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Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024

For Prelims: Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024, PM2.5, World Health Organization (WHO), Malnutrition, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Water and Sanitation, National Air Quality Standards, Pollution.

For Mains: Impact of Air Pollution on Health and Life Expectancy.

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Recently, the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) released the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024.

• In India, where the annual PM2.5 standard is 40 µg/m³, more than 40% of the population breathes air that exceeds the standard.

What are the Key Findings of the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024?

• Impact of Air Pollution on Life Expectancy: The report revealed that if PM2.5 (particulate matter that are 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter) pollution were reduced to meet the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the average person could live 1.9 years longer, adding a total of 14.9 billion life years globally.
  • The WHO guidelines state that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3).
• Deadlier than Chronic Diseases: The effects of air pollution surpass those of smoking, heavy drinking and are several times greater than other major health risks like HIV/AIDS and malnutrition.
• Uneven Distribution of Pollution: The burden of pollution is not evenly distributed.
  • People in the most polluted areas breathe six times more polluted air than those in the cleanest regions, reducing their life expectancy by an average of 2.7 years.
• Non-Compliance: While many countries have established national air quality standards, the report finds that enforcement and compliance remain significant challenges.
  • According to the report, 94 countries have established PM 2.5 standards, of which 37 fail to meet their own guidelines. Additionally, 158 countries have not set any standards at all.
• Potential Benefits: The potential benefits of meeting WHO pollution standards are substantial.
• If all countries achieved their goals, the average person in these regions would gain 1.2 years of life expectancy.

• Global Scenario:
  • US, China, Europe: The United States, Europe, and China have implemented stringent policies, leading to significant reductions in pollution levels.
    • In China, air pollution has decreased by 41% since 2014 and extended the life of Chinese by 2 years.
    • The US has reduced pollution by 67.2% since 1970, extending the average lifespan by 1.5 years.
    • Europe has seen a 30.2% reduction since 1998, adding 5.6 months to life expectancy.
  • South and Southeast Asia: South and Southeast Asia saw notable improvements in 2022, observing a 4% decline in PM2.5 levels compared to 2012.
    • Despite this improvement, South Asia remains the world’s most polluted region, accounting for 45% of global life years lost due to high pollution.
    • Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan are among the most polluted countries globally.
    • In Myanmar, air pollution is reducing life expectancy by 2.9 years.
  • Africa: Air pollution in Central and West Africa has remained largely unchanged in 2022.
    • The region’s average PM2.5 concentration is 22.2 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), 4.4 times higher than the WHO guideline.
    • This pollution level is reducing life expectancy by an average of 1.7 years across the region.
    • However, Nigeria, Rwanda and Ghana have recently implemented air quality regulations and standards.
  • West Asia: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has emerged as a new pollution hotspot, reducing life expectancy by an average of 1.3 years across the region.
    • Qatar and Iraq are the most polluted countries in the region.
  • Latin America: Latin America's PM2.5 levels increased by 4.8% from 2021 and 3% from 1998.
    • Bolivia is the most polluted country in Latin America; air pollution in Guatemala reduces life expectancy by 2.1 years.
    • Cities like Bogotá, Mexico City, and Quito implement driving restrictions and improve public transport to combat pollution.

What are India Specific Findings in Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2024?

• Impact of Cleaner Air on Life Expectancy in Delhi: Cleaner air that meets WHO guidelines of 5 µg/m³ can increase the life expectancy of Delhi's 18.7 million residents by 7.8 years.
  • Achieving India's national air quality standard (40 µg/m³) could increase life expectancy by 4.3 years.
• Current Air Quality and Trends in Delhi: Delhi is the most polluted city in India, with an average PM2.5 level of 84.3 µg/m³ in 2022.
  • However, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 84.3 µg/m3 in 2022, Delhi has seen significant improvement.
• Improvement in Air Quality Across India: India saw a decrease in particulate pollution from an average of 49 µg/m³ over the last decade to 41.4 µg/m³ in 2022.
  • If this reduction continues, the average Indian could live 9 months longer than if exposed to the previous decade's pollution levels.
• Comparison with Other Health Risks: While particulate pollution takes 3.6 years off the life of an Indian resident, malnutrition takes off 1.6 years, tobacco 1.5 years, and unsafe water and sanitation 8.4 months.

What is the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)?

• The AQLI is a pollution index that translates the effect of particulate air pollution into its impact on life expectancy.
• The Index then combines the relationship between long-term human exposure to air pollution and life expectancy to provide the true cost of particulate pollution in communities around the world.
• The Index also illustrates how air pollution policies can increase life expectancy when they meet the WHO’s guideline for what is considered a safe level of exposure, existing national air quality standards, or user-defined air quality levels.

How Can We Control Air Pollution?

