In News:

Climate change to put APAC GDP on thin ice with 41% melt by 2100.

Key Highlights:

• Economic Losses Due to Climate Change:
  • APAC Region: High-end greenhouse gas emissions could reduce GDP by 17% by 2070 and 41% by 2100.
  • India: Projected to experience a 24.7% GDP loss by 2070, with neighboring countries like Bangladesh (30.5%), Vietnam (30.2%), and Indonesia (26.8%) facing even steeper declines.
• Major Drivers of Economic Losses:
  • Sea-Level Rise: Up to 300 million people at risk of coastal flooding by 2070. Annual damages could reach $3 trillion by 2070.
  • Labour Productivity: The APAC region could lose 4.9% of GDP from reduced labour productivity, with India facing a sharper 11.6% loss.
  • Cooling Demand: Rising temperatures could reduce regional GDP by 3.3%, but India's cooling demands could cut its GDP by 5.1%.
  • Flooding and Storms: Increased rainfall and storm intensity will exacerbate flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions like the India-China border, where landslides could rise by 30-70% under severe warming.
• Impact on Key Sectors:
  • River Flooding: By 2070, annual riverine flooding could cause $1.3 trillion in damages across the APAC, affecting over 110 million people. India could face over $1,100 billion in flood-related damages annually.
  • Forest Productivity: Climate change could reduce forest productivity by 10-30% by 2070 across APAC. India could see losses over 25%, making it one of the hardest-hit countries, alongside Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
• Climate Risks and Vulnerabilities:
  • Coastal Flooding: Coastal flooding could lead to widespread economic damage, with India expected to suffer significant losses, particularly in coastal areas.
  • Ecosystem Threats: Intensified storms, rainfall, and landslides will affect ecosystems, forests, and agriculture across the region.
• Climate Change and Adaptation Needs:
  • Investment Requirements: Developing Asia requires $102–431 billion annually for climate adaptation, far exceeding the $34 billion tracked from 2021 to 2022.
  • Private Investment: The report highlights the need for greater private climate investment and regulatory reforms to attract capital for adaptation initiatives.
  • Renewable Energy: APAC is well-positioned to embrace renewable energy for a net-zero transition, and the use of carbon markets could help achieve climate goals cost-effectively.
• Regional Net-Zero Goals and Progress:
  • Net-Zero Targets: 36 out of 44 Asian economies have set net-zero emissions targets, but only 4 have legally committed to these goals. India and China target 2070 and 2060, respectively, while many OECD countries aim for 2050 targets.
  • Policy Gaps: Developing Asia needs clearer policies and increased financing to meet climate ambitions. Institutions like ADB are crucial in supporting these efforts.
• Action Plan for the Future:
  • Urgent Climate Action: The report stresses the importance of coordinated action to address escalating climate risks.
  • Enhanced Adaptation Finance: There is a need to scale up adaptation-focused finance to tackle the growing climate challenges facing the region.

India's Vulnerability and Climate Challenges:

• Labour Impact: India is expected to experience a 11.6% GDP loss due to declining labour productivity, the highest among APAC countries.
• Cooling Demands: A 5.1% reduction in GDP due to increased cooling demand.
• Flood Damage: India’s flood-related losses could surpass $1.1 trillion annually by 2070, with damages to residential and commercial properties.

In News:

In a significant leap for the country’s space exploration aspirations, India has embarked on its first analogue space mission in Leh, a landmark step that will attempt to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of a base station beyond Earth.

Mission Overview:

• Objective: To simulate living conditions in an interplanetary habitat, addressing challenges astronauts may face during deep-space missions (e.g., Moon, Mars).
• Goal: Study long-term isolation, habitat design, resource management, and psychological effects on astronauts.
• Partners: ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.

Rationale for Ladakh:

• Geological Similarities: Ladakh’s terrain mirrors Martian and lunar surfaces, making it ideal for testing space technologies.
• Climate: Cold, dry, high-altitude conditions simulate the extreme environments of space.
• Focus Areas: Testing habitat construction, microbial studies, and survival strategies for long-duration space travel.

What are Analogue Space Missions?

• Definition: Simulated space missions on Earth designed to replicate the conditions of space exploration.
• Purpose:
  • Test technologies (e.g., life support, habitat design, in-situ resource utilization).
  • Study human behavior, psychological impacts of isolation, and operational readiness for extended space travel.
• Relevance: Crucial for preparing astronauts for missions to the Moon, Mars, or asteroids.

