Current Affairs 16 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. Human Development Index
2. Global Progress in Child Mortality: UN Report
3. USOF Signs MoU to Democratize Digital Services Access in Rural India
4. PM Modi Launches PM-SURAJ Portal and Distributes Health Cards
5. Regulatory Sandbox
6. Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Project Launched on 94th Anniversary of Dandi March
7. Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Human Development Index

Context:

India’s ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) improved by one position in 2022 to 134 out of 193 countries ranked compared to 135 out of 191 countries in 2021.Switzerland has been ranked number one.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. The Human Development Index (HDI)
2. Key Highlights of the HDR 2023/24 – India specific
3. Observations from the HDR 2023/24

The Human Development Index (HDI)

• The HDI is a statistical composite index introduced by the UNDP in 1990, measuring a country’s average achievement across three basic dimensions.

Background

• Developed by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq, the HDI is a key component of the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report (HDR).
• The HDR also includes other indices like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI), Gender Inequality Index (GII), and Gender Development Index (GDI), embodying Amartya Sen’s “capabilities” approach.

Key Highlights of the HDR 2023/24 – India specific

Theme of the Report

• The recently released 2023/24 HDR was titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World.”

India’s Ranking

• India was ranked 135 in 2021 and moved up to 134 in 2022.

India in the Medium Human Development Category

• Between 1990 and 2022, India witnessed a 48.4% increase in its HDI value, rising from 0.434 to 0.644.

India’s Performance on Various Indicators

• Life expectancy at birth in India improved slightly from 67.2 years in 2021 to 67.7 years in 2022.
• Expected years of schooling (EYS) increased by 5.88% from 11.9 years to 12.6 years, leading to an improvement of 18 places.
• Gross National Income (GNI) per capita also improved from $6,542 to $6,951.

Performance of India’s Neighbourhood

• Sri Lanka and China are ranked higher at 78 and 75 respectively, falling under the High Human Development category.
• Bhutan ranks 125, while Bangladesh ranks 129.
• Nepal (146) and Pakistan (164) are ranked lower than India.

India’s Progress in Reducing Gender Inequality

• India ranks 108 out of 166 countries in the Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022.
• The GII measures gender inequalities in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labour market.
• India’s GII value of 0.437 is better than the global average (0.462) and the South Asian average (0.478).
• India shows improvement in reproductive health indicators but still has a significant gender gap in the labour force participation rate, with a 47.8 percentage points difference between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%).

Observations from the HDR 2023/24

• The report highlights a reversal in the two-decade trend of reducing inequalities between wealthy and poor nations.
• Collective action failure in addressing issues like climate change, digitalization, poverty, and inequality is exacerbating polarization and diminishing trust in institutions globally.
• While nine in 10 people worldwide support democracy, over half of the respondents also endorse leaders who may undermine democratic processes.
• Political polarization within countries is leading to protectionist or inward-turning policy approaches.

Four Areas for Immediate Action Proposed by the Report

To break the current deadlock and recommit to a shared future, the report suggests:

• Investing in planetary public goods to stabilize climate amidst Anthropocene challenges.
• Developing digital global public goods for equitable utilization of new technologies in human development.
• Implementing new and expanded financial mechanisms, including innovative international cooperation tracks alongside traditional aid, especially for low-income countries.
• Addressing political polarization through new governance approaches focused on amplifying people’s voices in decision-making and combatting misinformation.

-Source: The Hindu

Global Progress in Child Mortality: UN Report

Context:

The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation has unveiled a report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality,” revealing significant strides in reducing global under-five deaths. According to the report, the annual number of under-five deaths worldwide in 2022 dropped by over half from the 2000 estimate, plummeting from 9.9 million to 4.9 million. This marked improvement underscores substantial progress in child health initiatives and underscores ongoing efforts to achieve global development goals.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of the Report
2. Strategies to Curb Child Mortality

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Milestone Achievement: The annual number of deaths among children under the age of five dropped to 4.9 million in 2022, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to reduce child mortality.
• Decline in Mortality Rate: There has been a decline of more than half in the global under-five mortality rate (U5MR) since 2000, showcasing sustained progress in reducing child deaths worldwide.
• Consistent Decline: The decline in under-five mortality has been consistent over the years, driven by the committed efforts of governments, organizations, healthcare professionals, communities, and families.
• Persisting Challenges: Despite progress, the annual death toll among children, adolescents, and youth remains unacceptably high. In 2022, 2.3 million under-five deaths occurred during the first month of life, with an additional 2.6 million deaths between ages 1 and 59 months. Additionally, 2.1 million children, adolescents, and youth aged 5–24 also died that year.
• Regional Disparities: Children face unequal chances of survival based on factors such as geographical location, socio-economic status, and living in fragile or conflict-affected settings, highlighting persistent inequities among vulnerable populations.
• Neonatal Deaths: Neonatal deaths accounted for a significant portion of under-five deaths, increasing from 41% in 2000 to 47% in 2022, indicating the need for focused interventions during the neonatal period.
• Regional Challenges: Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to bear the majority of under-five deaths by 2030, with significant regional disparities in child mortality rates.
• SDG Targets: Many countries are unlikely to meet the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on time. However, strategic investments in maternal, newborn, and child health can yield significant reductions in child mortality rates.

