Granting Habitat Rights and Implications

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Chhattisgarh Government has granted habitat rights to its Baiga PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) right after the Kamar PVTG received habitat rights in August 2023.

• The Baiga PVTG became the second group to be granted these rights in Chhatisgarh.
• Chhattisgarh has seven PVTGs (Kamar, Baiga, Pahadi Korba, Abujhmadiya, Birhor, Pando and Bhujia).

What are Habitat Rights?

• About:
  • Habitat rights recognition provides the community concerned rights over their customary territory of habitation, socio-cultural practices, economic and livelihood means, intellectual knowledge of biodiversity and ecology, traditional knowledge of use of natural resources, as well as protection and conservation of their natural and cultural heritage.
  • Habitat rights safeguard and promote traditional livelihood and ecological knowledge passed down through generations. They also help converge different government schemes and initiatives from various departments to empower PVTG communities to develop their habitats.
    • According to the FRA, "habitat" includes customary habitats and those in reserved and protected forests of PVTGs and other forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes.
  • Out of 75 PVTG in India, only three have habitat rights- the Bharia PVTG in Madhya Pradesh was the first, followed by the Kamar tribe and now the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh.
• Procedure of Declaring Habitat:
  • The procedure is based on a detailed guideline given for this purpose in 2014 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
  • The process involves consultation with traditional tribal leaders to determine the extent of culture, traditions, and occupation.
  • Coordination between state-level departments, including Forest, Revenue, Tribal, and Panchayati Raj, and with the UNDP team is essential for defining and declaring habitats.
• Legality:
  • Habitat rights are granted to PVTGs under Section 3(1)(e) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (also known as FRA).
  • The recognition of Habitat rights grants PVTGs possession over their customary territory, encompassing habitation, economic and livelihood means, biodiversity knowledge.

What is the Significance of Granting Habitat Rights?

• Preservation of Culture and Heritage:
  • Granting tribal rights helps in preserving the unique cultural, social, and traditional heritage of tribal communities. It allows them to maintain their distinct languages, rituals, customs, and traditional knowledge systems.
• Empowerment and Social Justice:
  • Tribal rights empower these communities by providing them with legal recognition, ensuring their participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives, and rectifying historical injustices. This empowerment contributes to a more just and equal society.
• Protection of Livelihoods:
  • Many tribal communities depend on their natural surroundings for their livelihoods. Granting rights over lands and resources ensures that they can sustain their traditional occupations like hunting, gathering, fishing, and farming, supporting their economic well-being.
• Sustainable Development:
  • By granting rights to tribal communities, governments can promote sustainable development. Indigenous practices often prioritize sustainability and conservation, which is crucial for the environment and the overall well-being of society.
• Conservation of Biodiversity:
  • Tribal communities often possess unique knowledge about their local ecosystems, flora, fauna, and sustainable resource management. Recognizing their rights allows for the preservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources.

Conclusion

Granting tribal rights is fundamental to fostering a more inclusive, just, and harmonious society where the rights, cultures, and traditions of all citizens, including tribal communities, are respected and protected.

Remote Voting for Migrants

Source: TH

Why in the News?

In late 2022, the Election Commission of India (ECI) proposed a Remote EVM (R-EVM) to address issues related to domestic migrant voting. The goal was to improve the 67.4% voter turnout in the 2019 general election.

• A survey by Lokniti-CSDS was conducted in September 2023, involving 1,017 migrants living in Delhi’s slums, with 63% men and 37% women, aiming to understand whether the proposed R-EVM system would gain a viable level of trust among its intended users, setting aside legal and logistical concerns raised by political parties.

What is Remote EVM (R-EVM)?

