Current Affairs 03 October 2024

CONTENTS

1. Annual Survey of Industries
2. Discipline Among Judges
3. Changes in Indian Rice Export Policies
4. The Rise of “Greenhushing” Among Carbon-Neutral Certified Firms
5. Exercise KAZIND
6. Tsetse flies
7. Rise in Stroke Cases in India

 Annual Survey of Industries

Context:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently released the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)?
2. Highlights of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23

What is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)?

• ASI Overview:
  • The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) serves as the primary source for industrial statistics and data related to organized manufacturing in India.
  • The survey is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
  • It has been conducted since 1959 under the Collection of Statistics Act 1953 and is now carried out under the Collection of Statistics Act 2008, with amendments in 2017.

Objectives:

• The ASI aims to gather comprehensive data that supports:
  • Estimating the contribution of the registered manufacturing sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  • Studying the structure of various industries, categorized by type.
  • Analyzing factors that influence industries, supporting the creation of effective industrial policies.

Coverage of the Survey:

• Factories registered under the Factories Act 1948. It includes:
  • Factories employing 10 or more workers using power.
  • Factories employing 20 or more workers without using power.
  • In states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Goa, the survey targets factories employing 20 or more workers using power, and 40 or more workers without power.
• Bidi and cigar manufacturing establishments under the Bidi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act 1966.
• Electricity undertakings involved in generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity but not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

Significance:

• The ASI provides crucial data to policymakers and planners to objectively evaluate the industrial scenario of the Indian economy, aiding in informed decision-making.

Highlights of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23:

• Main Drivers of Manufacturing Growth:
  • Key industries included basic metal, coke & refined petroleum products, food products, chemical products, and motor vehicles.
  • These sectors contributed 58% of total output and recorded a 24.5% output growth and 2.6% growth in gross value added (GVA) compared to 2021-22.
• Growth in Number of Factories:
  • The total number of factories increased from 2.49 lakh in 2021-22 to 2.53 lakh in 2022-23.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF):
  • GFCF, representing capital investment, surged by 77%, rising from Rs 3.3 lakh crore in 2021-22 to Rs 5.85 lakh crore in 2022-23.
• Employment Growth:
  • Total Employees: The number of employees in the manufacturing sector rose by 7.5%, from 1.72 crore in 2021-22 to 1.84 crore in 2022-23, marking the highest increase in 12 years.
  • Employment by Sector: The most employment was recorded in food products, followed by textiles, basic metals, wearing apparel, and motor vehicles.
• Average Emoluments:
  • Average emoluments per person rose by 6.3% in 2022-23, compared to the previous year.
• State Performance:
  • In terms of GVA, Maharashtra led the rankings, followed by Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. These five states contributed over 54% of the total manufacturing GVA in 2022-23.
  • In terms of employment, the top five states (Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP, and Karnataka) contributed 55% of the total manufacturing employment.
• Key Takeaways:
  • The ASI suggests that the impact of the Covid pandemic on manufacturing industries has been “wiped out”.
  • The estimated employment in manufacturing in 2022-23 exceeded pre-pandemic levels (2018-19) by over 22.14 lakh.
  • Sectors with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme experienced better growth.

-Source: Indian Express

Discipline Among Judges

Context:

The Supreme Court recently expressed significant concerns regarding statements made by a judge from the Karnataka High Court. The intervention was later withdrawn following an apology from the judge in question. This incident has brought to light the constitutional challenges and limitations that the judiciary faces in disciplining its members, underscoring the delicate balance between judicial independence and accountability.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Disciplining Judges in India
2. Additional Mechanisms for Disciplining Judges
3. Measures to Ensure Discipline among Judges