• Prevention: Adopt pollution prevention approaches to reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source.
  • Examples are to use less toxic raw materials or fuels, use a less-polluting industrial process, and to improve the efficiency of the process. E.g., BSVI engine.
• Adoption of Clean Air Technology: Air pollution prevention and control technologies can help in controlling air pollution.
  • It includes wet scrubbers, fabric filters (baghouses), electrostatic precipitators, condensers, absorbers, adsorbers, and biological degradation.
• Economic Incentives: Economic incentives such as emissions trading and emissions caps can be used for polluting industries.
• Scrapping Old Vehicles: Scrapping of the current End-of-life vehicles (ELVs) burden of the country will lead to 15-20% reduction in emissions due to vehicular pollution.
• Work-from-Home: To combat air pollution, the government may promote work-from-home policies during high pollution days like winters.
• Artificial Rain: It can wash away pollutants that are suspended in the air, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulphur dioxide (SO2).
• Behavioural Change: Promoting the use of public transportation, walking, and cycling can reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions and lower air pollution.

What are the Government Initiatives Taken for Controlling Air Pollution?

• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal
• Air Quality Index
• Graded Response Action Plan (for Delhi)
• New Commission for Air Quality Management
• National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)

Conclusion

Air pollution poses a major threat to India, reducing life expectancy more than other risks like malnutrition or tobacco use. Despite recent improvements, sustained progress demands stronger policies, enforcement, and commitment to cleaner air. Meeting WHO guidelines could significantly enhance life expectancy and overall public health nationwide.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Air pollution is a significant public health challenge in India, impacting life expectancy and quality of life. Suggest additional strategies to achieve sustainable air quality improvement.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q.In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements: (2019)

1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Q.Consider the following: (2019)

1. Carbon monoxide
2. Methane
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide

Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (d)

Q How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only

NITI Aayog’s Strategies for Growth in Edible Oils

For Prelims: Oilseeds Sector, NITI Aayog, Edible oil, Crops

For Mains: Scenario of Edible Oil Sector in India, Challenges in the Edible Oil Sector in India, Recommendations of NITI Aayog

Source : PIB

Why in News?

Recently, a report titled “Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Goal of Atmanirbharta” was released by NITI Aayog.

• The report analyses the current edible oil sector, outlines its future potential, and provides a detailed roadmap to address challenges, aiming to close the demand-supply gap and achieve self-sufficiency.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Oilseed Production and Area: Nine major oilseed crops (groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soybean, sunflower, sesame, safflower, niger seed, castor and linseed) cover 14.3% of the gross cropped area, contributing 12-13% to dietary energy and about 8% to agricultural exports.
  • Soybean leads with 34% of total oilseed production, followed by rapeseed-mustard (31%) and groundnut (27%).
• Regional Production Distribution: Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are the top producers, each contributing about 21.42% of national production.
• Gujarat (17.24%) and Maharashtra (15.83%) also play major roles.
• Rising Consumption and Import Dependence: Per capita consumption (over the last decade) of edible oil has surged to 19.7 kg/year.
  • Domestic production meets only 40-45% of the demand,overall consumption surged, leading to increased imports from 1.47 MT (million tonne) in 1986-87 to 16.5 MT in 2022-23, raising the import dependency ratio to 57%.
  • Palm oil dominates these imports, accounting for 59%, followed by soybean (23%) and sunflower (16%).
• Growth Trends: From 1980-81 to 2022-23, oilseed area, production, and yield grew at rates of 0.90%, 2.84%, and 1.91%, respectively.
  • In the recent decade, production and yield growth rates improved to 2.12% and 1.53%. The area under oilseeds increased in all decades except 1991-2000.
  • The report projects that production of the nine major oilseeds will rise to 43 MT by 2030 and 55 MT by 2047, up from 37.96 MT in 2021-22 under the Business as Usual (BAU) scenario.
• Approaches for Demand Forecasting:
  • Static/Household Approach:
    • Uses population projections and baseline per capita consumption data.
    • Assumes short-term static consumption behavior.
    • Projects a demand-supply gap of 14.1 MT by 2030 and 5.9 MT by 2047.
  • Normative Approach:
    • Based on recommended intake levels by ICMR-NIN (Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Nutrition).
    • Indicates a potential surplus of 0.13 MT by 2030 and 9.35 MT by 2047.
  • Behavioristic Approach:
    • Considers behavioural shifts due to changing lifestyles and income levels.
      • Scenario I: Consumption capped at 25.3 kg per capita.
        • Demand-Supply Gap: 22.3 MT by 2030, 15.20 MT by 2047.
      • Scenario II: Higher consumption at 40.3 kg per capita.
        • Demand-Supply Gap: 29.5 MT by 2030, 40 MT by 2047.
  • BAU Situation: Gap projected to be Scenario-I by 2028 and Scenario-II by 2038.
  • High-Income Growth Scenario: Advanced demand to Scenario-I by 2025 and Scenario-II by 2031.
    
    

What Steps are Needed to Achieve Self-sufficiency in Edible Oil?

