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Caste-Census in Bihar

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Government of the State of Bihar released findings of the Caste Survey, 2023 which revealed that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) together constitute 63 % of the state’s total population.

• The findings are supposed to have wider connotations in the State and National Elections and also in the identification of intended beneficiaries for various welfare schemes.

What are the Key Findings of the Bihar Caste Survey?

Different Castes and Communities (Bihar)	Percentage Population (%)
Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs)	36.01 %
Other Backward Classes (OBCs)	27.12 %
Scheduled Castes	19.65 %
Scheduled Tribes	1.68%
Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs and Jains	< 1 %
Total Population (Bihar)	13.07 crores

What was the procedure adopted in the Caste Survey?

The survey was carried out in two phases, which each had its own criteria and objectives.

• First Phase:
  • During this phase, the number of all households in Bihar were counted and recorded.
  • Enumerators were given a set of 17 questions which were to be mandatorily answered by the respondent.
• Second Phase:
  • During this phase data on people living in the households, their castes, sub-castes, and socio-economic conditions were collected.
  • However, filling the Aadhaar number, caste certificate number and ration card number of the head of the family, were optional.

What is the Significance of the Bihar Caste Survey Findings?

• Increasing the OBC Quota:
  • The survey results will amplify the clamour for increasing the OBC quota beyond 27%, and for a quota within quota for the EBCs.
    • The Justice Rohini Commission, which has been examining the question of sub-categorisation of OBCs since 2017, submitted its report and recommendations are not yet made public.
• Redrawing of 50% Reservation Ceiling:
  • The survey data will also reopen the debate over the 50% ceiling on reservation imposed by the Supreme Court in its landmark ruling in Indra Sawhney v Union of India (1992).
    • Depending upon the population of OBCs, the demand for increase in reservation quota in proportion to that of the population can arise from different quarters of the caste groups.
• Fulfilment of Constituional Obligations:
  • Caste Survey will help attain the objectives as enunciated in Directive Principles of State Policies (DPSPs) as mentioned in Part IV of the constitution.
    • This will majorly help achieve the socio-economic objectives as outlined by the Constitution drafters.
• Realisation of Sarvodaya:
  • Caste Census can be properly utilised to develop targeted measures so as to reduce rampant inequality across the State and promote equity and social justice In the long term.

What are the Issues With the Caste Census?

• Repercussions of a Caste Census:
  • Caste has an emotive element and thus there exist the political and social repercussions of a caste census.
  • There have been concerns that counting caste may help solidify or harden identities.
  • Due to these repercussions, nearly a decade after the SECC, a sizable amount of its data remains unreleased or released only in parts.
• Caste is Context-specific:
  • Caste has never been a proxy for class or deprivation in India; it constitutes a distinct kind of embedded discrimination that often transcends class.
  • For example:
    • People with Dalit last names are less likely to be called for job interviews even when their qualifications are better than that of an upper-caste candidate.
    • They are also less likely to be accepted as tenants by landlords.
    • Marriage to a well-educated, well-off Dalit man still sparks violent reprisals among the families of upper-caste women every day across the country.

When was the last Caste Census Conducted in India?

• Caste Census of 1931:
  • The last caste census was conducted in 1931, and data was made publicly available by the British Government of the day.
  • This caste census became the basis for the implementation of Mandal Commission Reports and subsequent reservation policies by the government for Other Backward Classes.
• Census of 2011:
  • The Census of 2011 became the first time to collect Caste-based data after independence.
  • However, the data related to caste were not made public due to fear of political favouritism and opportunism.

Nobel Prize in Physics 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

The 2023 Nobel Prize for Physics has been awarded to three distinguished scientists: Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier.

• Their groundbreaking work in the field of experimental physics has led to the development of attosecond pulses, enabling scientists to directly observe and study the rapid dynamics of electrons within matter.

What is Electron Dynamics?