Disciplining Judges in India

• Article 121 of the Constitution: Restricts parliamentary discussions on the conduct of judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts unless a formal motion for their removal is introduced.
• Article 211 of the Constitution: Prevents state legislatures from discussing the conduct of judges from the Supreme Court or High Courts while they are performing their duties.
• Article 124(4) of the Constitution: Specifies that a motion for impeachment must be supported by a majority of the total membership and at least two-thirds of the members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament.
• High Threshold for Impeachment: The strict requirements for impeachment make it challenging to remove judges for minor offenses, which creates difficulties in addressing misconduct that does not meet the impeachment threshold.
• Rare Use of Impeachment: Impeachment proceedings have been initiated only five times in India’s history, and no Supreme Court judge has been impeached.
• Grounds for Removal: Removal is possible only for “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity,” which is defined by a high standard, including issues such as corruption, lack of integrity, and moral misconduct.
• Misconduct Below Impeachment Standard: Numerous acts of judicial misconduct, like bias or indiscipline, do not meet the impeachment criteria, leaving limited avenues to address such issues.

Additional Mechanisms for Disciplining Judges

• Judicial Action by the Supreme Court (SC): The SC has the authority to take action in disciplining judges. For example, in 2017, the SC found Calcutta High Court’s C.S. Karnan guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to six months of imprisonment.
• Collegium System: The Supreme Court Collegium, composed of the five senior-most judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI), can recommend transferring High Court judges as a disciplinary measure. Although the Collegium’s decisions are not transparent, the transfer mechanism is sometimes used to address misconduct.
  • Example: Justice P.D. Dinakaran was transferred from the Karnataka High Court to the Sikkim High Court when his impeachment was pending.
• In-House Inquiry Procedure (1999): The CJI can initiate an internal inquiry by requesting comments from the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court and obtaining a response from the implicated judge. If needed, a three-member committee of two High Court Chief Justices and one judge may conduct a fact-finding inquiry.
  • Resignation or Retirement: The committee can advise the concerned judge to either resign or retire voluntarily. If the judge refuses, the CJI can recommend that no judicial work be assigned to the judge.
• Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997): A judicial code adopted by the Supreme Court, consisting of 16 points, serves as ethical guidelines for ensuring an independent and fair judiciary. It helps maintain discipline among judges.

Measures to Ensure Discipline among Judges

• Reviving Key Legislation:
  • Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010: Revive and pass this bill to establish the National Judicial Oversight Committee, a Complaints Scrutiny Panel, and an investigation committee to ensure proper oversight of judicial conduct.
  • National Judicial Council (NJC): The Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006 should be revived to establish the NJC, which would oversee investigations into allegations of misconduct or incapacity among judges.
• Code of Conduct for Judges:
  • A Code of Conduct should be developed, clearly outlining the expected behaviour, ethical standards, and mechanisms for addressing violations. The code should be publicly accessible to promote transparency and accountability.
• Performance Evaluation System:
  • Implement a system to evaluate judicial performance based on key metrics such as case disposal rates, adherence to ethical standards, and feedback from litigants and peers.
  • For example, in Odisha, judicial officers are expected to meet a work output equivalent to 240 working days annually.
• Judicial Independence:
  • Reforms must ensure that accountability measures do not undermine the independence of the judiciary. Any system for holding judges accountable should preserve their ability to make impartial decisions.
• Asset and Liability Declarations:
  • Judges should be required to declare their assets and liabilities, and this information should be made publicly available to deter corruption and enhance public trust in the judiciary.
• Training Programs:
  • Regular training programs and workshops on judicial ethics, anti-discrimination laws, and the importance of impartiality should be instituted to foster a culture of accountability among judges.

-Source: The Hindu

Changes in Indian Rice Export Policies

Context:

The Indian government has recently made significant changes to its rice export policies. It lifted the ban on exporting Non-Basmati White Rice and established a minimum export price (MEP) of $490 per tonne. Additionally, the government previously removed a 20% export duty on Non-Basmati White Rice and lowered the export duties on three other rice categories: rice in the husk (paddy or rough), husked (brown) rice, and parboiled rice, reducing the duty from 20% to 10%.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Export Ban on Non-Basmati White Rice Lifted
2. Rice Cultivation
3. India’s Status as a Rice Exporter

Export Ban on Non-Basmati White Rice Lifted

• The government has recently lifted the ban on the export of Non-Basmati White Rice, while also imposing a minimum export price (MEP) of $490 per tonne.