Significance of Analogue Missions:

• Technological Testing: Analogue missions help in evaluating systems for habitat design, life support, and health monitoring.
• Human Factors: They provide insights into crew health, teamwork under pressure, and performance during isolation.
• Psychological Studies: Address the impact of confinement, isolation, and communication delays on astronauts.
• Training: Participants (analogue astronauts) are trained for real-world space missions by conducting scientific experiments and managing emergencies.

Global Examples of Analogue Missions:

• NASA’s NEEMO: An underwater mission simulating microgravity conditions to train astronauts for space tasks.
• SIRIUS Program (UAE): Focuses on the psychological impacts of long-duration space isolation, featuring international collaborations.
• Arctic Mars Analogue Svalbard Expedition (AMASE): Uses the extreme Arctic environment of Svalbard to test Mars exploration technologies and procedures.

Relation to India’s Space Aspirations:

• Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO’s human spaceflight mission aiming to send Indian astronauts into space.
• Interplanetary Exploration: The analogue mission supports India’s broader goal of advancing human space exploration and technology development for Mars and beyond.

In News:

• India and Pakistan have extended the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement for another five years (until 2029).
• Purpose: The extension ensures uninterrupted operation of the corridor, allowing Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.
• Significance: The extension reflects continued cooperation between India and Pakistan, with potential implications for improving bilateral relations.

Background of Kartarpur Corridor:

• Inception: The agreement was first signed on October 24, 2019, to allow visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur near Narowal in Pakistan.
• Pilgrimage Details:
  • Eligibility: Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders can visit the gurdwara on a daily basis.
  • Return on Same Day: Pilgrims must return on the same day.
  • No Religious Restrictions: Pilgrims of any faith can use the corridor.
  • Capacity: Up to 5,000 pilgrims per day can visit the gurdwara.
• Historical Importance: The corridor facilitates the Sikh community's access to a key religious site, located just 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border.
• Service Charge Dispute:
  • Pakistan's Service Fee: Pakistan continues to charge a $20 service fee (approx. ?1,680) per pilgrim, which India has consistently urged Pakistan to waive.
  • Pakistan’s Justification: Pakistan maintains the fee to cover the $17 million spent on refurbishing the gurdwara and developing infrastructure for the corridor.
• Geopolitical Context and Timing:
  • Recent Developments: The agreement renewal follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting.
  • Improved Bilateral Relations: Jaishankar’s visit marked the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years, signaling potential thaw in relations, despite the lack of formal bilateral dialogue.
• Strategic and Religious Importance:
  • Religious Diplomacy: The Kartarpur Corridor is viewed as a confidence-building measure and a symbol of religious diplomacy, particularly for the Sikh community.
  • Historical Legacy: The corridor links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan to Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak in India, facilitating access to a site of immense religious significance for Sikhs.
• Implications for India-Pakistan Relations:
  • No Formal Bilateral Talks: Despite the successful renewal of the agreement, formal talks between India and Pakistan remain suspended, particularly after India’s revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, which led to a diplomatic freeze.
  • Pakistan's Diplomatic Stance: Pakistan had recalled its high commissioner from India in August 2019, and tensions have remained high since then.
• Potential for Future Engagement:
  • Diplomatic Channels Opened: The renewal of the Kartarpur agreement and Jaishankar’s visit suggest that diplomatic channels are still open, and there may be scope for further engagement if both sides take steps to address outstanding issues.

In News:

The Sahara Desert, one of the driest regions globally, is undergoing a surprising transformation due to an extratropical cyclone that impacted northwestern Africa on September 7-8, leading to patches of green across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

Key Details:

• Satellite Observations: NASA's satellite images reveal extensive greenery sprouting in areas typically known for drought conditions, as reported by NASA’s Earth Observatory.
• Flourishing Vegetation: Climate researcher Sylwia Trzaska noted that shrubs and trees are thriving in low-lying regions like riverbeds. Peter de Menocal, president of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, highlighted that plant life can quickly respond to significant rainfall, transforming dunes into vibrant landscapes.
• Historical Context: Research indicates that the Sahara was once a lush environment with lakes and vegetation between 11,000 and 5,000 years ago. Recent heavy rains have replenished normally dry lakes.
• Rainfall Dynamics: The unusual rainfall event is attributed to the northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which has moved further north than usual, resulting in equatorial-like downpours in the Sahara. Some areas experienced over half a foot of rain, surpassing typical annual precipitation levels.
• Impact of Rain Patterns: While the rains primarily affected less populated regions, severe flooding has resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and impacted around four million people across 14 African nations, according to reports from the World Food Programme and Associated Press.
• Climate Change Factors: Experts suggest that the repositioning of the ITCZ may be connected to record-high ocean temperatures and climate change, potentially altering rainfall patterns across Africa.
• Future Projections: As global ocean temperatures stabilize, de Menocal predicts that the rain belt may revert to a more southerly position, potentially crossing the equator.
• Sahara Desert Facts:

