Food access is about equitable agrifood systems
Why in the News?
Addressing food inequality and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food are essential steps.
Introduction
The theme for World Food Day 2024, “Right to Food for a Better Life and Future,” underscores the importance of equitable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. Despite India’s significant achievements in agriculture, there are still challenges in ensuring food security, especially for marginalized communities. This article explores the progress India has made and the barriers that remain.
India’s National Food Security Act (NFSA)
Established in 2013, the NFSA is a cornerstone policy, providing food grains at subsidized rates to two-thirds of the population. This, along with government initiatives like the fortification of rice, reflects India’s commitment to improving food quality and nutrition.
Challenges in India’s Agriculture Sector
Collective Responsibility
India’s food security efforts are supported by a partnership between the FAO, IFAD, WFP, and the Government of India. The collective responsibility lies in addressing both rural and urban food inequalities, ensuring resilient agrifood systems that benefit everyone.
Half of UAPA investigations pending for over three years
Why in News?
While stalled investigations are par for the course, the draconian nature of the UAPA makes the process the punishment.
Current Scenario
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, has long been criticised for prolonged investigations, delays in trials, and the difficulty in securing bail for the accused. Recent legal developments have put a spotlight on these issues, raising concerns about the law’s impact on civil liberties and the functioning of the criminal justice system.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is an anti-terror law enacted by the Indian Parliament to effectively prevent unlawful activities and terrorism-related offenses. First enacted in 1967, the Act has undergone several amendments to strengthen its provisions in response to the evolving nature of terrorism and insurgency.
Objective
- Prevents unlawful activities threatening India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security.
- Targets terrorism and insurgency-related offenses.
Key Features
- Definition of Unlawful Activity: Actions promoting secession or disrupting India’s territorial integrity.
- Designation of Terrorists: Individuals and organizations can be designated as terrorists.
- Extended Detention: Up to 180 days without filing a charge sheet.
- NIA Involvement: The National Investigation Agency handles UAPA cases.
- Strict Bail Provisions: Bail is difficult if a prima facie case is established.
Amendments
- 2008 Amendment: Strengthened anti-terrorism laws post-2008 Mumbai attacks.
- 2019 Amendment: Allows individuals to be declared terrorists.
Data on UAPA Investigations (2019-2022)
- 50% Pending for Over Three Years: This represents the second-highest share across 122 crime categories.
- Increasing Delays: The percentage of UAPA cases pending for over three years rose from 40% in 2019 to 50% in 2022.
Outcome of UAPA Arrests (2017-2022)
- Convictions and Acquittals: Less than 10% of those arrested between 2017 and 2022 were either convicted or acquitted.
- Prolonged Detentions: Only 23% of UAPA detainees received bail, with 67% languishing in jail without trial or conviction.
Ordered in Baba Siddique murder case: how bone ossification test works, its application in law
Why in News?
The latest example of the use of the test came when one of those accused of killing Baba Siddique told a court in Mumbai that he should be tried as a juvenile, claiming he was 17 years old.
Overview
The bone ossification test recently gained attention when an accused in the murder of former Maharashtra MLA Baba Siddique claimed to be a minor. To verify this claim, a court in Mumbai ordered a bone ossification test, which ultimately established that the accused was an adult. This incident underscores the significance of age determination in the Indian legal system and the role of medical tests in administering justice.
What is the Bone Ossification Test?
Ossification is the natural process of bone formation that begins in the fetal stage and continues until late adolescence. It involves the transformation of cartilage into bone, following a predictable pattern that can be analysed to estimate an individual’s age.
Methodology:
- The test involves taking X-rays of specific bones—commonly the wrist, hand, elbow, knee, shoulder, and pelvis.
Analysis:
- Medical experts compare the X-ray images with standard growth charts like the Greulich and Pyle Atlas or the Tanner-Whitehouse method to assess the maturity of the bones.
Outcome:
- The test provides an estimated age range rather than an exact age, due to individual variations in bone development influenced by factors such as nutrition, genetics, and socio-economic conditions.
Legal Significance of Age Determination
In India, individuals below 18 years are considered minors and are tried under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The Act emphasises rehabilitation over punishment and mandates special procedures for juveniles in conflict with the law.
