Current Affairs 21 June 2024

CONTENTS

1. Prime Minister Inaugurates New Campus of Nalanda University in Bihar
2. Global Lag in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3. Bengaluru Proposes Increase in Solid Waste Management Cess
4. 5G Intelligent Village Initiative
5. Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
6. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Prime Minister Inaugurates New Campus of Nalanda University in Bihar

Context:

The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar. Located near the ancient ruins of the historic Nalanda University, the new campus was established through the Nalanda University Act of 2010. This initiative followed a decision made at the 2nd East Asia Summit in the Philippines in 2007.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Highlights of the PM’s Address at the New Nalanda University Inauguration
2. Features of the New Nalanda University Campus
3. The Ancient Nalanda Mahavihara
4. Revival of Nalanda University

Highlights of the PM’s Address at the New Nalanda University Inauguration:

Significance of Nalanda University:

• Nalanda University symbolizes that knowledge is indestructible.
• The university is set to become a new emblem of global unity and a key identity in India’s developmental journey.
• Its Renaissance will showcase India’s potential and position it as a global hub for education and knowledge.

Historical Context:

• History demonstrates that developed nations became economic and cultural leaders by prioritizing education.
• India, with its 23 IITs and 21 IIMs, has seen significant growth in higher education, establishing one university every week and an industrial training institute every 10 days over the past decade.
• Ongoing major reforms in the education sector are highlighted by the National Education Policy 2020.

Features of the New Nalanda University Campus:

Architectural Highlights:

• The campus, spread over 455 acres, merges modern and ancient architectural styles.
• The design focuses on eco-friendliness, aiming for a net-zero carbon footprint.

Academic Structure:

• The university operates six schools: Buddhist Studies, Historical Studies, Ecology, Sustainable Development, Languages, Literature, and International Relations.
• It also hosts four specialized centres: Bay of Bengal Studies, Indo-Persian Studies, Conflict Resolution, and a Common Archival Resource Center.

Program Offerings:

• Nalanda offers a diverse range of programs, including postgraduate and doctoral research courses, short-term certificate courses, and scholarships for international students.
• These programs emphasize the university’s commitment to global academic excellence and fostering international educational collaboration.

The Ancient Nalanda Mahavihara:

Historical Significance:

• Nalanda was a renowned Buddhist mahavihara (great monastery) in ancient and medieval Magadha (modern-day Bihar), near Rajagriha (now Rajgir), about 90 km southeast of Pataliputra (now Patna).
• Established by Kumargupta I, the ruler of the Gupta Empire (3rd to 6th century CE), it was one of the greatest learning centers of the ancient world.

Cultural and Academic Impact:

• Played a crucial role in the patronage of arts and academics during the 5th and 6th centuries CE, often termed as the “Golden Age of India.”
• Detailed accounts of ancient Nalanda are provided by 7th-century Chinese traveler Hsuan Tsang.

Post-Gupta Period:

• Thrived under the Pala Empire rulers but faced attacks and damage in the 1190s by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji, a Turko-Afghan military general.

Rediscovery and Recognition:

• Rediscovered in 1812 by Scottish surveyor Francis Buchanan-Hamilton.
• Officially identified as the ancient university in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site; revived by the Government of India through a law enacted in 2010.
• The contemporary Nalanda University in Rajgir is listed as an “Institute of National Importance” by the Indian Government.

Revival of Nalanda University:

Proposal and Endorsement:

• The idea to re-establish Nalanda University was proposed by former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006.
• Endorsed at the East Asia Summit in Mandaue, Philippines, in 2007 and reiterated in the 2009 East Asia Summit in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Legislative and Operational Milestones:

• The Nalanda University Bill was passed in the Indian Parliament in 2010, leading to its operational launch in 2014 from a temporary location near Rajgir.
• Former president Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus in Pilkhi village, Rajgir, in 2016.