• Electron dynamics refers to the study and understanding of the behavior and motion of electrons within atoms, molecules, and solid materials.
  • It encompasses various aspects of electron behavior, including their movement, interactions with electromagnetic fields, and responses to external forces.
• Electrons are fundamental particles with a negative charge and they orbit the dense nucleus. For a long time, scientists had to rely on indirect methods to understand electron behavior, akin to taking a photograph of a fast-moving race car with a long exposure time resulting in a blurry image.
  • The rapid motion of electrons rendered them nearly invisible to conventional measurement techniques.
• Atoms in molecules exhibit movements on the order of femtoseconds, which are incredibly short time intervals, constituting a millionth of a billionth of a second.
  • Electrons, being lighter and interacting even faster, operate within the attosecond realm, a billionth of a billionth of a second (1×10−18 of second).

How did Scientists Achieve Attosecond Pulse Generation?

• Background:
  • In the 1980s, physicists managed to create light pulses lasting just a few femtoseconds.
    • At that time, it was believed that this was the shortest achievable duration for light pulses.
    • However, to 'see' electrons in action, an even shorter pulse was needed.
• Advancements in Attosecond Pulse Generation:
  • In 1987, Anne L’Huillier and her team at a French laboratory achieved a significant breakthrough.
    • They passed an infrared laser beam through a noble gas, leading to the generation of overtones—waves of light with wavelengths that were integer fractions of the original beam.
    • The overtones generated in the gas were in the form of ultraviolet light. Scientists observed that when multiple overtones interacted, they could either intensify each other through constructive interference or cancel each other out through destructive interference.
      • By refining their setup, physicists managed to create intense attosecond pulses of light.
  • In 2001, Pierre Agostini and his research group in France successfully produced a series of 250-attosecond light pulses.
    • By combining this pulse train with the original beam, they conducted rapid experiments that offered unprecedented insights into electron dynamics.
  • Simultaneously, Ferenc Krausz and his team in Austria developed a technique to isolate individual 650-attosecond pulses from a pulse train.
    • This breakthrough allowed researchers to measure the energy of electrons released by krypton atoms with remarkable precision.

What are the Applications of Attosecond Physics?

• Studying Short-Lived Processes: Attosecond pulses enable scientists to capture 'images' of ultrafast atomic and molecular processes.
  • This has profound implications for fields such as materials science, electronics, and catalysis, where understanding rapid changes is crucial.
• Medical Diagnostics: Attosecond pulses can be employed in medical diagnostics to detect specific molecules based on their fleeting signatures. This promises improved medical imaging and diagnostic techniques.
• Advancing Electronics: Attosecond physics may lead to the development of faster electronic devices, pushing the boundaries of computing and telecommunications technology.
• Enhanced Imaging and Spectroscopy: The ability to manipulate attosecond pulses opens up possibilities for higher-resolution imaging and spectroscopy, with applications in fields ranging from biology to astronomy.

Review of Maritime Transport 2023: UNCTAD

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released the Review of Maritime Transport 2023, highlighting the Issue of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from International Shipping and Challenges in Decarbonization.

What are the Key Highlights of the Review?

• Emissions from International Shipping:
  • GHG emissions from international shipping were 20% higher in 2023 compared to a decade ago.
  • The shipping industry contributes to over 80% of the world’s trade volume and nearly 3% of global GHG emissions.