o   The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, spanning approximately 4,800 km in length and 1,800 km in width.

o   It covers about 31% of the African continent, extending across 11 North African nations, including Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia, Chad, Libya, Mauritania, Niger, and Sudan

In News:

Nepal, India, and Bangladesh have signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade, enabling Nepal to export surplus electricity to Bangladesh via India.

Key Details of the Agreement

• Export Period: The agreement allows for electricity exports from June 15 to November 15 each year.
• Initial Export Volume: In the first phase, Nepal will export 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh through Indian territory.
• Electricity Rate: The fixed rate per unit of electricity is set at 6.4 cents.
• Projected Revenue: Nepal is expected to earn approximately $9.2 million annually from this trade.

This agreement aims to enhance regional cooperation in energy trade and support sustainable development in the participating countries.

In News:

India and Uzbekistan signed the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) aimed at boosting the confidence of investors of both the countries.

Key Highlights:

• Investor Protections:
  • Assured Protection: The BIT guarantees protection for investors from both countries, aligning with international standards.
  • Minimum Standards: It establishes a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination for investors.
  • Dispute Resolution: An independent arbitration forum will be available for dispute settlement.
• Investment Safeguards:
  • Protection from Expropriation: The treaty safeguards investments from unjust expropriation.
  • Transparency and Compensation: Provisions are included for transparency and compensation for losses incurred.
• Regulatory Balance: While protecting investors, the treaty maintains a balance with the state's right to regulate, ensuring adequate policy space for both countries.

Economic Context

• Shared Commitment: The BIT reflects the commitment of both nations to foster economic ties and create a resilient investment environment.
• Expected Outcomes: It is anticipated that the treaty will facilitate increased bilateral investments, benefiting businesses and economies in India and Uzbekistan.
• Current Investment Landscape: As of August 2024, Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) from India to Uzbekistan stands at $20 million, with Indian investments notable in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, amusement parks, automobile components, and hospitality.

India and Bilateral Investment Treaties

BITs are reciprocal agreements between two countries designed to promote and protect foreign private investments within each other's territories.

• Key Guarantees Established:
  • National Treatment: Foreign investors are treated on par with domestic companies.
  • Fair and Equitable Treatment: Investors receive treatment aligned with international law.
  • Protection from Expropriation: Limits the ability of a country to seize foreign investments without appropriate compensation.
• Status of BITs in India
  • Historical Context:
    • Until 2015, India had signed BITs with 83 countries, with 74 currently in force. These agreements were based on the Indian Model BIT established in 1993.
  • Revisions and Current Approach: In 2015, India revised its Model BIT text. Since then, India has:
    • Signed new BITs/Investment Agreements with four countries.
    • Entered negotiations with 37 countries/blocks for new agreements.
    • Terminated older BITs with 77 countries, with only six remaining in force.
• Key Features of the Revised Model BIT
  • Investor Protection:
    • Provides robust protection for foreign investors in India and Indian investors abroad.
    • Balances investor rights with government obligations.
  • Investor Confidence:
    • Enhances investor confidence by ensuring non-discriminatory treatment and a level playing field.
    • Establishes an independent arbitration forum for dispute resolution.
  • Investment Definition:
    • Adopts an "enterprise"-based definition of investment to encompass various forms of investment.
  • Dispute Settlement Provisions:
    • Refined Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions require investors to exhaust local remedies before seeking international arbitration.
    • Limits arbitration tribunals to awarding monetary compensation only.
  • Regulatory Authority Preservation:
    • Excludes government procurement, taxation, subsidies, compulsory licenses, and national security from BIT coverage, ensuring the government retains regulatory authority.
• Strategic Impact
  • Preferred FDI Destination: The revised BIT aims to position India as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • Protection of Outbound FDI: It also focuses on safeguarding outbound investments made by Indian entities.