- Juvenile Justice Board (JJB): Minors are presented before a JJB instead of a regular court.
- Sentencing: The maximum detention for a juvenile is three years in a rehabilitation facility, irrespective of the crime’s severity.
- Age Verification: Accurate age determination is crucial to ensure that minors receive the protections afforded by the law.
Legal Framework for Age Determination
Section 94 of the Juvenile Justice Act outlines the procedure for age determination:
- Primary Evidence:
- Birth certificate from the school.
- Matriculation or equivalent certificate.
- Birth certificate issued by a municipal authority or panchayat.
- Secondary Evidence: Only when primary documents are unavailable, a medical age determination test like the bone ossification test is used.
Judicial Perspective on the Bone Ossification Test
Supreme Court’s Stance: The bone ossification test should be a last resort due to its inherent margin of error.
- Reliability Concerns: The test’s accuracy diminishes after the age of 16-17 years, making it less reliable for adults.
- Margin of Error: Courts often consider the lower end of the age range in favour of the accused, adhering to the principle of giving the benefit of doubt.
International Standards and Ethical Considerations
- UN Guidelines: The UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules) encourage the use of medical methods for age determination when in doubt.
- Ethical Implications: Medical tests must balance the rights of the individual with the interests of justice, ensuring that minors are not unjustly tried as adults.
Conclusion
The bone ossification test helps determine age in India’s legal system, supporting juvenile justice when documents are unavailable.
Question:
Discuss the significance of the bone ossification test in the Indian legal system, particularly concerning the Juvenile Justice Act.
What is THAAD, which US is sending to Israel; why this is significant
Why in News?
A highly advanced American missile defence system, along with US troops to operate it, will now be present in Israel. What can this mean for the violence in West Asia?
Introduction
In response to escalating tensions in West Asia, the United States has announced its decision to deploy the THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system to Israel. This deployment underscores the US’s commitment to Israel’s defense, especially against missile threats from Iran and its aligned forces.
What is THAAD?
THAAD is a highly advanced missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight. Developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation, it consists of several components including:
- Truck-mounted launchers (6 units)
- Intercepting missiles (48 per battery)
- Radar systems for tracking
- Tactical fire control to manage operations
THAAD’s Range and Capabilities
Range Categories:
- Short-range: Up to 1,000 km
- Medium-range: 1,000–3,000 km
- Intermediate-range: 3,000–5,000 km
Employing “hit-to-kill” technology, THAAD offers precision by destroying missiles through impact, rather than explosives. It provides broader coverage compared to older systems like the Patriot missile defense system.
Why is THAAD Deployment Significant?
1. Security Enhancement for Israel
THAAD strengthens Israel’s multi-tiered defense system, which already includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems. It provides a deterrent against Iran, which has been launching missile attacks on Israel since the Gaza war escalated.
2. Strategic US Presence
The presence of US military personnel along with THAAD increases American involvement in the region. This also highlights the US’s commitment to safeguarding both Israel and Americans in the region from potential Iranian attacks.
3. Regional Impact
Iran’s Response: Iran has warned the US that deploying additional systems and troops will exacerbate tensions in West Asia. Iran has fired missiles at Israel twice since the war began, and the US’s action is viewed as a direct countermeasure.
Cost and Efficiency: THAAD’s deployment is expensive, with a single battery costing $2.5 billion. This is a significant financial burden compared to Iran’s missile launch costs.
4. Global Implications
THAAD’s presence in Israel raises questions about why Ukraine’s request for THAAD during its conflict with Russia was denied, despite Israel receiving the system. The system’s high cost and the need for trained US personnel limit its global availability.
Centre announces 3 AI Centres of Excellence focused on healthcare, agri and sustainable cities
Why in News?
The Centres of Excellence will be led by top educational institutions, in consortium with industry partners and startups, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.
Overview
The launch of three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) focuses on healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities. These CoEs will operate under leading educational institutions, in collaboration with industry partners and startups. Their primary aim is to drive innovation, create job opportunities, and position India as a global leader in AI solutions across these critical sectors.
Goal
Democratize AI innovations, conduct interdisciplinary research, and create scalable AI applications for global public good.
