Global Hunger Index 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

In the Global Hunger Index 2023, India ranked 111^th out of 125 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger.

• Neighboring countries, such as Pakistan (102^nd), Bangladesh (81^st), Nepal (69^th), and Sri Lanka (60^th), scored better than India.

What are the Key Takeaways from GHI 2023?

• India's GHI Score:
  • Score Analysis:
    • India's GHI score 2023 stands at 28.7, categorized as "serious" on the GHI Severity of Hunger Scale.
      • This shows a slight improvement from its GHI 2015 score of 29.2, which was also deemed serious.
    • Also, compared to its alarming GHI scores of 38.4 in 2000 and 35.5 in 2008, India has made significant progress.
  • Related Data and References:
    • Child stunting is prevalent at 35.5% ( India's National Family Health Survey(NFHS) 2019-2021)
    • The prevalence of undernourishment in India is 16.6% ( State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report 2023 )
    • India's child wasting rate is a concerning 18.7% (India’s NFHS 2019-21), the highest among all countries in the report.
    • The under-five mortality rate stands at 3.1% (United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation January 2023 )
• Global Hunger Trends:
  • According to the GHI 2023 report, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Chile, China are among the top ranked countries (i.e., low level of hunger) and Yemen, Madagascar, Central African Republic are the bottom.
  • The GHI 2023 score for the world is 18.3, considered moderate, showing minimal improvement since 2015.
    • The prevalence of undernourishment has risen from 572 million to approximately 735 million people since 2017.
  • The GHI attributed the stagnation to various crises, including climate change, conflicts, economic shocks, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war.
    • These crises have exacerbated social and economic inequalities and hindered progress in reducing hunger worldwide.

What is the Indian Government’s Response to GHI Report 2023?

• Criticism of Methodology: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has raised concerns about the report's methodology, suggesting "serious methodological issues" and "malafide intent."
  • Data from the government's Poshan Tracker consistently shows child wasting prevalence below 7.2%, which contradicts the GHI's reported figure of 18.7%.
• Focus on Child Health: The government noted that three out of the four GHI indicators pertain to children's health and may not provide a complete representation of the entire population.
• Small Sample Size: The government expressed doubts about the accuracy of the "Proportion of Undernourished Population" indicator, as it is based on a small sample size opinion poll.
• Complex Factors: The government's argument is that indicators like stunting and wasting are outcomes of various complex factors, including sanitation, genetics, environment, and food utilization, and are not solely attributable to hunger.
  • The government also pointed out that child mortality may not solely be an outcome of hunger, indicating that other factors are at play.

What are the Other Terms Related to Hunger?

Term	Definition
Undernourishment	It refers to Insufficient calorie intake to sustain a healthy life, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It is based on individual needs in terms of age, sex, stature, and physical activity.
Undernutrition	It extends beyond calories and encompasses deficiencies in energy, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Undernutrition results from inadequate food intake in terms of both quantity and quality, poor nutrient utilization due to infections or illnesses, or a combination of these factors.
Famine	It is a distinct condition defined by the UN as occurring when specific conditions are met: when at least 20% of the population faces severe food shortages, acute child malnutrition rates exceed 30%, Two out of 10,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition-related diseases daily.

What are the Factors Responsible for Hunger in India?