In News:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) stated in a latest update that in the short span of three years since its launch, eShram has registered more than 30 crore unorganised workers, showcasing its rapid and widespread adoption among the unorganised workers.

Key Highlights:

• The Government envisages to establishing the eShram portal as a "One-Stop-Solution" for Country’s unorganised workers.
• During Budget speech 2024-25 it has been announced that, A comprehensive integration of eShram portal with other portals will facilitate such One-Stop-Solution.
• This initiative aims to facilitate access of various social security schemes being implemented by different Ministries/ Departments to unorganised workers through the eShram portal.
• As part of the eShram - One Stop Solution project, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has been working to integrate major schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), Ration Card scheme etc. for the benefit of the unorganised workers.

What is e-Shram and its purpose?

• e-Shram is a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• Its primary purpose is to facilitate delivery of welfare benefits and social security measures to unorganised sector workers across the country.
• The platform aims to register and provide identity cards to unorganised workers, enabling them to access various government schemes, benefits, and services more efficiently.

Who are unorganised workers?

Any worker who is a home-based worker, self-employed worker or a wage worker working in the unorganised sector and not a member of ESIC or EPFO, is called an unorganised worker.

What is unorganised sector?

Unorganised sector comprises of establishment/ units which are engaged in the production/ sale of goods/ services and employs less than 10 workers. These units are not covered under ESIC & EPFO.

What is UAN?

UAN or Universal Account Number is a 12 digit number uniquely assigned to each unorganised worker after registration on e-Shram portal. UAN is a permanent number i.e., once assigned, it will remain unchanged for any worker.

Why is it in the News?

Every year, International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is celebrated on March 14 to spread awareness about its role in solving real-world problems.

About International Day of Mathematics:

• Every year, International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is celebrated on March 14 to spread awareness about its role in solving real-world problems.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the International Day of Mathematics at the 40th General Conference on November 19, 2019.
• This day also sheds light on Mathematics' importance in different areas like climate change, energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.
• International Day of Mathematics coincides with International Pi Day.
  • Pi is one of the most widely known mathematical constants and it is rounded to 3.14, which is why it is observed on March 14.
• IDM is an opportunity to educate students about the role and importance of mathematics in improving quality of life.
• It also empowers women and girls to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals for the 2030 agenda.

History:

• The 205th session of UNESCO’s Executive Council adopted the International Day of Mathematics.
• The 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference adopted March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics, which was the first official celebration with the theme 'Mathematics is Everywhere'.
• It is an opportunity to understand the importance of mathematics in daily life promoting mathematics use for the advancement of society.

Significance:

• International Day of Mathematics is celebrated to promote Mathematics in different fields highlighting the role of mathematics in solving the real-life world and addressing social concerns.
• IDM shows the application of mathematics in different fields of life including science, technology, engineering, and economics.
• IDM promotes mathematics at different levels encouraging educators, policymakers, parents and to stress the importance of mathematics and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
  • STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an opportunity to share research, discoveries, and insights with the general public and demystify the subject to make it more accessible.
• International Day of Mathematics is a global initiative to foster collaboration and exchange ideas across borders, cultures, and disciplines.
• The day aims to promote mathematics and help address global challenges through it.

The theme for International Day of Mathematics 2024:

The theme for International Day of Mathematics 2024 is 'Playing With Math.'

Why is it in the News?

The government has notified a new legal code to curb the unethical marketing of drugs and banning medical representatives from using “inducement” to access healthcare professionals

About the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024:

• The UCPMP 2024 has been implemented to regulate unethical practices within the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on promoting transparency and ethical conduct.
  • The updated guidelines encompass various aspects, including drug endorsement, promotion, ethical behavior for medical representatives, and the maintenance of professional relationships with healthcare professionals.

