UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 September 2024)
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Viability of Universal Basic Income in India
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Government Promoting Nano-Fertilizer
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
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China is raising retirement ages
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
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National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024
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Salt pan lands
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PM E-Drive scheme
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Saarthi app
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Mission Mausam
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Mikania micrantha
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Myristica swamp forest
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 September 2024
GS Paper 3:
Viability of Universal Basic Income in India
Syllabus: Indian Economy
Source: TH
Context: With automation and AI reducing job growth, the idea of UBI is gaining momentum globally, including in India. While some argue that UBI can address the lack of demand and rising inequality, others suggest that India’s focus should be on expanding social safety nets rather than a full UBI.
What is Universal Basic Income (UBI)?
It is a social welfare scheme that provides a fixed, unconditional cash transfer to all eligible individuals or households, irrespective of their income or employment status. The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) appealing in the 2016-17 Economic Survey, however, the current CEA, V Anantha Nageswaran, has dismissed it, asserting that it is unnecessary for the country.
The potential of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in combating poverty:
- Direct financial support: UBI provides direct financial support to individuals and families, helping them meet basic needs, such as food, healthcare, and education.
- Financial inclusion: UBI can encourage financial inclusion by promoting bank account usage and formal financial transactions.
- Elimination of targeting errors: UBI eliminates targeting errors, as it is provided universally, reducing administrative costs and ensuring coverage of all eligible individuals.
- More autonomy: A study by SEWA Bharat found that women in rural India who received cash transfers had greater autonomy in decision-making.
- UBI empowers recipients by giving them the flexibility to spend the cash according to their priorities, including investments in livelihoods and education.
- Social Inclusion: UBI fosters social inclusion by providing financial support to marginalized populations, helping them participate more fully in society.
- Counter-Cyclical Effect: UBI’s unconditional nature makes it counter-cyclical, automatically expanding during economic downturns, providing a safety net for those facing job loss or economic hardship.
- Human dignity: UBI recognizes the intrinsic value of every individual by providing them with the means to lead a life of dignity and self-determination. It empowers recipients to make choices that align with their aspirations and needs.
Economic impact and challenges of implementing UBI in India:
- Cost and fiscal sustainability: Implementing UBI is costly and requires significant financial resources, potentially necessitating higher taxes, spending cuts, or increased debt. It can also lead to inflation and hinder economic growth.
- Economic Survey of 2016-17 estimated that a UBI of 7,620 per year for every Indian would cost about 4.9% of GDP.
- Perverse incentives: UBI may reduce work motivation and productivity, creating a culture of dependency. It could discourage skill development and training, as some may opt for a basic income without pursuing income-generating opportunities.
- Inflationary pressures: The widespread distribution of a fixed income may drive up prices for goods and services, as businesses adjust pricing strategies to capture the additional income in the market.
- Potential for dependency: UBI carries the risk of fostering dependency on government support, potentially leading to complacency and reduced motivation for personal and professional growth.
- Implementation Challenges: India faces issues in public service delivery, including identification, targeting, monitoring, and accountability. UBI requires reliable data, technology, and strong institutions to prevent corruption, leaks, and exclusion errors.
- Incomplete Universal Aadhar enrollment complicates beneficiary identification and targeted service delivery.
Alternatives to Universal Basic Income (UBI) as approaches to poverty alleviation:
| Alternatives | Description |
| 1. Targeted Cash Transfer Programs | Focus on specific vulnerable groups, such as LPG subsidies under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). |
| 2. Expand Employment Guarantee Schemes | Improve schemes like MGNREGA, which provide rural households with guaranteed employment and increased income. |
| 3. Strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS) | Improve distribution of subsidized food grains and essential commodities to ensure food security for low-income families. |
| 4. Invest in Skill Development | Enhance the employability of the underprivileged through skill development and vocational training programs. |
| 5. Promote Microfinance and Microcredit | Support small businesses through microloans, particularly targeting women, to generate income (e.g., SHGs like Kudumbshree, and Jeevika). |
Conclusion
Each of these alternatives can be tailored to address specific poverty challenges in India. A combination of these approaches, depending on the region and population in question, can lead to a more comprehensive and effective strategy for poverty alleviation.
