Current Affairs 20 July 2024

CONTENTS

1. Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
2. Women’s Representation in Politics
3. Transformation of India’s Maize Industry
4. SEBI’s Proposal for a New Investment Product
5. UN Water Convention
6. Florida Carpenter Ants 

Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023

Context:

Recently, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 has been generally well-received by the industry due to its straightforward compliance structure. However, the requirement for verifiable parental consent before processing children’s data has caused some friction between the industry and the government.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Salient Features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023
2. Issues with Obtaining Parental Consent
3. Addressing the Issue of Parental Consent

Salient Features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023

• Empowerment of Individuals:
  • Grants individuals rights to access, correct, and erase their personal data.
  • Provides citizens with enhanced control over their personal information.
• Consent Requirement:
  • Stipulates that personal data can only be processed with explicit consent from individuals.
  • Organizations must present clear and specific consent forms and secure consent before collecting data.
• Data Localization:
  • Mandates that certain sensitive personal data must be stored and processed within India.
  • Aims to bolster data security and simplify the enforcement of data protection regulations.
• Establishment of Data Protection Board:
  • Creates the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) to oversee compliance and address grievances.
  • The Board is tasked with resolving disputes and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
• Breach Notification:
  • Requires organizations to inform both individuals and the Data Protection Board about any data breaches that could compromise personal information.
  • Promotes transparency and prompt action in the event of data leaks.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  • Imposes substantial fines for violations to encourage adherence to data protection standards.

Issues with Obtaining Parental Consent

• Consent Requirement for Children’s Data:
  • Section 9 of the DPDPA mandates that data fiduciaries must obtain verifiable consent from parents or guardians before processing children’s data.
  • Prohibits harmful data processing and ad targeting aimed at minors.
• Exemptions:
  • Certain entities, such as healthcare and educational institutions, may be exempt from obtaining verifiable parental consent under specific conditions.
  • Limited exemptions are allowed based on the particular purpose for which the child’s data is processed.
• Challenges in Implementation:
  • Difficulties in age verification and defining harm to children remain significant.
  • Issues arise when parents revoke consent or when children reach the age of consent.
  • Storing biometric data and ensuring compatibility across devices pose practical challenges.
  • The act lacks clear guidance on how platforms should perform age-gating.
• Delay in Rules Implementation:
  • The delay in finalizing data protection rules is primarily due to unresolved issues regarding verifiable parental consent.
  • The DPDPA requires at least 25 provisions to operationalize the act, adding to the complexity.
• Proposed Solutions:
  • The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) initially considered using the DigiLocker app, but privacy and scalability concerns led to its rejection.
  • Another suggestion was an electronic token system, but it faced practical limitations.
  • A recent industry meeting proposed a graded approach based on risk, with the UK’s Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC) as a reference model.

Addressing the Issue of Parental Consent

• Self-Declaration by Parents:
  • Companies can allow parents to declare their relationship with the child during the account setup process.
  • This method depends on the honesty of the parents and lacks a robust verification mechanism.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
  • Implementing 2FA for parental accounts can enhance security.
  • Parents receive a verification code via SMS or email to confirm their consent, adding an extra layer of security.
• Biometric Verification:
  • Utilizing biometric methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for parental consent can be both secure and privacy-conscious.
  • Biometrics offer a high level of security by ensuring that only the authorized parent can provide consent.
• Proxy Consent:
  • Allowing parents to authorize a trusted third party, such as a school or pediatrician, to verify their relationship with the child.
  • This approach can provide additional verification and ease the process of obtaining consent.

-Source: The Hindu

Women’s Representation in Politics

Context:

The recently concluded general elections in the United Kingdom marked a historic achievement with 40% women representation in the House of Commons, underscoring significant advancements in women’s political participation globally. Contrastingly, India’s women’s representation in the Parliament remains significantly below the global average of 25%.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Status of Women’s Representation in Indian Parliament
2. Reasons for the Underrepresentation of Women in Politics
3. Arguments in Favor of Women’s Reservation in Indian Parliament
4. Measures Taken to Address Underrepresentation of Women in Indian Politics