Key provisions of the UCPMP 2024 include:

• Prohibiting the offering of gifts and travel facilities to healthcare professionals or their family members by pharmaceutical companies.
• Mandating that medical representatives should not use any form of inducement or subterfuge to gain interviews with healthcare professionals, nor should they provide payment for access under any guise.
• Holding pharmaceutical companies responsible for the actions of their medical representatives.
• Banning the supply of free drug samples to individuals who are not qualified to prescribe such products.
• Requiring each pharmaceutical company to maintain detailed records of free samples provided to healthcare practitioners, with the total value of distributed samples not exceeding two percent of the company's domestic sales per year.
• Compulsory constitution of an Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP) by all pharmaceutical associations, along with the establishment of a dedicated UCPMP portal on their websites for implementation and monitoring purposes.
• Detailed guidelines on how drugs should be promoted in textual and audio-visual marketing materials, ensuring that information is balanced, up-to-date, verifiable, and non-misleading.
• Restrictions on making unverified claims and comparisons about a drug's usefulness, as well as using terms like "safe" and "new" without proper qualification.
• Assigning responsibility for adherence to the UCPMP 2024 to the Chief Executive Officers of pharmaceutical companies.
• Outlining penalties for violating the code and establishing a clear process for handling complaints, ensuring accountability and effective oversight.
• The UCPMP 2024 serves as a comprehensive framework for promoting ethical practices within the pharmaceutical industry, aiming to protect the interests of patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders while fostering an environment of transparency and integrity.

Why is it in the News?

The New Education Policy (NEP), established in 2020, proposed redesigning the assessment system of school students in India recently.

About the Holistic Progress Card (HPC):

• It Is Developed by Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH), a standard-setting body under the NCERT.
• The Holistic Progress Card (HPC) marks a significant departure from traditional assessment methods for students in the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8), aligning with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Features:

• Incorporates feedback from parents, classmates, and self-evaluation by students.
• Aims to provide a comprehensive view of students' academic performance, cognitive abilities, socio-emotional skills, and creativity during class activities.
• Aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) to prioritize learner-centric evaluation.
• Emphasizes a shift from numerical grades to a 360-degree evaluation, focusing on students' active engagement in class activities and the demonstration of diverse skills and competencies.
• Enables teachers to identify students' strengths and weaknesses, fostering personalized support and intervention.
• Encourages students to reflect on their progress and set academic and personal goals, fostering self-awareness and accountability.
• Involves parents in the learning process, integrating their insights on homework, classroom engagement, and extracurricular activities.
• Includes peer evaluation, allowing students to assess their classmates' contributions to activities.

Benefits:

• Goes beyond numerical grades, providing descriptive and analytical evaluations that encompass academic achievements and critical skill development.
• Promotes a shift from summative to formative assessment, fostering competency-based evaluation and holistic growth.

Why is it in the News?

The per capita monthly household expenditure more than doubled in 2022-23 as compared to 2011-12, according to the latest study by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

Context:

• As per the 2022-23 report, rising inequality between the top and bottom of the pyramid.
• Urban and rural households register higher expenditure, spending less on food items.
• New methodology and questionnaire used in Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23.

About the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO):

• The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) comes under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation headed by a Director General.
• It is responsible for the conduct of large-scale sample surveys in diverse fields on an All-India basis.
• Primarily data are collected through nationwide household surveys on various socio-economic subjects, Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), etc.
• Besides these surveys, NSSO collects data on rural and urban prices and plays a significant role in the improvement of crop statistics through supervision of the area enumeration and crop estimation surveys of the State agencies.
• It also maintains a frame of urban area units for use in sample surveys in urban areas.

The NSSO has four Divisions:

• Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD): This Division, located at Kolkata, is responsible for the technical planning of surveys, formulation of concepts and definitions, sampling design, designing of inquiry schedules, drawing up of tabulation plans, and analysis and presentation of survey results.
• Field Operations Division (FOD): The Division, with its headquarters at Delhi/Faridabad, is responsible for the collection of primary data for the surveys undertaken by NSS.
• Data Processing Division (DPD): The Division, with its headquarters at Kolkata is responsible for sample selection, software development, processing, validation and tabulation of the data collected through surveys.
• Survey Coordination Division (SCD): This Division, located in New Delhi, coordinates all the activities of different Divisions of NSS.
  • It also brings out the bi-annual journal of NSS, titled “Sarvekshana”, and organizes National Seminars on the results of various Socio-economic surveys undertaken by NSS.