• About:
  • The term "R-EVM" stands for "Remote Electronic Voting Machine." It is a proposed system by the Election Commission of India (ECI) aimed at facilitating voting for domestic migrants who are unable to vote in their home constituencies due to their current location away from their registered constituencies.
    • The R-EVM is designed to address the issue of domestic migrant voting, allowing registered voters who have moved away from their home constituencies to cast their votes remotely.
• Key Features:
  • Registration Process: Voters interested in using the remote voting facility must register (online or offline) within a pre-notified timeframe with the concerned Returning Officer (RO) of their home constituency.
  • Remote Polling Station: A multi-constituency remote polling station will be set up in the area of the voter's current residence, allowing for remote voting from that location.
  • Handling Multiple Constituencies: The RVM can handle multiple constituencies (up to 72) from a single remote polling booth, making it efficient for voters from different constituencies to cast their votes at the same location.
  • Voting Process: When the voter scans their constituency card in the presence of the Presiding Officer at the remote polling station, the respective constituency and candidate list will appear on the RVM display.
    • The RVMs have the same security system and voting experience as the existing EVMs and use electronic ballot display to present candidates and their symbols instead of a fixed paper ballot sheet.
    • Voters can select their preferred candidate on the RVM display. The system will count and store the votes for each candidate in a constituency.
• Countries Practice Remote Voting:
  • There are some countries such as Estonia, France, Panama, Pakistan, Armenia etc, which practice remote voting for the citizens living abroad or away from their respective constituencies.

How Significant is the Migrant Vote?

• Migration Patterns and Reasons:
  • Migrants in Delhi primarily come from neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Rajasthan.
  • Employment opportunities are the major reason for relocation (58%), followed by family-related reasons (18%) and relocation due to marriage (13%).
• Migrant Demographics and Residence Duration:
  • A majority of migrants (61%) have lived in Delhi for more than five years, suggesting a significant presence of long-term migrants.
  • However, a considerable number of short-term migrants, especially from Bihar, come to Delhi for seasonal work.
• Voter Registration and Electoral Participation:
  • Approximately 53% of migrants have registered as voters in Delhi, while 27% are registered in their home states. Migrants participate more in national and state-level elections compared to local/panchayat elections.
• Return to Home States for Voting:
  • Migrants, particularly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, maintain connections to their home states by going back to vote, especially in local and state assembly elections.
  • The reasons for returning to vote include exercising their fundamental right to vote (40%) and using the election season as an opportunity to visit family (25%).
• Trust in Remote Voting System:
  • 47% of respondents tend to trust the proposed remote voting system, while 31% express distrust.
  • There's a notable gender difference, with men (50%) showing higher trust compared to women (40%). Trust in the system is higher among better-educated individuals.

What are the Concerns and Challenges Ahead?

• Similar Challenges as With the EVMs:
  • The Multi-Constituency RVM for migrant voting will have the same security system and voting experience as the EVM. This essentially means that the challenges with regard to the current EVMs will persist when it comes to the RVMs.
• Amendments to Electoral Laws:
  • Remote voting requires amendments to existing laws such as The Representation of People’s Act of 1950 and 1951, The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, and The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 to accommodate the new voting method.
  • The legal framework needs to redefine "migrant voter" and determine whether they retain registration at their original place of residence.
• Voter Portability and Residency:
  • Determining how to manage voter portability while respecting the legal constructs of "ordinary residence" and "temporary absence" is a social challenge.
  • Also, the territorial constituency concept of remote voting and defining remoteness itself that is an outside constituency, outside district or outside state will need to be dealt with.
• Secrecy of Voting and Administrative Challenges:
  • Ensuring the secrecy of voting in remote locations can be challenging, as it is important for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the voting process.
  • Implementing methods to identify voters accurately and prevent impersonation is crucial for a fair and secure remote voting system.
  • Arranging for polling agents and effective supervision of remote voting stations pose logistical and administrative challenges.
• Technological Challenges:
  • Ensuring that voters are familiar with the technology and interfaces used for remote voting is essential to prevent voter confusion and errors.
  • Establishing efficient mechanisms for accurately counting votes cast through remote voting is a technological challenge that must be addressed.

Way Forward

• Machine-Independent:
  • For the voting process to be verifiable and correct, it should be machine-independent, or software and hardware independent, meaning, the establishment of its veracity should not depend solely on the assumption that the EVM is correct.
• Right to Cancel if Not Satisfied:
  • The “voter should have full agency to cancel a vote if not satisfied; and that the process to cancel must be simple and should not require the voter to interact with anybody”.
• Confidence and Acceptability:
  • It is important to take into account the confidence and acceptability of all the stakeholders of the electoral system – voters, political parties and election machinery.

Invisible E-Waste

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, the Brussels-based Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum on the Occasion of International E-Waste Day (14th October), commissioned the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to calculate the annual quantities of Invisible E-Waste items.

