Daily Current Affairs 13 January 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

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

Lentil Production in India

Source: Economic Times
GS II: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Lentil Production in India
3. Lentils and Cropping Pattern

Why in the News?

The country’s Masur or lentil production is estimated to touch an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023-24 rabi season on higher acreage, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary.

News in Brief

• Lentil/Masur Production in India production stood at 1.55 million tonnes in the 2022-23 rabi season, as per the official data.
• India is the World’s largest producer and consumer of pulses.
• India imports certain pulses, including Masur and tur, to meet domestic shortages.
• The acreage has increased.
• Ongoing rabi season, more area has been brought under the Masur crop.
• The total Masur acreage has increased to 1.94 million hectares as of January 12 in the ongoing rabi season, when compared to 1.83 million hectares in the year-ago period, according to the agriculture ministry data.

About Lentil

• Lentils are edible pulses that belong to the legume family.
• Lentils are rich in carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre, folate, thiamine, vitamins, minerals, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, and other essential nutrients
• They are seeds of the Lens culinaris plant and come in various colours, including brown, green, and red.
• In terms of cropping patterns, lentils are typically grown as part of rotation cropping systems.
• Crop rotation is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves growing different crops in sequential seasons on the same piece of land.
• This helps improve soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure, and enhance overall crop yields.

Legumes are members of the Fabaceae/Leguminosae) family of flowering plants. They are one of the largest plant families and include beans, peas, peanuts, lupines, alfalfa, clover, acacia, and many others.

Lentils and cropping patterns

• Crop Rotation
  • Lentils are often included in crop rotation plans due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
  • They form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
  • This allows them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for their growth.
  • This natural nitrogen-fixing ability benefits subsequent crops in the rotation.

Any kind of intimate, long-term biological contact between two different kinds of biological organisms is called symbiosis/symbiotic relationship.

• Cropping Sequence
  • Lentils are commonly grown in rotation with other crops such as cereals (wheat, barley), oilseeds (canola, sunflower), and other legumes (peas, chickpeas).
  • The specific sequence of crops in a rotation system depends on various factors such as climate, soil type, and agronomic practices.
• Benefits of Including Lentils in Crop Rotation:
  • Nitrogen Fixation: Lentils contribute to soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in subsequent crops.
  • Disease Management: Crop rotation helps break the life cycles of pests and diseases, reducing the risk of buildup over time.
  • Weed Control: Different crops in rotation may have different growth habits, which can help control weeds by disrupting their life cycles.
• Environmental Considerations: Lentils are considered environmentally friendly due to their ability to enhance soil health and reduce the environmental impact associated with nitrogen fertilizer use.
• Adaptability: Lentils are adaptable to various agro-climatic conditions, making them suitable for cultivation in diverse regions around the world.

Canada was the top exporting nation for lentil in 2021, whereas India was the top importer. The global lentil protein market is expected to reach a market valuation of US$ 208.3 million by 2033.

Yuva Nidhi Scheme

Source: The Hindu
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. Yuva Nidhi scheme
3. What is Universal Basic Income?
4. What will be the impact of UBI in India?

Why in the News?

Karnataka Chief Minister launched the Yuva Nidhi scheme

News in Brief

• It is the fifth and final poll guarantee of the government
• It provides financial assistance for educated unemployed youth of the State.
• Idea behind the five schemes were premised on the concept of universal basic income, prevailing in European countries.
• The unemployment rate was 5.5% in 2014 and now it stands at 10.5%.

Yuva Nidhi scheme

• The scheme aims to offer economic security to the youth and reduce their dependency on others for their financial needs.
• It is launched in Karnataka.
• The government will begin the distribution of allowances on January.
• Eligibility:
  • Will be provided six months after their graduation or diploma completion if they remain unemployed.
  • Must be residents of Karnataka.
  • Must have completed their degree or diploma in 2022-2023.
  • Individuals receiving loans under state or central schemes or from banks are not eligible.
  • Those who are benefiting from other similar schemes are not eligible.
  • Higher education students are not eligible.
  • Applicants receiving apprentice salaries, or working in the private or government sectors do not qualify.
• Duration: Aid will continue until they secure employment or for a maximum period of two years, whichever occurs earlier.
• Aid Amount
  • Rs. 3,000 per month for unemployed graduates.
  • Rs. 1,500 per month for diploma pass-outs.
• Mode of Transfer: Eligible beneficiaries will receive monthly financial assistance directly in their bank accounts through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT).
• Registration process: Eligible applicants must register on the Seva Sindhu website to avail the benefits of the Scheme (online or offline).