Construction and International Support:

• Construction began in 2017, with the university becoming fully functional by 2022.
• The university has received support from 17 countries other than India, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, and South Korea.

-Source: Indian Express

Global Lag in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Context:

The world is substantially behind in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015, according to a recent UN report. These goals, which address a range of areas such as poverty reduction, hunger eradication, and environmental conservation, were set to be accomplished by 2030. However, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) report shows that none of the 17 goals are currently on track to be achieved by the target date.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Findings of the Report
2. Call for Reform and Financial Strategies
3. Multilateralism and Country Rankings
4. Challenges in Food and Land Systems
5. UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

Key Findings of the Report

Stagnant Progress and Uneven Distribution:

• Only 16% of SDG targets are progressing adequately, with the rest either stagnant or regressing.
• Particularly concerning are the goals related to zero hunger (SDG 2), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), life below water (SDG 14), life on land (SDG 15), and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).
• Issues like rising obesity rates, declining press freedom, and biodiversity loss were highlighted. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges, notably impacting life expectancy (SDG 3).

Geographical Disparities:

• Nordic countries lead in SDG achievement, while BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) show some progress.
• Least developed nations are falling further behind, widening the gap since 2015.
• BRICS+ nations (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE) have shown average SDG progress exceeding the global average.

Call for Reform and Financial Strategies

Need for Financial Architecture Reform:

• The report emphasizes the necessity of significant investment in public goods that cross national boundaries.
• Low and middle-income countries urgently need access to affordable long-term capital to invest in critical areas like education (SDG 4).

Proposed Financial Strategies:

• SDSN suggested five strategies to address financing gaps, including new institutions, innovative global taxation schemes, and prioritizing investments in quality education.

Multilateralism and Country Rankings

Multilateralism Index:

• A new index evaluating countries’ support for UN-based multilateralism was introduced.
• It assessed treaty ratifications, UN General Assembly votes, UN organization memberships, involvement in conflicts and militarization, use of unilateral sanctions, and financial contributions to the UN.
• A correlation was found between a country’s commitment to global cooperation and its SDG progress.

Country Rankings:

• Barbados leads the index, with the United States ranking last, indicating a significant disconnect from international cooperation.
• Following Barbados in the top ranks are Antigua and Barbuda, Uruguay, Mauritius, and the Maldives.
• The lowest-ranked countries include Somalia, South Sudan, Israel, and the Democratic Republic of Korea.

Challenges in Food and Land Systems

Critical Issues:

• The report also addressed challenges in food and land systems (SDG 2). With 600 million people projected to be hungry by 2030, rising obesity, and unsustainable agricultural practices, a new approach is necessary.
• Current trends are widening the gap between climate, biodiversity, and water quality targets.

FABLE Pathways:

• To achieve significant progress, the report recommends major changes through FABLE pathways:
  1. Reducing overconsumption and limiting animal-based protein while respecting cultural preferences.
  2. Investing in increased productivity, especially in high-demand areas.
  3. Creating inclusive and transparent monitoring systems to halt deforestation.

Urgent Recommendations:

• World leaders are urged to embrace comprehensive UN reform, address financing shortfalls, strengthen global cooperation, and implement innovative solutions like the FABLE pathways to secure the future of sustainable development.

UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

• Establishment and Purpose:
  • The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was founded in 2012 by the United Nations.
  • Its primary objective is to advance practical solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at both national and international levels.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Mobilising Expertise: SDSN focuses on harnessing expertise by linking universities, research institutions, and national laboratories.
  • Developing Solutions: It identifies and develops innovative solutions to address critical sustainability challenges.
• Secretariat Locations:
  • The SDSN has its secretariats located in three global cities:
    • Paris, France
    • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    • New York, United States

-Source: Down To Earth

Bengaluru Proposes Increase in Solid Waste Management Cess

Context:

Recently, Bengaluru has proposed increasing the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess to Rs. 100 per month for each household to address the high financial strain in the SWM process. Currently, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) charge about Rs. 30-50 per month for SWM services, which is often collected along with property tax.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is SWM Cess?
2. What are Solid Waste Management Rules 2016?
3. Rationale Behind Increasing SWM Cess Collection
4. Measures to Reduce Operational Expenditure on SWM Services

What is SWM Cess?