Reasons for Lifting the Ban:

• Increase in Paddy Sowing: Favorable monsoon conditions have led to a rise in paddy sowing, with a significant portion of the crop planted during the Kharif season.
• Expansion in Cultivation Area: As of September 20, 2023, the paddy cultivation area reached 413.50 lakh hectares, marking a 2.2% increase over the previous year.
• Rice Production Growth: India’s total rice production for 2023-24 (including Kharif, Rabi, and summer crops) is estimated at 137.82 million tonnes, representing a 1.5% increase from last year.

Price and Inflation Trends:

• Wholesale Price Decline: As of September 27, the wholesale price of rice was Rs 3,324.99 per quintal, down from Rs 3,597.09 a week earlier and Rs 3,502.91 a month ago.
• Retail Inflation Stability: Despite the decrease in wholesale prices, retail inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index has remained in double digits over the past two years, peaking at 13.09% in July 2023 before dropping to 9.52% in August, following the export ban.

Rice Stock Surplus:

• As of September 1, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) had a stock of 323.11 lakh tonnes of rice in its central pool.
• The total stock, including unmilled paddy, amounted to 423 lakh tonnes, far exceeding the buffer stock norms, which require 135.40 lakh tonnes for July and 102.50 lakh tonnes for October.

Who Stands to Benefit?

• Traders: The lifting of the export ban, along with the removal of the 20% duty, is expected to benefit traders by boosting export sentiment.
• Farmers: Farmers, especially those cultivating premium rice varieties like Sona Masoori (primarily in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana), are likely to benefit as they were previously affected by the ban.
• Consumers: However, domestic consumers may face higher retail prices due to the renewed export activity.

Rice Cultivation:

• Primary Growing Season: Rice is predominantly cultivated during the Kharif season (June to November), aligning with the monsoon rains.
• In specific regions like Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh, rice is also cultivated during the Rabi season (November to April), especially in areas with irrigation.
• Optimal Conditions:
  • Climate: Rice grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity.
    • Temperature: Ideal growing temperatures range from 21°C to 37°C, with germination thriving around 21°C and the growth period requiring temperatures above 25°C.
    • Rainfall: Requires 150-300 cm of evenly distributed rainfall during the growth period.
• Soil Requirements:
  • Rice thrives in clayey or loamy soils that can retain water.
  • Alluvial soils found in river basins and coastal regions are also ideal due to their depth and ability to retain moisture.
• Water Needs:
  • Being a water-intensive crop, rice is typically grown in flooded fields (paddy fields). Adequate irrigation is critical in regions with insufficient rainfall.

Rice Production in India:

• Cultivated Area: In the fiscal year 2024, approximately 47.6 million hectares of land were dedicated to rice cultivation in India.
• Global Standing: India holds the position of being the second-largest rice producer globally and is the largest exporter of rice.
• Production Estimates: The estimated rice production for 2023-24 is around 1378.25 lakh metric tons (LMT), marking a growth of 20.70 LMT compared to the previous year.
• Geographical Distribution: Rice is extensively grown in the coastal strips of both the eastern and western parts of the country, the Assam plains in the north-east, and the foothills of the Himalayas.

