Current Affairs 13 November 2024

CONTENTS

1. State of Food and Agriculture 2024
2. 51st Chief Justice of India
3. Nano Fertilisers
4. Ransomware
5. Snakebite Envenoming
6. Caterpillar fungus

State of Food and Agriculture 2024

Context:

India’s total hidden costs of agrifood systems were around $1.3 trillion annually, largely driven by unhealthy dietary patterns and dietary risks associated with non-communicable diseases, found the State of Food and Agriculture 2024 report by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Relevance:

GS II: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

Key Highlights of the State of Food and Agriculture 2024

• Annual Hidden Costs in Agrifood Systems: The global hidden costs in agrifood systems are estimated at around USD 12 trillion each year.

Main Contributors to Hidden Costs:

• Unhealthy dietary patterns are responsible for 70% of these costs, totaling USD 8.1 trillion, primarily due to non-communicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

India’s Position:

• India ranks third globally with hidden costs amounting to USD 1.3 trillion, following China (USD 1.8 trillion) and the United States (USD 1.4 trillion).
• These costs are indicative of significant health, social, and environmental challenges within India’s agrifood system.
• Dietary risks, particularly the high consumption of processed foods and low intake of plant-based foods, account for over 73% of these hidden costs in India.
• The excessive intake of processed foods and additives incurs an annual cost of USD 128 billion, mainly due to associated diseases.
• Insufficient consumption of plant-based foods and beneficial fatty acids contribute an additional USD 846 billion to India’s hidden costs, placing a strain on healthcare systems.

Labor Issues:

• Low wages and productivity among agrifood workers, exacerbated by distributional failures, contribute to poverty within the sector.

Classification of Agrifood Systems:

• The report identifies six agrifood system types: protracted crisis, traditional, expanding, diversifying, formalising, and industrial, each with unique hidden cost profiles.

Dietary Risks Across Different Systems:

• In most systems, the primary dietary risk is the low intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• In protracted crisis and traditional systems, low fruit and vegetable consumption is a major concern.
• High sodium intake is more prevalent from traditional to formalising systems, peaking in formalising systems and reducing in industrial systems.
• Consumption of processed and red meats increases in more industrialised systems.

Environmental and Social Costs:

• Significant environmental costs, including greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen runoff, totaling USD 720 billion, are noted especially in diversifying agrifood systems.
• Countries in prolonged crises face considerable relative environmental costs, amounting to up to 20% of their GDP.
• Traditional and protracted crisis systems experience the highest social costs, such as poverty and undernourishment, accounting for 8% to 18% of GDP in these areas.

Some key recommendations from the report included:

• Providing financial and regulatory incentives to advance the adoption of sustainable practices along the food supply chain and to limit power imbalances between agrifood systems stakeholders
• Promoting healthier diets by enacting policies that make nutritious food more affordable and accessible and reduce health related hidden costs
• Incentivising reductions in greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions, harmful land-use change and biodiversity loss through labelling and certification, voluntary standards and industry-wide due diligence initiatives
• Empowering consumers with clear, accessible information about the environmental, social and health impacts of food choices, while ensuring even vulnerable households can benefit from change

India’s Efforts Towards Sustainable Food Systems (SFS)

• FAO’s Definition of SFS: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a sustainable food system effectively balances economic profitability, social equity, and environmental protection, which collectively support long-term food security.
• Legislative Support:
• The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 showcases India’s dedication by providing food entitlements to over 800 million citizens.

Key Initiatives for SFS:

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on enhancing agricultural sustainability through various innovative practices.
• Fortified Rice Distribution (2024-2028): Aims to improve nutritional standards by fortifying rice, a staple in the Indian diet.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Encourages states to draft and execute their own agriculture development plans.
• Eat Right Initiative: Promotes healthy eating practices among the Indian population.
• Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM): Integrates digital technology into agriculture to boost efficiency and transparency.

Challenges India Faces in Implementing SFS

Environmental and Climate Challenges:

• Changing weather patterns, erratic rainfall, and extreme climate events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves negatively impact crop yields and threaten food security.

