Current Affairs 18 November 2024

CONTENTS

1. India Enhances Pension Management with Digital Life Certificate Campaign
2. Carbon Credit Mechanism
3. CAG Report Highlights Critical Issues in Urban Local Bodies Across 18 States
4. Senna Tora Plant
5. Bodoland Mahotsav
6. Scarlet Tanager

India Enhances Pension Management with Digital Life Certificate Campaign

Context:

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) is conducting its third annual Digital Life Certificate (DLC) campaign from November 1 to 30, aimed at facilitating the submission process for pensioners. Since 2014, retirees from government, defense, railways, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions have been required to submit a life certificate each November to continue receiving their pensions. With the Jeevan Pramaan system, pensioners can submit their life certificates online, avoiding the need to physically visit banks or post offices. For those who prefer traditional methods, the option to submit physical certificates at banks or post offices remains available. This campaign includes 1,900 camps across the country to assist pensioners in this digital transition, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Jeevan Pramaan Initiative
2. Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) Generation
3. Campaign Takeaways
4. Conclusion

Jeevan Pramaan Initiative

• Introduction and Purpose:
  • Jeevan Pramaan is a digital life certificate initiative launched by the Government of India in 2014, designed to streamline the process for pensioners to submit their life certificates.
  • Managed by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions through the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), the initiative significantly eases the annual verification process required for pensioners to continue receiving their pensions.
• Key Features:
  • Convenience: Allows pensioners to submit life certificates from any location, leveraging digital technology to avoid physical visits to pension-disbursing authorities.
  • Digital Access: Direct submission of certificates to pension-disbursing authorities through a digital platform, enhancing efficiency and reducing potential delays.
  • Wide Reach: Available at various accessible points including banks, post offices, and through biometric devices equipped for this purpose.
  • Annual Campaigns: Dedicated campaigns, typically in November, include setting up camps to assist pensioners in generating Digital Life Certificates (DLCs).

Challenges in Implementation

• Access Issues:
  • Pensioners in rural or remote areas often face challenges due to limited digital literacy or lack of internet connectivity, hindering their ability to use the digital service.
• Technical Difficulties:
  • Biometric authentication, particularly fingerprint recognition, can fail due to age-related degradation of biometric markers.
• Awareness:
  • Some pensioners remain unaware of the digital system and continue to rely on physical submissions, indicating a need for enhanced outreach and education about the system.

Pensioner Demographics and Participation

• Statistics:
  • As of March 31, 2024, India has 64.88 crore central government pensioners, including civilians, defence personnel, railway employees, telecom, and postal workers.
  • During the previous year’s DLC campaign, 1.47 crore certificates were generated, demonstrating widespread participation and the effectiveness of the initiative.

Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) Generation

• Authentication Methods:
  • The Jeevan Pramaan portal utilizes Aadhaar for biometric authentication, and since 2021, face authentication has been introduced as an alternative.
  • Pensioners need to have their Aadhaar linked with a mobile number and registered with the pension disbursing authority to generate a DLC.
• Campaign and Outreach:
  • Organized camps in 800 cities across India and at Indian missions abroad, with additional support from post offices and banks, to facilitate the generation of DLCs.

Campaign Takeaways

• Adoption of New Technology:
  • The adoption of face authentication has seen a significant increase, with 31.02% of pensioners opting for this method in the early days of the campaign.
• Statistics of DLC Generation:
  • In just the first 11 days of the campaign, 48.10 lakh DLCs were generated, showcasing the high engagement and utility of the initiative.
• Demographic Breakdown:
  • A substantial portion of DLCs were generated for pensioners aged 60-70 years, indicating active participation across various age groups.
• Regional Participation:
  • The highest numbers of DLCs were generated in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Conclusion

The Jeevan Pramaan initiative represents a significant stride towards digital empowerment for pensioners in India, substantially reducing the need for physical interactions and ensuring timely receipt of pensions. However, addressing the challenges of access, technical issues, and awareness remains crucial for maximizing its benefits across all demographic segments.