Key Insights From the 2022-23 Survey:

• Evolution of Food Expenditure: Over the past two decades, there has been a notable shift in spending patterns on food in India.
  • Between 1999-2000 and 2022-23, both urban and rural households witnessed a gradual decline in the share of expenditure allocated to food.
  • This period marks the first instance where food expenditure has dropped to below 50% in rural India and below 40% in urban India.
• Changing Dietary Preferences: The composition of food consumption has also undergone significant changes.
  • Cereals and pulses have seen a reduction in their share of overall food consumption expenditure, while spending on milk has surged, surpassing that on cereals and pulses combined.
  • In a noteworthy shift, the average Indian now spends more on fruits and vegetables than on food grains.
  • Furthermore, expenditure on animal proteins like eggs, fish, and meat has shown a growing trend, indicating a preference for animal-based proteins over plant-based ones.
• Rise in Processed Food Consumption: There has been an observed increase in the share of expenditure allocated to processed foods, beverages, and purchased cooked meals.
  • This trend aligns with the Engel Curve hypothesis, suggesting that as incomes rise, households allocate a smaller proportion of their spending to food and tend to prefer superior items over inferior ones.
• Closing Rural-Urban Consumption Gap: Consumption growth in rural areas has outpaced that in urban areas, leading to a narrowing of the rural-urban consumption divide.
  • If this trend continues, it could potentially lead to parity in urban and rural incomes and consumption patterns in the future.
• Challenges in Inflation Calculation: The findings of the latest Household Consumption Expenditure (HCE) Survey underscore the need to review the inflation basket.
  • The current Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation calculation, established in 2012, may not accurately reflect contemporary consumption patterns.
  • For instance, the disparity between the weightage assigned to cereals in the CPI basket and actual expenditure on cereals by rural households highlights the need for recalibration.
• Insights on Poverty Reduction: According to NITI Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam, the latest survey indicates a reduction in poverty to five per cent nationwide.
  • Both rural and urban areas are witnessing increased prosperity, as evidenced by rising per capita monthly expenditure.
• Demand for Legal Guarantee to MSP: While there is a demand for a legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 23 crops, including food grains and sugarcane, the survey data suggests that the growth in the farm sector is being primarily driven by livestock, fisheries, and horticulture crops.
  • This poses a pertinent question regarding the promotion of production: should the focus be on crops outside the MSP purview, such as milk, fish, poultry products, fruits, and vegetables, given their growing consumption trends?

Why is it in the News?

Recently, India has contributed 1 million US Dollars to the Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund established by India, Brazil, and South Africa, IBSA.

What is the IBSA Fund?

• Established in 2004 and operational since 2006, the IBSA Fund embodies the collaborative efforts of India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Contributing one million dollars annually each, the IBSA countries unite in a spirit of partnership to champion Southern-led, demand-driven projects in developing nations.
• With a focus on identifying replicable and scalable initiatives, the fund aims to address pressing development challenges in recipient countries.
• Supported projects align with partner countries' national priorities and international development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The fund's objectives encompass diverse areas such as promoting food security, combating HIV/AIDS, and expanding access to safe drinking water, among others, to advance sustainable development.
• To date, the IBSA Fund has allocated USD 50.6 million, funding 45 projects across 37 countries in the Global South.
• The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) fulfils the roles of Fund Manager and Secretariat for the IBSA Fund.

What is IBSA?

• IBSA stands for the India, Brazil, and South Africa Dialogue Forum, a unique platform that unites three major democracies and significant economies from diverse continents, collectively addressing common challenges.
• Formally established as the IBSA Dialogue Forum during a historic meeting of the Foreign Ministers from India, Brazil, and South Africa in Brasilia on June 6, 2003, the forum's inception was marked by the issuance of the Brasilia Declaration.
• To date, five IBSA Leadership Summits have been convened, with the 5th Summit held in Pretoria on October 18, 2011.
• In 2021, India held the chairmanship of IBSA under the theme "Democracy for Demography and Development."
• On March 2, 2023, Brazil assumed the rotating presidency of the India, Brazil, South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA), further advancing the forum's collaborative agenda.

Why is it in the News?

BSNL, the state-owned telecommunications company, has initiated a tender process amounting to approximately Rs 65,000 crore for the implementation of the phase-III BharatNet project.

What is the BharatNet Phase III Project?

• The BharatNet phase-III project adopts a three-level architecture:
  • Internet leased line bandwidth
  • Middle-mile connectivity, and
  • Last-mile connectivity
• It aims to involve village-level entrepreneurs or Udyamis in providing last-mile connectivity to households on a revenue-sharing basis.
• BSNL aims to provide 15 million home fibre connections over five years using the BharatNet Udyami model.