Importance of AI in Key Sectors
- Healthcare: AI applications in healthcare can transform patient care, enabling early detection of diseases, personalized medicine, and more efficient hospital management systems.
- Agriculture: AI offers precision farming techniques that optimize water and fertilizer use, boost crop yields, and enhance food security. It is especially relevant in addressing challenges like climate change and water scarcity.
- Sustainable Cities: AI can play a crucial role in smart urban planning, optimizing transportation, waste management, and reducing pollution to build more sustainable cities.
Further Insights
These CoEs will act as key players in India’s AI ecosystem and foster interdisciplinary research. They are expected to:
- Enhance India’s role in global public policy through innovative AI applications.
- Fuel the startup ecosystem, creating new job opportunities.
- Provide scalable solutions with potential global applications.
India, U.S. conclude $3.5bn deal for 31 MQ-9B armed UAVs
Why in News?
Under the deal, the Indian Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian drones, and the Indian Air Force and the Army will receive eight Sky Guardian drones each.
Overview
India and the U.S. have solidified a defense partnership through a $3.5 billion deal for procuring 31 MQ-9B armed high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). The deal was concluded via an inter-governmental agreement under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This deal will significantly enhance India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Strategic Implications for India
- Enhanced ISR Capabilities: The MQ-9B UAVs will augment India’s surveillance reach over vast areas, including the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which is critical for maritime security.
- Force Multiplier for Navy: For the Indian Navy, the Sea Guardians will reduce the operational strain on the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft while increasing real-time surveillance capabilities.
- Tri-Service Benefits: The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy will benefit from these UAVs’ high endurance and precision-strike capability, making them invaluable assets for border surveillance and strategic reconnaissance.
- Technological Upgrade: This procurement is a significant step towards India’s goal of modernizing its defense forces with advanced UAV technology, enabling remote-controlled and autonomous flight operations.
MQ-9B Drones: Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian
| Sky Guardian | Sea Guardian |
|---|---|
| Used by Indian Army and Air Force | Used by Indian Navy |
| Land-based ISR and precision strikes | Maritime surveillance and warfare |
| Strategic reconnaissance | Anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare |
India to allot satellite internet spectrum via administrative method, says telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Why in News?
This is being seen as a blow to Reliance Jio, which has been calling for an auction of the spectrum, and a win for the likes of Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper.
Overview
India will allocate satellite communication spectrum administratively, as per the Telecommunications Act 2023, marking a shift from auction-based allocation. This decision impacts key players in the telecom industry, particularly favoring global satellite companies like Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, while opposing Reliance Jio’s stance for spectrum auction.
Administrative Spectrum Allocation
- Satellite spectrum will be allocated administratively, aligning with global practices.
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will determine the cost and pricing mechanism for this allocation.
- Spectrum auction is typically used for mobile services, but the shared nature of satellite spectrum makes administrative allocation more suitable.
Global and National Context
Globally, satellite spectrum is generally allocated administratively, and auctioning it would place India in a unique and potentially disadvantageous position.
Implications for Telecom and Satcom Industry
This policy is likely to set up competition between satellite operators like Starlink and telecom operators like Reliance Jio, especially in delivering satellite internet to underserved regions.
Stakeholders and Their Positions
Stakeholders in the spectrum allocation process include:
- Elon Musk’s Starlink: Beneficiary of the administrative allocation.
- Amazon’s Kuiper: Also positioned to gain from the decision.
- Reliance Jio: Advocating for an auction system, potentially facing competitive pressures.
Satellite Internet Spectrum
Satellite internet provides broadband through communication satellites, especially in remote areas lacking traditional infrastructure. Key points for UPSC:
Frequency Spectrum
- C-band (4-8 GHz): Reliable service, less affected by weather.
- Ku-band (12-18 GHz): High-speed internet, affected by rain.
- Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz): Highest speed, vulnerable to weather.
Satellite Types
- Low Earth Orbit: (e.g., Starlink): Low latency, faster communication.
- Geostationary Satellites: Broader coverage, higher latency.
Government Policies
- Indian Space Policy: Supports satellite communication for rural connectivity and disaster management.
- BharatNet: Expands rural internet access using satellite technology.
- International Regulation: International Telecommunication Union (ITU): Coordinates global radio-frequency spectrum to avoid interference.