• Growth in Shipping Volume:
  • Global maritime shipping volumes experienced a 0.4% drop in 2022 due to disruptions in global supply chains caused by Covid-19.
  • However, it is projected to grow by 2.4% in 2023.
    • Containerized trade is expected to grow by 1.2% in 2023 and further by 3% between 2024-2028.
    • Oil and gas trade volumes showed robust growth in 2022.
• Non-Availability of Alternative Fuels:
  • Early in January 2023, commercial ships were on average 22.2 years old and more than half of the world’s fleet was over 15 years old.
  • As the average age of the world fleet is increasing, it raises concern that alternative fuels are not yet available at scale and are more costly, and the ships that can use them are also more costly than traditional ships.
• Transitioninig to Alternative Fuels:
  • It is very difficult for ship owners to renew their fleet without clarity on technology and regulatory regimes, and port terminals also face similar challenges, particularly with regard to investment decisions.
  • 98.8% of the global fleet uses conventional fuels like heavy fuel oil, light fuel oil, and diesel/gas oil.
  • Only 1.2% are using alternative fuels, mainly LNG, LPG, methanol, and to a lesser extent, battery/hybrid.
    • However, progress is underway as 21 % of vessels currently on order are designed to run on alternative fuels, notably LNG, LPG, battery/hybrid and methanol.
• Cost Estimates and Transition Challenges:
  • Decarbonizing the world's fleet by 2050 could require annual investments ranging from USD 8 billion to USD 90 billion.
  • Full decarbonization could double yearly fuel costs, necessitating a just transition for the sector.
    • IMO (International Maritime Organization) has set a target to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by around 2050.
    • The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy aims for at least 5-10% uptake of zero or near-zero GHG fuels by 2030.

What are the UNCTAD's Recommendations for Economic Incentives?

• Renewable ammonia and methanol fuels are seen as more suitable for newer ships with dual-fuel engines.
• Sustainable marine fuels should achieve zero or near-zero carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on a life-cycle 'well-to-wake' basis.
• UNCTAD advocates for system-wide collaboration, swift regulatory intervention and stronger investments in green technologies and fleets.
• Economic incentives, such as levies or contributions related to shipping emissions, can promote the competitiveness of alternative fuels and support investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.
• There is a need to balance environmental goals with economic needs but underscores that the cost of inaction far outweighs the required investments.
• Beyond cleaner fuels, the Shipping industry needs to move faster towards digital solutions like AI and blockchain to improve efficiency as well as sustainability.

What are the Initiative of International bodies to Decarbonize International Shipping?

• Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI):
  • IMO is revising its existing carbon intensity regulations for ships with EEXI, which limits the technical carbon intensity of the ship by limiting how much carbon dioxide the ship is designed to emit based on its size and ship type, and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), which grades ships from A-E based on their operational carbon intensity, based on how much fuel the ships use each year.
• IMO’s Mid-Term Measures:
  • Additionally, IMO is developing new regulations called Mid-Term Measures, which will include a technical element, most likely a Greenhouse Gas Fuel Standard (GFS), as well as an economic element, such as a carbon levy, a feebate system, or cap-and-trade.
  • The IMO aims to agree on these measures by 2025 and have them enter into force in 2027.
• The Green Voyage 2050 Project:
  • It is a partnership project between the Government of Norway and IMO launched in May 2019 aiming to transform the shipping industry towards a lower carbon future.
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention):
  • MARPOL convention is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
  • The MARPOL Convention was adopted on 2nd November 1973 at IMO.

Social Audit of MGNREGA Scheme

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a fundamental component of India's social welfare initiatives, has been marred by persistent concerns regarding a high incidence of corruption.

• Although the program incorporates mechanisms, such as social audit units, recent statistics reveal disappointing outcomes in terms of fund recovery and overall effectiveness.

What does Recent Statistics Suggest?

• In the ongoing financial year (2023-24), social audit units flagged misappropriation amounting to ₹27.5 crore under MGNREGA.
  • After taking corrective actions, this amount reduced to ₹9.5 crore, but only a meager ₹1.31 crore (13.8% of the total) has been recovered.
  • The recovery rates in previous financial years show a similar trend of inefficiency:
    • In 2022-23, the recoverable amount was ₹86.2 crore, but only ₹18 crore (20.8% of the total) was recovered.
    • In 2021-22, ₹171 crore was flagged, yet a mere ₹26 crore (15% of the total) was recovered.
• These consistently low recovery rates raise significant concerns about the scheme's effectiveness in combating corruption.
  • The low recovery rate also jeopardizes the credibility of the entire audit process. This threatens to undermine public trust in MGNREGA's integrity and purpose.

