Current Affairs 08 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate”
2. Google-App Developer Dispute: Market Monopoly Concerns
3. Jim Corbett National Park
4. India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel
5. Star Dunes
6. Frontier Technology Lab

FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate”

Context:

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently released a report titled “The Unjust Climate,” highlighting the varying impacts of climate change on income and adaptation in rural areas based on gender, wealth, and age.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Findings of the FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate”
2. Recommendations from the Report
3. FAO’s Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change Impact
4. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Key Findings of the FAO Report: “The Unjust Climate”

Analysis Scope:

• FAO examined socioeconomic data from 100,000 rural households across 24 Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs).
• Integrated data with 70 years of georeferenced daily precipitation and temperature data.

Impact of Extreme Heat:

• Each day of extreme heat leads to a 2.4% loss in on-farm incomes for poor rural households.
• A 1°C temperature increase would result in a 33% decrease in off-farm incomes for rural poor households.

Impact of Extreme Precipitation:

• Daily extreme precipitation causes poor households to lose 0.8% of their incomes relative to non-poor households.
• In an average year, poor households lose 5% of total income due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods compared to better-off households.

Income Gap Widening:

• Floods and heat stress widen the income gap between poor and non-poor rural households by approximately USD 21 billion and USD 20 billion per year, respectively.

Maladaptive Coping Strategies:

• Poor rural households adopt maladaptive coping strategies, including distress sale of livestock and reducing investments in agriculture during extreme weather events.
• These coping strategies make them more vulnerable to future climate stressors.

Lack of Inclusion in Policies:

• Rural people and their climate vulnerabilities are largely absent in national climate policies.
• Less than 1% of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and national adaptation plans (NAP) mention poor people, with only about 6% referring to farmers in rural communities.
• Only 7.5% of tracked climate finance in 2017-18 was allocated to climate change adaptation, with less than 3% directed to agriculture, forestry, and other land uses.
• Agricultural policies often neglect gender equality, women’s empowerment, and intersecting vulnerabilities related to climate change.

Recommendations from the Report:

Targeted Interventions:

• Address challenges through targeted interventions empowering various rural populations to engage in climate-adaptive measures.

Investment in Policies and Programs:

• Imperative to invest in policies and programs addressing multidimensional climate vulnerabilities of rural populations, considering their limited access to productive resources.

Link Social Protection Programs:

• Link social protection programs to advisory services, encouraging adaptation and compensating farmers for losses through cash-based social assistance programs.

Gender-Transformative Methodologies:

• Implement gender-transformative methodologies challenging discriminatory gender norms to empower women and enhance their agency over economic decisions.

FAO’s Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change Impact:

Inclusive Climate Actions:

• FAO’s Strategy and Action Plan on Climate Change embeds inclusive climate actions.
• Mainstreaming climate change impact in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, focusing on better production, nutrition, environment, and life for all.

Global Roadmap for SDG 2:

• FAO’s Global Roadmap for Achieving SDG 2 without breaching the 1.5 °C threshold emphasizes simultaneous considerations of gender inequalities, climate actions, and nutrition.
• Actions encompass these dimensions and promote inclusivity for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):

• FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on leading international efforts to eliminate hunger.
• World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16th, marks the founding anniversary of FAO in 1945.
• Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO collaborates with sister organizations, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Initiatives Taken:

• Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS): Recognizes and promotes agricultural systems contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Desert Locust Monitoring: Monitors the global situation of Desert Locust to address potential threats to crops.
• Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): Responsible for implementing the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
• International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources: Adopted in 2001 to ensure conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Flagship Publications:

• The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).
• The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO).
• The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).
• The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).
• The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO).

-Source: The Hindu

Google-App Developer Dispute: Market Monopoly Concerns

Context:

In recent developments, a conflict has arisen between Google and app developers, leading to the removal of nearly a dozen firms from Google’s Android app marketplace. The dispute revolves around issues related to market monopoly and anti-competitive practices, putting Google’s strong control over the Android app ecosystem at the center of contention.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Google and App Developers Dispute
2. Market Monopoly
3. Indian Initiatives to Deal with Market Monopoly
4. International Initiatives to Deal with Market Monopoly

Google and App Developers Dispute:

Background:

• Google’s Android platform and Google Play store dominate India’s smartphone ecosystem.
• Indian app developers heavily rely on Google Play for app distribution and monetization.

Key Issue:

• Imposition of Fees: Google charges fees ranging from 11% to 30% on in-app purchases of digital services, a point of contention for developers.

Developers’ Perspective:

• Developers, including Bharat Matrimony and Disney+ Hotstar, find Google’s fees excessive, economically burdensome, and limiting choices.

Regulatory Involvement:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Google for anticompetitive practices, signaling regulatory concern over market dominance and pricing policies.

Broader Concerns:

• The conflict highlights concerns about platform monopolies affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovation, and consumer welfare.