• Invisible e-waste refers to electronic waste that often goes unnoticed due to its nature or appearance, causing consumers to overlook its recyclable potential.
• There are Numerous electronic items falling under this category, such as cables, e-toys, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, power tools, smoke detectors, USB sticks, wearable health devices, and smart home gadgets.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Invisible E-Waste Volume:
  • Consumers fail to recognize almost one-sixth of global Electronic Waste, totaling nearly 9 billion kilograms annually.
  • Around 35% of invisible e-waste (approximately 3.2 billion kilograms) comes from the e-toy category, including race car sets, electric trains, drones, and biking computers.
  • An estimated 844 million vaping devices are discarded annually, contributing significantly to the invisible e-waste mountain.
• Value of Invisible E-Waste:
  • The material value of invisible e-waste amounts to about USD 9.5 billion each year, showcasing its economic importance primarily due to components like iron, copper, and gold.

• Global E-Waste Management and Recycling Challenges:
  • Globally, only a small fraction of e-waste is properly collected, treated, and recycled.
    • In Europe, 55 % of e-waste generated is now officially collected and reported. Still, in other parts of the world the reported average collection rate is just over 17%.
  • The majority ends up in landfills, burned, illegally traded, improperly treated, or hoarded in households.
  • Lack of public awareness hampers efforts to develop circular economies for electronic equipment in various parts of the world, necessitating a global approach to e-waste management.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Improper disposal of invisible e-waste poses a substantial environmental risk, as hazardous components in these items, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, can contaminate soil and water if not appropriately managed.
• Recommendations:
  • Invisible e-waste represents an untapped resource, highlighting the potential for economic recovery and the urgent need to raise awareness about recycling these valuable materials.
    • The value of raw materials in the global e-waste generated amounted to an estimated USD57 billion in 2019. Of the total, a sixth or USD9.5 billion in material value each year is in the invisible e-waste category.
• Raising awareness is crucial to unlock the recycling potential and meet the growing demand for materials in various strategic sectors like renewable energy, electric mobility, industry, communications, aerospace, and defense.

Conclusion

• Addressing the issue of "invisible e-waste" is imperative to achieve sustainable waste management and environmental preservation.
• Raising awareness about the recyclable potential of these often overlooked electronic items is crucial to minimize their environmental impact, promote circular economy and unlock their economic value through responsible recycling initiatives.

Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2022-2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2022-2023 on the basis of Periodic Labour Force Survey conducted during July 2022-June 2023.

What are the Key Findings of the Report?

• Estimates of Key Labor Market Indicators in Usual Status:

• Estimates of Key Labor Market Indicators Current Weekly Status (CWS):

What is the Periodic Labour Force Survey?

• About:
  • It is a survey conducted by the NSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to measure the employment and unemployment situation in India.
  • The NSO launched the PLFS in April 2017.
• Objective of PLFS:
  • To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
  • To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.

What are the Government’s Initiatives Related to Employment?

• Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)
• PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi)
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Start Up India Scheme
• Rozgar Mela

What are the Types of Unemployment?

Type of Unemployment	Description
Disguised Unemployment	More people are employed than needed, primarily found in the agricultural and unorganized sectors.
Seasonal Unemployment	Occurs during specific seasons of the year, often affecting agricultural laborers who do not work year-round.
Structural Unemployment	Arises from a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of workers.
Cyclical Unemployment	Linked to economic cycles, with unemployment rising during recessions and declining in periods of growth.
Technological Unemployment	Job losses due to technological changes. India has seen a significant impact from automation.
Frictional Unemployment	Involves a time lag when individuals search for or switch between jobs, often voluntary and not due to job shortages.
Vulnerable Employment	Informal, contract-less work without legal protection, often leading to unrecorded employment.

World Economic Outlook: IMF

Source: ET

Why in News?

Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its World Economic Outlook 2023 titled- Navigating Global Divergence, which stated that the Indian Economy will grow faster than previously estimated.

What are the Key Highlights of the World Economic Outlook?