What is Social Audit Mechanism?

• About:
  • Social Audit is the examination and assessment of a programme/scheme conducted with the active involvement of people and comparing official records with actual ground realities.
    • It is a powerful tool for social transformation, community participation and government accountability.
  • It is different from Financial Audit. The financial audits scrutinize financial records to assess an organization's financial health, social audits concentrate on evaluating a program's effectiveness in achieving its social goals by involving stakeholders.
• Social Audit Mechanism under MGNREGA:
  • Provision:
    • Section 17 of the MGNREGA has mandated Social audit of all works executed under the MGNREGA.
    • The Audit of Scheme Rules, 2011, also known as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Audit of Schemes Rules, 2011, were developed by the Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
      • These rules outline the procedures for social audits and the duties of various entities, including the Social Audit Unit (SAU), state government, and field workers of MGNREGA, to be followed nationwide.
  • Related Issues:
    • Fund-Starved Units: Social audit units are grappling with insufficient funding, hindering their ability to function effectively.
      • The Union government provides funds to social audit units to ensure their independence from states.
      • However, issues with timely fund allocation have left units in states like Karnataka and Bihar without funds for nearly two years.
    • Lack of Training: Inadequate training and resources further hinder their effectiveness in identifying malpractice.
    • Personnel Shortage: Insufficient staffing makes it difficult for social audit units to carry out their duties effectively.
    • Low Recovery Rate: Several states, including Gujarat, Goa, Meghalaya, Puducherry, and Ladakh, have consistently reported "zero cases" and "zero recoveries" over the last three years. This raises questions about the effectiveness of monitoring in these regions.
      • States like Telangana, despite having active social audit units, struggle with low recovery rates.

Way Forward

• Stakeholder Engagement: Involve all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, civil society organizations, government officials, and auditors, in the evaluation and redesign of the social audit process.
  • Also, there is a need to Invest in training and capacity-building programs for auditors responsible for conducting social audits.
• Whistleblower Protection: Establish a robust mechanism for protecting whistleblowers who report irregularities or corruption in MGNREGA projects. Encourage individuals to come forward without fear of reprisal.
• Community Participation: Promote active participation of local communities in the audit process. Empower them to monitor and report on project progress and fund utilization.
  • Also, there is a need to establish Grievance Redressal Committees at the village level to address issues promptly.
• Feedback Mechanism: Establish a feedback loop where audit findings are used to improve the MGNREGA program. Identify systemic issues and work towards continuous improvement.

Illicit Trade in India

Source: IE

Why in News?

As per a report released by FICCI CASCADE titled ‘Hidden Streams: Linkages Between Illicit Markets, Financial Flows, Organised Crime and Terrorism’, the illegal economy in India has an overall score of 6.3 in India on a scale of 1-10, which is higher than the average score of 5 of other 122 countries indicating a substantial illegal Economy.

What is Illicit Trade?

• Illicit trade refers to the illegal exchange of goods, services, or commodities that circumvent established laws, regulations, or controls set by governments or international bodies.
• These activities occur outside the legal framework and often involve various forms of contraband, counterfeiting, piracy, smuggling, tax evasion, Money Laundering, and other illicit activities.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Overview of Illicit Trade in India:
  • 3.5 tonnes of gold, 18 crore cigarette sticks, 140 metric tonnes of Red Sanders, and 90 tonnes of heroin were seized in the Financial Year of 2022-23.
  • India has a lower score of 4.3 compared to the average score of 5.2 for 122 countries, suggesting a lesser involvement of organised crime actors but a significant influence of criminal networks.
• Illicit Financial Flows in India:
  • Value Gap India (2009-2018):
    • India faced an approximate total potential revenue loss of USD 13 billion due to misinvoiced imports and exports during 2009-2018.
      • Uncollected value-added tax (VAT) amounted to a total of USD 3.4 billion, contributing to the revenue gap.