• The Niti Aayog report suggested strategic interventions to bridge the gap and ensure long-term sustainability.
  • The strategy centers on three pillars:
    • Crop Retention and Diversification in Potential Regions:
      • Retaining and diversifying oilseed crops could increase production by 20% adding 7.36 MT and cutting imports by 2.1 MT.
    • Horizontal Expansion:
      • Expand cultivation area, utilise rice fallow lands and wastelands for oilseed and palm cultivation.
        • Utilising one-third of rice fallow areas for oilseeds could boost production by 3.12 MT and reduce imports by 1.03 MT.
    • Vertical Expansion:
      • Enhance oilseed yields via improved farming practices, high-quality seeds, and advanced technologies.
• The report’s ‘state-wise quadrant approach’ is a key strategy for achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils
  • The report identifies state clusters using four quadrants:
    • High Area-High Yield (HA-HY) States: Focus on efficiency and adopting global best practices.
    • High Area-Low Yield (HA-LY) States: Implement vertical expansion to boost yields.
    • Low Area-High Yield (LA-HY) States: Prioritise horizontal expansion to increase cultivation.
    • Low Area-Low Yield (LA-LY) States: Address both horizontal and vertical expansion to enhance area and yield.
• Strategic Interventions: This could achieve edible oil supplies of 36.2 MT by 2030 and 70.2 MT by 2047, potentially ensuring self-sufficiency in most scenarios.
• Technological Interventions: Optimising seed utilisation and processing could increase production by 15-20%, potentially up to 45% with improved management. The current Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR) is low, ranging from 25% (groundnut) to 62% (rapeseed mustard), impacting yield.
  • Modernising mills and investing in processing infrastructure are essential, as current mills operate at only 30% of refining capacity, with many being small-scale and low-tech.

What are the Challenges in the Edible Oil Sector in India?

• Rainfed Production Dependence: 76% of oilseed cultivation is rainfed, contributing 80% of total production, making it vulnerable to erratic weather patterns.
  • Irrigation coverage has only marginally increased by 4% over the past decade (from 23% to 27%).
• Demand-Supply Gap: India continues to face a substantial demand-supply gap, leading to heavy reliance on imports to meet domestic needs.
  • Imports accounted for 60% of India’s edible oil requirements in 2022-23, with palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil being the major contributors.
• Increased Consumption: Per capita consumption of edible oils has risen to around 19 kg annually (over the past decade).
• Impact on Farmers: Low import duties and high imports have negatively impacted the price realisation for domestic oilseeds farmers.
  • The government’s reduced import duties aim to curb retail price spikes, but lower duties might result in India influx of cheaper oils, affecting local farmers and processors.

What are the Recommendations of the Niti Aayog Report?

• Enhance Oilseed Development in Bundelkhand and Indo-Gangetic Plain:
  • Revitalise Bundelkhand for oilseeds, particularly sesame, to boost incomes.
  • Introduce soybean, rapeseed-mustard, and sunflower in the Indo-Gangetic Plain to increase profitability and address soil and water issues.
• Prioritise Wasteland Utilisation for Oil Palm Expansion:
  • Focus on expanding oil palm cultivation on suitable wastelands, with a potential increase in production by 24.7 MT.
  • Leverage partnerships with FPOs (Farmers’ Producer Organisations), FPCs (Farmer Producer Company), and SHGs (Self help group) for effective large-scale cultivation.
• Cluster-Based Seed Village:
  • Establish “One Block-One Seed Village” hubs at block levels for high-quality oilseed supply, enhancing SRR and VRR through FPOs.
• Promotion of Biofortified Oilseed Varieties:
  • Integrate biofortification in national missions to improve oilseed nutrition and reduce anti-nutritional factors.
  • Increase adoption of 14 released biofortified varieties by targeting a 10-12% annual adoption rate.
• State-Level Seed Rolling Plans and Quality Standards:
  • Develop five-year rolling plans for breeder seed production and replace outdated varieties.
  • Harmonise Indian seed standards with OECD (Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development) and ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) to meet global quality requirements.
• Enhancing Yield through Improved Varieties:
  • Scale up production of high-potential Indian oilseed varieties and adopt advanced breeding techniques to boost yield and quality.
• Harnessing Rice Bran Oil:
  • Utilise rice bran oil for blending with cooking oils, aiming for large-scale production and standardization with international regulations.
• Enhancing Solvent Extraction Efficiency:
  • Address low capacity utilisation (around 30%) in solvent extraction plants by modernising facilities and improving mill management to achieve at least 60% utilisation.
• Balancing Storage Profitability:
  • Implement fair pricing structures to balance off-season storage costs with consumer affordability, ensuring market stability and incentivizing off-season sales.
• Enhancing Marketing Infrastructure:
  • Ensure procurement at MSP through NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and state federations, and facilitate direct marketing to boost oilseed cultivation in non-traditional areas.
• Setting Up Testing Laboratories:
  • Establish testing laboratories in mandis to standardise quality parameters and avoid subjective pricing, using PPP (Public Private Partnership) models with agricultural universities and ICAR ( Indian Council of Agricultural Research).
• Enhancing Oil Palm Sector Efficiency:
  • Promote large-scale oil palm plantations and seed gardens, streamline regulations by declaring oil palm a plantation crop, and enforce zero-waste policies to utilise byproducts.

