchange between the concerned states. 
• Need of Such Project: 
  • Rajasthan, the largest state in India with a geographical area of 342.52 lakh hectares (10.4% of the country's total), has only 1.16% of the nation's surface water and 1.72% of its groundwater resources, as reported by the Water Resources Department of Rajasthan. 

What is the National Perspective Plan for Interlinking Rivers? 

• About:  
  • The River Interlinking Project, also known as the National Perspective Plan (NPP), formulated in 1980 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti is a large-scale civil engineering project that aims to transfer water from surplus basins to deficit basins in India.  
  • It involves the creation of artificial channels to connect rivers and water bodies. 
• Components:  
  • Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers Development Component  
• Projects Identified:  
  • A total of 30 link projects have been identified, with 16 under the Peninsular Component and 14 under the Himalayan Component. 
  • Key Projects Under Peninsular Component: Mahanadi-Godavari Links, Godavari-Krishna Links, Par-Tapi-Narmada Link, and Ken-Betwa Link (first project under the NPP to begin implementation). 
  • Key Projects Under Himalayan Component: Kosi-Ghagra Link, Ganga (Farakka)-Damodar-Subernarekha Link, and Kosi-Mechi Link. 
• Significance:  
  • Flood Management: It aims to manage flood risks in flood prone areas such as Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin. 
  • Addressing Water Shortages: It seeks to mitigate water shortages in western and peninsular states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 
  • Irrigation Improvement: It aims to enhance irrigation in water-scarce regions, thereby boosting agricultural productivity and improving food security, with the potential to double farmers' incomes.  
    • Example: Ken-Betwa link project. 
  • Infrastructure Development: It facilitates the establishment of environmentally friendly inland waterways for efficient freight movement such as national waterway-1. 
  • Sustainable Water Use: It is designed to optimise surface water utilisation to alleviate groundwater depletion and minimise the freshwater flowing into the sea. 
• Concerns: 
  • Biodiversity Loss: Altering natural river courses may lead to significant biodiversity loss and habitat disruption. 
    • Example: The Ken-Betwa link project in Madhya Pradesh is expected to submerge a significant portion of the Panna Tiger Reserve, leading to a loss of habitat for fauna. 
  • Community Displacement: River interlinking projects can displace local communities, raising important social and humanitarian issues. 
  • High Costs and Implementation Challenges: Significant investments, technical difficulties, and land acquisition issues. 
  • Failure of Similar Projects: The China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) has faced several challenges and negative consequences as it aimed to move water from the Yangtze River in the south to the Yellow River Basin in the north. 
  • Interstate Water Disputes: Conflicts and competition among states for limited water resources. Examples: Krishna Water Dispute  
  • Other concerns: Social impacts, long-term sustainability, and potential for exacerbating existing problems. 

 

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of the river interlinking project in India. How can these projects contribute to water management and socio-economic development in the country?

Global Warming Affecting Weather Forecast

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Unprecedented warming in 2023-2024 has pushed global temperatures beyond the 1.5ºC threshold, increasing the unpredictability of weather patterns and challenging current forecasting models amid extreme events like heatwaves, cyclones, and floods. 

What are the Factors Affecting Weather and Climate Forecasting? 

• Global Warming: 
  • Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gasses (GHG) like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄). 
  • Impact of Global Warming on Climate Forecasting: 
    • Increased Unpredictability of Weather:  
      • Rising global temperatures decrease weather predictability, reducing forecast accuracy by about one day per celsius increase.  
        • Rising temperature is also complicating current forecasting models to accurately predict extreme events such as  heatwaves, hurricanes, monsoons and El Niño. 
    • Changes in Atmospheric Dynamics:  
      • Rising temperatures accelerate the growth of atmospheric eddies- small-scale circulations in the troposphere which impact weather systems.  
        • This faster growth reduces the memory of initial conditions in weather models, leading to a narrower window for accurate predictions, especially in warming regions. 
    • Impact on Forecasting Models:  
      • Lorenz's "butterfly effect: 
        • It shows that small changes in temperature, humidity, and wind can lead to significant impacts on climate forecasting. 
• Other Factors: 
  • Data Quality and Availability:  
    • Accurate forecasts depend on comprehensive and high-quality data. Gaps in data may hinder the ability to make precise predictions. 
  • Model Limitations:  
    • Climate models, while sophisticated, have inherent limitations as they often struggle to replicate historical trends and can produce varying results based on their configurations. 
  • Natural Variability:  
    • Weather patterns are influenced by natural phenomena such as El Niño, La Niña, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) which further complicates predictions. 

 

 

Read More: World's Oceans Approaching Critical Acidification Level, Rising Global Temperatures. 