About BharatNet Project:

• The BharatNet Project is one of the largest rural telecom projects in the world.
• It aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats across India in a phased manner.
• Its core objective is to ensure equitable access to broadband services for all telecom service providers, fostering the deployment of services like e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote areas.
• Initiated in 2011 and executed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in 2012, the project operates in three phases.
• Phase I launched in 2011, focused on creating the National Optical Fibre Network, leveraging existing infrastructure and laying additional fibre to bridge connectivity gaps up to the Gram Panchayat level.
• Phase II, approved in 2017, builds upon Phase I’s experiences, aligning with the Digital India vision.
  • It adopts a flexible approach, integrating various media such as Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), Radio, and satellite to connect Gram Panchayats, utilizing models like State-led, Private Sector, and CPSU Models for implementation.
• Phase III, spanning from 2019 to 2023, aims to establish a robust, future-ready network with district-to-block fibre connectivity, featuring ring topology for redundancy.
  • This comprehensive approach ensures the creation of a resilient and inclusive telecom infrastructure, facilitating socio-economic development in rural India.

Why is it in the News?

Recently the Indian govt. signed an agreement to acquire five lithium brine blocks for exploration and development in Argentina.

Context:

• The Mines Ministry, operating through KhanijBidesh India Limited (KABIL), has entered into an agreement with Argentina's state-owned CAMYEN for the development of five lithium blocks.
  • CAMYEN, officially known as Catamarca Minera Y Energetica Sociedad Del Estado, is headquartered in the Catamarca province of the Latin American nation.
• Key Points: KABIL, a government-owned entity, will initiate the exploration and development activities for five lithium brine blocks—Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI, collectively spanning an area of approximately 15,703 hectares.
• As part of its expansion, KABIL is planning to establish a branch office in Catamarca, Argentina.
• This marks a significant milestone as it represents the first lithium exploration and mining project undertaken by a government company in India.
• Argentina, situated within the global "Lithium Triangle" alongside Chile and Bolivia, collectively possesses more than half of the world's total lithium resources.

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL):

• It is a Joint Venture Company among National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL).
• It has been formed in August 2019.
• KABIL is focusing on identifying and sourcing battery minerals like Lithium and Cobalt.
• KABIL is a joint venture company focused on identifying, acquiring, developing, processing and making commercial use of strategic minerals in overseas locations for supply in India.

Current Statistics About Lithium in India:

• India has recently discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir and ranks seventh globally.
• The primary lithium reserve in India has been discovered in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir, with additional smaller reserves identified in Karnataka.
• Presently, India fulfils its entire lithium demand through imports.
• In the fiscal year 2023, there was a notable increase in lithium imports in India, reaching approximately $3 billion (around ?24,900 crore), indicating a 58% growth compared to the figures in FY22.
• More than 95% of India's lithium imports are sourced from China and Hong Kong.

Global Reserves of Lithium:

• Approximately half of the world's lithium resources are concentrated in Latin America, primarily in countries such as Bolivia, Argentina and Chile along with significant deposits in USA, Australia and China.
  • Bolivia has the highest identified lithium resources in the world with 20 million tonnes, as per the US Geological Survey data.
  • Argentina has the second-largest lithium reserve estimated to be close to 20 million tonnes.
  • The United States follows Argentina with 12 million tonnes of lithium reserves.
  • Chile ranks fourth globally with 11 million tonnes of lithium reserves.
  • Australia occupies the fifth spot with 7.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves, according to the available data.
  • China, the largest country in Asia, ranks sixth globally with 6.8 million tonnes of lithium reserve. China, without having the largest lithium reserves, continues to dominate lithium mining and processing in the world.
• Argentina holds a substantial portion, accounting for 20% of the world's total lithium resources, making it the second-largest contributor after Bolivia.
• Argentina is a key participant in the 'Lithium Triangle,' alongside Chile and Bolivia.
  • Collectively, these three nations possess over two-thirds of the global lithium resources.
  • The Lithium Triangle is a region in the Andes known for its rich lithium reserves.
• Notably, Argentina ranks second globally in terms of lithium resources, third in lithium reserves, and fourth in lithium production.

Importance of the Agreement:

• This agreement holds strategic value as it enables India to enhance its lithium supply, fostering the growth of both countries' lithium mining and downstream sectors.
• It contributes to the diversification of the supply chain for essential materials, aligning with the pursuit of Global Net Zero objectives.
• Given that a significant portion, approximately 54%, of India's lithium imports are currently sourced from China, which dominates 80% of the global supply, this deal helps reduce dependence on a single supplier.
• The initiative aligns with the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), of which India is an active participant.