• Global Growth Forecasts:
  • The IMF expects global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth to be 3% in 2023, which is the same as its July 2023 forecast.
  • Global GDP growth for 2024, however, has seen a reduction of 10 basis points from the July forecast to 2.9%.
• Forecast for China:
  • The Chinese economy is expected to grow at 5% in 2023, which is higher than the 3% it grew at in 2022.
  • The IMF's October forecast for China’s 2023 and 2024 growth is 20 and 30 basis points lower than its July projections, which suggests that the world's second largest economy might be losing momentum.
• Inflation and Monetary Policy:
  • The IMF expects Global inflation in 2024 to rise at 5.8%, faster than the 5.2% estimated three months and these projections do not reflect events of the weekend and their fallout.
• Concerns and Risks:
  • Growth has lagged on account of Tight Monetary Policies as central banks have kept money supply tight to fight Inflation which rose to 8.7% in 2022.
  • And it has logged on account of an uneven recovery from the pandemic and supply chain disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Uncertainties and Downside Risks:
  • Investment is lower than pre-pandemic levels, influenced by higher interest rates and stricter lending conditions.
  • The IMF advises countries to rebuild fiscal buffers against future shocks.
  • The chance of growth falling below 2% is seen at 15%, with more downside than upside risks for 2024.

What are the Findings Related to India?

• India’s GDP for 2023-24 will by 6.3%, a 20-basis point increase from the July 2023 numbers.
  • The IMF’s 2023-24 growth forecast for India is now the same as what the World Bank (WB) had projected in its India Development Update.
• India’s 2024-25 GDP growth forecast has been left unchanged at 6.3%.
• While the IMF’s upward revision of India’s 2023-24 GDP growth comes in the wake of a strong 7.8% growth in the quarter ending June 2023, the annual growth number is still lower than the 6.5% projection by RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

What are the Key Recommendations?

• Encourage business investment to boost economic growth, as seen in the US, where stronger business investment has contributed to the upgraded growth forecast.
• Economic divergence across major economies, particularly in the eurozone, should be closely monitored, and the factors causing contraction or slower growth in certain regions need to be addressed.
• Exercise caution in managing inflation and monetary policy. The IMF emphasized that globally synchronized central bank tightening is essential to control inflation and maintain economic stability.

Quantum-Technology Backed Green Hydrogen Production

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, a new High Throughput Quantum Backed Green Hydrogen Production Technology that could promote green hydrogen production in bulk has been developed by Green Keplerate Team from Banaras Hindu University, which will help achieve the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

What is the Technology Developed ?

• About:
  • The technology developed showcases the uses of Green Hydrogen as eco-friendly energy alternatives. They introduced next-generation quantum-powered photo-catalyst with a charge transfer system coupled with high proton availability and mobility, and delivered quantum catalytic applications for energy generation.
• Features:
  • The state-of-the-art photochemical-reactor design features built-in illumination assembly and external concave reflective panels to maximize the capture of solar energy.
  • The team has engineered a continuous electron coupled proton supply system, propelled with an electron injector mechanism utilizing industrial metal-waste, which ensures the peak rate of Green Hydrogen production at lab scale.
• Significance:
  • Due to the high purity of the hydrogen gas produced, the fuel can be used without additional purification, thus enhancing the cost-effectiveness of the technology.
  • This transformative innovation would offer wide ranging application possibilities across various sectors ranging from energy production to applications in transportation and agriculture.

Setu Bandhan Scheme: CRIF

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has disclosed the approval of seven crucial bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh under the Setu Bandhan Scheme under Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

• These projects, with a combined cost of Rs 118.50 Crores, are slated for implementation during the fiscal year 2023-24.

What is the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)?

• About:
  • The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (earlier known as Central Road Fund) was established in 2000 under Central Road Fund Act, 2000.
  • The fund comprises a cess imposed along with excise duty on petrol and diesel.
  • The administrative control of the CRIF falls under the Ministry of Finance.
    • Earlier it was under the domain of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Central Road Fund Act (Amendment), 2018:
  • The amendment renamed the Central Road Fund as Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
  • It allowed using the proceeds of the road cess under CRIF to finance other infrastructure projects including waterways, some portion of the railway infrastructure and even social infrastructure including educational institutions, medical colleges etc.
• Setu Bandhan Scheme:
  • The "Setu Bandhan Scheme" is a program initiated by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, aimed at facilitating the construction of Rail Over Bridges (ROBs), Rail Under Bridges (RUBs), and Bridges on State Roads.
  • This program is designed to enhance road safety by replacing existing level crossings with bridges, ultimately reducing accidents at these locations.