• Socioeconomic Disparities and Poverty: Widespread poverty and socioeconomic disparities are fundamental determinants of hunger in India.
  • Poverty leads to inadequate food consumption and the inability to afford essential nutritional and healthcare services.
• Hidden Hunger: India is experiencing a severe micronutrient deficiency (also known as hidden hunger).
  • There are several causes of this problem, including poor diet, disease, and a failure to meet micronutrient needs during pregnancy and lactation.
• Inefficient Agricultural Practices and Food Distribution: Inefficiencies in agricultural practices, including suboptimal crop yields and post-harvest losses, also contribute to insufficient food availability.
  • Furthermore, subsequent leakages in food distribution and supply chain management restrict the flow of food to vulnerable populations, resulting in food scarcity and higher prices, which disproportionately affect the poor.
• Gender Inequality and Nutritional Disparities: Gender-based disparities exacerbate the problem of hunger and malnutrition in India.
  • Women and girls often experience unequal access to food within households, receiving smaller portions or lower-quality diets.
  • This inequity, coupled with the demands of maternal and child care, exposes them to higher nutritional risks, leading to chronic undernutrition.
• Climate Change and Environmental Stressors: India is susceptible to climate change-related environmental stressors, such as changing weather patterns, extreme weather events, and natural disasters.
  • These factors can disrupt agricultural production, leading to crop failures and food scarcity.
• Lack of Audit for Nutritional Programmes: Although a number of programmes with improving nutrition as their main component are planned in the country, there is minimal or no nutritional audit mechanism at local governance level.

Way Forward

• Social Audit and Awareness: Mandate social audits of the mid-day meal scheme in all districts, involving local authorities, alongside raising awareness on nutrition.
  • Utilize information technology for better program monitoring.
  • Establish community-driven nutrition education programs that raise awareness about balanced diets, food preparation, and the importance of nutrition in local languages, particularly targeting women and children.
• PDS Enhancement: Revamp the Public Distribution System (PDS) to enhance transparency, reliability, and affordability of nutritious food, benefiting the economically disadvantaged.
• Reducing Food Waste, Reducing Hunger: Address food wastage issues by improving warehousing and cold storage facilities.
  • According to the International Institute of Refrigeration, if developing countries had the same level of refrigeration infrastructure as developed countries, they would save 200 million tonnes of food or around 14% of their food supply, which can help in tackling hunger and malnutrition.
• Mobile Nutritional Clinics: Implement mobile nutritional clinics that visit remote and underserved areas to provide health assessments, dietary counseling, and supplementary feeding for children and pregnant women.

Surge in Human Settlements in Flood-Prone Areas

Source: DTE

Why in News?

According to a recent study conducted by the World Bank, human settlements in some of the world's riskiest flood zones have increased by a staggering 122% since 1985, contributing to the vulnerability of millions to water disasters induced by climate change. And, this growth is predominantly observed in middle- and low-income countries.

• On the other hand, the most secure regions experienced an 80% increase in growth in human settlements.

What are the Major Takeaways from the Study?

• Global Landscape of Settlement Expansion:
  • Most countries, especially in East Asia, saw more settlements in regular flood zones and ultra-high flood zones than in dry areas.
  • Libya, which suffered from devastating flooding in September 2023, had an 83% increase in settlement extent in the worst flood zones.
  • Pakistan, experiencing catastrophic flooding both in 2022 and 2023, witnessed an 89% increase in settlements in prone areas.
• Notable Exceptions:
  • Dry settlements in the United States increased by 76%, while the highest flood settlements rose by only 46%.
  • Other countries with more dry settlements than ultra-wet areas include India, France, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Japan and Canada.

What are the Possible Factors Behind Increasing Human Settlements in Flood Zones?

• Rural to Urban Migration: As countries experience economic growth, urbanization near waterways becomes prevalent. Settlements often expand into flood-prone areas as cities grow.
  • For Example: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, exemplifies this issue, growing from a fishing village to over seven million people.
• Economic Factor: Low-income populations often cannot afford to live in safer, less flood-prone areas. They might be forced to live in flood-prone zones because of housing affordability constraints.
• Lack of Regulatory Enforcement: In some countries, land-use planning and zoning regulations might not be effectively enforced. This can result in settlements proliferating in flood-prone areas without adequate safeguards.
• Cultural and Historical Ties: Some communities have deep cultural or historical connections to flood-prone regions, and this can influence their decisions to remain or settle in these areas despite the risks.
• Tourism and Recreation: Coastal and riverfront areas, despite their vulnerability to flooding, continue to draw tourists and recreation enthusiasts because of their inherent appeal.
  • The demand for resorts, hotels, and vacation homes can lead to settlement in these areas, even if it's only seasonal.

