DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS ANALYSIS
1 – Food Security and Nutrition Overview 2023: GS II – International Issues:
Context:
- According to the recently released Asia-Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, 74.1% of Indians could not afford a balanced meal in 2021.
Which aspects of the report stand out the most?
Worldwide:
- Around 12 million fewer people were undernourished in 2022 than in 2021, but 55 million more than in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 epidemic. The frequency of undernourishment in the Asia and Pacific area fell to 8.4% in 2022 from 8.8% the year before.
- Asia and the Pacific region accounts for half of the world’s undernourished population, with 370.7 million undernourished individuals.
- Nearly 314 million of the undernourished individuals in the region reside in Southern Asia. This amounts to 85% of the undernourished population in the Asia-Pacific area.
- Southern Asia has a higher percentage of people experiencing acute food insecurity than any other subregion.
- With the exception of Eastern Asia, women are typically more food insecure than males throughout the subregions.
Concerning India:
- Inability to Afford Healthy food: In 2020, 76.2 percent of Indians reported being unable to afford a healthy food, a statistic that rose to 74.1% in 2021.
- Comparing with Neighbouring Countries: 82.2% of the people in Bangladesh and 66.1% of the people in Pakistan reported having trouble getting access to wholesome food.
- Regional Nutrition and Food Security: The undernutrition rate in India is 16.6%.
- Since 2015, India has had a decrease in the global prevalence of both moderate and severe food insecurity.
- Children’s Health: Out of children under five, 31.7% were stunted, and 18.7% were wasting, or having low weight for height.
- Less than 5% is the worldwide nutrition objective set by the WHO for childhood wasting.
- Inadequate feeding practices for infants and early children, poor maternal health and nutrition, and recurrent infections along with a number of other variables over an extended period of time can all lead to stunted growth and development.
- Women’s Health: In 2019, the highest prevalence rate of anaemia in India was seen in 53% of women between the ages of 15 and 49.
- Women’s health and wellbeing are harmed by anaemia, which also raises the possibility of unfavourable consequences for mothers and newborns.
- Obesity and Nutrition Indicators: The FAO estimates that 1.6% of the nation’s adult population was obese in 2000. By 2016, the percentage had risen to 3.9%.
- Exclusive Breastfeeding: India has enhanced the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0–5 months of age, with a percentage of 63.7%, surpassing the global prevalence of 47.7%.
- With a prevalence of low birthweight of 27.4%, India leads the region, followed by Bangladesh and Nepal.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation: What is it?
About:
- The United Nations’ specialist agency FAO is in charge of spearheading global initiatives to end hunger.
- Every year on October 16, people all over the world commemorate World Food Day. On this day in 1945, the FAO was founded, and it is commemorated.
- It is a Rome, Italy-based UN agency that provides food assistance. The World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are its sister organisations.
Source The Hindu
2 – India’s Coal Plants: SO2 Emission Control: GS III – Environmental Conservation:
Context:
- Less than 8% of India’s coal-based power plants have installed the SO2 emission reduction technology advised by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to control sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, according to a recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
- A 2019 Greenpeace report states that India is the world’s biggest SO2 emitter.
Which technologies can be used to lower SO2 emissions?
FGD, or flue gas desulfurization:
- The process of eliminating sulphur compounds from fossil fuel-fueled power plants’ exhaust emissions is known as FGD.
- This is accomplished by adding absorbents, which have the ability to extract up to 95% of the sulphur dioxide present in the flue gas.
- The substance released during the burning of fossil fuels for power or warmth, such as coal, oil, natural gas, or wood, is known as flue gas.
Fluidized Bed Combustion in Circulating Beds (CFBC):
- The CFBC Boiler is an environmentally friendly power plant that uses simultaneous air and lime injection to burn, reducing the release of pollutants like sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide.
- When a pressurised fluid (liquid or gas) is pumped through a medium and, under specific circumstances, causes the solid particles to behave like a fluid, the solid particle bed is said to be fluidized. Solid particles undergo a state transition from static to dynamic due to fluidization.
What are the study’s main conclusions?
- In all of India, only 16.5 GW total capacity of coal plants have installed FGDs and Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion (CFBC) boilers, which are equal to 5.9 GW.
- According to the CREA report, 92% of the nation’s coal-fired power stations run without FGDs.
- Emission limits from coal-based electricity generation units were largely derailed by the MoEF&CC and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) extending the deadline for all coal power stations without monitoring their progress.
- 2015 saw the introduction of emission rules by the MoEF&CC to control emissions of PM, SO2, NOx, and mercury (Hg).
- For units in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the deadline has been extended four times; for the majority of other units in the nation, it has been extended three times.
- India has an installed capacity of 425 GW for energy generation. In terms of installed capacity, the thermal sector is the largest, consisting of coal (48.6%), gas (5.9%), lignite (1.6%), and diesel (0.2%) in small amounts.