• Definition:
  • Solid Waste Management (SWM) cess is a user fee or charge imposed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India.
  • A cess is a type of tax or levy used by governments to fund specific services like waste management or infrastructure development.

• Implementation:
  • As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, ULBs must collect user fees or cess for SWM services.
  • The rise in fees is to address the growing costs and challenges faced by ULBs in managing solid waste efficiently.

What are Solid Waste Management Rules 2016?

• Replacement and Focus:
  • These rules replaced the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.
  • Emphasis is on waste segregation at the source, manufacturers’ responsibility for disposing of sanitary and packaging wastes, and user fees from bulk generators for collection, disposal, and processing.

• Key Features:
  • Residents must separate waste into wet (biodegradable), dry (recyclable), and hazardous categories.
  • User fees are charged for waste collection, with fines for littering or improper segregation.
  • Encouragement of composting or bio-methanation of biodegradable waste.
  • Municipalities are responsible for collecting segregated waste, ensuring proper processing and disposal, and levying user fees to cover costs.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility mandates that manufacturers of disposables financially support waste management systems.

Rationale Behind Increasing SWM Cess Collection

• High Complexity and Costs:
  • SWM is resource-intensive, using up to 50% of ULBs’ annual budgets.
  • Expenses include capital investments and operational costs like salaries, waste collection, and waste management plant operations.

• Minimal Revenue Generation:
  • Despite high costs, revenue from SWM services is minimal. For instance, Bengaluru spends around Rs 1,643 crore on SWM services but generates only Rs 20 lakh annually.
  • Only 1-2% of dry waste is recyclable, leading to negligible revenue from recycling.

• Challenges in Waste Segregation and Market Viability:
  • Inadequate waste segregation at the source complicates processing.
  • Limited market for finished products from waste processing makes it financially unviable.
  • High transportation costs for non-compostable and non-recyclable dry waste disposal due to distant disposal facilities.

Measures to Reduce Operational Expenditure on SWM Services

• Improving Household Waste Segregation:
  • Enhancing segregation at the household level can increase composting yields and improve dry waste recycling, reducing costs.
• Reducing Single-Use Plastics:
  • Decreasing the use of non-recyclable single-use plastics can lower transportation and disposal costs.
• Micro Composting Centers (MCCs):
  • Establishing MCCs at ward levels, as in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, can process wet waste locally, reducing transportation costs.
• In-House Waste Processing:
  • Incentivizing large institutions to set up in-house waste processing facilities can reduce ULBs’ burden and promote cleaner premises.
• Information, Education, and Awareness (IEC):
  • Effective IEC campaigns to discourage improper waste disposal can prevent open littering and reduce the labor needed for road sweeping and drain clearing, allowing resources to be redirected to waste processing and value recovery.

-Source: The Hindu

5G Intelligent Village Initiative

Context:

Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced two proposals—5G Intelligent Village and Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA)—aimed at catalysing innovation and technological advancement in the telecom sector.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About 5G Intelligent Village Initiative:
2. About 5G

About 5G Intelligent Village Initiative:

• Objective:
  • The initiative addresses the need for equitable technological advancement, leveraging 5G technology to uplift rural communities.
  • It aims to effectively utilize Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) aspects of 5G in selected villages.
• Scope:
  • The initiative focuses on showcasing the advantages of 5G connectivity.
  • It targets critical sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and sustainability.

Key Facts about Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA)

• Purpose:
  • The call for proposals aims to develop an India-specific Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA).
  • This algorithm will secure digital communication channels using quantum mechanics principles.
• Requirements:
  • The algorithm must ensure unparalleled security, advanced encryption capabilities, and ultrafast and efficient encryption.
  • Funding for these proposals will be provided under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecom (DoT).