Way Forward

• Strict Land Use Policies: Implement and enforce stringent land use regulations that prohibit or restrict new construction in high-risk flood zones.
  • Designate flood-prone areas as 'no-build' zones and enforce these restrictions consistently.
• Infrastructure Investment: There is a need to Invest in resilient infrastructure, including better flood defences, early warning systems, and floodplain mapping.
  • Improve drainage systems to mitigate the impact of flooding in existing settlements.
• Government Support and Relocation Assistance: The government can offer financial incentives for residents to relocate from flood-prone areas to safer zones.
  • Also, the government needs to strengthen emergency response and preparedness measures in flood-prone areas to minimize the loss of life and property during flood events.
• Public Awareness and Education: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the risks associated with living in flood-prone areas.
  • Promote community-based education programs on flood preparedness and the importance of avoiding such areas.

Scheduled Areas in India

Source:TH

Why in News?

India's Scheduled Tribes (STs) constitute 8.6% of the population, residing in various states and union territories. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution is a critical provision for the administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas.

What are Scheduled Areas?

• About:
  • Scheduled Areas represent regions covering 11.3% of India's land area, inhabited by various ST communities comprising 8.6% of the country's population.
  • They are designated in 10 states under the Fifth schedule: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.
    • 4 States under the Sixth Schedule: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
    • In 2015, Kerala proposed to notify 2,133 habitations, five-gram panchayats, and two wards in five districts as Scheduled Areas; it awaits the Union government’s approval.
• Criteria for Identification:
  • The guiding norms for declaring an area as a Scheduled Area include significant tribal population, compactness, reasonable size, viability as an administrative entity, and economic backwardness compared to neighboring areas.
  • The 2002 Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission or the Bhuria Commission recommended considering areas with 40% or more tribal population according to the 1951 Census as Scheduled Areas.
• Constitutional Provisions and Governance:
  • Article 244 (1) applies the Fifth Schedule provisions to Scheduled Areas in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
    • Article 244 (2) applies the Sixth Schedule to the aforementioned states.
  • Tribal Advisory Council: The President of India notifies Scheduled Areas, and states with Scheduled Areas establish a Tribal Advisory Council to advise the Governor on ST welfare matters.
  • Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) of 1996: It empowers gram sabhas, granting them substantial authority through direct democracy, prioritizing Local Self-Governance.
    • In 1995, the Bhuria Committee, constituted to recommend provisions for the extension of panchayat raj to Scheduled Areas, recommended including these villages, but this is yet to be done.
      • The President of India notifies India’s Scheduled Areas. States with Scheduled Areas need to constitute a Tribal Advisory Council with up to 20 ST members.
      • They will advise the Governor on matters referred to them regarding ST welfare. The Governor will then submit a report every year to the president regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.

What are the Concerns Related to Scheduled Areas?

• Despite demands from Adivasi organizations, a significant portion (59%) of India's ST population is outside the purview of Article 244, denying them rights protected under laws applicable to Scheduled Areas.
• The absence of viable ST-majority administrative units has been a common bureaucratic response, which has further led to demands for the denotification of parts of Scheduled Areas.
  • They are denied rights under the laws applicable to Scheduled Areas, including the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 and the Biological Diversity Act 2002.

Way Forward

• All habitations or groups of habitations outside Scheduled Areas in all States and Union Territories where STs are the largest social group will need to be notified as Scheduled Areas irrespective of their contiguity.
• The geographical limit of these villages will need to be extended to the ‘community forest resource’ area on forest land under the FRA (Forest Rights Act) 2006 wherever applicable, and to the customary boundary within revenue lands made possible through suitable amendments to the relevant State laws.
• The geographical limits of the revenue village, panchayat, taluka, and district will need to be redrawn so that these are fully Scheduled Areas.