What are the benefits of the scheme?

• Individuals with diplomas and degrees are eligible for monthly unemployment compensation.
• Their bank accounts are instantly credited with financial help, allowing them to cover their costs.
• To ensure stability and financial independence, beneficiaries get help for a maximum of two years or until they find a job.

What is Universal Basic Income?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a social and economic policy concept in which all individuals receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of any other sources of income or employment status.

The primary goal of UBI is to provide a financial safety net that ensures everyone has a basic level of income to cover their essential needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

Key characteristics of Universal Basic Income include

• Unconditional
  • UBI is distributed to all citizens or residents without any means test or work requirement. Everyone is entitled to a basic income, regardless of their financial situation or employment status.
• Regular and Predictable
  • UBI is typically distributed regularly, such as monthly or annually, and the amount is consistent. This predictability helps individuals plan their finances.
• Universal
  • The benefit is intended for everyone within a given jurisdiction, regardless of their income level or employment status. This universality is a key principle, differentiating it from targeted welfare programs.
• Cash Transfer
  • UBI is often provided in the form of cash payments, allowing individuals the flexibility to use the money according to their own priorities and needs.

What are the cons of UBI?

• Critics, on the other hand, raise concerns about the potential cost of implementing UBI
• It will also increase the risk of inflation if not funded properly.
• Decreases motivation to work and reduces productivity, laziness and efficiency.
• Dependency and reliance on government support will increase.
• The debate around Universal Basic Income continues, and various pilot programs and experiments have been conducted in different parts of the world to assess its feasibility and impact.

What will be the impact of UBI in India?

• Implementation: Issues of identification, targeting, delivery, monitoring, and accountability that affect the quality and reach of the existing programmes. 
• Economic Survey of 2016-17: UBI of Rs. 7,620 per year for every Indian would cost about 4.9% of GDP
• Administration: Complex and diverse political system, with multiple levels of government, parties, and interest groups.
• Population: A large number of youth and population is very high in India.
• Financing Issue: To provide UBI India needs to increase other services targes, and taxes or reduce the spending that may impact the society. 

India-US Trade Policy Forum (TPF)

Source: PIB
GS II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; GS III: Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Status of India-US Bilateral trade
3. 14th India – USA TPF discussions highlight
4. About Turtle Excluder Device (TED)

Why in the News?

The 14th Ministerial-level meeting of the India- United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF) was held in New Delhi.

News in Brief

• Minister of Commerce and Industry and U.S. Trade Representative co-chaired the TPF meeting.
• CIM also held a small group meeting with USTR.
• Effective implementation of the TPF plays a pivotal part in securing vulnerable situations in bilateral trade and in elevating the overall economic partnership between the nations.

Status of India-US Bilateral trade

• India-US bilateral trade in goods and services which continued to rise and has likely surpassed $200 billion in calendar year 2023.
• Bilateral goods and services trade between the US and India has almost doubled since 2014 benefitting both countries.
• India would remove additional duties on eight US products, including chickpeas, lentils and apples, which were imposed in 2019
• And in response to America’s measure to increase tariffs on certain steel and aluminium products.

14th India – USA TPF discussions Higlights

• Future Joint Initiatives: Committed for future Joint Initiatives in certain areas, including critical minerals, customs and trade facilitation, supply chains, and trade in high-tech products.
• Joint Facilitative Mechanism (JFM): To mitigate non-tariff barriers which would pursue mutual recognition of results from International Laboratories and establish mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) on a bilateral basis whenever possible.
• Social Security Totalization Agreement: Social Security/ Totalisation Agreement is one of the key asks from the Indian side in the TPF which will significantly contribute towards enhancing services trade between countries and help Indian IT professionals who temporarily work in the US.
• Turtle Excluder Device (TED): 
  • Welcomed the finalization of the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) design developed with the technical support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
  • TED is an effective device in minimizing the impact of fishing on the sea turtle population and would foster enhanced seafood trade between the two countries.
• TAA Compliant country: 
  • To be TAA compliant, a product or service must be made or substantially transformed in the U.S. or a designated country.
  • India’s designation as a TAA Compliant country for which a formal discussion was initiated 2023.
  • TAA would contribute towards supply chain integration for India and the USA.
• Drug Inspection backlog
  • USFDA had stopped conducting inspections and audits in India for a long period, and resumed later, which resulted in huge backlog of pharmaceuticals.
  • Pharma exports to the US are growing at the rate of 6.7% in the last 5 years.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a Washington, D.C.–based scientific and regulatory agency within the United States Department of Commerce, a United States federal government department.