Conclusion

To achieve self-sufficiency in India's edible oil sector, strategic interventions must focus on enhancing oilseed production through crop diversification, horizontal and vertical expansion, and improved processing. By optimising seed quality, modernising infrastructure, and utilising wastelands effectively, India can significantly reduce import dependency and meet future demand projections. Embracing these measures will be crucial for ensuring sustainable growth and resilience in the edible oil sector by 2030 and beyond.

Drishti Mains Question

Q. In the context of India's edible oil sector, evaluate the current challenges and propose a comprehensive strategy to achieve self-sufficiency by 2030.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.
2. The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils as a special case.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

For Prelims: Cryptocurrency, Blockchain Technology, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), Bitcoin, inflation, digital wallet, tokenisation, money laundering, tax evasion.

For Mains: Impact of cryptocurrency on economy.

Source: FE

Why in News?

Recently, former US President Donald Trump expressed support for Bitcoin at a crypto gathering.

• Amidst widespread discontent with government handling of inflation and economic crises, there emerges a measured scepticism towards conventional financial systems.
• This movement, fueled by a pursuit of financial autonomy and a conviction in the transformative promise of blockchain technology, continues to evolve, though its enduring financial viability and existential sustainability remain uncertain.

What is Cryptocurrency and How Does it Work?

• Cryptocurrency is a decentralised digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin.
• Cryptocurrency transactions are documented on a public digital ledger known as the blockchain. This ledger is maintained by a decentralised network of computers distributed globally, which verify and add each new transaction to the blockchain.
  • The decentralisation of the system, coupled with the application of cryptographic techniques, renders it challenging for any entity to manipulate the currency or alter the transactions recorded on the blockchain.
• To engage in cryptocurrency transactions, individuals or businesses must first obtain a digital wallet, a software application that securely stores the user's public and private keys.
  • These keys are essential for sending and receiving cryptocurrency, as well as for verifying transactions on the blockchain.
• Cryptocurrency can be acquired through a process known as "mining," which involves utilising computational power to solve intricate mathematical problems.
  • This process validates and records transactions on the blockchain, rewarding the miner with a certain amount of cryptocurrency in return.

What is Blockchain Technology?

• It is a decentralised, digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers.
• Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant's ledger.
  • The decentralised nature of technology ensures that no single entity can alter or delete previous transactions, providing a high degree of security and transparency.
• Blockchain is the foundation of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but it has many potential uses beyond cryptocurrencies:
  • Financial institutions have been using blockchain for secure and transparent transaction processing, reducing fraud and operational costs.
  • A blockchain-based ecosystem could also be used to design a scholarship system incentivising students to maintain consistency and achieve academic excellence.
  • Blockchain can provide an excellent framework to manage student records ranging from day-to-day information such as assignments, attendance and extracurricular activities, to information about degrees and colleges they have attended.

What is the Legal Status of Cryptocurrency in India?

• Cryptocurrency in India is unregulated but not specifically banned. The government does not recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender, and it intends to limit their use in financing illegal activities or as a payment method.
  • In 2022, the Government of India mentioned in the Union budget 2022-23 that the transfer of any virtual currency/cryptocurrency asset will be subject to 30% tax deduction.
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in association with the Department of Financial Services (DFS), National Health Authority (NHA), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and partner banks, has launched India’s own Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) – Digital Rupee or ‘e-RUPI’.
  • CBDCs are a digital form of a paper currency and unlike cryptocurrencies that operate in a regulatory vacuum, these are legal tenders issued and backed by a central bank.
  • The digital fiat currency or CBDC can be transacted using wallets backed by blockchain.
  • Though the concept of CBDCs was directly inspired by Bitcoin, it is different from decentralised virtual currencies and crypto assets, which are not issued by the state and lack the ‘legal tender’ status.

What are the Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrency?

Pros of Cryptocurrency:

• Blockchain-Driven Security and Transparency: Cryptocurrencies leverage blockchain technology, which offers enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency in financial transactions.
  • This decentralised ledger system reduces fraud and operational costs for financial institutions, ensuring a more secure and transparent transaction processing environment.
• Potential for Innovation and Tokenization: The underlying blockchain technology enables tokenization, which can be applied across various sectors, allowing for the conversion of assets into digital tokens.
  • This innovation can be harnessed independently of cryptocurrencies, facilitating new financial instruments and asset management models.
• Reshaping Global Finance: Cryptocurrencies represent the latest evolution in the history of assets, testing the boundaries of trust, redefining ownership, and potentially reshaping global financial systems.
  • As digital assets gain acceptance, they could transform how value is stored and transferred across borders, offering a new paradigm for financial inclusion and global trade.
• Potential for Financial Autonomy: Cryptocurrencies provide a means for financial autonomy, especially in regions with unstable economies or limited access to traditional banking systems.
  • They offer individuals and businesses an alternative to centralised financial institutions, potentially reducing reliance on traditional banking infrastructure.