Insta Links:
Mains Links
The Universal Basic Income, the implementation of which has repeatedly been debated in India, seeks to alleviate poverty. Critically discuss the possibility of UBI in India. (15M)
Government Promoting Nano-Fertilizer
Syllabus: Agriculture
Source: IE
Context: The Government of India is promoting nano DAP as a cost-effective, indigenous alternative to the imported granular form of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), especially for Punjab’s Rabi season crops.
What is Nano DAP?
It is cheaper and easier to transport, with a 500 ml bottle costing Rs 600 covering one acre, compared to granular DAP’s Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag. However, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) scientists have raised concerns, reporting lower wheat yields when using nano DAP. IFFCO, which developed nano DAP (in liquid form), recommends using it alongside granular DAP for optimal results.
What are Nano-fertilizers?
Nano-fertilizers are advanced fertilizers engineered using nanotechnology to improve nutrient delivery to plants. They contain nutrients in nano-sized particles, which allows for better absorption, efficient use, and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional fertilizers.
Examples: Some examples of nano-fertilizers include nanoparticles of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as combinations of these nutrients with other elements such as iron or zinc.
Benefits of Nano-Fertilizers:
| Category | Benefits of Nano-Fertilizers |
| To Farmers | Reduction in Input Costs: A 500 ML bottle of Nano DAP costs around Rs 600, half the price of a 50-kg DAP bag (Rs 1,350-1,400). |
| Higher Crop Yields: Nano fertilizers increase yields by 8%, improving crop quality through better nutrition (IFFCO). | |
| Increase in Farmer Income: Reduced costs and higher yields lead to better income. | |
| To Environment | Better Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE): Over 85% efficiency, with plants absorbing nitrogen better due to nano-sized particles. |
| Less Environmental Fallout: Reduces soil, water, and air pollution, cutting fertilizer use by 50% and minimizing nutrient waste. | |
| To Government | Lower Subsidies: Promotes cost savings by cutting subsidies on non-urea fertilizers. |
| Decreasing Imports: Nano urea production aims to reduce dependence on urea imports, with planned production equivalent to 20 million tonnes of urea by FY25. |
Current limitations and challenges associated with the implementation of nano fertilizers:
- Not a complete replacement: Nano urea only replaces top dressing, not basal application, limiting efficiency benefits.
- True yield concerns: The predicted yield increase is 3-16%, but lower actual gains could reduce income benefits.
- Costing issues: Nano urea lacks subsidy support, raising questions about its pricing compared to conventional urea.
- Potential toxicity: Nanoparticles may harm soil organisms and pose risks to human health.
- Uncertain long-term effects: Impacts on soil health, microbial activity, and potential water contamination remain unclear.
Farmers may need to make significant changes to their practices in order to incorporate nano-fertilizers, which could result in additional costs and learning curves.
Conclusion:
While nano-fertilizers offer exciting possibilities for improving the sustainability and productivity of agriculture, their implementation is still faced with several limitations and challenges that must be addressed in order to fully realize their potential.
Insta lInk:
Mains Link:
What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels? Critically, analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it. (UPSC 2013)
Prelims Link:
With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements: (USPC 2020)
- At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
- Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
- Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 September 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
China is raising retirement ages
Source: IE
China is raising retirement ages to address several challenges:
- Declining pension budgets: With pensions running deficits, delaying retirement would reduce immediate payouts and extend workers’ contributions.
- Increased burden on employed workers: Fewer workers are supporting more retirees, straining the system.
- Ageing population and rising life expectancy: With life expectancy now 78.6 years and a growing elderly population, the current retirement age is unsustainable.
This move comes amid economic challenges, high youth unemployment, and concerns over the exploitation of blue-collar workers.
India can learn the following lessons from China’s move to raise retirement ages:
- Pension System Sustainability: India should strengthen its pension system to avoid future deficits, especially as the population ages.
- Addressing Workforce Imbalances: Managing the ratio of workers to retirees is crucial for long-term economic stability.
- Adaptation to Increasing Life Expectancy: As life expectancy rises, retirement ages may need to adjust to ensure financial sustainability.
- Balancing Employment Needs: Raising retirement ages should be balanced with addressing youth unemployment and ensuring job opportunities for all.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024
Source: PIB
Context: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 to 15 nurses at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These awards recognize their outstanding dedication to healthcare.