How are Power Plants Classified for the Installation of FGD?
- To meet deadlines, the MoEF&CC separated coal-power plant groups based on geographic location in 2021.
- Within a 10-kilometer radius of the National Capital Region (NCR) and cities with a population of one million or more, coal-based power plants fall under Category A.
- Category B include locations that are 10 km away from non-attainment cities or areas that are severely polluted.
- The remaining factories across the nation are classified as Category C.
- Category C power plants have the longest deadlines and make up the majority of the nation’s power plants.
- CREA is an independent research organisation dedicated to elucidating the patterns, origins, and health effects of air pollution in addition to proposing remedies.
- It supports governments, businesses, and advocacy groups around the world in their efforts to transition to sustainable energy and clean air by using scientific data, research, and evidence.
Quicken the Implementation of FGD:
- Give the installation of FGD technology in coal-based power plants first priority and move quickly. Promote and reward the use of this technology in order to guarantee adherence to the MoEF&CC’s emission regulations.
Extend the Application of CFBC:
- Encourage power plants to use CFBC technology by offering incentives and support, with the goal of implementing it more widely to improve environmental sustainability.
Tighter Supervision and Enforcement:
- bolster the legal framework that governs the enforcement and monitoring of emission regulations. Enact severe penalties for missing deadlines and following emission standards.
Development and Research (D&R):
- Invest in R&D to investigate and apply cutting-edge technologies that surpass existing norms. Encourage the development of innovative clean energy and emission control technologies to increase the sustainability of coal-based power generation.
Source The Hindu
3 – Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 by WHO: GS II – International Issues:
Context:
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently published a report titled The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, which includes important conclusions and information about global road traffic deaths and safety.
Which aspects of the report stand out the most?
Road Traffic Deaths:
- Globally, the number of road traffic deaths fell by 5% between 2010 and 2021, with 1.19 million deaths per year.
- During this time, 108 UN members reported a decrease in traffic-related fatalities.
- India saw a 15% increase in deaths between 2010 and 2021, going from 1.34 lakh to 1.54 lakh.
Nations Experiencing Notable Declines:
- Ten nations—Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, Denmark, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Russian Federation, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela—were able to cut the number of road deaths by more than 50%.
- An additional 35 countries achieved noteworthy advancements, with a 30% to 50% decrease in mortality.
Deaths by Region:
- The WHO South-East Asia Region accounted for 28% of all road traffic fatalities worldwide, followed by the Western Pacific Region at 25%, the African Region at 19%, the Americas Region at 12%, the Eastern Mediterranean Region at 11%, and the European Region at 5%.
- Despite possessing only 1% of all motor vehicles worldwide, 90% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, which pay an unfair share of the cost.
Road Users Who Are at Risk:
- Vulnerable road users account for 53% of all traffic deaths; these users include pedestrians (23%), cyclists (6%), riders of powered two- and three-wheelers (21%), and users of micro-mobility devices (3%).
- Between 2010 and 2021, there was a 3% increase in pedestrian deaths and a roughly 20% increase in bike deaths, totaling 71,000.
- Nonetheless, car and other four-wheeled light vehicle occupant deaths somewhat declined, accounting for 30% of all fatalities worldwide.
Developments in Safety Policies and Standards:
- Only six nations (representing two thirds of UN Member States) have regulations that comply with WHO best practices for every risk factor, including speeding, drunk driving, and the use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts, and kid restraints.
- Only a few nations have laws requiring road users to undergo safety checks and addressing important aspects of vehicle safety.
Request for Action:
- By 2030, the number of motor vehicles worldwide is predicted to treble, necessitating strict safety laws and infrastructural upgrades.
- The report establishes a starting point for achieving the 2030 road traffic death objective established by the United Nations Decade of Action 2021–2030.
Which initiatives are involved in road safety?
Worldwide:
The 2015 Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety:
- During the second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety, which took place in Brazil, the declaration was signed. India has ratified the Declaration of Concord.
- The nations intend to accomplish Sustainable Development Goal 3.6, which calls for a halving of the number of road traffic accident-related deaths and injuries worldwide by 2030.
The 2021–2030 Decade of Action for Road Safety:
- The resolution “Improving global road safety” was adopted by the UN General Assembly, and it set the lofty goal of saving at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
- The need of a comprehensive approach to road safety is emphasised in the Global Plan, which is consistent with the Stockholm Declaration.
The Programme for International Road Assessment (iRAP):
- It is a recognised charity that works to make roadways safer in order to save lives.
India:
The 2019 Motor Vehicles Amendment Act:
- The Act increases fines for a variety of infractions, including driving while underage and defective cars.
- It calls for the creation of a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, which would mandate insurance coverage for specific kinds of incidents for all Indian drivers.