Cons of Cryptocurrecy:

• Speculative Nature and Volatility: The highly speculative nature of cryptocurrencies often overshadows their functional potential. Their value is largely driven by market sentiment and speculation, leading to extreme price volatility.
  • This volatility undermines their utility as a stable medium of exchange and a reliable store of value.
• Regulatory Challenges and Uncertainty: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is fraught with uncertainty, with governments oscillating between acceptance and outright bans.
  • Concerns over money laundering, tax evasion, and the financing of illegal activities necessitate stringent regulatory measures, which may stifle innovation and hinder the integration of cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial system.
• Limited Practical Utility and Acceptance: The limited acceptance of cryptocurrencies by financial institutions and merchants restricts their practical utility.
  • The volatility of crypto assets makes it challenging for businesses to consistently price goods and services, discouraging their use in everyday transactions.
  • Additionally, the lack of integration with traditional financial systems complicates the conversion of crypto to fiat currency, making it cumbersome and costly for businesses.
• High Transaction Costs and Inefficiency: Cryptocurrencies often suffer from high transaction fees and slower processing times compared to conventional payment methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the burgeoning growth of cryptocurrency in India signifies the nation’s swift progress towards digitalisation. However, this rapid expansion is accompanied by significant challenges due to the absence of a regulatory framework governing the crypto-assets market. This regulatory vacuum not only generates uncertainty for businesses aspiring to venture into this domain but also exposes investors to potential fraud and financial crimes. Moreover, an unregulated ecosystem could inadvertently serve as a conduit for money laundering, fraud, and terror financing, necessitating the urgent establishment of robust regulatory oversight.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Evaluate the role of cryptocurrencies in promoting financial inclusion while examining the risks related to economic stability, regulatory challenges, and market volatility. Discuss the implications for India's regulatory framework.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: (2020)

1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
2. The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
3. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Ans: (d)

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)

Terms sometimes Context/Topic

seen in news

1. Belle II experiment — Artificial Intelligence

2. Blockchain technology — Digital/ Cryptocurrency

3. CRISPR – Cas9 — Particle Physics

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

---

Mains:

Q. Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels? (2020)

Q. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (2019)

NIA's Combat Against the Terror-Gangster Nexus

For Prelims: National Investigation Agency, Organized crime, Lashkar-e-Taiba, 2008 Mumbai attacks, Administrative Reforms Commission

For Mains: Organised Crime and Terrorism, Terror-Gangster Nexus, Money Laundering, Arms smuggling.

Source: IE

Why in News?

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently convened its inaugural meeting with police officials from Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi to tackle the growing concern of the terror-gangster nexus.

• This meeting comes in the wake of increasing reports of organized crime linked to terror groups, particularly those with Pro-Khalistan Elements (PKEs) and connections to Pakistan.

What are the Highlights of the NIA Meeting on the Terror-Gangster Nexus?

• Mapping of Extortion Calls: The meeting focused on mapping extortion calls made by gangsters, especially those linked to terror syndicates, PKEs, and Pakistan-based networks.
• Cybercrime and Drug Smuggling: The use of cyberspace by gangsters to evade arrest and their involvement in drug smuggling were key topics of discussion.
• Central-State Coordination: The meeting emphasised the need for collaborative action plans and the implementation of uniform standard operating procedures (SOPs) to strengthen centre-state coordination in combating organised crime and terrorism.
• Strategic Significance: The meeting aligns with the directive from Union Home Minister to establish a model anti-terrorism structure under the NIA's purview, aiming for a more unified approach to tackling the terror-gangster nexus.

What is the Terror-Gangster Nexus?

• About: The Terror-Gangster Nexus refers to the collaboration between organised crime groups (gangsters) and terrorist organisations.
  • This alliance often involves sharing resources, networks, and operational tactics to further their respective goals.
  • Terrorism and organised crime share a symbiotic relationship, where the operations of one often benefit the other.
  • These nexuses often have international dimensions, with connections to foreign countries that support or harbour terrorist activities.
  • Gangsters often provide financial support and logistical assistance to terrorist groups. This can include money laundering, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
  • Terrorist organisations may recruit members from criminal gangs, leveraging their existing skills in violence and evasion of law enforcement.
• Key Conflict Zones of Gangster-Terrorism Nexus in India:
  • Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and others operate in J&K, often funded through Hawala, money laundering, and drug money.
    • The kidnapping of Rubiya Sayeed in 1989 and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in 1999 highlight the use of criminal activities to further terrorist agendas.
  • Northeastern States: Persistent insurgencies with groups like the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and Naga insurgents. Poor governance allows criminal-terrorist collaboration.
    • Collaboration with criminal groups in Myanmar and Bangladesh exacerbates the problem, leading to a well-established crime-terror nexus in this region.
  • Western India (Maharashtra and Gujarat): The infamous 'D-Company,' led by Dawood Ibrahim, illustrates the overlap between organised crime and terrorism, particularly in the 1993 Mumbai bombings and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
    • Groups like the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) have been involved in criminal activities to fund their operations.
  • Naxalites/Maoists (The 'Red Corridor'): The Naxalite movement, which spans across several states in central and eastern India, has also exhibited a strong nexus with organised crime.
    • The Maoist groups engage in extortion, illegal arms trade, and running parallel governments in the areas under their control.
    • Their operations are funded by criminal activities, which in turn fuel their insurgency against the Indian state.
  • Punjab: Punjab's history of terrorism, particularly during the Khalistan movement, was heavily financed by drug trafficking and smuggling operations. The terror-drug nexus in the state continues to be a concern.
  • Haryana and Delhi: These regions have witnessed a rise in gangster-related activities, with connections to terror groups becoming increasingly evident.
    • The use of cyberspace by these entities to coordinate and carry out operations has been a growing concern.