• Terror and Crime in India:
  • Dealing with terrorism and crime cost India approximately USD 1170 billion at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in 2021, accounting for about 6% of the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
    • PPP is a metric used by macroeconomic analysis that compares different countries' currencies through a "basket of goods" approach, allowing them to compare economic productivity and standards of living between countries.

• Drug Economy in India:
  • India’s location near major drug-producing regions, including the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) and the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran) has been associated with activities that may involve the transportation and distribution of controlled substances.
  • India has seen a rise in illicit drug trade, with 3,172 cases of drug seizures recorded during 2014-2022 compared to 1,257 cases during 2006-2013.
  • Cannabis has a significant presence in India with a score of 7.5 compared to the benchmark average of 5.4. Synthetic drug trade and heroin trade also exceed benchmark averages with scores of 6.5.

• Organised Crime and Illegal Economy in India:
  • Aggregate score of organized crime actors in India is low, at 4.3 compared to the average benchmark of 5.2 for 122 countries.
  • The criminal network, however, has a significant influence in India with a score of 6, which is higher than the average score of 5.8 for 122 countries.
  • The illegal economy in India has an overall score of 6.3, which is higher than the average score of 5 of 122 countries.
    • This suggests that although there are fewer criminal actors, they are widespread and engage in a variety of unlawful activities, including drug and human trafficking and the illegal trade in wildlife products.
    • This apparent contradiction may be attributable to the efficacy of criminal networks in India, which enables them to generate substantial illicit financial flows despite their small numbers.

Tiger Deaths Raise Concerns in Nilgiris Biodiversity

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu is home to a rich biodiversity and a large population of tigers. However, in the past two months, 10 tigers have died in the district due to various reasons.

• This has raised concerns among conservationists and officials about the welfare and survival of the big cats.

What are the Reasons for Tiger Deaths in Nilgiris?

• High Density of Tigers:
  • The high density of tigers in the Mudumalai-Bandipur-Nagarhole complex of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is pushing populations into the surrounding habitats in the Mukurthi National Park, Nilgiris and Gudalur forest divisions leading to more negative human-animal interactions.
  • The rise in tiger numbers puts pressure on prey species like spotted deer, and Indian gaur.
    • Scarcity of natural prey could lead tigers to target livestock, exacerbating conflicts and resulting in more deaths.
• Starvation and Infection:
  • Tiger cubs, believed to be two weeks old, found dead in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve's buffer zone.
    • Postmortem suggested possible causes as starvation or umbilical infection.

Why are Conservationists Concerned About Tiger Population Threats?

• Poaching Threat: Recent poaching incidents in the Nilgiris district, underscore the persistent threat to tigers.
  • Poachers target tigers for their valuable body parts, such as skins, bones, and organs, posing a grave risk to the population.
• Lack of Tracking and Protection: Concerns arise from the apparent challenges in tracking and protecting tiger populations effectively.
  • The inability to monitor and safeguard these majestic animals contributes to conservationists' worries.
• Lack of Prey Management: Inadequate prey population management in protected areas may lead to imbalances.
  • Ensuring sufficient prey for tigers is essential for their survival.
• Habitat Degradation: Degraded habitats offer limited resources, forcing tigers to roam in search of food.
  • Human activities, deforestation, and encroachments contribute to habitat loss.

Toto Language

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Toto language, spoken by only 1,600 people in West Bengal, is on the brink of extinction.

• However, a trilingual dictionary (Toto-Bengali-English) called "Toto Shabda Sangraha" is set to be released in Kolkata on 7th October 2023, to help preserve the toto language.

What is the Toto Language?