Recommendations:

• Learnings from Success: Low- and lower-middle-income countries that have outperformed the global decline in under-five mortality demonstrate the impact of investments in maternal, newborn, and child health. Sustained action in resource-constrained settings can lead to significant reductions in child mortality rates.

Strategies to Curb Child Mortality:

• Comprehensive Family Planning Services:
  • Providing access to family planning services can help prevent unintended pregnancies, reducing the risk of preterm births and stillbirths.
• Enhanced Antenatal Care:
  • Offering regular health and nutrition check-ups for pregnant women can contribute to healthier pregnancies and decrease the likelihood of preterm births and stillbirths.
• Iron Folic Acid Supplementation:
  • Ensuring access to iron folic acid supplementation for pregnant mothers can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
• Screening and Management of Risk Factors:
  • Implementing effective screening programs to identify and manage risk factors associated with preterm births and stillbirths, such as hypertension, diabetes, and infections during pregnancy, can mitigate adverse outcomes.
• Improved Data Collection Systems:
  • Enhancing data collection systems to accurately record and report preterm births and stillbirths is crucial for understanding the scope of the problem and implementing targeted interventions effectively.
• Standardized Classification Systems:
  • Adopting standardized classification systems, like the International Classification of Diseases, for reporting perinatal mortality can improve data quality and comparability across regions.
• Effective Surveillance and Reporting:
  • Ensuring the effective implementation of maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance guidelines can aid in identifying trends, risk factors, and opportunities for intervention. Timely reporting and analysis of maternal and perinatal deaths can inform policy and practice decisions.

-Source: Down To Earth

USOF Signs MoU to Democratize Digital Services Access in Rural India

Context:

The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), operating under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has entered a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to enhance digital services accessibility in rural India. This collaboration underscores efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity by expanding digital infrastructure and services to remote areas.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights
2. What is the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)?

Key Highlights:

• The tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of digital services across the nation, leveraging the BharatNet infrastructure facilitated by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• USOF’s primary role in providing high-speed broadband connectivity in Gram Panchayats and villages will complement Prasar Bharati’s Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, which offers a range of services including linear channels, Live TV, and on-demand content.
• Prasar Bharati will leverage its extensive legacy, consumer reach, and brand recognition to curate content for its OTT platform, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for users.
• The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will contribute technical expertise and infrastructure to enable digital commerce across various sectors, expanding beyond traditional e-commerce to include education, health, finance, and agriculture, thereby promoting inclusive digital growth.

What is the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)?

• The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) was established with the primary objective of providing access to ‘Basic’ telecom services to people in the remote and rural areas at reasonable and affordable prices.
• USOF ensures that there is universal non-discriminatory access to quality ICT (Information and Communications Technology) services at economically efficient prices to people in rural and remote areas.
• It was created under the Ministry of Communications in 2002.
• It is a non-lapsable fund, i.e., the unspent amount under a targeted financial year does not lapse and is accrued for next years’ spending.
• All credits to this fund require parliamentary approval and it has statutory support under Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003.
• Universal Service stands for universal, interdependent and intercommunicating, affording the opportunity for any subscriber to any exchange to communicate with any other subscriber of any other exchange.
• Subsequently, the scope was widened to provide subsidy support for enabling access to all types of telegraph services including mobile services, broadband connectivity, and creation of infrastructure like Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) in rural and remote areas.
• With access to affordable telecom services in remote and rural areas, the USOF is the right step towards stemming urban migration. This would ensure to generate employment opportunities in the rural areas which would help generate more income.

The USOF proposes to meet its social, economic, political and constitutional objectives which are as follows:

• To extend the telecommunication network.
• To stimulate the uptake of Internet and Communication Technologies (ICT) services.
• To bring the underserved and unserved areas of the country into the telecom spectrum and narrow down the access gap.
• To use the pooled USO levy for an equitable distribution through target subsidies.