Agricultural Practices:

• The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides contributes to soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
• Declining yields, reduced soil fertility, lower soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, and water scarcity are pressing concerns.

Regulatory and Health Issues:

• Discrepancies in the Indian standards for sugar and salt in processed foods compared to those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) complicate regulatory efforts and impact the nutritional quality of processed foods.

Trade and Economic Challenges:

• Occasional rejections of India’s agricultural exports in key markets due to quality issues underline the necessity for enhanced standards.
• Small landholdings among farmers restrict productivity and income, while reliance on outdated farming methods leads to inefficient resource use and low yields.
• India’s trade agreements rarely focus on SFS, limiting opportunities to leverage mutual standards for growth.
• A lack of product-specific export strategies and comprehensive data hampers SFS-aligned trade planning.

-Source: Down To Earth

51st Chief Justice of India

Context:

Recently, the President of India administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). He succeeded Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, becoming the 51st CJI.

Relevance:

GS II- Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Appointment of the CJI
2. Administrative Powers of CJI (Master of Roster)
3. Removal

Appointment of the CJI:

• The Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court (SC) are appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution.
• As far as the CJI is concerned, the outgoing CJI recommends his successor.
• The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the Prime Minister who, in turn, advises the President.
• SC in the Second Judges Case (1993), ruled that the senior most judge of the Supreme Court should alone be appointed to the office of the CJI.
• The Supreme Court collegium is headed by the Chief Justice of India and comprises four other senior most judges of the court.
• The collegium system is the system of appointment and transfer of judges that has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court (Judges Cases), and not by an Act of Parliament or by a provision of the Constitution.
• In 2019, the SC ruled that the office of Chief Justice of India (CJI) comes under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

Qualifications

• The Indian Constitution says in Article 124 (3) that in order to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court of India, the person has to fit in the following criteria:
  • He/She is a citizen of India
  • Has been for at least five years a Judge of a High Court or of two or more such Courts in succession;
  • Has been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court or of two or more such Courts in succession; or is, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist

Administrative Powers of CJI (Master of Roster):

• It is common to refer to the office as primus inter pares – first amongst equals.
• Besides his adjudicatory role, the CJI also plays the role of the administrative head of the Court.
• In his administrative capacity, the Chief Justice exercises the prerogative of allocating cases to particular benches.
• The Chief Justice also decides the number of judges that will hear a case.
• Thus, he can influence the result by simply choosing judges that he thinks may favour a particular outcome.
• Such administrative powers can be exercised without collegial consensus, and without any stated reasons.

Removal:

• He/She can be removed by an order of the President only after an address by Parliament has been presented to President.
• This should be supported by a special majority of each House of Parliament (i.e., by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting).
• Grounds of Removal: Proved misbehaviour or Incapacity (Article 124(4)).

-Source: the Hindu

Nano Fertilisers

 Context:

Recently, Indian scientists have developed nano coated muriate of potash (nano fertilisers) which can enhance the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of fertilisers. 

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Nano Fertilisers
2. Significance of Nano Fertilisers in Agriculture
3. Challenges Associated with Nano Fertilizers

About Nano Fertilisers:

• Nano fertilisers are highly efficient fertilisers that provide nutrients like nitrogen to crops through fine granules.
• These fertilisers have a smaller particle size, which makes them more effective than traditional fertilisers.

Nano Urea Liquid:

• Nano urea liquid is a type of nano fertiliser that was developed in 2022 by the Indian Farmers and Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO).
• The liquid is made up of urea and other micronutrients, which are encapsulated in nano-sized polymer coatings.
• The coating helps in the controlled release of the nutrients, ensuring that the crops receive a steady supply of nutrients over time.
• The primary benefit of using nano urea liquid is that it can replace conventional urea and reduce its requirement by 50%.
• This is because nano urea liquid is more efficient, and the crops require a smaller quantity of it to meet their nutrient requirements.