The Need for a Reliable Code of Police Investigation in India

Source: TH

Why in News?

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court (SC) of India stressed the necessity for a “consistent and dependable code of investigation” to prevent legal loopholes leading to the acquittal (found not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing) of the guilty.

• The observations came after the court acquitted 3 accused in a 2013 kidnap and murder case, citing flaws in the police investigation.

What are the SC's Observations Regarding Police Investigations in India?

• The court highlighted the 2003 report by Justice V.S. Malimath Committee on Reforms of the Criminal Justice System, which emphasised that the “successful prosecution of the guilty depends on a thorough and careful search for truth and collection of evidence which is both admissible and probative”.
• The court referred to a Law Commission of India report in 2012 that the reasons for a low rate of conviction included “inept, unscientific investigation by the police and lack of proper coordination between police and prosecution machinery.”

What is the Need for Consistent and Dependable Code of Police Investigation in India?

• To prevent lapses in police probes that lead to the acquittal of the guilty on technical grounds, as highlighted by the Supreme Court.
• To improve the standards of investigation and evidence collection, which are often inept and unscientific, as noted by the Law Commission of India.
• To enhance the credibility and legitimacy of the criminal justice system, which is often marred by corruption, political interference, and human rights violations.
• To ensure the successful prosecution of the offenders, especially in cases involving serious crimes, such as murder, rape, terrorism, etc.
• To protect the rights and interests of the victims, witnesses, and accused, who often face harassment, intimidation, and coercion during the investigation process.

What are the Malimath Committee's Recommendations for Police Investigation in India?

• About:
  • The Malimath Committee was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2000, which aimed to reform India's criminal justice system. It presented its recommendations in its report titled as the Report of the Committee on Reforms of the Criminal Justice System in 2003.
  • The Committee was headed by Justice V.S. Malimath, former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts.
    • The Committee had opined that the existing system “weighed in favor of the accused and did not adequately focus on justice to the victims of crime.”
• Recommendations for Police Investigation:
  • The panel recommended borrowing features from the inquisitorial system of investigation, seen in countries like Germany and France, where a judicial magistrate oversees the investigation.
  • The Committee suggested hiving off the investigation wing from Law and Order.
  • It also recommended setting up of a National Security Commission and State Security Commissions. To improve the quality of investigations.
  • It suggested a slew of measures, including the appointment of an Additional. SP in each district to maintain crime data, organisation of specialised squads to deal with organised crime, and a team of officers to probe inter-state or transnational crimes, and setting up of a Police Establishment Board to deal with posting, transfers, and so on.
  • Police custody is now limited to 15 days. The Committee suggested this be extended to 30 days and an additional time of 90 days be granted for the filing of charge sheets in case of serious crimes.

Regulation of OTT Platforms

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has ruled that Over The Top (OTT) platforms like Hotstar are not in the jurisdiction of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and are governed by the Information Technology Rules, 2021, notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

• TDSAT said that OTT platforms are outside the purview of the TRAI Act,1997 since they do not require any permission or a license from the central government.
• This order was in response to a petition by the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) against Star India Pvt Ltd (STAR). AIDCF challenged Star’s free streaming of World Cup matches on Hotstar, claiming it was unfair and against TRAI Regulations.

What is the Controversy Over OTT Platform Regulation ?

• Conflict Between MoC and MeitY:
  • Telecom Regulator TRAI and Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC) got in conflict with the MeitY over who should regulate Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and there is debate over the nature of the regulatory framework for Internet-based communications services in the country.
    • The DoT sought to classify OTT platforms as telecommunications services, and regulate them like telecom operators.
    • The TRAI, separately, has issued a consultation paper on how to regulate OTT platforms.
• Disagreement of IT Ministry with DoT :
  • The IT Ministry believes that under the Allocation of Business Rules, Internet-based communications services are not part of DoT’s jurisdiction.
  • However, in this case, the conversation is centred around OTT communications services like WhatsApp.
• TRAI’s Attempt at Regulating OTT services:
  • TRAI first recommended against creating a specific regulatory framework for OTT communication services like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet.
  • Now, it has revisited its stance, and started consultations on how these services can be regulated which got other ministries and departments into conflict.

