Current Affairs 20 November 2024

CONTENTS

1. Kerala Suspends Two IAS Officers for Violating Conduct Rules
2. Lab-Grown Meat
3. G20 Summit Kicks Off in Rio with Focus on Trade, Climate, and Security
4. Maori
5. One Day One Genome Initiative
6. Dhudmaras Village

Kerala Suspends Two IAS Officers for Violating Conduct Rules

Context:

The Kerala government has recently taken disciplinary action by suspending two IAS officers for breaches of the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. One officer was suspended for making derogatory remarks on social media about a senior colleague. Another faced suspension for allegedly creating a WhatsApp group based on religious affiliations. These actions underline the strict adherence to conduct rules that govern civil servants, ensuring that their behavior aligns with the standards expected of public officials.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 Overview
2. Issues with the AIS Rules, 1968
3. Role of Civil Services in Democracy
4. Way Forward for Civil Services

All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 Overview

Purpose and Scope

The All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, establish the ethical and professional standards expected from officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS). These rules aim to ensure that officers perform their duties with impartiality, integrity, and adherence to constitutional values.

Key Standards Outlined

• Ethical Conduct: Officers are required to maintain the highest levels of ethics, integrity, and honesty in their professional conduct.
• Political Neutrality: They must remain politically neutral, ensuring that their actions and decisions are transparent and accountable.
• Constitutional Values: Officers are expected to uphold the Constitution and reflect their commitment to India’s legal framework as public servants.
• Media Engagement: While officers can engage with the media in a professional capacity, they are prohibited from criticizing government policies publicly.
• Redress and Defense: They are not allowed to seek redress or defend their official acts in court or through media without government approval.
• Professional Decorum: The rules mandate that officers refrain from any behavior deemed “unbecoming” of their service, emphasizing the need for professional decorum at all times.

Issues with the AIS Rules, 1968

Ambiguities and Enforcement Challenges

• Social Media and Digital Communication: The rise of digital platforms has introduced complexities not specifically addressed by the 1968 rules, leading to ambiguities in what constitutes proper conduct on social media.
• Vague Terminology: The term “unbecoming of a member of the service” is broadly defined, resulting in inconsistent enforcement and potential misuse. This lack of specificity can lead to subjective interpretations and potential for abuse.
• Enforcement Mechanisms: The enforcement of these rules typically lies with senior officers and government authorities, which can create a power imbalance. Junior officers might face biases or arbitrary actions from their superiors, highlighting the need for mechanisms that protect against such vulnerabilities.

Role of Civil Services in Democracy

Civil services play a crucial role in the functioning of a democratic government. They provide essential support to the legislative and executive branches while ensuring stability, efficiency, and impartiality in public service.

Key Functions of Civil Services

• Policy Formulation and Implementation: Civil servants leverage their technical expertise and practical insights to help formulate and determine public policy. They are instrumental in the execution of policies passed by the legislature, ensuring that laws and policies are applied effectively across various sectors of governance.
• Delegated Legislation: Beyond execution, civil servants are responsible for framing detailed rules and regulations under delegated legislation. This means that while the legislature provides the broad framework, civil servants work out the specifics that are crucial for the day-to-day operations of the government.
• Quasi-Judicial Powers: Civil servants often hold quasi-judicial powers, resolving cases that affect the rights and obligations of citizens. This responsibility includes making quick, fair decisions that uphold the public interest, especially beneficial for vulnerable groups or complex technical issues.
• Stability and Continuity: During periods of political change, such as elections, civil servants provide continuity and stability in governance. They ensure that administrative processes and policies continue to function smoothly, regardless of changes in political leadership.
• Custodians of National Values: Civil servants act as custodians of the nation’s ideals, values, and beliefs, playing a critical role in safeguarding the social, economic, and political fabric of the nation.

Way Forward for Civil Services

Addressing Current Challenges

• Social Media Guidelines: To adapt to the digital age, rules should be updated to define the boundaries for officers’ use of social media. This will ensure that civil servants can engage in public communication about government initiatives responsibly, without compromising their impartiality or the dignity of their roles.
• Clarifying Ambiguous Terms: The term “unbecoming of a member of the service” should be clarified. Providing an illustrative list of unacceptable behaviors based on past disciplinary actions could help standardize enforcement and reduce subjective interpretations.
• Reinforcing Neutrality: The importance of remaining neutral and impartial should be emphasized, particularly in an era where social media visibility can often overshadow the need for discretion in public service.
• Training and Awareness: Civil servants, especially those newer to the service, should be educated about the appropriate use of social media as a tool for promoting government initiatives. Training should focus on maintaining the dignity and neutrality expected of civil servants, cautioning against the sharing of personal opinions or partisan statements that could undermine their professional objectivity.