Coastal flooding harms different tree species differently: study
Why in News?
New findings could help researchers and governments decide which trees to prioritise for protection.
Overview
A recent study examines how sea-level rise and coastal flooding affect various tree species. While some species, like American holly (Ilex opaca), benefit from increased water, others, like loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and pitch pine (Pinus rigida), experience stunted growth. The study offers insights for forest management and conservation in coastal areas, emphasising that tree species react differently depending on site-specific conditions.
Dendrochronology
Dendrochronology, or tree-ring dating, is the scientific method of dating based on analysing annual growth rings of trees. It provides precise information on the year each ring was formed.
Process:
- Tree rings grow annually in temperate climates, with variations due to environmental factors like climate, temperature, and precipitation.
- Earlywood (spring growth) is lighter and wider, while latewood (summer growth) is darker and narrower, forming distinct rings.
Application:
Cross-referencing tree ring patterns allows dendrochronologists to date past events and environmental changes accurately, aiding in paleoenvironmental reconstruction.
Trees’ Adaptation and Site-Specific Patterns
- American Holly: Benefits from increased water, growing faster.
- Loblolly and Pitch Pines: Negatively affected by increased water, suffer stunted growth.
Regional Observations: Findings are specific to mid-Atlantic coastal forests but applicable globally with site-specific conditions.
Forest Conservation: Conservation strategies must be tailored to specific site conditions, including species composition and environmental factors.
Climate Change Impact: Rising sea levels and increased flooding are expected to affect coastal areas more frequently by 2050.
Implications for Forest Management
- Species Prioritization: Forest managers can assess the vulnerability of different tree species based on site-specific factors. Not all forests need immediate intervention.
- Site-Specific Strategies: Emphasises the need for local data when designing conservation strategies for coastal forests under climate change conditions.
Additional Key Facts Needed
- Indian Context: The Sundarbans (world’s largest mangrove forest shared by India and Bangladesh) could benefit from similar studies focusing on site-specific tree responses to coastal flooding.
- Global Data: More studies are needed in tropical and subtropical regions to verify if these patterns hold in different ecosystems.
Greenwashing guidelines: How govt is tackling companies making dubious climate-friendly claims about products
Why in News?
The government issued guidelines to curb companies’ false claims about their products or services being environmentally or climate-friendly.
Overview of the Guidelines
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, issued the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims in October 2024. The guidelines mandate that any claims made by companies about being environmentally friendly must be backed by scientific evidence. These regulations complement the 2022 Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsement for Misleading Advertisements.
What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to the practice of falsely promoting products, services, or actions as being environmentally friendly. Companies and governments, under pressure to meet legal or environmental targets, often engage in this practice. Greenwashing misleads consumers and can undermine genuine efforts to mitigate environmental damage.
Guidelines for Greenwashing Prevention
Specific details of the guidelines should be listed here, including regulations regarding advertising claims, requirements for substantiating claims with scientific data, and penalties for non-compliance.
Additional Facts & Insights
To enhance understanding for UPSC aspirants, the following areas should be explored further:
- Global Impact of Greenwashing: The effect of greenwashing on climate change mitigation efforts worldwide.
- International Regulations: Comparison with other countries’ guidelines on greenwashing, like the European Union’s Green Deal.
- Consumer Rights Protection: The evolving role of agencies like the Consumer Protection Authority in safeguarding the public.
A food-sufficient India needs to be hunger-free too
Why in News?
There needs to be a transformation of India’s agri-food system, ensuring that healthy diets are available and affordable for all.
Introduction
Achieving food security and eliminating hunger are crucial targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2—Zero Hunger. While India has made significant progress toward food sufficiency, hunger and malnutrition persist due to uneven food distribution and affordability issues. To ensure a hunger-free nation, India needs a transformation in its agri-food systems, improving access to affordable and nutritious diets for all.
Way Forward
- Agri-Food System Transformation: Focus on sustainable practices, improved distribution, and balanced diets.
- Reduce Food Waste: Set up food banks and discourage wastage.
- Nutritional Security: Prioritize affordable, protein-rich, healthy food.
- Targeted Subsidies: Expand subsidies to include nutritious items like pulses and vegetables.