About the Award:
Established in 1973 by the Ministry of Health, the awards honour exceptional nursing professionals from across India. Each award includes a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, and a medal.
About Florence Nightingale:
She was an English social reformer and the founder of modern nursing. She gained recognition during the Crimean War for organizing care for wounded soldiers. She later established the first scientifically-based nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Salt pan lands
Source: IE
Context: Mumbai’s salt pans, critical natural ecosystems, are under threat as the government approved the transfer of 256 acres to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project for housing slum dwellers.
- These salt pans, spanning 5,378 acres in the city, help prevent flooding by accumulating rainwater and tidal inflows.
- Environmentalists argue that developing these lands will worsen flooding in areas like Vikhroli and Kanjurmarg.
- Despite their classification under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) protections, pressure to use them for housing persists.
Salt pan lands are flat expanses of ground covered with salt and other minerals, typically found in arid and semi-arid regions.
These lands are formed when bodies of water, such as lakes or ponds, evaporate, leaving behind salt deposits.
Salt pans are often associated with desert environments but can also occur in coastal areas where seawater evaporates in shallow basins.
PM E-Drive scheme
Source: HT
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme.
- The scheme focuses on promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
- The heavy industries ministry will implement the scheme, offering subsidies through a dedicated portal to both buyers and manufacturers.
- Additional fund will be provided to public transport agencies for procuring 14,028 e-buses, with demand aggregation managed by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) in nine major cities.
- The scheme also includes funding for fast chargers, electric trucks, and the modernization of EV testing agencies.
Saarthi app
Source: Economic Times
Context: The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has launched Saarthi, a reference app developed in collaboration with Bhashini, an AI-driven language-translation tool.
- Saarthi enables businesses to create multilingual buyer apps, supporting Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, and Tamil initially, with plans to expand to all 22 languages provided by Bhashini.
- Saarthi’s multilingual features, including real-time translation, transliteration, and voice recognition, aim to enhance accessibility and provide a personalized digital commerce experience.
- This initiative aligns with ONDC’s goal of democratizing e-commerce, helping businesses tap into new regions and overcome language barriers.
- It is expected to improve customer engagement, expand market reach, and boost revenue, particularly in underserved regions.
Mission Mausam
Source: PIB
Context: Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore initiative approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to enhance India’s weather and climate forecasting capabilities by 2026.
- Spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the mission seeks to make India “Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart,” improving resilience against climate change and extreme weather events.
About Mission Mausam:
- Key objectives include developing advanced weather surveillance technologies, improving atmospheric observations, and enhancing prediction capabilities using high-performance computers and AI/ML methods.
- The mission will establish a network of 50 Doppler Weather Radars, additional observation stations, and research facilities.
- It also focuses on last-mile data dissemination and capacity building to benefit citizens and sectors.
- Three institutes under MoES—IMD, NCMRWF, and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology—will lead the mission, with support from other MoES bodies and international collaborations.
- The initiative promises significant advancements in weather forecasting and air quality data, ensuring more accurate and timely services.
Mikania micrantha
Source: DH
Context: Bhadra Tiger Reserve (BTR) is facing a biodiversity threat from the rapid spread of the invasive weed Mikania micrantha, which now covers 10%-15% of the reserve.
- This aggressive creeper, known as the “mile-a-minute” vine, has caused similar damage in other reserves like Chitwan in Nepal and Valmiki in Bihar.
Myristica swamp forest
Source: TOI
Context: Researchers have discovered an endangered Myristica swamp forest near the Goa-Maharashtra border.
- This rare find highlights the role of local communities in conserving culturally significant ecosystems.
- The sacred grove, linked to Lord Shiva and protected for generations, spans 8,200 square meters and hosts 39 plant species, including 70 endangered Myristica magnifica
- These trees, vital to wildlife and the environment, contribute to groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation.
The discovery underscores the ecological importance of preserving such ecosystems, especially in biodiversity-rich areas like the Western Ghats, and calls for stronger conservation efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
A swamp is a type of wetland characterized by waterlogged ground and the presence of trees and other vegetation.
Swamps are typically found in low-lying areas where water accumulates, such as river floodplains, coastal regions, and areas with poor drainage.
They can be freshwater or saltwater ecosystems, depending on their location.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 September 2024
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