What are the Key Facts About the National Investigation Agency?

• About: To combat the multifaceted threats of terrorism involving inter-State and international linkages, the Indian government established the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2008.
  • It was established in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Formed under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.
  • It was initiated based on recommendations from various experts and committees, including the Administrative Reforms Commission.
• Organisational Structure: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (Parent Ministry), New Delhi (Headquarters).
• Investigation Process: State governments can refer cases to the NIA through the Central Government (Union Home Ministry). The NIA can also take up cases suo motu or if directed by the Central Government.
  • The NIA can investigate scheduled offenses committed outside India if they fall under its jurisdiction.
• Mandate and Jurisdiction: Investigates and prosecutes offences affecting national security, sovereignty, and international relations.
  • Jurisdiction: Operates across states without needing special permission; can also investigate crimes committed outside India under the NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019.
  • Scheduled Offences: The NIA investigates various offenses under laws such as the Explosive Substances Act 1908, Atomic Energy Act 1962, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, Anti-hijacking Act 2016 and others.
    • In September 2020, the NIA's mandate was expanded to include offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act if connected to terrorism.
• Special Courts: Trials are conducted in special courts designated by the Central Government, chosen in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court of the respective State.
• Operation Related to Terror-Gangster Nexus: Operation Dhvast.

What are the Challenges in Combating the Terror-Gangster Nexus?

• Legislation: Despite the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 introducing provisions for organised crime, challenges persist in integrating this framework with existing state laws like the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA),1999 particularly given the inter-State and international nature of such offences.
• Complex Networks: Both terrorist and gangster organisations operate through intricate and decentralised networks, making it difficult for law enforcement to track and dismantle them.
• Resource Sharing: These groups often share resources such as weapons, funds, and safe houses, which enhances their operational capabilities and resilience.
• Legal and Jurisdictional Issues: Different countries have varying laws and levels of enforcement, creating gaps that these groups exploit. International cooperation is often hindered by legal and bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Ensuring the safety of witnesses who provide critical information can be challenging.
• Technological Advancements: The use of advanced technology for communication, encryption, and cybercrime makes it harder for authorities to intercept and monitor their activities.
• Corruption and Infiltration: Corruption within law enforcement and government agencies can impede efforts to combat these networks. Additionally, these groups may infiltrate state institutions to gain protection and insider information.
• Local Support and Influence: These groups often have strong local support (like sleeper cells) and influence, which can provide them with protection and resources, complicating efforts to root them out.

Way Forward

• Legislative Reforms: Enhance the implementation of BNS, 2023 to uniformly address organised crime across India.
  • This law should define criminal gangs, and their members, and set stringent provisions for dealing with them, including bail provisions and stricter investigation timelines.
  • Strengthen laws and regulations to combat terrorist financing, including measures to target virtual currencies and crowdfunding platforms (dark net) used by extremist groups.
  • Implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for criminals to reintegrate them into society and reduce repeat offenses.
• Network Mapping: Develop a comprehensive database of all known Terror-Gangster Nexus, their second-line commanders, and their network of operatives. Continuous and detailed interrogation, combined with raids, should be used to dismantle these networks.
  • Invest in advanced digital forensics and block chain capabilities to track and disrupt the online activities of these groups, including their use of social media and encrypted communication channels.
• Joint Operations: Conduct joint operations with foreign law enforcement agencies like INTERPOL, to dismantle transnational networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
  • Conduct more frequent and sophisticated undercover operations to infiltrate terrorist and criminal networks, gathering valuable intelligence and disrupting their activities.
• Form small, independent, self-contained Special Task Forces (STFs) with the mandate to dismantle organised gangs. These units should have the authority to conduct raids, seizures, and interrogations without bureaucratic hindrance, and be equipped with the necessary logistics and equipment.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the terror-gangster nexus in India, its impact on national security, and the challenges it poses to law enforcement. What strategies can effectively dismantle these networks?

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Mains

Q. Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (2021)

Q. India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internalsecurity concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and otherillicit activitiessuch as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? (2018)

National Sports Day 2024 and RESET Programme

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, National Sports Day (NSD) 2024 was celebrated on 29^th August 2024 on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand to promote sports and physical fitness in India through various events and activities.

• On NSD 2024, the government launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme.

What are the Key Facts About NSD and the RESET Programme?