About Turtle Excluder Device (TED)

• When a sea turtle gets stuck in a fisherman’s net, a specialized equipment called a “turtle excluder device” lets it escape.
• For instance, when the commercial shrimp fishing industry uses bottom trawling, sea turtles can be captured.
• They need a finely meshed trawl net to collect shrimp.
• While shrimp pass between the bars to the back of the net, turtles and other larger animals bump against the metal grid and escape through a flap in the mesh.
• Current TED designs have been determined to be 97 percent effective.

All sea turtles found in U.S. waters are listed under the Endangered Species Act as either threatened or endangered.

BEACH GAMES 2024

Source: PIB
GS I:  Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Beach Games 2024
3. Ghoghla Beach in Diu
4. About Blue Flag Certification

Why in the News?

Beach Games 2024, the first multi-sports beach game in India.

News in Brief

• Bringing new life to the Beaches of India has taken a sporting turn, with the organization of the first-ever Beach Games in Diu, off the Gujarat coast.
• India is geographically gifted with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• 12 of the beaches in India have Blue Flag certification given to clean beaches promoting sustainable tourism.
• Sporting excellence took centre stage from January 4-11, as 1404 athletes, all under the age of 21, from 28 states and Union Territories, supported by 205 match officials, participated in a diverse range of disciplines.
• This marked a historic moment in the nation’s athletic journey

About Beach Games 2024

• Organized at the pristine blue flag-certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu.
• The games were structured into 2 sessions each day.
• Madhya Pradesh emerged as overall champion with a total of 18 medals, including 7 golds.
• Assam won 8 medals, out of which 5 were Gold.
• Maharashtra won 14 medals including 3 gold.
• Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and hosts Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Diu & Daman secured 12 medals each. 
• Lakshadweep secured the gold medal in Beach Soccer, marking a historic achievement for the pristine island territory.

Ghoghla Beach in Diu

• Ghoghla is the largest beach of the U.T of Diu, situated in the village of Ghoghla.
• Ghoghla Beach is a spectacular beach on the coast of Arabian Sea in Diu.
• The beach has a shallow waters.
• Beach is an ideal destination for thrilling water sport activities like swimming, parasailing, surfing and banana boat.
• The beach is certified with Blue Flag.

About Blue Flag Certification

• The certificate is given by the Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE).
• The beach certificate is given to eco-friendly destinations.
• The Blue Flag programme aims the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encourage them to learn more about their environment.
• India has 12 blue flag beaches.

Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE)

• It was was established in 1981.
• Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation promoting sustainable development through environmental education.
• FEE is active through five programmes
  1. Blue Flag
  2. Eco-Schools
  3. Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE)
  4. Learning about Forests (LEAF)
  5. Green Key International.
• It has members in 77 countries worldwide.

SC Refuses To Stay Law on CEC-EC Selection

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Indian Polity

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Election Commissioner (EC)

Why in the News?

Supreme Court declined to stay a new law to include the Chief Justice of India as a member of the high-powered selection committee to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).

News in Brief

• The Bench issued notice to the Union of India and listed the case for hearing in April.
• The Prime Minister and his nominee, Cabinet Minister would always be the deciding factor.
• About the Plea: The plea sought the court to injunct the implementation of the Gazette notification of December 28, 2023, rolling out CEC and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act.
• What is the issue? The new law laid down that the President would appoint the CEC and ECs on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

About Election Commissioner (EC)

Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the power of superintendence, direction and control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India and the office of vice-president of India shall be vested in the election commission.

• The Election Commission is an all-India body common to both the Central government and the state governments.
• Appointment of the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners shall be made by the president.
• The chief election commissioner shall act as the chairman of the election commission.
• Conditions of service and tenure of office of the election commissioners and the regional commissioners shall be determined by the president.
• In 1989 after lowering the voting age to 18 years from 21 the President appointed two more election commissions as workload increased.

The election commission is not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states.

Prelims

INS CHEETAH

News: Indian Navy Ships Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were decommissioned on 12 Jan 2024

• INS Cheetah is a Kumbhir-class tank landing ship of the Indian Navy.
• Built at the Gdańsk Shipyard in Poland.
• The decommissioning event was conducted at Port Blair.
• Ships and were commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1984, 1985 and 1986 respectively.

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