Significance of Nano Fertilisers in Agriculture:

Nano fertilisers have the potential to revolutionize the agriculture industry with their numerous benefits, some of which are listed below:

• Reduce Losses: Nano fertilisers use nanoscale porous domains on plant surfaces to deliver nutrients, which improves the effectiveness of nitrogen delivery and reduces losses to the environment. This leads to a more efficient use of fertilisers and helps in reducing environmental pollution.
• Increase Farmers’ Income: Nano fertilisers are cost-effective and easy on the pocket of farmers, which can significantly increase their income. It can also reduce the cost of logistics and warehousing. For example, a small bottle of 500 millilitres of nano urea spray is said to be a substitute for a full bag of 45 kilogrammes of conventional urea.
• Making Crops Stronger: Nano fertilisers reduce the excess use of conventional fertilisers and make crops stronger and healthier. They also protect crops from the lodging effect, which is the bending over of the stems near ground level of grain crops, making them very difficult to harvest and can dramatically reduce yield.

Challenges Associated with Nano Fertilizers:

• High Cost: The advanced technology and production methods used for producing nano-fertilizers make them expensive compared to conventional fertilizers. As a result, small farmers may find it unaffordable, limiting their access to this technology.
• Quality Control: Strict quality control measures are necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of nano-fertilizers. However, the absence of standardized regulations for their production and distribution has resulted in poor quality control and inconsistent outcomes.
• Environmental Concerns: The long-term effects of nano-fertilizers on soil health, water quality, and ecosystem balance raise environmental concerns. Proper testing and regulation are essential to ensure the sustainable use of these fertilizers.
• Regulatory Framework: The development and usage of nano-fertilizers require a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure their safe and sustainable use. The lack of a robust regulatory framework has led to confusion and uncertainty among farmers and policymakers.
• Limited Research: The research on the long-term effects of nano-fertilizers is limited. More research is necessary to fully understand the impact of these fertilizers on the environment and human health.

-Source: Down To Earth

Ransomware

Context:

According to the 2023-24 annual report of the Department of Personnel Training (DoPT), a crucial defence unit was affected by a ransomware attack in 2023.  The CBI investigated multiple cybercrimes with national security implications, including ransomware, a massive DDOS attack on critical infrastructure, and a malware breach within a Ministry.

Relevance:

GS III: Security Challenges

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is ransomware?
2. What is Cyber Attack and Cyber Security?
3. What are other similar types of Cyber Attacks?
4. Which agencies in India deal with cyber-attacks?

Impact of Ransomware Attack on Banking Operations

• Target of the Attack: C-Edge Technologies Ltd. was hit by a ransomware attack, impairing its service delivery to cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
• Disruption in Payment Systems: Customers at affected banks faced difficulties accessing critical payment channels such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar-enabled payment systems (AePS).
• Operational Continuity in Some RRBs: Certain RRBs remained operational, relying on alternative technology service providers backed by their sponsor banks.

Wider Effects on the Payment Ecosystem

• Exposure of Vulnerabilities: The incident exposed the susceptibility of tech providers integral to sustaining the payment infrastructure.
• Demand for Enhanced Cybersecurity: It emphasizes the essential need for strengthened cybersecurity defenses to prevent future occurrences.
• Importance of Collaborative Efforts: Enhanced collaboration among the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), banks, and tech firms is vital to quickly counteract and alleviate the consequences of such disturbances.

What is ransomware?

• Ransomware is a type of malicious software, used by cyber criminals, to infect a computer system by blocking access to the stored data by encrypting the files.
• A ransom is then demanded from the owner in exchange for the decryption key.
• While it is not yet clear as to how exactly the AIIMS computer systems were targeted, the malware may usually be injected remotely by tricking the user into downloading it upon clicking an ostensibly safe web link sent via email or other means, including hacking.
• It can spread throughout the network by exploiting existing vulnerabilities. Ransomware attacks can also be accompanied by theft of sensitive data for other sinister motives.

What is Cyber Attack and Cyber Security?