Global Context:

• Similar disputes between tech giants and app developers have arisen globally, with Apple facing scrutiny over its App Store fees.
• Legal and regulatory actions in the EU and the US set precedents for addressing antitrust concerns and promoting fair competition in digital markets.

Market Monopoly:

• Market Dominance: A situation where a single company or a group of companies controls a substantial share of a specific market or industry.
• Exclusive Provider: In a monopoly, there is only one seller or producer for a particular product or service, and no close substitutes are available.

Features:

• Exclusive Dominance: The monopolistic entity is the sole provider, enjoying exclusive control over the market.
• Barriers to Entry: Monopolies often emerge due to barriers like high startup costs, resource access, regulations, or strong brand loyalty.
• Limited Consumer Options: Consumers have minimal or no alternatives for the monopolistic product or service, lacking substitutes.
• Market Power: The monopoly wields significant market power, influencing conditions, setting prices, and controlling supply.
• Supply Control: The monopolistic entity dictates the quantity produced and can adjust supply to impact market dynamics.
• Reduced Competition: With no direct competitors, monopolies may lack incentives for innovation and efficiency.

Impact:

• Consumer Prices: Monopolies may lead to higher prices for consumers.
• Innovation Challenges: Lack of competition can reduce incentives for innovation in a monopolistic environment.

Indian Initiatives to Deal with Market Monopoly:

Competition Act, 2002:

• Objective: Enacted to promote competition, prevent anti-competitive practices, and safeguard consumer interests.

Competition Amendment Bill, 2022:

• Purpose: Aims to strengthen the regulatory framework, address emerging challenges, and enhance the effectiveness of competition law enforcement.

Competition Commission of India (CCI):

• Role: Regulator responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.
• Functions: Investigates and takes actions against anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive agreements.

Competition Appellate Tribunal and NCLAT:

• History: Initially, COMPAT heard appeals against CCI decisions.
• Current Status: Replaced by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in 2017, handling appeals related to competition matters.

International Initiatives to Deal with Market Monopoly:

OECD Competition Committee:

• Role: Address anti-competitive practices through initiatives facilitating discussions and cooperation among member countries.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):

• Guidance: Provides guidance on competition policy and law through the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy.
• Focus: Supports countries in implementing effective competition frameworks and addresses policies protecting consumers and curbing regulations stifling competition.

 International Competition Network (ICN):

• Network: Facilitates communication and cooperation among global competition authorities.
• Functions: Provides a platform for sharing best practices, developing guidelines, and addressing global competition challenges.

World Trade Organization (WTO):

Focus: Primarily centered on trade issues but addresses competition policy through its Working Group on the Interaction between Trade and Competition Policy.

Objective: Ensures competition policies do not create unnecessary barriers to trade.

-Source: The Hindu

Jim Corbett National Park

Context:

The Supreme Court has slammed the political-bureaucrat nexus over illegal construction and felling of trees at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, saying public trust had been thrown into the “waste bin”.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Supreme Court’s Intervention in Alleged Violations at Corbett National Park
2. Jim Corbett National Park: Biodiversity and Key Facts

Supreme Court’s Intervention in Alleged Violations at Corbett National Park

Background:

• In 2023, concerns arose regarding alleged illegal constructions and environmental violations within Uttarakhand’s Corbett National Park.
• Petitions were filed, highlighting the encroachment into core wildlife habitats and violations of environmental norms.

Petitioners’ Allegations:

• Environmental Norms Violation:
  • Alleged creation of illegal buildings and waterbodies.
  • Emphasis on the breach of environmental norms.
• Wildlife Habitat Encroachment:
  • Highlighted encroachment into core wildlife habitats within the national park.
• Unauthorised Constructions:
  • Presentation of evidence showcasing unauthorised constructions, including concrete and iron enclosures for a ‘safari’ experience.
• Tree Cutting:
  • Alleged felling of over 6,000 trees under the pretext of safari development.

Supreme Court’s Response:

• Questioning Safari Facilities:
  • Raised concerns about the necessity of creating such facilities in natural forest environments, particularly in areas designated for the protection of endangered species like tigers.
• Committee Formation:
  • Directed the Government to constitute a committee.
  • Mandate: Recommend whether tiger safaris should be permitted in buffer or fringe areas.
  • Task: Develop guidelines for establishing such safaris if permitted.
• Strict View on Violations:
  • Took a stern view of illegal constructions and extensive tree cutting within Corbett National Park.

Jim Corbett National Park: Biodiversity and Key Facts

Location:

• Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India.

Flora:

• Diverse vegetation includes Sal, Semal, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, and various other species.
• Sal, Khair, and Sissoo are prominently visible in the park.

Fauna:

• Rich wildlife featuring Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, and more.
• Abundance of reptiles, including Crocodile, Gharial, King Cobra, and Monitor Lizard.

Rivers:

• Eastern periphery fed by the Kosi River.
• The Ramganga River (West) and its tributaries form a significant hydrological resource.