Status of Women’s Representation in Indian Parliament

• Current Representation:
  • Lok Sabha: Women members make up 13.6% of the 18th Lok Sabha, an increase from 5-10% until 2004.
  • Rajya Sabha: Women constitute 13% of its members.
• Election Participation:
  • Historical Data: In 1957, only 45 women contested Lok Sabha elections. By 2024, this number had risen to 799, representing 9.5% of all candidates.
• Regional Insights:
  • West Bengal: Leads with the highest number of women MPs, totaling 11.
  • Trinamool Congress: Has the highest percentage of women MPs in the Lok Sabha at 38%.
• Comparison to Global Standards:
  • India’s Standing: India ranks 143rd out of 185 countries in women’s representation in the lower house of Parliament.
  • Global Averages: Countries like Sweden (46%), South Africa (45%), the UK (40%), and the US (29%) have higher female representation.
  • Comparative Context: India falls behind countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, and China in gender representation.
• State Legislative Assemblies:
  • National Average: Women’s representation stands at just 9%.
  • Highest Representation: Chhattisgarh leads with 18% women MLAs, but no state exceeds 20%.

Reasons for the Underrepresentation of Women in Politics

• Patriarchal Norms and Gender Stereotypes:
  • Traditional gender roles and household responsibilities often restrict women’s political participation.
  • Disparities in education and economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas, further limit involvement.
• Party Dynamics:
  • Political parties tend to avoid fielding women candidates for key positions, often assigning them to “safe” or “unwinnable” seats.
  • The absence of internal quotas or affirmative action policies within parties restricts women’s candidacies.
• Electoral System Challenges:
  • The first-past-the-post electoral system benefits established male candidates who have significant financial and organisational support.
  • High election costs and the influence of criminalisation and money power further disadvantage women candidates.
• Legislative Delays:
  • The delayed implementation of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, which mandate one-third reservation for women in local bodies, affects the pipeline for women in politics.
  • Repeated failure to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, remains a major obstacle.
• Lack of Institutional Support:
  • Major political parties often do not prioritize women’s political empowerment.
  • The lack of sustained advocacy from women’s movements and civil society organizations perpetuates the status quo.

Arguments in Favor of Women’s Reservation in Indian Parliament

• Addressing Underrepresentation:
  • Women’s representation in the Indian Parliament is significantly lower than the global average of around 25%. Implementing a 33% reservation would help close this gap and ensure more equitable representation.
• Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusive Governance:
  • Women in India face numerous barriers to political participation, including patriarchal norms, limited resources, and gender-based violence. Reservation would help mitigate these barriers and support gender-inclusive governance.
• Reflecting Population Proportions:
  • Women constitute nearly 50% of India’s population but are underrepresented in political decision-making. Increasing their presence in Parliament would lead to policies that better address the unique challenges women face.
• Empowering Women and Strengthening Democracy:
  • Reserving one-third of seats for women would enhance their active participation in politics, strengthen democratic processes, and foster the development of women- and children-centric policies, contributing to human development.
• Impact on Local Governance:
  • Evidence shows that women representatives in local governance have been instrumental in addressing issues like child marriage, maternal health, and access to clean drinking water in many villages.

Measures Taken to Address Underrepresentation of Women in Indian Politics

• Constitutional Amendments:
  • 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992/1993): These amendments mandated one-third reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities, boosting their involvement in local governance.
  • 106th Constitutional Amendment (2023): Proposes one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Implementation is pending the next delimitation exercise and census.
• Women’s Reservation Bill:
  • Introduced in 1996, this bill aimed to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Despite multiple attempts, it has not been passed due to lack of consensus among major parties.
• Voluntary Party Quotas:
  • Several political parties have implemented internal quotas for women candidates:
    • Naam Tamilar Katchi: 50% women candidates.
    • Lok Janshakti Party and Nationalist Congress Party: 40% each.
    • Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Biju Janata Dal: 33% each.
    • Rashtriya Janata Dal: 29%.
    • Samajwadi Party: 20%.
    • All India Trinamool Congress: 25%.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Programs like Mahila Shakti Kendra, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and STEP aim to improve women’s socio-economic status, though their direct impact on political participation has been limited.
• Civil Society and Women’s Movements:
  • Continuous advocacy by women’s rights groups, activists, and organizations has been instrumental in pushing for greater political representation for women.

-Source: The Hindu

Transformation of India’s Maize Industry

Context:

India’s maize industry has recently seen a significant transformation, shifting from a basic feed crop to a vital component in the fuel and industrial sectors. This change reflects a broader green revolution, reminiscent of historical advances in wheat and rice, but driven primarily by modern innovations in the private sector.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Current State of Maize Production in India
2. Comparison of Maize’s Green Revolution with Wheat and Rice

Current State of Maize Production in India

• Production Growth:
  • Since the year 1999-2000, India’s maize production has more than tripled, increasing from 11.5 million tonnes to over 35 million tonnes annually. Average per-hectare yields have improved from 1.8 to 3.3 tonnes.