-Source: The Hindu

Lab-Grown Meat

Context:

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is planning to put a regulatory framework for laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products. FSSAI regulates plant-based protein products, but lab-grown and fermentation-derived proteins have no clear regulations. 

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Cultivated meat
2. Need for Cell-Cultivated Meat Creation
3. Challenges with Cell-Cultivated Meat

About Cultivated meat

Cultivated meat, also known as cell-cultured meat or lab-grown meat, is a form of meat produced by isolating and culturing animal cells rather than raising and slaughtering animals.

Process of Cultivated Meat Production:

• Isolation: Companies isolate the cells responsible for the meat we consume from a living animal through a biopsy.
• Cultivation: The isolated cells are placed in a bioreactor, a specialized container that provides the necessary resources for cell growth, such as nutrients, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, and controlled temperature.
• Cellular Agriculture: This method of meat production is also known as cellular agriculture, as it utilizes cell cultures to generate meat.

Transformation into Meat Products:

• Cell Proliferation: Over time, the cells multiply and form a mass resembling minced meat.
• Collection and Processing: The cultivated tissue is collected and undergoes processing, including the addition of additives to enhance texture and appearance.
• Utilization: Processed cultivated meat is then used as an ingredient in various recipes, offering a sustainable alternative to conventionally sourced meat.

Types of Cell-Cultivated Meat:

• Chicken Focus: Companies like Good Meat and Upside Foods have primarily concentrated on developing cell-cultivated chicken meat due to its high global consumption.
• Expansion Plans: These companies aim to broaden their offerings to include other types of meat in the future.
• Diverse Research: Researchers are actively working on creating cell-cultivated versions of sea bass, tuna, shrimp, and pork.

Market Potential and Outlook:

• Growing Market: The global alternative meat market, including cultivated meat, is projected to reach $20-25 billion in sales by 2030, according to McKinsey.
• Environmental Benefits: Cultivated meat has the potential to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional animal agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions, land usage, and water consumption.
• Ethical Considerations: Cultivated meat presents a more humane approach to meat production by eliminating the need for raising and slaughtering animals.

Need for Cell-Cultivated Meat Creation

Emissions Reduction:

• Livestock production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with beef being a major contributor. Lab-grown meat has the potential to reduce emissions associated with conventional meat production.
• According to the FAO, global livestock is responsible for 14.5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, with beef accounting for 41% and chicken meat and eggs accounting for 8%.

Land Use Efficiency:

• Conventional meat production requires vast amounts of land for animal rearing and feed production. Lab-cultivated meat has the potential to utilize land more efficiently.
• Studies suggest that lab-grown meat could use significantly less land compared to traditional meat production, with estimated reductions of 63% for chicken and 72% for pork.

Animal Slaughter Prevention:

• One of the ethical concerns regarding traditional meat production is the slaughter of animals. Cell-cultivated meat offers a way to produce meat without the need for animal slaughter, aligning with ethical considerations and animal welfare concerns.

Food Security:

• Lab-grown meat has the potential to address food security challenges by providing a more efficient and sustainable method of meat production.
• With the global population projected to increase, lab-cultivated meat can help meet the growing demand for protein while minimizing the strain on natural resources.

Customization and Health Benefits:

• Cultivated meat can be customized to offer specific nutritional profiles and healthier attributes compared to conventionally produced meat.
• By reducing fat content or enhancing nutritional components, lab-grown meat can contribute to public health initiatives and cater to specific dietary preferences.

Challenges with Cell-Cultivated Meat:

Taste, Texture, and Appearance:

• A significant challenge in the development of cell-cultivated meat is to match the taste, texture, and appearance of animal meat.
• Consumers expect alternative meat to be comparable to traditional meat in sensory attributes.

Cost:

• The cost of producing cell-cultivated meat is currently high compared to conventional meat.
• The production process involves complex technologies and expensive inputs, making it economically challenging to make lab-grown meat commercially viable and affordable for mass consumption.

Quality and Resources:

• Researchers require high-quality cells to initiate the cultivation process. Ensuring a consistent and reliable source of high-quality cells can be a challenge.
• The growth medium used for cell culture and the resources needed to maintain the quality of the final product, such as nutrients and environmental conditions, need to be carefully optimized.

Environmental Impact:

• While cell-cultivated meat has the potential to reduce environmental impact compared to traditional meat production, there are concerns about the environmental footprint of the cultivation process itself.
• A study highlighted that if the production of cultured meat requires specialized and purified liquids similar to those used in the pharmaceutical industry, the environmental impact could be worse than conventional beef production.