India’s Status as a Rice Exporter

• Global Ranking and Contribution:
  • India is the world’s second-largest rice producer and holds the position as the leading global rice exporter, significantly impacting the world rice trade.
  • Alongside China, India contributes to more than half of the global rice production. While China mainly consumes its rice production, India plays a key role in global exports.
  • As per the USDA, India was responsible for 33% (around 17 million tonnes) of the total global rice exports (53 million tonnes) in 2023.
    • In 2022, prior to the ban on Non-Basmati White Rice exports, India accounted for 40% of global rice exports (56 million tonnes).
• Rice Export Categories:
  • India’s rice exports are classified into two main types: basmati and non-basmati rice.
  • Basmati rice forms approximately one-third of India’s total rice exports, with 52.42 lakh tonnes exported during the 2023-24 period.
  • Non-basmati rice has six subtypes: rice in husk (seed quality and other), husked (brown) rice, parboiled rice, non-basmati white rice, and broken rice.
• Primary Export Destinations (2023-24):
  • The top destinations for India’s rice exports include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Benin, UAE, Guinea, Senegal, Togo, and Yemen.
  • Saudi Arabia was the top importer in terms of export value, primarily importing basmati rice.
  • Non-basmati white rice was mainly exported to Kenya, Mozambique, Cameroon, Vietnam, Malaysia, Togo, Madagascar, Cote D’Ivoire, and Benin.
• Competition in Global Rice Market:
  • India’s key competitors in the global rice export market are Thailand and Vietnam. In 2023, the combined exports of these two countries nearly matched that of India.
  • Other notable rice exporters include Pakistan, Cambodia, and the United States.
  • The top rice-importing countries are the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, the European Union, Nigeria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

-Source: Indian Express

The Rise of “Greenhushing” Among Carbon-Neutral Certified Firms

Context:

While the number of carbon-neutral certified companies has been increasing globally, a notable trend has emerged where many of these firms opt not to publicize their environmental achievements, a phenomenon known as “greenhushing.” This reluctance often stems from a blend of altruism and a desire to maintain their social salience without appearing to capitalize on their green initiatives.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is Greenhushing?
2. Concerns with Greenhushing
3. Solutions to Address Greenhushing

What is Greenhushing?

• Greenhushing refers to when companies underreport or withhold information about their environmental goals and achievements.
• These firms deliberately do not publicize their eco-friendly efforts or remain quiet about their future commitments to environmental sustainability.

Why Do Firms Engage in Greenhushing?

• In the US, public firms could face lawsuits if perceived as prioritizing sustainability over shareholder profits, leading to firms avoiding open discussions about their environmental activities.
• In some conservative regions of the US, there has been a backlash against ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, causing firms to retreat from promoting their sustainability goals to avoid political and regulatory scrutiny.
• Many consumers perceive green products to be of lower quality or to have higher prices, discouraging companies from marketing their environmental contributions due to potential brand harm.
• Firms vocal about sustainability may attract unwanted attention and be held to higher standards, pushing them to remain silent to avoid future commitments or pressures to achieve more ambitious goals.
• In industries like tourism, companies may opt not to promote their environmental efforts, fearing they might make customers uncomfortable by reminding them of issues like climate change or resource depletion.
• Concerns about greenwashing accusations, where companies are criticized for falsely claiming to be more eco-friendly than they are, also encourage firms to hide their environmental achievements from public view.
• A lack of consumer demand for carbon-neutral products further discourages companies from investing in marketing their carbon neutrality, as they are unwilling to spend on promotion without clear consumer interest.

Concerns with Greenhushing:

• South Pole Report Findings: According to climate consultancy South Pole, 58% of surveyed companies have reduced their climate communication due to increased regulation and scrutiny.
• Assessment Challenges: Without open communication about sustainability efforts, it becomes difficult to evaluate a company’s progress in reducing carbon emissions.
• Tracking and Verification: Greenhushing reduces the ability to track and verify the progress of climate action.
• Delayed Adoption: Withholding information about environmental efforts could delay the adoption of sustainable practices, weakening the global effort to combat climate change.
• Fear of Backlash: Concerns about backlash from industries or regions that oppose sustainability efforts can discourage other businesses from adopting sustainable practices.
• Consumer Impact: Silence about sustainability efforts can lead to consumers continuing to purchase less sustainable products, inadvertently slowing down the demand for eco-friendly alternatives.