What are Over-The-Top (OTT) Platforms ?

• About:
  • OTT platforms are audio and video hosting and streaming services which started out as content hosting platforms, but soon branched out into the production and release of short movies, feature films, documentaries and web-series themselves.
  • These platforms offer a range of content and use artificial intelligence to suggest to users the content they are likely to view based on their past viewership on the platform.
• Services:
  • Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere.
  • Premium content is usually produced and marketed by the OTT platform themselves, in association with established production houses which historically have made feature films.
• Examples:
  • Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, CuriosityStream, Pluto TV, and so many more.
• Laws Regulating OTT Platforms:
  • In 2022, the Central Government notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 to regulate OTT platforms.

What are the Information Technology Rules, 2021 ?

• Mandates Social Media to Exercise Greater Diligence:
  • Broadly, the IT Rules (2021) mandate social media platforms to exercise greater diligence with respect to the content on their platforms.
  • The rules establish a soft-touch self-regulatory architecture with a Code of Ethics and three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for OTT platforms.
  • Also, every publisher needs to become a member of a self-regulating body. Such a body will have to register with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and address grievances.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism:
  • The grievance officer of the platform’s redressal mechanism is responsible for receiving and resolving complaints of the users.
    • She/he is expected to acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 24 hours and dispose of the same in an appropriate manner within 15 days.
    • Its access and spread by any other means on the platform should also be disabled.
• Privacy Policies:
  • The privacy policies of the social media platforms must ensure that users are educated about not circulating copyrighted material and anything that can be construed as defamatory, racially or ethnically objectionable, paedophilic, threatening the unity, integrity, defense, security or sovereignty of India or friendly relations with foreign states, or violative of any contemporary law.

Food Inflation in India

Source: IE

Why in News?

In recent times, Consumer food prices were 9.9% higher year-on-year, with food inflation now largely limited to cereals and pulses, and the government is required to start addressing concerns of both producers and consumers in equal measure.

What is the Recent Scenario of Food Price Inflation and Disinflation in India?

• Inflation in Cereals and Pulses:
  • Estimates show food inflation is being increasingly driven by two items: Cereals (11.9%) and pulses (13%) in the preceding months of July and August respectively.
    • Annual retail price rise in vegetables was even higher, at 37.4% and 26.1%.
      • The best indicator is tomato, the retail inflation for which stood at 202.1 % and 180.3% during the same period.
• Disinflation in Essential Commodities due to Government’s Strategy:
  • Most governments naturally tend to privilege consumers over producers due to political reasons, which favours numerical strength.
  • In the current scenario, the government must prioritize listening to producers, particularly in regard to two agricultural/food commodities, among other concerns.
    • The first is vegetable oils Producer:
      • Harvesting and marketing of soybeans has started, but the oilseed is already trading below the government’s minimum support price (MSP).
      • Demand for both oil and meal (the residual de-oiled cake, used as livestock feed ingredient) is weak.
      • A major reason for the bearish market sentiment has to do with record imports of edible oil. India’s vegetable oil imports are projected to touch an all-time high of 17 million tonnes (mt) in 2022-23.
    • The second item – Milk Producers:
      • There isn’t much buying of powder, butter or ghee happening. It will be worse once the festival (Dussehra-Diwali) season ends and the animals enter peak production in winter.
      • Compounding the industry’s problems is the reported spurt in sales of ghee adulterated with vegetable fat. The crash in prices of imported oils, especially palm, has made admixture of cheap fat in butter and ghee that much more attractive.
    • Wheat and Rice as Essential Commodities:
      • Overproduction: Farmers in India often respond to Minimum Support Prices ( MSPs) by increasing production of MSP-supported crops, like wheat and rice. This overproduction can lead to a glut in the market, causing prices to fall below MSPs.
      • Inadequate Procurement and Distribution: While the government sets MSPs and procures crops from farmers, the procurement infrastructure and distribution system may be inefficient, leading to delays in procurement and inadequate distribution of grains to consumers.
        • As a result, market prices can decline due to oversupply in the absence of effective distribution.