• Global Standing:
  • According to APEDA, India ranks as the fifth largest maize producer, contributing 2.59% to global maize production in 2020.

• Importance in Agriculture:
  • Maize is the third most significant cereal crop in India after rice and wheat, representing around 10% of the country’s total food grain production.

• Major Producing States:
  • Key states for maize cultivation include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.

• Cultivation Patterns:
  • Maize is grown year-round, with 85% of cultivation occurring during the Kharif season.

• Export Data:
  • India exported 3,453,680.58 MT of maize worth Rs. 8,987.13 crores in the 2022-23 fiscal year. Major export destinations include Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

• Usage:
  • About 60% of maize is used as animal feed (poultry and livestock), while only 20% is consumed directly by humans. Maize serves as a primary energy source in feed, comprising 55-65% of broiler feed and 15-20% of cattle feed.

• Industrial Applications:
  • Maize, with 68-72% starch content, is utilized in various industries including textiles, paper, and pharmaceuticals. Recent trends have shifted towards using maize for ethanol production, especially as a rice substitute due to food security concerns.

Comparison of Maize’s Green Revolution with Wheat and Rice

• Pollination Differences:
  • Maize is a cross-pollinating crop, unlike the self-pollinating wheat and rice. This characteristic makes hybrid breeding more commercially viable for maize.

• Private Sector Dominance:
  • The Green Revolution in maize is largely driven by the private sector. Over 80% of maize cultivation relies on private-sector hybrids, which are high-yielding only in the first generation. Reusing these seeds doesn’t yield the same results due to their self-termination nature.

• Innovations in Maize Cultivation:
  • Waxy Maize Hybrid: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed India’s first “waxy” maize hybrid (AQWH-4), which has high amylopectin starch content, making it ideal for ethanol production. This hybrid contains 93.9% amylopectin compared to the normal 70% in maize.
  • Starch Properties: The hybrid’s high amylopectin content makes the grain softer, improving starch recovery and fermentation rates. Normal maize grains have 68-72% starch with 58-62% recoverable, whereas the Pusa Waxy Maize Hybrid-1 has 71-72% starch with 68-70% recovery.
  • Yield Potential: The hybrid offers an average yield of 7.3 tonnes per hectare, with a potential to reach 8.8 tonnes.

• Private Sector Contributions:
  • The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) has established a maize doubled haploid (DH) facility in Kunigal, Karnataka. This facility produces high-yielding, genetically pure inbred lines more efficiently, reducing development time from 6-8 generations to just two cropping cycles. In 2022, the facility produced and distributed 29,622 maize DH lines, which are drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and pest-resistant.

• Industry Involvement:
  • Companies such as Mahyco, Shriram Bioseed, and Advanta Seeds are key players in developing and promoting high-yield maize hybrids in India.

-Source: Indian Express

SEBI’s Proposal for a New Investment Product

Context:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the introduction of a new asset class or product category. This initiative aims to provide investors with a regulated investment product featuring higher risk-taking capabilities while also curbing the proliferation of unregistered and unauthorised investment products.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Proposed New Asset Class
2. About Securities and Exchange Board of India

Proposed New Asset Class

Overview

• Minimum Investment Threshold: Rs 10 lakh per investor.
• Distinct Nomenclature: The new asset class will have a unique name to distinguish it from traditional mutual funds (MFs), portfolio management services (PMS), alternative investment funds (AIFs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), and infrastructure investment trusts (INVITs).
• Investment Strategies: May include long-short equity funds and inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Investors might also use systematic investment options such as:
  • Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
  • Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
  • Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)

Eligibility Criteria for Asset Management Companies (AMCs)

1. First Route:
   • Existing MFs with:
     • Minimum of three years of operation.
     • Average assets under management (AUM) of Rs 10,000 crore.
     • No regulatory action by SEBI in the past three years.
   • These MFs can directly offer products in the new asset class.
2. Second Route:
   • For existing and new MFs not meeting the first route criteria:
     • Appoint a Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with:
       • At least 10 years of fund management experience.
       • Managing AUM of not less than Rs 5,000 crore.
     • Appoint an additional fund manager with:
       • At least 7 years of fund management experience.
       • Managing AUM of not less than Rs 3,000 crore.

Benefits

• Regulated Investment Product: Expected to offer higher risk-taking opportunities and higher ticket sizes compared to existing products.
• Bridging the Gap: Aims to bridge the gap between mutual funds and portfolio management services (PMS), catering to the needs of a new category of investors.
• Strengthening Mutual Funds: May enhance the role and position of established mutual funds and AMCs in the investment market by setting high eligibility standards.