What is Telecom Technology Development Fund?

• Establishment:
  • The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) is set up under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) of the Department of Telecom (DoT), Government of India.
• Purpose:
  • It aims to promote the ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, proof of concept testing, intellectual property rights (IPR) creation, field testing, security, certification, and manufacturing of products.

About 5G

• 5G is the next generation of mobile broadband that will eventually replace, or at least augment 4G LTE connection and it  offers exponentially faster download and upload speeds.
• 5G will deliver multi-Gbps peak rates, ultra-low latency, massive capacity, and a more uniform user experience.
• This is in contrast to 4G link speeds in averaging 6-7 Megabit per second (Mbps) in India as compared to 25 Mbps in advanced countries.

Application of 5G

• 5G will help in creating cyber-physical networks which not only interconnect people, but also interconnect and control machines, objects, and devices. It will deliver new levels of performance and efficiency that will empower new user experiences and connect new industries.
• It will act as an enabler for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and is expected to form the backbone of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine to machine communications.
• 5G can also help make transport infrastructure more efficient by making it smart. It will enable vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, making driverless cars, among other things, a reality.
• Also, the primary applications of 5G will be the implementation of a sensor-embedded network that will allow real-time relay of information across fields such as manufacturing, consumer durables and agriculture

-Source: The Hindu, PIB

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister

Context:

The Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a new poverty line at a data user conference organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

About Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM):

• Overview:
  • An independent body established in 2017 to provide advice on economic and related issues to the Government of India, specifically to the Prime Minister.

• Terms of Reference:
  • Analyzes any issue, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the Prime Minister and provides advice.
  • Addresses issues of macroeconomic importance and presents views to the Prime Minister.
    • Can be either suo-motu or on reference from the Prime Minister or anyone else.
    • Includes attending to other tasks as desired by the Prime Minister.

• Functions:
  • Prepares a monthly report on economic developments at home and abroad for the Prime Minister.
  • Monitors economic trends and brings important developments to the PM’s attention, suggesting suitable policy responses.
  • Regularly interacts with stakeholders and the public, communicating findings and recommendations through reports, presentations, and public events.

• Composition:
  • Headed by the Chairman and includes a mix of economists and experts from academia, research institutions, and the private sector.
  • There is no fixed number of members and staff, allowing for reconstitution over time with different organizational structures.
  • Typically headed by economists of recognized international eminence.

• Administrative and Logistic Support:
  • For administrative, logistic, planning, and budgeting purposes, the NITI Aayog serves as the nodal agency for the EAC-PM.

-Source: Indian Express

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Context:

Recently, The Indian Air Force deployed an MI17 helicopter to control the massive wildfire in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) in Almora, Uttarakhand.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

About Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location:
  • Situated in Uttarakhand, India.
  • Located in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas, approximately 33 kilometres north of Almora district.
  • Covers an area of around 47 square kilometres.
• Historical Significance:
  • Formerly the summer capital of the Chand Dynasty rulers, who governed Kumaon from the 7th to 18th century AD.
  • The sanctuary is at an elevation of 2,420 meters.
  • Named after the Bineshwar Mahadev temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Biodiversity:
  • Known for its rich biodiversity and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli, and Kedarnath.
• Flora:
  • Features oak and rhododendron forests at higher altitudes and chir pine forests at lower elevations.
  • Contains 25 types of trees, 24 types of bushes, and seven varieties of grasses.
• Fauna:
  • Hosts more than 200 species of native and migratory birds.
  • Houses endangered species like the Indian red fox, jackals, pine martens, and porcupines.
  • Also home to leopards, ghorals, wild boars, kakars, monkeys, Himalayan black bears, and several bird species including the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, and Himalayan griffon.

-Source: Indian Express