What is Consumer Food Price Inflation (CFPI)?

• Consumer Food Price Inflation, (CFPI) , is a specific measure of inflation that focuses exclusively on the price changes of food items in a consumer's basket of goods and services.
  • It calculates the rate at which the prices of food products consumed by the average household are increasing over time.
  • CFPI is a sub-component of the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI), where the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) uses CPI-Combined (CPI-C) for this purpose.
  • CFPI tracks the price changes of a specific basket of food items that are commonly consumed by households, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, and other food staples.

What are the Causes Behind Food Price Inflation?

• Supply and Demand Imbalances: When there is an imbalance between the supply of food and the demand for it, prices tend to rise.
  • Factors such as extreme weather events, crop failures, or pest infestations can reduce the supply of agricultural products, driving up prices.
  • Conversely, a surge in demand, perhaps due to population growth or changes in consumer preferences, can also lead to higher prices if supply cannot keep up.
• Production Costs: Rising production costs for farmers can lead to higher food prices. This includes expenses such as fuel, fertilizer, and labor costs.
• Energy Prices: The cost of energy, especially fuel, is a significant factor in the food supply chain. Increases in oil prices can lead to higher transportation costs for getting food products from farms to stores, which can result in higher prices for consumers.
• Currency Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in exchange rates can impact food prices, especially for countries that rely heavily on imported food. A weaker domestic currency can make imported food more expensive, contributing to inflation.
• Trade Policies: Trade policies and tariffs can affect the prices of imported and domestically produced food. Restrictions on imports can limit the variety of available food products and potentially drive up prices.
• Government Policies: Government interventions in the form of subsidies, price controls, or regulations can influence food prices. Subsidies may reduce the cost of production, while price controls can limit price increases.
• Global Events: Global events such as geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, and trade disruptions can disrupt food supply chains and lead to food price spikes. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, disrupted food production and distribution in many parts of the world.
• Climate Change: Long-term changes in climate patterns can have a significant impact on food production. More frequent and severe weather events, such as droughts or floods, can damage crops and reduce yields, leading to higher prices.

Way Forward

• Increase Agricultural Productivity:
  • Invest in agricultural research and technology to improve crop yields and livestock production.
  • Promote sustainable farming practices to enhance efficiency and reduce production costs.
• Strengthen Food Supply Chains:
  • Invest in transportation and storage infrastructure to reduce food wastage and spoilage.
  • Improve distribution networks to ensure that food reaches consumers efficiently.
• Promote Trade and Market Integration:
  • Facilitate international trade to ensure a steady supply of food products.
  • Remove trade barriers and tariffs on essential food items.
• Promote Competition and Reduce Monopoly Power:
  • Enforce antitrust laws to prevent market concentration and price manipulation by large agribusinesses.
  • Encourage competition in the food sector to keep prices competitive.

Integration Among Defence Forces

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) highlighted that nine verticals have been identified for integration among three defense services which includes logistics, intelligence, information flow, training, administration, supply chain management and maintenance etc. among others.

• The process of ‘theatrisation’, part of a reorganization effort undertaken by the armed forces, which will be fulfilled through integration of the defense forces and the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands.

What is the Integration Among Three Defense Services ?