-Source: The Hindu, PIB

PM Modi Launches PM-SURAJ Portal and Distributes Health Cards

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal virtually, aimed at providing credit support to entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of society. Additionally, PM Modi distributed Ayushman Health Cards and Personal Protective Equipment to Safai Mitras under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable communities.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) Portal
2. NAMASTE Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) Portal

• The PM-SURAJ portal serves as a centralized platform where individuals from disadvantaged segments of society can apply for and track the progress of various loan and credit schemes available to them.
• This initiative aims to provide financial assistance directly to beneficiaries, eliminating intermediaries and commissions, with a focus on uplifting the most marginalized sections of society.

Implementing Agency:

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and its associated departments are responsible for the implementation of the PM-SURAJ portal.

Previous Efforts:

• In pursuit of the goal of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, it’s imperative to ensure that essential facilities, such as gas connections, bank accounts, and toilets, are accessible to Dalits, backward classes, deprived communities, and tribals.
• The government has intensified efforts to empower Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, doubling the assistance provided to them over the last decade.
• Significant allocations, amounting to almost Rs. 1.6 lakh crore, have been made for the welfare of the SC community in the current fiscal year.

Additional measures include:

• Reservation of 27% seats for OBCs in the all-India quota of medical seats.
• Enhanced opportunities for OBC students in NEET examinations.
• Support through the National Overseas Scholarship for underprivileged students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees abroad.
• Recognizing the entrepreneurial potential among Dalits, the government has launched the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within this community.

NAMASTE Scheme

• Namaste is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) as a joint initiative of the MoSJE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• NAMASTE envisages safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India by creating an enabling ecosystem that recognizes sanitation workers as one of the key contributors in operations and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure thereby providing sustainable livelihood and enhancing their occupational safety through capacity building and improved access to safety gear and machines.
• Ensure safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India and providing sustainable livelihood and enhancing their occupational safety through capacity building and improved access to safety gear and machines.
  • NAMASTE would also aim at providing access to alternative livelihoods support  and entitlements to reduce the vulnerabilities of sanitation workers and enable them to access self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities and break the intergenerationality in sanitation work.
  • In addition, NAMASTE would bring about a behavior change amongst citizens towards sanitation workers and enhance demand for safe sanitation services.

Five hundred cities (converging with AMRUT cities) will be taken up under this phase of NAMASTE. The list of cities will be notified at an appropriate time. The category of cities that will be eligible are given below:

• All Cities and Towns with a population of over one lakh with notified Municipalities, including Cantonment Boards (Civilian areas),
• All Capital Cities/Towns of States/ Union Territories (UTs), not covered in 4(i),
• Ten Cities from hill states, islands and tourist destinations (not more than one from each State).

NAMASTE aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Zero fatalities in sanitation work in India
• All sanitation work is performed by skilled workers
• No sanitation workers come in direct contact with human faecal matter
• Sanitation workers are collectivized into SHGs and are empowered to run sanitation enterprises
• All Sewer and Septic tank  sanitation workers (SSWs) have access to alternative livelihoods
• Strengthened supervisory and monitoring systems at national, state and ULB levels to ensure enforcement and monitoring of safe sanitation work
• Increased awareness amongst sanitation services seekers (individuals and institutions) to seek services from registered and skilled sanitation workers

-Source: The Hindu, PIB

Regulatory Sandbox

Context:

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the timeline for the completion of various stages of a Regulatory Sandbox (RS) to nine months from the previous seven months.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Introduction to Regulatory Sandbox (RS)
2. Associated Benefits of Regulatory Sandbox
3. Challenges of Regulatory Sandbox

Introduction to Regulatory Sandbox (RS)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) formed an inter-regulatory Working Group in 2016 to investigate and report on the detailed aspects of FinTech and its implications. This was aimed at reviewing the regulatory framework to adapt to the rapidly changing FinTech landscape.
• The group recommended the introduction of a Regulatory Sandbox (RS) framework to provide a well-defined space and duration for live testing of new products or services under regulatory guidance.
• Purpose and Functionality
• The Regulatory Sandbox (RS) entails the live testing of new financial products or services within a controlled regulatory environment, with the possibility of regulatory relaxations for testing purposes.
• It serves as a crucial tool for creating dynamic regulatory environments that adapt to emerging technologies, allowing regulators, financial service providers, and customers to assess the benefits and risks of new financial innovations.

Objectives

• The primary objective of the Regulatory Sandbox (RS) is to promote responsible innovation in financial services, enhance efficiency, and deliver benefits to consumers.
• It offers a structured platform for regulators to engage with the ecosystem and develop regulations that facilitate the delivery of relevant and cost-effective financial products.

Target Applicants

• The RS is open to various entities, including fintech firms, banks, and companies collaborating with or supporting financial services businesses.
• These applicants can leverage the RS to test new financial innovations while adhering to regulatory guidelines and ensuring consumer protection.