About Securities and Exchange Board of India

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator of the securities and commodity market in India owned by the Government of India.
• SEBI was established in 1988 and given Statutory Powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992.

The SEBI is managed by its members, which consists of the following:

• The chairman is nominated by the Union Government of India.
• Two members, i.e., Officers from the Union Finance Ministry.
• One member from the Reserve Bank of India.
• The remaining five members are nominated by the Union Government of India, out of them at least three shall be whole-time members.

SEBI has to be responsive to the needs of three groups, which constitute the market:

• issuers of securities
• investors
• market intermediaries

Functions of SEBI

SEBI has three functions rolled into one body: quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive.

• It drafts regulations in its legislative capacity.
• It conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive function.
• It passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity.

• Though this makes it very powerful, there is an appeal process to create accountability.
• There is a Securities Appellate Tribunal which is a three-member tribunal.
• A second appeal lies directly to the Supreme Court.

Powers of SEBI

• To approve by−laws of Securities exchanges.
• To require the Securities exchange to amend their by−laws.
• Inspect the books of accounts and call for periodical returns from recognised Securities exchanges.
• Inspect the books of accounts of financial intermediaries.
• Compel certain companies to list their shares in one or more Securities exchanges.
• Registration of Brokers and sub-brokers

-Source: Indian Express

UN Water Convention

Context

Recently, Ivory Coast joined the United Nations Water Convention, becoming the 10th African nation to do so.

Relevance:

GS: International Relations

UN Water Convention

Overview

• Official Name: Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
• Adopted: Helsinki, 1992.
• Entered into Force: 1996.
• Purpose: A legally binding instrument aimed at the sustainable management of shared water resources, supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preventing conflicts, and fostering peace and regional integration.

History

• Regional Origin: Initially negotiated as a framework for the pan-European region.
• Global Accession:
  • In March 2016, the Convention was opened for accession by all UN Member States.
  • Notable Accessions:
    • 2018: Chad and Senegal became the first African Parties.
    • 2023: Iraq (first from the Middle East), Namibia (first from Southern Africa), and Panama (first from Latin America) joined.

Key Provisions

• Obligations for Parties:
  • Prevent, control, and reduce transboundary impacts.
  • Use transboundary waters in a reasonable and equitable manner.
  • Ensure sustainable management of shared water resources.
• Cooperation:
  • Parties sharing transboundary waters must cooperate by forming specific agreements and establishing joint bodies.
• Framework Agreement:
  • Does not replace existing bilateral or multilateral agreements but supports their creation and development.

Significance

• Support for SDGs: Promotes the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs.
• Servicing Body: The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) services the Convention.

Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – Transboundary Rivers

• Shares Eight Transboundary River Basins:
  1. Black Volta
  2. Bia
  3. Tanoe
  4. Comoe
  5. Niger
  6. Sassandra
  7. Cavally
  8. Nuon
• Neighbours Sharing Basins:
  • Ghana
  • Burkina Faso
  • Mali
  • Guinea
  • Liberia
  • Sierra Leone

-Source: Down To Earth

Florida Carpenter Ants 

Context:

Recent study has revealed that Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) perform life-saving surgeries on injured nestmates to improve their survival chances.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Florida Carpenter Ants: Medical Practices and Characteristics

Medical Practices

• Injury Response Based on Location:
  • Amputation: Florida carpenter ants perform amputations for injuries located higher up on their legs, specifically the femur. This involves removing the damaged body part through a surgical-like process.
  • Cleaning: For injuries lower on the leg, such as those on the tibia, ants opt to clean the wound instead of amputating.
• Role of Hemolymph:
  • Carpenter ants possess a bluish-green fluid known as hemolymph, which functions similarly to blood in vertebrates. Injuries to the higher leg regions can slow down the flow of hemolymph, facilitating more effective amputations.
• Sophisticated Medical System:
  • The behavior of Florida carpenter ants in managing injuries is regarded as one of the most advanced “medical systems” in the animal kingdom, comparable to human medical practices.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance:
  • Florida carpenter ants are typically reddish-brown and can grow over 1.5 cm in length.
• Habitat:
  • These ants are commonly found in the southeastern United States and prefer to nest in rotting wood.
• Defense Mechanisms:
  • They are known for their defensive behavior, protecting their nests from rival ant colonies.

-Source: The Hindu