Daily Current Affairs 13 July 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 13 July 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Demand for Special Category Status

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is Special Category Status?
3. Way Forward

Why in the News?

Demand for ‘special category status’ for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar is likely to get louder.

News in Brief

• It is often made for political purposes.
• Studies have shown that the net benefits a state would get through Special Category Status can be easily achieved through full and proper utilisation of funds under sanctioned projects and tapping existing opportunities.

What is Special Category Status?

Special Category Status (SCS) in India is a designation conferred upon certain states by the central government based on specific criteria.

History of Special Category Status

• The Fourth Five-Year Plan, issued by the Planning Commission in 1969, introduced the idea of special category status.
• The National Development Council or NDC, served as a tool for positive intervention, providing more plan help to a select few states that were disadvantaged by geography or socioeconomic conditions.
• Its main goal was to achieve balanced regional development throughout the nation.
• At first, this status was granted to just three states:
  • Jammu and Kashmir
  • Assam
  • Nagaland.
• Later, special category status was granted to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and all of the northeastern states.
• The NDC reserved 30% of the money for the special category states (SCS).
• Used the Gadgil formula to offer plan support to the states, giving more weightage to population and economic disadvantage.
• The Finance Commission (FC) also recognised J&K, Assam and Nagaland as SCS in 1969.
• More importantly, the Commission incorporated the essence of the formula in meeting the budgetary deficits of these states as well as in designing the criteria for devolution of taxes.
• This is reflected in higher per capita transfers to the SCS since the Fifth FC in 1969.
• The Centre pays 90 per cent to SCS in centrally-sponsored schemes as grants and the rest 10 per cent as loans, as against 60 or 75 per cent grants in the case of other states.

Let’s delve into the details

• SCS Classification
  • SCS sets certain states apart in terms of financial assistance, resource allocation, and other benefits.
  • These states face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages, and the status aims to amplify their growth.
• Criteria for SCS
  • The criteria for granting SCS to a state in India are carefully considered.
  • They encompass various factors that highlight the challenges faced by these states.
  • States meeting specific requirements, such as hilly and challenging terrain, strategic border locations, low per capita income, low population density, sizable tribal populations, economic and infrastructure backwardness, and unviable state finances, are eligible for SCS.
• States with SCS
  • Currently, 11 Indian states have the designation of Special Category States, while 5 more are requesting it.
  • Examples of states with SCS include Jammu and Kashmir (currently union territories), Assam, and Nagaland.
• Benefits of SCS
  • States with SCS receive preferential treatment, including exemptions from customs duty, corporate tax, income tax, and other taxes to attract investment.
  • Additionally, unspent funds in a financial year do not lapse but carry forward to the next year.
• Challenges and Debates
  • While SCS provides advantages, there have been debates about its effectiveness and whether it truly addresses the developmental needs of these states.
  • Some argue that a more holistic approach is necessary for equitable growth across all regions.

Why are Andhra Pradesh and Bihar demanding Special Category Status?

Way Forward

• Balancing regional development remains a challenge.
• Policymakers must continually evaluate the impact of SCS and explore alternative strategies for inclusive growth.
• In summary, SCS aims to provide central assistance and tax breaks to underprivileged states, promoting uniform growth and equality.

SDG India Index 2023-24

Source: PIB
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. SDG India Index 2023-24

Why in the News?

NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24 shows that India’s overall Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) score rose to 71 in 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21.

News in Brief

• This improvement is due to significant progress in areas such as poverty elimination, decent work, economic growth, climate action, and life on land.
• Targeted interventions by the Government such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, PM-Mudra Yojana, Saubhgaya, Start-up India etc. had an impact and led to rapid improvement.
• All States have shown an improvement in an overall score
• The overall SDG score for the country is 71 for 2023-24, a significant improvement from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018 (Baseline report).
• SDG India Index 2023-24, the fourth edition of the country’s principal tool for measuring national and subnational progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

SDG India Index 2023-24

• It is  prepared by NITI Aayog.
• It assesses India’s progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• India has made commendable strides in poverty reduction, economic growth, climate action, and other critical areas.
• SDG India Index measures and tracks the national progress of all States and UTs on 113 indicators aligned to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) National Indicator Framework (NIF).

Key Facts

• Overall Score
  • India’s overall SDG score improved to 71 in 2023-24, compared to 66 in 2020-21.
  • This signifies significant progress across various goals.
  • Supported by significant progress on eliminating poverty, providing decent work, economic growth, climate action and life on land.
• Notable Achievements
  • Goal 13 (Climate Action) recorded the highest increase, rising from 54 in 2020-21 to 67 in 2023-24.
  • Goal 1 (No Poverty) also saw substantial improvement, increasing from 60 to 72.
• Baseline Report
  • The baseline report in 2018 had an initial score of 57.
• Regional Leaders and losers
  • Kerala and Uttarakhand achieved the highest scores of 79 points each.
  • Bihar has been adjudged as the worst performer.

India has made commendable strides in poverty reduction, economic growth, climate action, and other critical areas.

Cholera Cases in India

Source: Financial Express
GS II: Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What Is Cholera?
3. Conclusion

Why in the News?

With the onset of monsoon, cases of cholera have been detected in two states of India.

News in Brief

Cholera Cases in India

• In Gujarat, some areas of Rajkot were declared as cholera-affected after two cases were detected.
• In Kerala, an outbreak of cholera has been reported at a private care home.