Associated Benefits of Regulatory Sandbox

• Regulators gain firsthand empirical evidence on emerging technologies, enabling informed regulatory decisions.
• Established financial service providers enhance their understanding of new technologies, aiding integration into business plans.
• Users can assess product viability on a smaller scale, minimizing the need for large-scale rollouts.
• FinTech solutions have the potential to significantly enhance financial inclusion, particularly in areas like microfinance and digital payments.

Challenges of Regulatory Sandbox

• Innovators may face constraints on flexibility and time during the sandbox process, affecting their ability to adapt quickly.
• Securing customized authorizations and regulatory relaxations can be a lengthy process, potentially delaying experimentation.
• The absence of legal exemptions may limit innovators seeking to mitigate legal risks during experimentation.
• Even after successful sandbox testing, regulatory approvals may still be required, prolonging the time to market for products or services.

-Source: Indian Express

Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Project Launched on 94th Anniversary of Dandi March

Context:

On the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Project in Ahmedabad. Valued at Rs 1,200 crore, this project aims to refurbish, preserve, and reconstruct the historic Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Historical Significance of Sabarmati Ashram
2. Overview of the Dandi March

Historical Significance of Sabarmati Ashram

• Founded in 1917 by Mahatma Gandhi on the western bank of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.
• Gandhi established five settlements in his lifetime, including Sabarmati Ashram, which served as a base for his socio-political activities.
• It was the launching point for seminal movements like the Dandi March in 1930, a significant event in India’s struggle for independence.
• Other movements initiated from Sabarmati include Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Kheda Satyagraha (1918), and the Non-Cooperation movement (1920).
• The ashram was managed by the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT).
• Gandhi’s principles of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and communal living were embodied in the design and construction of the ashram.
• Vinoba Bhave, a prominent disciple of Gandhi, lived in a cottage called “Vinoba Kutir” within the ashram.
• Constructed with local materials and traditional techniques, the ashram reflects Gandhi’s commitment to sustainability and harmony with nature.
• It remains a pilgrimage site for admirers of Gandhian philosophy, offering insights into his life, teachings, and principles, and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and his pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.

Overview of the Dandi March

• Historical Context: Salt production in India, an ancient tradition, became commercialized under British rule, leading to the imposition of a salt tax, which symbolized colonial exploitation.
• Gandhi’s Response: Mahatma Gandhi recognized the salt tax as oppressive and utilized it as a focal point for non-violent protest against British rule.
• Declaration: On March 2, 1930, Gandhi wrote a letter to Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, informing him of his intention to break the salt law through civil disobedience.
• Initiation of the Dandi March: Commencing from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on March 12, 1930, the Dandi March was led by Gandhi himself.
• Route: Spanning 24 days, the march traversed four districts and passed through 48 villages, symbolizing the widespread support for the movement.
• Symbolic Act: On April 6, 1930, at the shores of Dandi, Gandhi symbolically broke the salt law by picking up a handful of salt, inaugurating the civil disobedience movement against the British salt monopoly.
• Significance of the Date: Gandhi deliberately chose April 6 as the start date to coincide with the beginning of National Week, aligning with the historical context of previous national movements against British laws.
• Legacy: The Dandi March remains a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence, showcasing Gandhi’s strategic use of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience to challenge colonial authority.

-Source: Indian Express

Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Context:

The prestigious Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, known for its intricate silver filigree work, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship.

Relevance:

GS II: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
2. Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Historical Roots and Cultural Exchange

• Originating from ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE, filigree adorned jewelry, possibly reaching Cuttack via Persia and Indonesia, highlighting cultural exchange through maritime trade routes.

Definition of Filigree

• Filigree refers to ornamental work, typically using fine wire of gold, silver, or copper, applied mainly to gold and silver surfaces.

Diversity of Indian Traditional Crafts

• Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi joins other crafts like Banglar muslin (West Bengal), Narasapur crochet lace (Andhra Pradesh), and Kutch rogan craft (Gujarat) in attaining GI status, showcasing India’s rich traditional craft heritage.

Significance of GI Tag

• A GI tag is a distinctive label for products associated with a specific geographic area, ensuring only authorized users from that region can use the product’s name.
• It serves as a safeguard against imitation and remains valid for 10 years post-registration.

Regulatory Framework

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) oversees GI registration in India under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, aligning with the TRIPS agreement.

Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Definition and Importance:

• Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product.
• They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.
• GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS.

Administration and Registration:

• Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.

Significance and Examples:

• GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin.
• The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea.
• Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39.

Ownership and Proprietorship:

• Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag.
• The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product.
• Protection and Enforcement:
• Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin.
• Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions.

Location of the Geographical Indications Registry:

• The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India.

-Source: The Hindu, PIB