• Integration of three defense services in India involves establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs), office of the Chief of Defense Staff, Cyber and Space Commands, and resource sharing and joint training and exercises among others.
• Integrated Theatre Command:
  • An integrated theatre command envisages a unified command of the three Services, under a single commander, for geographical theatres (areas) that are of strategic and security concern.
  • The commander of such a force will be able to bear all resources at his disposal — from the Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Navy — with seamless efficacy.
  • The integrated theatre commander will not be answerable to individual Services.
  • Integration and jointness of the three forces will avoid duplication of resources. The resources available under each service will be available to other services too.
  • The services will get to know one another better, strengthening cohesion in the defense establishment.
  • The Shekatkar committee has recommended the creation of 3 integrated theatre commands — northern for the China border, western for the Pakistan border, and southern for the maritime role.
• Joint Command in Andaman & Nicobar islands:
  • There is one joint command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    • It is the first Tri-Service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces, based at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.
    • It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca by increasing the rapid deployment of military assets in the islands.
• The other tri-service command, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), looks after the delivery and operational control of the country’s nuclear assets.
• Current Situation:
  • The Indian armed forces currently have 17 commands. There are 7 commands each of the Army and the Air Force. The Navy has 3 commands.
  • Each command is headed by a 3-star rank military officer.

What are the Recent Developments in Integration Among the Three Services?

• The appointment of the CDS and the creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) are momentous steps towards the integration and advancement of defence forces. 
  • Work exclusively pertaining to military matters will fall within the purview of the DMA. Earlier, these functions were the mandate of the Department of Defence (DoD).
• CDS: It is the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.
  • It oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services.
  • As the head of DMA, CDS is vested with the authority in prioritizing inter-service procurement decisions.
  • Significance of CDS:
    • Synergy between Armed forces and Government: CDS fosters better cooperation between the Ministry of Defense bureaucracy and the Armed services.
    • Jointness in operations: Erstwhile Chiefs of Staff Committee-COSC has been made dysfunctional as CDS promotes more jointness in operations.
• Concerns of Indian Air Force (IAF):
  • While the army and navy are in favour of theatre commands, the IAF has concerns about the model over the division of its air assets, the nomenclature of commands, the leadership of theatre commands and dilution of powers of chiefs.
• New Uniforms:
  • All officers of the rank of Brigadier, Maj General, Lt General, and General will wear berets of the same colour, common badges of rank, a common belt buckle, and a common pattern of shoes, and will do away with the lanyards on the shoulders.
• Recently, Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha to empower designated military commanders to take charge of soldiers and enforce discipline, regardless of the service they belong to.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Source: IE

Why in News?

Russia has recently indicated that it is moving towards revoking its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

What is the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)?

• Genesis of the CTBT:
  • The CTBT is a multilateral treaty aimed at banning all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes.
  • The roots of the CTBT can be traced back to the Cold War era when the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a nuclear arms race, conducting numerous nuclear tests.
    • Between 1945 and 1996, over 2,000 nuclear tests took place globally, with the U.S. conducting 1,032 tests and the Soviet Union conducting 715 tests, among others.
  • In response to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of nuclear tests, the international community made efforts to limit testing.
  • The Limited Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (LTBT) of 1963 prohibited nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater but allowed underground tests.
  • The Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT) of 1974 prohibits underground nuclear weapons tests and establishes a nuclear "threshold," yet it falls short of providing a comprehensive ban on all nuclear testing.
• Breakthrough with the CTBT:
  • The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union created a conducive environment for comprehensive arms control measures.
  • The CTBT was negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva in 1994.
  • In 1996, the United Nations adopted the CTBT, which imposed a complete ban on nuclear weapons testing, closing the gaps left by previous treaties.
  • The CTBT became available for signature in September 1996, signifying a major advancement in the global endeavour to halt nuclear testing across the world.
    • The CTBT will enter into force 180 days after it has been ratified by all 44 states listed in Annex 2 to the treaty, which are states that possessed nuclear reactors or research reactors at the time of its adoption.
• Current Position:
  • It has been signed by 187 nations and ratified by 178. However, the treaty cannot formally enter into force until it is ratified by 44 specific nations. Eight of these nations have yet to ratify the treaty:
    • China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran, Egypt, United States.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Joins PDG

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has joined the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG), a pivotal move to enhance global pharmaceutical standards, regulatory compliance, and international recognition of Indian pharmaceutical products.