What Is Cholera?

• Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
• It primarily spreads through contaminated water and food.
• Although rare in areas with proper sanitation, it remains a significant health concern in regions lacking safe drinking water and adequate hygiene.

Symptoms

• Asymptomatic Carriers
  • Most people exposed to the cholera bacterium don’t develop symptoms but can still shed the bacteria in their stool for up to 14 days.
  • Asymptomatic carriers unknowingly contribute to the spread of cholera.
• Mild to Severe Diarrhea
  • Cholera-related diarrhea strikes suddenly and can lead to rapid fluid loss (up to a liter per hour).
  • The diarrhea appears pale and milky, resembling water used to rinse rice.
• Nausea and Vomiting
  • Vomiting occurs, especially in the early stages of cholera.
  • Dehydration exacerbates these symptoms.
• Dehydration
  • Dehydration sets in within hours of symptom onset.
  • Signs include irritability, fatigue, sunken eyes, dry mouth, extreme thirst, and shrivelled skin.
  • Severe dehydration (10% or more body weight loss) can be life-threatening.

Treatment

• Rehydration Solution:
  • Immediate treatment involves rehydration.
  • A simple, inexpensive oral rehydration solution prevents severe dehydration and saves lives.

Prevention

• Clean Water and Sanitation:
  • Access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation is crucial.
  • Modern sewage and water treatment have significantly reduced cholera cases in industrialized countries.
• Hygiene Practices:
  • Handwashing and food safety are essential.
  • Avoid consuming contaminated water or raw shellfish.

Conclusion

• Cholera remains a global health challenge, especially in impoverished regions.
• Awareness, hygiene, and timely treatment are our best defenses against this bacterial menace.

6 km Deep Hole in Koyna

Source: The Hindu
GS I: Geography

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About 6 km Deep Hole in Koyna
3. About Koyna-Warna Region

Why in the News?

Under BGRL, the aim is to drill the earth’s crust to a depth of 6 km.

News in Brief

• India is now digging a 6-kilometer-deep hole in the Maharashtra area of Koyna-Warna as part of a major scientific project.
• India’s involvement in this initiative is indicative of its commitment to furthering earth sciences and improving our capacity to anticipate and reduce seismic hazards.
• In the 1990s, nations including the United States, Russia, and Germany carried out these kinds of scientific endeavours.
• There have been rumors that China is conducting its own deep-drilling mission as of late, in 2023.

About 6 km Deep Hole in Koyna

What is the purpose of deep drill holes?

• Reservoir-Triggered Earthquakes
  • The Koyna-Warna region has been experiencing recurrent earthquakes since the impounding of the Koyna Dam in 1962.
  • These earthquakes are associated with the loading and unloading of the dam during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.
• Scientific Deep-Drilling
  • To better understand these earthquakes, India’s Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) is conducting a scientific deep-drilling program.
  • The goal is to drill through the earth’s crust to a depth of 6 kilometres.
• Objectives
  • Observations and Analysis: The deep borehole will allow scientists to observe and analyze deeper parts of the earth’s crust. This includes studying rock types, energy resources, climate change patterns, and the evolution of life.
  • Earthquake Research: By reaching such depths, researchers can gain insights into reservoir-triggered earthquakes in the active fault zone of the Koyna-Warna region.
• Unique Opportunity
  • The recurrent earthquakes in Koyna provide a unique opportunity to expand our understanding of seismic events.
  • Surface-level observations alone are insufficient, and deep drilling allows for more comprehensive research.

What are the challenges of scientific deep drilling?

• Deep-drilling is labour- and capital-intensive.
• Long-term, continuous activities are further hampered by the hot, dark, high-pressure environment of the earth’s interior.
• The load on the rig’s hook keeps increasing as the borehole gets deeper.
• Increasing depth, the required compressed air pressure to lift the drill cuttings increases manifold.
• More frequent fault lines and fracture zones, through which water could enter the borehole and stall the drilling exercise.

About Koyna-Warna Region

Koyna-Warna region in the state of Maharashtra, India, is globally known for reservoir-triggered earthquakes. 

• Location
  • The region is situated about 250 kilometres southeast of Mumbai on an elevated plateau along the Western Ghat Escarpment.
  • This escarpment runs parallel to the west coast of India.
• Earthquake Activity
  • The Koyna-Warna region has been experiencing frequent and recurrent earthquakes since the impoundment of the Koyna Dam (also known as the Shivaji Sagar Lake) in 1962.
• Scientific Exploration
  • To better understand these earthquakes, India’s Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) is conducting a scientific deep-drilling program.
  • The goal is to drill through the earth’s crust to a depth of 6 kilometres.
• Unique Opportunity
  • The recurrent earthquakes in Koyna provide a unique opportunity to expand our understanding of seismic events.
  • Surface-level observations alone are insufficient, and deep drilling allows for more comprehensive research.

Koyna Dam 

• One of Maharashtra, India’s biggest dams is Koyna Dam.
• On the Koyna River, which springs in Mahabaleshwar, a high station in the Sahyadri mountains, a rubble-concrete dam was built.
• It is situated on the state route that connects Chiplun and Karad in the Western Ghats in Koyna Nagar, Satara district.

The Krishna River, which has its source in Mahableshwar, Satara district, western Maharashtra, India, is the parent of the Koyna River. It rises close to Mahabaleshwar, a well-known Western Ghats hill station.

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