-Source: The Hindu

Carbon Credit Mechanism

Context:

The study published in Nature journal looked at projects that together generated carbon credits worth one billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Under the Paris Agreement, more robust carbon trade mechanisms are being created, with some progress expected to happen at the ongoing COP29 meeting in Baku.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Summary of New Study on Carbon Trading Mechanisms
2. Overview of Carbon Credits
3. How the Carbon Credit Mechanism Works
4. Types of Carbon Credit Markets
5. Challenges and Criticisms

Summary of New Study on Carbon Trading Mechanisms

A new study published in the Nature journal has scrutinized the effectiveness of carbon trading mechanisms, specifically evaluating their impact on achieving real emission reductions. Conducted by researchers from both European and American institutions, the study reviewed thousands of projects that collectively generated carbon credits equivalent to one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. Here are the key insights and findings:

Effectiveness of Carbon Credits

• The study found that only 16% of the carbon credits analyzed were directly linked to actual emission reductions.
• The majority of these credits were issued under mechanisms established by the Kyoto Protocol, which has been criticized for its effectiveness and has since been succeeded by the Paris Agreement.

Project Type Effectiveness

• Projects aimed at reducing HFC-23 emissions proved most effective, with 68% of the credits resulting in genuine emission reductions.

Additionality and Integrity

• The concept of “additionality” is crucial, ensuring that emission reductions are a direct result of carbon credit funding and would not have occurred otherwise.
• However, the study highlights that many projects failed to meet this criterion, leading to the registration of non-additional projects.

Recommendations

• Researchers recommend stricter criteria for project eligibility, focusing on projects that truly depend on carbon credit revenues.
• They also call for improved standards and methodologies to quantify emission reductions and ensure the credibility of carbon credits.

Developments Under the Paris Agreement

• The carbon market mechanism is the last component of the 2015 Paris Agreement that is yet to be fully operationalized.
• Efforts are underway to develop more stringent frameworks for carbon trading to overcome the limitations identified with Kyoto-era mechanisms.

New Mechanisms Under Development

• Bilateral Country-Level Trade: This mechanism allows countries that exceed their emission reduction targets to sell credits to others through direct agreements.
• International Carbon Market: This broader market will include multiple participants, with new institutions tasked with regulating, verifying, and authenticating credit trades.

Progress at COP29

• The ongoing COP29 meeting in Baku has seen the approval of two key rules related to carbon markets on its opening day, signaling progress but also indicating that substantial work is still required.
• These new mechanisms are designed to bolster the integrity of carbon credits and enhance their effectiveness in combating climate change.

Overview of Carbon Credits

Definition and Purpose

• A carbon credit is a permit or certificate that allows the holder to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) or the equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas (GHG). These credits are a key element in national and international efforts to mitigate the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Generation of Carbon Credits

• Carbon credits are generated through activities that reduce emissions or remove CO2 from the atmosphere, including:
  • Renewable energy projects (e.g., wind, solar)
  • Energy efficiency initiatives
  • Reforestation or afforestation projects
  • Methane capture at landfills or industrial sites

How the Carbon Credit Mechanism Works

Regulatory Framework

• Governments or regulatory bodies set emission caps for industries or companies, forming the basis for the carbon credit market.
  • Organizations emitting less than their quota can sell their surplus credits.
  • Those exceeding their caps must buy credits to comply with regulations.

Certification and Trading

• Projects that demonstrate measurable and verifiable GHG reductions are eligible for carbon credits, certified by bodies like the Verified Carbon Standard or the Gold Standard.
• Carbon credits are traded on platforms such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) or voluntary markets, creating financial incentives for emission reduction.

Use of Carbon Credits

• Organizations purchase credits to offset their emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality.

Types of Carbon Credit Markets

• Compliance Market: Legally mandated markets under international agreements (e.g., Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement) where companies must comply with emission caps.
• Voluntary Market: Allows entities to purchase credits voluntarily to meet CSR goals or personal commitments to sustainability.