Gaza Strip

Source: IE

Why in News?

The recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas militants has thrust the Gaza Strip into the global spotlight.

• Amidst this turmoil, Israel's defense minister, declared a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip, cutting off essential resources. This move has highlighted the long-standing and contentious issue of the Gaza blockade, which has been in place since 2007.

What are the Significant Aspects Regarding the Gaza Strip?

• About: The Gaza Strip is situated in the eastern Mediterranean basin, sharing borders with Egypt in the southwest and Israel to the north and east. To the west, it is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea.
  • It is one of the most densely populated areas globally, with over 2 million residents living in a tiny area.
  • The term "open air prison" has been widely used by academics, activists, and journalists to characterize the conditions in Gaza.
• Historical Significance:
  • The Six-Day War of 1967 resulted in Israel capturing Gaza from Egypt and initiating its military occupation of the region.
    • Israel withdrew its settlements from Gaza in 2005, but this period also saw intermittent blockades on the movement of people and goods.
  • In 2007, after Hamas assumed power in Gaza, Israel and Egypt enforced a permanent blockade, justifying it as necessary for security.
    • The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the blockade has severely impacted Gaza's economy, resulting in high unemployment, food insecurity, and aid dependency.
• Related Border Areas:
  • Gaza is encircled by walls on three sides, and its western border is controlled by Israel, restricting access by sea.
    • Three functional border crossings exist - Karem Abu Salem Crossing and Erez Crossing controlled by Israel, and Rafah Crossing controlled by Egypt.
    • These crossings have been sealed in response to recent hostilities.
• Associated Places in Spotlight:

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

Tamil Author Sivasankari Conferred Saraswati Samman

• Tamil writer Sivasankari was honoured with the Saraswati Samman 2022 for her memoir(biography) "Surya Vamsam."
  • "Surya Vamsam" is a two-volume memoir that traces the author's literary journey and societal transformations over seven decades.
• This award is given annually to literary works published in the last 10 years by Indian writers of 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• The award is presented by the K.K. Birla Foundation includes a citation, plaque, and a prize of Rs. 15 lakh.
• The Saraswati Samman is among the highest recognitions in the field of Indian literature. Besides the Saraswati Samman, the Vyas Samman and the Bihari Puraskar are other literary awards instituted by the foundation.

Read more: Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

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NASA Finds Carbon and Water in Asteroid Bennu Samples

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) confirms the presence of high-carbon content and water-bearing clay minerals in samples collected from the asteroid Bennu(formerly 1999 RQ36).
  • Bennu is a 4.5-billion-year-old small near-Earth asteroid that passes close to Earth every six years. The asteroid was discovered by a team from the NASA-funded Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research team in 1999.
  • The material collected from Bennu acts as a time capsule from the early days of our solar system and can help answer questions about the origins of life and the nature of asteroids.
• NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx), the first U.S. effort to retrieve an asteroid sample, launched in 2016 for the journey to Bennu.
• The mission's success enhances our understanding of asteroids, including those that could pose threats to Earth.
  • Scientists will analyze the samples further over the next two years to unlock insights into our solar system's origins.

Read more: NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission

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Passport to Earning (P2E) Initiative

UNICEF's global learning-to-earning solution, Passport to Earning (P2E), has skilled and certified more than one million young people in India in areas of financial literacy and digital productivity.

• Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the P2E program offers free access to certificate courses in digital productivity, financial literacy, employability skills, and other in-demand, job-ready skills.
  • Notably, 62% of the beneficiaries of P2E courses in India are adolescent girls and young women.
• With the goal of providing long-term sustainable skills to 5 million youth in India aged 14-29 by 2024 and connecting them to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, P2E is a vital contribution to the nation's educational and economic landscape.

Read more: National Education Policy 2020

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INS Sagardhwani

INS Sagardhwani, the oceanographic research vessel of the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi under the DRDO, set sail on the Sagar Maitri (SM) Mission-4 from South Jetty, Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi.

• INS Sagardhwani's mission includes scientific deployments in the Northern Arabian Sea and collaborative research programs with institutions like Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, fostering stronger working relationships between Indian and IOR ocean researchers.
• INS Sagardhwani is a marine acoustic research ship that is constructed indigenously and was launched in July 1994.