• About: It is a special occasion dedicated to marking the spirit of sports in India.
  • It aims to inspire individuals of all ages to participate in physical activities, cultivate and promote a sports culture, and honour the achievements of athletes.
• Significance of National Sports Day: It recognises the achievements of Indian athletes, celebrating their contributions to the nation’s pride and international stature.
  • The government uses this day as a platform to launch various sports schemes, such as the Khelo India movement in 2018.
  • The President of India presents prestigious sports awards, one of them being, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
• About RESET Programme:
  • Aim: To empower retired sports persons by empowering them with the necessary knowledge and skills and making them more employable.
  • Eligibility: Retired athletes aged 20-50 who have won international medals, participated in international events, or achieved national or state-level recognition.
  • Structure: It will be of two levels based on educational qualifications viz., Class 12^th and above and Class 11^th and below.
  • Lead Institute to Implement the Programme: Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior.

What are the Key Facts About Major Dhyan Chand?

• Major Dhyan Chand was a prominent hockey player in India’s pre-independence period.
• He is famously known as the “Wizard of Hockey” and “The Magician” due to his stick work and understanding of the game.
• He played a key role in India’s first hat-trick of Olympic gold medals, winning at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Summer Olympics.
• Between 1926 and 1948, he played 185 matches for India scoring over 400 goals.
• He retired as a Major in the Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army in 1956.
  • He fulfilled his regimental duties during the day, so he used to practise in the moonlight earning him the title of Chand.
• He received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in 1956.
• In 2012, the government of India decided to celebrate his birth anniversary as National Sports Day annually.
• To honour him, the Indian government renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.

What are the Various Sports Awards Given in India?

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: It is considered India’s highest sporting honour. The award is given for outstanding performances in sports spanning over a period of four years and the winners receive a medallion, certificate and a cash prize.
• Arjuna Award: It is awarded for consistently good performance over a period of four years. The winners of the Arjuna Award receive a statuette of Arjuna, a certificate and a cash prize.
• Dronacharya Award: It is India’s highest sports honour for coaches. It is awarded to individuals for producing medal winners at prestigious international events.
• Major Dhyan Chand Award: It is another award named after India’s hockey magician Dhyan Chand. It represents India’s highest honour for lifetime achievements in sports.
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy: It is given to an institution or university for top performance in inter-university tournaments over the last one year.
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: It is awarded to organisations or corporates (both private and public) and individuals for playing a role in the area of sports promotion and development over the last three years

What are Government Initiatives to Promote Sports Culture?

• Fit India Movement
• Khelo India
• SAI Training Centers Scheme
• Sports Talent Search Portal
• National Sports Awards Scheme
• Target Olympic Podium

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q.Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards: (2023)

1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award	For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years
2.Arjuna Award	For the lifetime achievement by a sportsperson
3.Dronacharya Award	To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sports person or teams
4.Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar	To recognize the contribution made by sports persons even after their retirement

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) All four

Ans: (b)

Q.Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: (2021)

1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.
2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.
3. Roger Federer received this award the maximum number of times compared to others.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: (2021)

1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’.
2. Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate and Baseball are included in this Olympics.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Security Alert System Based on Piezoelectric Polymer Nanocomposite

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the researchers from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) and National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune have developed a novel piezoelectric polymer nanocomposite for pressure sensing and energy harvesting.

• This can efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical energy opening new avenues for applications in energy harvesting and pressure sensing.

What are Piezoelectric Polymer Nanocomposite?

• Piezoelectric Materials/ Effect:
  • Piezoelectric materials are materials that can produce electricity when applied to mechanical stress. When pressure is applied to such materials, the centres of positive and negative charges shift, creating an external electric field.
  • Examples:
    • Natural materials: Quartz, topaz, and tourmaline.
    • Organic materials: Silk, wood, and bone.
    • Ceramics: Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and barium titanate (BT).
    • Polymers: PVDF and PVDF-TrFE.
    • Ferroelectric materials: Barium titanate (BaTiO3) generates electric charge without mechanical pressure.
  • Applications:
    • Piezoelectric materials are used in various applications, including microphones, electric pickups for stringed instruments, sensors, actuators, frequency standards, piezoelectric motors, and noise and vibration reduction.
• Polymer:
  • A polymer is a large molecule composed of chains or rings of linked repeating subunits called monomers, typically having high melting and boiling points due to their high molecular masses.
    • Natural polymers include silk and DNA, while synthetic polymers, like nylon and polyethylene, are made from oil or bio-based sources.
• Piezoelectric Polymers:
  • These are polymers that can generate electric charges on the surface under pressure/strain thus converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
  • Example: Poly(vinylidene fluoride), also known as PVDF, Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) copolymer or P(VDF-TrFE).
• Polymer Nanocomposites: These are materials made from polymer matrices combined with small percentages of nanometer-sized additives, aimed at enhancing the properties of polymers such as mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics.
  • Nanomaterials are the material having structural components with at least one dimension in the nanometer scale, that is, 1-100 nm.
  • Nanocomposite is a solid material made up of two or more different substances, where at least one of these substances has dimensions in the nanoscale range, specifically between 1 nm and 3 nm.

What are the Key Facts About the Study?