• IPC was the only Pharmacopoeia body in the world to be selected for the pilot phase initiated in September 2022. After a year-long pilot phase, IPC's inclusion as a permanent PDG member was confirmed in September 2023.

How Will IPC's Membership in the PDG Benefit India?

• IPC's standards will gain international recognition, potentially boosting the acceptance of Indian pharmaceutical products globally. It will position IPC as a forward-looking body that sets drug quality standards in line with global benchmarks.
• IPC can collaborate and harmonize standards with other major regulatory bodies, ensuring global pharmaceutical quality and safety.
• IPC can align its processes with global standards, making it easier for Indian pharmaceutical companies to comply with international regulations.
• Membership in PDG will facilitate increased exports of Indian pharmaceutical products to member countries, reducing trade barriers.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

The Phonotaxis Phenomenon

Recently, it has been discovered that certain creatures like Insects, Bats exhibit positive and negative phenomena of Phonotaxis in response to the existing environmental and anatomical conditions.

• Phonotaxis is the movement by an animal in response to a sound. It has mostly been observed among crickets, moths, frogs, and toads, among a few other creatures.
  • The purpose of positive phonotaxis is attraction. It usually happens when the females of a particular species – including those of crickets and frogs – are attracted to the sounds made by the males. Mediterranean house geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) use positive phonotaxis.
  • Negative phonotaxis, on the other hand, serves to repel or warn, such as when the sound of a predator nearby signals to an animal that it needs to move away. Crickets in particular have been found to steer themselves away from low-intensity ultrasound typically associated with bats (which use it for echolocation).

Read More: Dolphins

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Establishment of an Autonomous Body Mera Yuva Bharat Approved

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) to serve as an overarching enabling mechanism powered by technology for youth development and youth led development.

• MY Bharat, an autonomous body will benefit the youth in the age-group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of ‘Youth’ in the National Youth Policy. In case of programme components specifically meant for the adolescents, the beneficiaries will be in the age-group of 10-19 years.
• Under this new arrangement, with access to resources & connection to opportunities, youth would become community change agents and nation builders allowing them to act as the Yuva Setu between the Government and the citizens.
• The Body will improve leadership skills through experiential learning by shifting from isolated physical interaction to programmatic skills and Create a centralized youth database.

Read More: Youth In India Report, 2022 , National Youth Day,2022

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Indian Army's Strategic Transition

The Indian Army is undergoing significant transformation, with the potential conversion of its logistics and transport units into the Territorial Army (TA).

• The TA is not only expanding its role but also bolstering its capabilities by recruiting Chinese language interpreters for border personnel meetings and cybersecurity experts to assist the Army.
• The TA's primary function is to relieve the regular army of static duties and provide crucial support during emergencies and disasters.

Read more: Indian Army

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USS Gerald R Ford

In light of recent conflict escalation in Israel, the US has deployed the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group (CSG) to the Eastern Mediterranean, demonstrating its support for Israel and the carrier's role in military operations.

• The USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), commissioned in 2017, bears the name of former U.S. President Gerald R Ford, who served from 1974 to 1977.
  • It is considered as one of the largest warships ever constructed. It displaces 100,000 tonnes at full load. It can achieve a top speed of over 30 knots, equivalent to 56 kilometers per hour.
• Aircraft carriers, including the Gerald R Ford, are both offensive weapons and symbols of a nation's military might. Consequently, they always operate as part of a carrier strike group.