• The Toto language is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Toto tribal people in parts of West Bengal bordering Bhutan.
  • The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists it as a critically endangered language.
• The Toto language is primarily spoken orally and even though prominent community member Padma Shri-decorated Dhaniram Toto developed a script as recently as in 2015, most people either write it in Bengali script or write in Bengali language.

Project Udbhav

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Army in partnership with the United Service Institution of India (USI), wrapped up a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav.

• The discussion focused on "The Evolution of Indian Military Systems, Warfare, and Strategic Thinking: Current Research and Future Directions."

What is Project Udbhav?

• Project Udbhav is an initiative set in motion by the Indian Army to rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and grand strategy.
  • It focuses on a broad spectrum including Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, Thematic Studies, and intricate Kautilya Studies.
  • At its core, Project Udbhav seeks to bridge the historical and the contemporary.
• The project goes beyond rediscovering historical narratives; it aims to develop an indigenous strategic vocabulary deeply rooted in India's multifaceted philosophical and cultural heritage.
  • The ultimate objective is to integrate ancient wisdom into modern military pedagogy, allowing the Indian Army to draw from centuries-old principles in today's complex strategic landscape.
• In connection with Project Udbhav, the USI will conduct a Military Heritage Festival on 21^st and 22^nd October, 2023.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

Armageddon Reedtail

Recently in Kerala's Western Ghats, researchers from MIT-World Peace University have found a new damselfly species, naming it 'Armageddon Reedtail' (protosticta armageddonia).

• The species, 'Armageddon reedtail', was named to highlight the global decline of insects due to habitat loss and climate change, referencing the term "Ecological Armageddon."
  • It is distinguishable by its dark brown to black body and vibrant greenish-blue eyes, with half of its eight abdominal segments marked by delicate pale blue markings.
  • It thrives exclusively in primary montane streams under dense canopy cover.
• Damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (pair wings). They are similar to dragonflies, but are smaller and have slimmer bodies.
• Damselflies are found mainly near shallow, freshwater habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings.

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SAMPRITI- XI Exercise 2023

The 11^th edition of the annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI, commenced on 3rd October 2023, in Umroi, Meghalaya. This exercise, organized alternately by India and Bangladesh, highlights the strong bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.

• SAMPRITI-XI is a 14-day exercise that aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies, share tactical drills, and promote best practices.
• The exercise will include a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), focusing on Sub-Conventional Operations as per Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, it gives the UN Security Council the power to maintain peace.
  • The CPX will emphasize decision-making after thorough deliberations.
  • The FTX will validate grassroots-level operations through joint tactical drills for counter-terrorist operations, including hostage rescue, crowd control measures, and the use of helicopters.
• The two nations also conduct Naval Exercise Bongosagar.

Read more: India-Bangladesh Relations

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World Animal Day

World Animal Day is observed on 4th October, serving as a global commemoration focused on the promotion of animal welfare and the protection of their rights.

• It serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and care for the diverse species that share our planet.
• The theme for World Animal Day 2023 is "Big or small, we love them all," emphasizing the importance of compassion for animals of all sizes.
• Its origins trace back to the visionary Heinrich Zimmermann, who initiated the event in 1925 and saw its recognition during a 1931 Congress of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy.

Read more: People Rights Vs Animal Welfare

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Saudi Arabia Cuts Oil Premium for India

Saudi Arabia, the world's second-largest oil producer, has reduced the premium charged on its oil exports to India in response to evolving global energy dynamics.

• The Asian premium, an additional fee imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Asian nations beyond the market-based selling price, has been a subject of concern for India. India has consistently advocated for the elimination of this premium and has even proposed the introduction of an 'Asian discount' instead.
  • Notably, Saudi Arabia has recently reduced the premium to USD 3.5 per barrel from around USD 10 in 2022.
• This adjustment underscores the competitive dynamics in the oil market, where nations, including India and China, the world's second and third largest crude oil importers, have increased imports from Russia due to substantial discounts offered following the Ukraine conflict.

Read more: India's Oil Dependence