Samajik Adhikarita Shivirs

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, a Samajik Adhikarita Shivir was organised at 75 locations across India for distribution of aids and assistive devices to over 9000 pre-identified Divyangjan beneficiaries under the ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) Scheme. 

What is Samajik Adhikarita Shivir? 

• About: 
  • The Samajik Adhikarita Shivir (Social Empowerment Camps) are a series of distribution camps organised to provide assistive devices to people with disabilities and senior citizens. It has been in operation since 1981. 
• Organisers: 
  • These are organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation) and the District Administration. 
• Definition: 
  • The scheme follows the definitions of various types of disabilities as given in the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. 
• Grants: 
  • Grants-in-aid are released to various implementing agencies (ALIMCO, National Institutes, Composite Regional Centres, District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, State Handicapped Development Corporations, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) etc.) for purchase and distribution of aids and assistive devices under ADIP Scheme. 
• Scheme of Assistance to Persons with Disabilities  for Purchase/Fitting of Aids /Appliances (ADIP Scheme) 
  • The ADIP Scheme assists persons with disabilities by providing modern aids and appliances for rehabilitation. 
  • It includes support for corrective surgeries before providing assistive devices. 
  • It was last updated in April 2024, continuing March 2026. 

Read More: International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Drishti IAS 

Vice-President Address to IN-STEP

Source: PIB 

Recently, The Vice-President of India addressed the participants of the inaugural International Strategic Engagement Programme (IN-STEP), in New Delhi. 

• During this gathering, the Vice-President stressed the need for multilateral cooperation to address modern threats like cybercrime, terrorism, and climate change. 
• He reinforced the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) emphasising that these principles are vital for fostering unity and cooperation to tackle cross-border challenges. 
• IN-STEP: 
  • This serves as a valuable platform for participants to exchange ideas, explore different perspectives, and develop strategies to address the pressing security challenges. 
  • This gathering comprised 27 international delegates from 21 countries and 11 senior Indian military and civil officers. 
  • The programme is a collaborative effort between the National Security Council Secretariat, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence.

Read More: 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi 

SASTRA Ramanujan Prize 2024

Source: TH 

Recently, the 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize was awarded to Alexander Dunn from the Georgia Institute of Technology, US.  

• Dunn has made significant breakthroughs in the study of modular forms, half-integral weight forms, metaplectic forms, and their relationships with prime numbers and integer partitions. 
• About SASTRA Ramanujan Prize: 
  • It was established in 2005 and given by the Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Tamil Nadu. 
  • It includes a cash prize of USD 10,000.  
  • It is awarded annually to mathematicians aged 32 or below for exceptional contributions, particularly in areas inspired by the work of Srinivasa Ramanujan. 
• About Srinivasa Ramanujan: 
  • He was born on 22nd December 1887 in Tamil Nadu, made pioneering contributions to number theory, elliptic functions, partition theory, and hypergeometric series.  
  • His talent was recognized by G.H. Hardy in 1913, leading to his work at Cambridge. 

Read More: Srinivasa Ramanujan

India and Uzbekistan Signed BIT

Source: HT 

Recently, India and Uzbekistan signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to assure appropriate protection for investors from both countries. 

• It assures a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination while offering independent arbitration for dispute resolution. 
• However, both countries have the right to regulate and provide adequate policy space for public interest regulation, without compromising investor protection. 
• India is among the top 10 trade partners of Uzbekistan with bilateral trade USD 756.60 million.  
• Total Indian investments in Uzbekistan amount to USD 61 million.  
  • Notable Indian investments are in the field of pharmaceuticals, amusement parks, automobile components, and hospitality industry. 
• In 2019, India and Uzbekistan agreed to conduct a feasibility study for negotiating a preferential trade agreement (PTA). 
• The 2^nd Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri died in Tashkent, Uzbekistan just hours after signing the Tashkent Declaration, which brought a ceasefire in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Read More: Bilateral Investment Treaties

Rosh Hashanah

Source: PIB 

Recently, Prime Minister wished the Prime Minister of Israel and greeted Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah. 

• Rosh Hashanah is Jewish New Year and is among the most sacred days in the Jewish faith.  
• It marks the beginning of the Jewish month of Tishri, which is the 7^th month according to the Hebrew calendar. 
• It is believed by the Jewish community to be the day when God created the world, including Adam and Eve.  
• Rosh Hashanah is also known as Yom Hadin (Day of Judgment) on which God opens the Books of Life and Death, which are then sealed on Yom Kippur. 
  • Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" on which Jewish people pray, seek forgiveness and a fresh start. 
• The central ceremony features the blowing of the shofar horn in select synagogues, along with community prayers held beside a body of water. 
  • A shofar is an ancient musical instrument typically made of a ram's (a species of sheep) horn, used for Jewish religious purposes.  

Read More: Hanukkah