Key Facts:

• Established in 1935, making it India’s oldest national park.
• Initially named Hailey National Park, renamed Corbett National Park in 1956 to honor Jim Corbett.
• Boasts the highest tiger population in India.

Core and Buffer Areas in Tiger Reserves:

• Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act (2006):
  • Mandates a Tiger Reserve to have a core habitat (National Park or Sanctuary) and a buffer zone.
• Core Areas:
  • Possess legal status akin to a National Park or Sanctuary.
• Buffer Areas:
  • Mix of forest and non-forest land, managed for multiple uses.
  • Acts as a protective barrier against poaching pressure on wildlife populations.

-Source: The Hindu

India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel

Context:

Prime Minister recently inaugurated a metro train service between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade in Kolkata, marking the opening of India’s first under-river metro tunnel.

Relevance:

GS III: Infrastructure

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel
2. Key Facts about River Hooghly

India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel: Connecting Kolkata’s East-West Corridor

• Integral part of Kolkata Metro’s East-West Corridor.
• Passes beneath the Hooghly River in the city’s northeast.
• Tunnel is positioned 13 meters below the riverbed and 37 meters below ground level.
• Constitutes a 4.8 km underground section from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.
• Project cost amounts to Rs 4,965 crore.

Additional Features:

• Houses the country’s deepest metro station, Howrah Maidan, located 32 meters below ground level.
• Expected to traverse the 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly River in just 45 seconds.

Key Facts about River Hooghly:

• Also known as Bhagirathi-Hoogly and Kati-Ganga Rivers.
• A Ganges distributary, stretching approximately 260 km.
• Originates in Murshidabad, West Bengal, where the Ganga divides into the Padma in Bangladesh and the Hooghly.
• Silted up above Kolkata, the river flows southwest to enter the Bay of Bengal through a wide estuary.
• Majority of water sourced from the Farakka Feeder Canal, thanks to the Farakka Barrage.
• Fed by rivers like Haldi, Ajay, Damodar, and Rupnarayan in the lower reaches.
• Important cities along the Hoogli include Jiaganj, Azimganj, Murshidabad, and Baharampur.
• Spanned by notable bridges like the cantilever bridge between Haora and Kolkata and the Bally Bridge between Bally and Baranagar.

-Source: The Hindu

Star Dunes

Context:

Scientists unveiled the first in-depth study of a star dune, revealing the internal structure of these geological features and showing how long it took for one of them to form.

Relevance:

GS  I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Star Dunes
2. Recent Research

Star Dunes:

• Definition: Also known as pyramid dunes, characterized by distinctive star-like shapes and towering heights, often exceeding hundreds of meters.
• Global Presence: Found in Africa, Asia, and North America, with sightings on celestial bodies like Mars and Saturn’s moon Titan.
• Earthly Distribution: Constitute approximately 10% of the world’s desert dunes.

Formation:

• Distinctive Features: Tallest among dune types, surpassing crescent-shaped barchan dunes and linear dunes.
• Factors: Formed in regions with intricate wind patterns, where winds converge from various directions, leading to the accumulation of sand in specific desert locations.

Geographical Hotspots:

• China: Earth’s largest star dunes located in the Badain Jaran desert.
• Africa: Present in the Namib Sand Sea in Namibia, Grand Erg Oriental and Grand Erg Occidental in Algeria, and Rub’ al Khali in Saudi Arabia.
• North America: Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado hosts a series of star dunes.

Recent Research:

• Location: UK research team focused on the Lala Lallia dune in southeast Morocco, measuring 100 meters in height and 700 meters in width.
• Age Revelation: Luminescence dating technique employed to determine the age of the star dune.
• Findings: Base of the dune dated back 13,000 years, while the upper part formed in the last 1,000 years.
• Significance: Offers insights into the dynamic formation and evolution of star dunes, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s geological history.

-Source: The Hindu

Frontier Technology Lab

Context:

Recently, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and Meta have announced the launch of Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs).

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Frontier Technology Lab: Pioneering Digital Skills in Education

Overview:

• An advanced iteration of Atal Tinkering Lab.
• Aims to propel the government’s objectives of digital inclusion, skill development, and economic growth.

Collaboration and Funding:

• Partnership between Atal Innovation Mission and Meta to establish FTLs in strategically significant schools.
• Meta to fund the labs, with Atal Innovation Mission serving as the knowledge partner.

Infrastructure:

• Equipped with cutting-edge facilities encompassing components like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Internet of Things.
• Education to Entrepreneurship Initiative:
• Integral part of Meta’s Education to Entrepreneurship initiative launched in September 2023.
• Aims to seamlessly connect students, youth, workforce, and micro-entrepreneurs with futuristic technologies, promoting digital skilling at the grassroots level.

Management:

• Labs to be overseen by Meta’s partner 1M1B (One Million for One Billion).

Significance:

• Aligns with the government’s emphasis on arming the youth with digital skills to navigate the evolving technological landscape and global economy.

-Source: The Hindu, PIB