• Cyber attack is an assault launched by cybercriminals using one or more computers against a single or multiple computers or networks. A Cyber Attack can maliciously disable computers, steal data, or use a breached computer as a launch point for other attacks. Cybercriminals use a variety of methods to launch a Cyber Attack, including malware, phishing, ransomware, denial of service, among other methods.
• Cybersecurity means securing the cyberspace from attack, damage, misuse and economic espionage. Cyberspace is a global domain within the information environment consisting of interdependent IT infrastructure such as Internet, Telecom networks, computer systems etc.

What are other similar types of Cyber Attacks?

• Viruses which are the most commonly-known form of malware and potentially the most destructive. They can do anything from erasing the data on your computer to hijacking your computer to attack other systems, send spam, or host and share illegal content.
• Worm is a type of malware that spreads copies of itself from computer to computer which can replicate itself without any human interaction, and it does not need to attach itself to a software program in order to cause damage.
• Trojan is a type of malware that is often disguised as legitimate software which can be employed by cyber-thieves and hackers trying to gain access to users’ systems.
• Spyware collects your personal information and passes it on to interested third parties without your knowledge or consent. Spyware is also known for installing Trojan viruses.
• Adware displays pop-up advertisements when you are online.
• Fake security software poses as legitimate software to trick you into opening your system to further infection, providing personal information, or paying for unnecessary or even damaging “clean ups”.
• Browser hijacking software changes your browser settings (such as your home page and toolbars), displays pop-up ads and creates new desktop shortcuts. It can also relay your personal preferences to interested third parties.

Which agencies in India deal with cyber-attacks?

• Set up in 2004, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is the national nodal agency that collects, analyses and circulates inputs on cyber-attacks; issues guidelines, advisories for preventive measures, forecasts and issues alerts; and takes measures to handle any significant cyber security event.
• It also imparts training to computer system managers.
• The National Cyber Security Coordinator, under the National Security Council Secretariat, coordinates with different agencies at the national level on cybersecurity issues, while the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre has been set up for the protection of national critical information infrastructure.
• According to the government, the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) has been launched for detection of malicious software programmes and to provide free tools to remove the same, while the National Cyber Coordination Centre works on creating awareness about existing and potential threats.

-Source: Indian Express

Snakebite Envenoming

Context:

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has officially declared snakebite envenomation as a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Snakebite Envenoming (SE)

Snakebite Envenoming (SE)

• SE is a grave disease often caused by venom injection from snakebites or venom spray into the eyes.
• It’s a daily health hazard in rural areas of Africa, Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, affecting those dependent on agriculture.

Impact of SE

• Long-term health issues in survivors, predominantly in developing nations, include physical deformities, kidney issues, and mental health effects.

Mortality Data

• The WHO reports an annual global mortality of 81,410 to 137,880 due to snakebites.

WHO’s Strategy Against SE

• In 2019, WHO aimed to reduce snakebite-induced mortality and morbidity by half by 2030.
• There’s a target for a 25% rise in qualified antivenom producers by 2030.
• A proposed global antivenom reserve is in the works.
• National health strategies are being adapted to include snakebite management and community education.

Indian Efforts

• Preceding WHO’s plans, ICMR initiated community awareness and health infrastructure development in 2013.
• Aligning with global strategies, India implemented a National Action Plan in 2015 for tackling snakebite hazards.

-Source: Indian Express

Caterpillar fungus

Context:

New research into a chemical produced by a caterpillar fungus that has shown promise as a possible cancer treatment has revealed how it interacts with genes to interrupt cell growth signals.

Relevance:

GS III: Species in News

Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis)

Biological Classification and Habitat:

• Caterpillar fungus is a fungal parasite that targets larvae of the ghost moth.
• It naturally occurs on the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent high Himalayan regions, at altitudes between 3,200 and 4,500 meters above sea level.

Local Names and Cultural Significance:

• Known regionally by various names: Kira Jari in India, Yartsagunbu in Tibet, Yarso Gumbub in Bhutan, Dong Chong Xia Cao in China, and Yarsagumba in Nepal.

Habitats in India:

• In India, it is found in alpine meadows within several protected areas including:
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
• Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
• Dehan-Debang Biosphere Reserve

Conservation Status:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as Vulnerable, highlighting its risk of extinction in the wild due to overharvesting and habitat loss.

-Source: The Hindu