• About:
  • The researchers aimed to study how the different crystal structures of the zirconia nanoparticles affected the piezoelectric capabilities of the composite material.
• Process:
  • Researchers created two types of zirconia-based Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (UiO-66 and UiO-67) and converted them into zirconia nanoparticles.
    • Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials composed of metal ions or clusters linked to rigid organic molecules, resulting in one-, two-, or three-dimensional porous structures.
  • Then these nanoparticles are mixed with a piezoelectric polymer called poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) to make polymer nanocomposite films.
• Findings:
  • Researchers found that the surface properties and crystal structure of the nanoparticles significantly influenced the piezoelectric performance of the polymer.
• Practical Applications:
  • Security Alert System: A Bluetooth-based security alert system uses a piezoelectric pavement prototype that generates voltage from footsteps.
    • If unauthorised entry is detected, the system activates and sends alerts to a connected device, like an Android smartphone, via Bluetooth.
  • Electricity Generation: The prototype can also generate electrical energy from mechanical energy input.
    • This feature is particularly beneficial in enhancing the efficiency of energy use in smart cities and automated security systems.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements: (2022)

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Q. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? (2014)

1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.
3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

TRAI's New Rule to Curb Spam

Source: PIB

Recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a mandate requiring telecom firms to block messages containing unregistered Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), over-the-top (OTT) links, Android Application Packages (APKs), or call-back numbers starting from 1^st September 2024.

• The new rule, aimed at reducing spam and phishing attempts, requires institutions to register and whitelist (or allowlist - a list of acceptable entities) their numbers to send one-time passwords (OTPs), which may impact banks and services using OTPs for transactional alerts or authentication.
  • Telecom companies will now need to verify the content of messages before delivery, enhancing security.
• TRAI has also mandated that telemarketing calls starting with the 140-series (assigned to telemarketers) will have to be migrated to an online DLT (digital ledger technology) platform or on blockchain to enable better monitoring.
• To further curb spam, telecom operators are directed to monitor and disconnect bulk connections used for promotional and spam calls.
• TRAI was established in 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government. Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
  • Its main objective is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment that promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.

Read more...

New Chairman of ICC

Source: HT

Recently, Jay Shah has been elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), becoming the youngest ever to reach this position.

• He currently holds the position of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary and will take over the charge at ICC from 1^st December, 2024, succeeding Greg Barclay of New Zealand as ICC chairman
• He became the fifth Indian to become ICC chairman after Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar.
• About ICC:
  • Establishment: Imperial Cricket Conference (as the ICC was originally called) was founded in 1909. It became the International Cricket Council in 1989.
  • Function:The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. It organises major international tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, and ICC Champions Trophy.
  • Membership: The ICC has 108 members as of 2024, consisting of 12 Full Members who play Test matches and 96 Associate Members.
  • Headquarters: Dubai, UAE

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Return of Guru Granth Sahib Copies to India

Source: IE

Recently, two saroops (copies) of the Guru Granth Sahib were returned to the Indian embassy in Doha, Qatar.

• In December 2023, Qatari authorities confiscated two Sikh holy books from individuals accused of operating a religious establishment without approval.
• About Saroop: Saroop is a physical copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, also called Bir in Punjabi.
  • Every Bir has 1,430 pages, which are referred to as Ang.
  • The Sikhs consider the saroop of Guru Granth Sahib a living guru and treat it with utmost respect.
  • Guru Arjan Dev (5th Sikh guru) compiled the first Bir of the Guru Granth Sahib in 1604, and installed it at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
  • Later, Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh guru) added verses penned by Guru Tegh Bahadur (9th Sikh guru) and compiled the Bir for the second and last time.
• About Guru Granth Sahib: It is a compendium of hymns written by six Sikh gurus, 15 saints, including Bhagat Kabir, Bhagat Ravidas, Sheikh Farid and Bhagat Namdev, 11 Bhatts (balladeers) and four Sikhs.
  • The verses are composed in 31 ragas.
  • In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib the living Guru of the Sikhs.

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Guru Padmasambhava

Source: PIB

A two-day conference on the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava was held in Nalanda, Bihar, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara.

• The event will focus on Guru Padmasambhava’s adaptation of Buddhist teachings to local cultures and traditions.
• Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an 8^th-century sage whose teachings significantly shaped the dissemination of Buddha Dhamma across the Himalayan region and is regarded as the second Buddha.
• Guru Padmasambhava, one of the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism, appeared in Tibet in 749 A.D. The other two founders were Acharya Shanta Rakshita and prevalent king Thisong Deotsen.
  • Tibetan Buddhism is the Vajrayana (Tantric) form of Mahayana Buddhism from India.
• The Nyingma Sect's teachings are based on Padmasambhava. The teachings are classified into nine yanas, with Dzogchen (Great Perfection) being the most important.
  • Dzogchen focuses on pure awareness through meditation, and the Vajrayana tradition involves ritual, symbols, and tantric practices to achieve nirvana.
• The IBC is a Buddhist umbrella body based in New Delhi that serves as a common platform for Buddhists worldwide. It currently has a membership of more than 320 organisations in 39 countries.

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