Benefits of Carbon Credits

• Environmental Impact: Promotes the adoption of cleaner technologies and sustainable practices.
• Economic Incentives: Provides financial rewards for projects that reduce emissions, fostering innovation.
• Flexibility: Offers cost-effective ways for industries to meet emission targets.
• Global Collaboration: Enhances cooperation across borders to address climate change globally.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Verification: Ensuring credits represent genuine emission reductions can be complex.
• Market Stability: Fluctuations in credit prices can impact market stability.
• Greenwashing: Potential misuse by companies claiming environmental responsibility without substantive changes.
• Accessibility: Developing countries may struggle to access the resources needed to generate credits.

-Source: The Hindu

CAG Report Highlights Critical Issues in Urban Local Bodies Across 18 States

Context:

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns about the condition of urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states, which serve approximately 241 million residents. According to the report, there are systemic weaknesses in financial management, staffing, and functional autonomy within these ULBs. These issues are significant as they undermine the objectives set forth by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which aimed to strengthen the role and efficiency of ULBs in urban governance and development.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992
2. CAG Report on Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India
3. Recommendations for Strengthening ULBs

74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992

Overview

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 1992, is a significant piece of legislation that granted constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), positioning them as fundamental units of governance in Indian cities and towns. This act aimed to enhance urban governance through a structured decentralization of authority and powers.

Key Provisions

• Constitutional Framework:
  • The amendment introduced Part IX-A to the Constitution, encompassing Articles 243-P to 243-ZG, which specifically address the structure and governance of municipalities.
• Devolution of Powers:
  • One of the critical elements of the amendment is the mandated devolution of 18 functions to ULBs, as outlined in Schedule 12 (Article 243W). These functions include crucial areas such as urban planning, regulation of land use, water supply, public health, and sanitation.

Importance of Robust ULBs

• Urbanization Trends:
  • With projections indicating that 50% of India’s population will be residing in urban areas by 2050, robust urban governance systems become crucial. This demographic shift emphasizes the need for well-structured and empowered ULBs to manage the growing urbanization effectively.
• Role of ULBs:
  • Empowered ULBs are essential for ensuring the economic, environmental, and democratic vibrancy of cities. They are pivotal in managing urban challenges, including infrastructure development, waste management, and environmental conservation. Additionally, ULBs can significantly influence local economic development and quality of life for urban residents.

CAG Report on Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India

Key Findings

• Incomplete Devolution of Powers:
  • Despite the 1992 amendment intended to decentralize 18 functions to ULBs, only 4 functions have been fully devolved after 30 years. This lack of complete autonomy has been noted in 393 ULBs across 18 states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, indicating a failure to fully embrace the spirit of the amendment.
• Financial Gaps and Dependency:
  • ULBs exhibit a substantial financial gap, with a 42% discrepancy between resources and expenditures. Internal revenue generation is notably low, with only 32% coming from within the ULBs and the remainder dependent on Union and state government funding. Property tax, a critical revenue source, achieves only 56% of its potential collection.
• Limited Expenditure on Development:
  • A mere 29% of ULB expenditures are allocated towards developmental and programmatic work, which is insufficient to support substantial urban growth and improve the quality of life.
• Staffing Issues:
  • ULBs suffer from an average 37% vacancy rate in sanctioned staff positions. Additionally, ULBs in 16 states have limited or no control over their staffing, which further complicates operational efficiency.

Recommendations for Strengthening ULBs

• Enhance Financial Autonomy:
  • The CAG suggests granting ULBs greater control over their taxation and user charges to bolster financial independence and resource generation.
• Improve Revenue Collection Mechanisms:
  • Streamlining property tax collection and other revenue sources is recommended to maximize financial resources available to ULBs.
• Focus on Fund Utilization:
  • There is a critical need to ensure that funds allocated to ULBs are used effectively, particularly for development purposes to foster better urban infrastructure and services.
• Strengthen Decentralization:
  • The report calls for a revival of efforts to empower ULBs both politically and administratively, fulfilling the original intentions of the 1992 constitutional amendment.
• Call for Collaboration:
  • Recognizing the empowerment of ULBs as a national priority, the CAG advocates for collaboration among government, academia, and civil society. This cooperation is deemed essential for achieving meaningful progress in strengthening ULBs.