Solutions to Address Greenhushing:

• Emphasize Sustainability as a Journey: Companies should stress that environmental sustainability is an ongoing process and not a fixed goal.
• Engage Audiences: Highlighting continuous improvement and engaging with audiences can help reduce criticism and ease concerns about greenwashing.
• Stronger Regulations: Clearer regulations, like the EU’s Greenwashing directive, can help prevent misleading advertisements, providing consumers with more accurate product information.
• Increase Consumer Awareness: Raising awareness about sustainability can help reverse negative perceptions of green products, encouraging consumers to support companies that are committed to sustainable practices.

-Source: Down To Earth

Exercise KAZIND

Context:

The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND is scheduled to be conducted from 30th September to 13th October 2024 at Surya Foreign Training Node, Auli, Uttarakhand.

Relevance:

GS III: Security Challenges

Exercise KAZIND:

• Exercise KAZIND is an annual joint military exercise conducted between India and Kazakhstan.
• Indian Representation: The Indian Armed Forces, consisting of 120 personnel, are being represented by a battalion from the Kumaon Regiment, supported by various arms and services, along with members of the Indian Air Force.
• Kazakhstan Representation: The Kazakhstan military delegation includes personnel from their Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers.
• Objective: The main goal of this exercise is to enhance the joint capabilities of both nations’ military forces to conduct counter-terrorism operations, specifically in a sub-conventional setting, as outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Focus Areas:
  • Operations are focused on semi-urban and mountainous regions.
  • The exercise seeks to improve physical fitness and refine tactical drills for joint operations.
  • Best practices in military operations will be shared to further strengthen both nations’ capabilities.
• Tactical Drills:
  • The exercise includes rehearsing joint responses to potential terrorist actions.
  • It will also focus on setting up a Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre.
• Expected Outcomes of KAZIND 2024:
  • Sharing best practices in military tactics, techniques, and joint operational procedures.
  • Strengthening cooperation between the two forces through increased interoperability, camaraderie, and friendship.
• Strategic Importance: This exercise is expected to boost defence cooperation between India and Kazakhstan, fostering deeper bilateral ties and enhancing mutual trust.

-Source: The Hindu

Tsetse Flies

Context:

According to a new atlas published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Tsetse flies are present in 34 African countries.

Relevance:

GS III: Species in News

Tsetse Flies:

• General Information: Tsetse flies belong to the genus Glossina and are unicellular, blood-feeding insects.
• Development Cycle: These flies undergo complete metamorphosis, with females giving birth to fully developed larvae that rapidly pupate in the soil.
• Taxonomy & Ecology: Tsetse flies are classified into three groups based on their habitat and characteristics:
  • Fusca Group (Forest Group): Belonging to the subgenus Austenina.
  • Morsitans Group (Savanna Group): Under the subgenus Glossina.
  • Palpalis Group (Riverine Group): Part of the subgenus Nemorhina.
• Habitat:
  • They are typically found in dense vegetation patches along riverbanks.
  • They also inhabit lakes in dry regions and dense, wet, equatorial rainforests.
• Feeding & Disease Transmission:
  • Tsetse flies feed on blood and act as vectors for Trypanosoma parasites, which cause sleeping sickness in humans and trypanosomosis (or “Nagana”) in cattle.
• Agricultural Impact: Tsetse flies are linked to significant agricultural losses in African livestock, with damages estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually.
• Geographical Range: Studies have confirmed the presence of Glossina species in 34 countries, ranging from Northern Senegal (approximately 15° N latitude) to South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province (at 28.5° S latitude).

-Source: The Hindu

Rise in Stroke Cases in India

Context:

A recent publication in The Lancet Neurology indicates a significant increase in stroke cases in India over the past 30 years.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a section of the brain is interrupted, often due to a blocked or narrowed blood vessel, bleeding, or a clot.

• Increase in Stroke Cases: India recorded over 1.25 million new stroke cases in 2021, a substantial rise from 650,000 cases in 1990, representing a 51% increase.
• Prevalence of Stroke: The total number of people affected by strokes in India has surged from 4.4 million in 1990 to 9.4 million in 2021.
• Global Impact: India now contributes 10% to the global burden of stroke cases.

-Source: Down To Earth