The 2007 Carriage by Road Act:
- The Act regulates common carriers, limiting their liability and requiring them to declare the value of the goods they deliver in order to calculate their liability for loss or damage to those goods caused by their own negligence, that of their employees or agents, or by other criminal activity, as well as for matters related or incidental to those activities.
The Act of 2000 Controlling National Highways (Land and Traffic):
- The Act allows for the removal of unauthorised habitation from land that is inside National Highways, as well as control over right-of-way and traffic on certain routes.
India’s National Highways Authority Act of 1998:
- The Act calls for the establishment of an authority to oversee the creation, upkeep, and administration of NHs as well as any issues related or incidental to them.
Source The Hindu
4 – India Imposes Onion Export Ban: GS III – Agriculture-related issues:
Context:
- The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) recently changed the export policy for onions from “Free” to “Prohibited,” announcing a prohibition on shipments until March 2024.
- Onion prices have grown significantly due to the current supply deficit brought on by the early depletion of 2022–2023 rabi season inventories, the expectation of decreased kharif 2023 output, and higher festival demand.
- The wheat stock limit has also been altered by the government; it is now only five tonnes for stores and 1,000 tonnes for wholesalers.
Why is the export of onion prices prohibited by the government?
Control of Price:
- The government wants to avoid price spikes or volatility in the domestic market, which is why it is limiting onion exports.
- In October 2023, the Centre set a Minimum Export Price of USD 800 per tonne for onions in order to counteract price spirals. Onions were subject to a 40% export levy imposed by the government earlier in August.
- Given the high price fluctuation of onions in the past, a ban on exports serves to stabilise prices and lower the cost of onions for local customers.
Dealing with Scarcity:
- Onions can become scarce in the nation due to a variety of factors, including unfavourable weather, decreased output, or higher demand.
- The government makes sure that the available supply is focused first on satisfying domestic wants by outlawing exports.
Food Safety:
- Indian diet is heavily dependent on onions, therefore any shortage can affect food security. The government guarantees that the public has access to this necessary food item without experiencing shortages or exorbitant prices by limiting exports.
What Are the Crucial Onion Facts?
- An essential horticultural product, onions are grown all over the world for both culinary and medical purposes.
- After China, India is the world’s second-largest producer of onions.
- The states that produce the most onions include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- According to the third advance estimate for 2021–2022, Maharashtra leads the country in onion production with a share of 42.53%, followed by Madhya Pradesh with a share of 15.16 percent.
Why Has the Government Limited Wheat Stocks?
- The purpose of the updated stock limitations is to stop wheat stocking organisations from engaging in hoarding activities. The government hopes to prevent artificial scarcity and guarantee a fair distribution of wheat among all parties involved by enforcing stiffer constraints.
- Hoarding too much can cause an imbalance between supply and demand, which can affect prices and have a negative effect on customers.
- Controlling wheat supplies guarantees that there will always be enough of the grain on the market to meet the nation’s food needs. By averting shortages and guaranteeing that customers can obtain this essential food item, it contributes to the preservation of food security.
What is the country’s current wheat distribution scenario?
- After China, India is the world’s second-largest producer of wheat. However, its share in the world’s wheat trade is less than 1%. Much of it is retained to supply the underprivileged with subsidised food.
- India’s principal wheat-growing states include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Gujarat.
- Bangladesh, Indonesia, Korea Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen Republic are the main export destinations (2022–2023).
Source The Hindu
5 – Truth and Reconciliation Commission: GS II – Government Policies and Interventions:
Context:
- The Supreme Court has recommended the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to investigate claims of human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir by both state and non-state actors, while also unanimously upholding the Center’s 2019 abrogation of Article 370.
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): What is it?
About:
- Often referred to as a “truth and justice commission,” “truth commission,” or simply “truth commission,” a truth and reconciliation commission is an official instrument to expose wrongdoings by a government or occasionally non-state actors.
Goal:
- The truth commission is not concerned with current occurrences, but rather with the history.
- It looks into a sequence of occurrences that happened across time.
- The commission interacts widely and directly with the impacted community to learn about their perspectives;
- It is a transitional body whose objective is to produce a final report.
- The state under review formally authorises or empowers the commission.
Which Countries Have TRCs Already Been Established?
- The two most well-known and significant commissions are thought to have been established in South Africa, Australia, and Canada.
- Truth commissions have been established in Nepal and Sri Lanka, two countries close to India.
- To find out the truth about human rights abuses committed during the decades of apartheid, President Nelson Mandela’s first post-apartheid government in South Africa established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 1995.
Section 370:
- It gave the state permission to have its own flag, constitution, and level of autonomy over all save communications, foreign policy, and defence.
- It was predicated on the conditions of the Instrument of Accession, which Jammu and Kashmir’s ruler, Hari Singh, signed in 1947 to become a part of India following Pakistan’s invasion.
Source The Hindu