-Source: Indian Express

Senna tora Plant

Context:

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is experimenting with the removal of a potential new species of invasive plant Senna tora that has begun emerging in parts of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR).

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Senna Tora Plant
2. About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Senna Tora Plant

• The Senna tora plant is originally from Central America.
• This plant can be classified as an annual, perennial, or subshrub and primarily thrives in wet tropical environments.
• It begins to sprout following the southwest monsoon, establishes itself in increasingly arid areas, and typically dies off by the year’s end.
• Senna tora serves various purposes including use as animal feed, a toxin, and a medicinal herb. It also has environmental applications and can be used as food.

About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1st Biosphere Reserve in India) along with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the West, Bandipur National Park (Karnataka) in the North, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley in the South.
• The Reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as ‘Elephant Grass’, a variety of Bamboos, several species of endemic flora and valuable timber species.
• The Tiger and Asian Elephant are the Flagship Species of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, along with a wide variety of more than 260 species of birds.

-Source: The Hindu

Bodoland Mahotsav

Context:

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav in New Delhi.

Relevance:

GS I: Festivals

Bodoland Mahotsav

The Bodoland Mahotsav is a significant cultural festival that celebrates the language, literature, and culture of the Bodo community, fostering a spirit of peace and building a vibrant society within the Bodoland Territorial Region.

Objectives and Themes

• Event Theme: This year’s theme, ‘Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat,’ emphasizes the promotion of the rich cultural heritage and educational advancements of the Bodo community alongside other communities in the region.
• Cultural Celebration: The festival is a platform to showcase the diverse cultural and linguistic heritage, ecological biodiversity, and touristic potential of Bodoland.
• Post-Accord Celebration: It marks the progress and resilience of the community following the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020, highlighting the journey towards recovery and unity.

Cultural and Historical Context of the Bodo Tribe

Background

• Earliest Inhabitants: The Bodos are considered one of the earliest ethnic groups to settle in Assam, historically known as Pragjyotishpur and Kamrupa. Their unique cultural and linguistic attributes are derived from the Mongoloid stock of the Indo-Mongoloids or Indo-Tibetans.
• Linguistic Traits: Linguistically, the Bodos are part of a larger group of Tibeto-Burman speakers spread across North and East Bengal, Assam, and parts of Burma.
• Regional Names: In the Brahmaputra Valley, they are known as Bodos or Boros, while in Lower Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal, they are referred to as Meches.

-Source: The Hindu

Scarlet Tanager

Context:

The rare bird, Scarlet Tanager, was recently spotted in the UK for the first time in 40 years.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Scarlet Tanager

The Scarlet Tanager, a strikingly beautiful songbird, is native to North America and known for its vibrant plumage and melodious song.

Key Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Piranga olivacea
• Size: Medium-sized with stocky proportions, averaging about seven inches in length.
• Bill: Thick and rounded, well-suited for both catching insects and eating fruit.
• Appearance:
  • Males: In the spring and summer, they display a brilliant red body with black wings and tail.
  • Females and Immature Birds: Exhibit olive-yellow coloring with darker olive wings and tails.
  • Post-Breeding Males: Molt into a plumage similar to females but retain black wings and tail.

Habitat and Behavior

• Breeding Habitat: Prefers deciduous and mixed deciduous-evergreen forests for breeding.
• Winter Habitat: Spends the winter months in tropical forests of Central and South America, often at forest edges.
• Migration: Undertakes a long migration between North and South America, adapting to varied habitats along the route.

Vocalizations

• Song: Described as reminiscent of a “robin with a cold,” indicating its distinct, slightly raspy quality.
• Call: The call, a clear “chip-burr,” is often used by birdwatchers to locate these tanagers in dense foliage.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Listed as Least Concern, indicating a stable population despite the long migratory routes which expose them to various threats.

-Source: The Hindu