-Source: Live Mint

G20 Summit Kicks Off in Rio with Focus on Trade, Climate, and Security

Context:

The G20 summit commenced at the Modern Art Museum in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The summit features participation from key global leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, and China’s Xi Jinping, who are engaging in critical discussions on trade, climate change, and international security. Highlighting the summit’s broad agenda, Prime Minister Modi addressed the opening session on ‘Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty,’ emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle these global challenges.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro
2. About G20

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Global South Emphasis: PM Modi commended Brazil’s agenda for prioritizing SDGs and addressing concerns pertinent to the Global South.
• Continuity in Themes: He highlighted the alignment of Brazil’s focus with India’s previous G20 presidency theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

Achievements in Poverty Alleviation and Food Security

• Poverty Reduction: Modi noted that India has successfully lifted 250 million people out of poverty over the past decade.
• Food Security Initiatives: He cited the distribution of free food grains to 800 million citizens and the benefits of the world’s largest health insurance scheme covering 550 million people.
• Innovative Approaches: The Prime Minister advocated for a ‘Back to Basics and March to Future’ approach to address and enhance food security measures.

Global Contributions and Collaborations

• Support to Africa: India’s contribution to strengthening food security in African nations such as Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe was highlighted.
• Global Alliance Proposal: Modi welcomed Brazil’s proposal for establishing a ‘Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty’, showcasing a commitment to collaborative efforts against global challenges.

Support for the Global South

• Priority Issues: The speech emphasized the importance of focusing on the critical issues affecting the Global South, especially the crises related to food, fuel, and fertilizer exacerbated by global conflicts.

Women-Led Development and Nutrition

• Empowering Women: Modi underscored India’s initiatives aimed at women-led development, aligning with broader goals of empowerment and equality.
• Nutrition Focus: He stressed the importance of integrating nutrition into food security efforts, reflecting a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Challenges at the Summit

• Contentious Discussions: The drafting of a joint statement at the summit faced difficulties, particularly concerning the language about the Ukraine conflict.
• International Relations and Policies: Various global leaders, including US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, presented their agendas and initiatives, ranging from clean energy partnerships to the Belt & Road initiative, amidst complex geopolitical tensions and trade concerns.

About G20

• The G20 is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
• The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world’s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, 80% of global investment, over 75% of global trade and roughly half the world’s land area.
• The members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.
• Spain as a permanent, non-member invitee, also attends leader summits.
• India will hold the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023, culminating with the G20 Summit in India in 2023.

Structure and functioning of G20

• The G20 Presidency rotates annually according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time.
• For the selection of presidency, the 19 countries are divided into 5 groups, each having no more than 4 countries. The presidency rotates between each group.
• Every year the G20 selects a country from another group to be president.
• India is in Group 2 which also has Russia, South Africa and Turkey.
• The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or Headquarters.
• The work of G20 is divided into two tracks:
  • The Finance track comprises all meetings with G20 finance ministers and central bank governors and their deputies. Meeting several times throughout the year they focus on monetary and fiscal issues, financial regulations, etc.
  • The Sherpa track focuses on broader issues such as political engagement, anti-corruption, development, energy, etc.
• Since 2008, the group convenes at least once a year, with the summits involving each member’s head of government.

-Source: The Hindu

Maori

Context:

New Zealand’s parliament was briefly suspended following a protest by the Indigenous Māori group’s legislators, who staged a “haka”, or ceremonial dance, against a contentious Bill.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Maori People

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, known for their rich culture, language, and history. They have a profound connection to their land and ancestors, which is deeply embedded in their customs and traditions.

Historical and Cultural Background

• Origins: The Maori are Polynesians who originally settled primarily in the northern parts of the North Island of New Zealand, with the South Island being much more sparsely settled.
• Cultural Struggles: Throughout history, Maori culture faced significant challenges, initially from European colonization efforts led by the ‘Crown’ and subsequently from other settlers. Despite these challenges, the Maori have preserved much of their heritage and traditions.
• Population: According to the 2013 census, the Maori population in New Zealand was 598,605, constituting 14.9 percent of the country’s total population.

Language

• Maori Language: Maori is part of the Polynesian group of the Eastern Oceanic branch of the Austronesian languages. Although only about one-third of Maori are fluent in their ancestral language, efforts to revive and sustain the language are ongoing, with the majority also fluent in English.

Cultural Significance

• Haka: One of the most internationally recognized aspects of Maori culture is the Haka, a traditional war dance that is performed with great vigor and emotional intensity. The dance is notable for its powerful movements and facial expressions.
• Ta Moko (Tattoos): Maori tattoos, known as ‘ta moko’, are another distinctive aspect of their culture. These tattoos are not only artistic expressions but also convey the wearer’s family background, social status, and achievements. Each design is unique and holds deep personal and cultural significance.

Traditional Attire and Arts

• Costumes: Maori costumes are a vibrant expression of their cultural heritage, often worn during ceremonies and traditional festivities. These costumes, along with other cultural artifacts, showcase the Maori’s deep connection to their ancestral spirits and the land.
• Arts and Crafts: Maori arts include carving and weaving, which are not only artistic expressions but also serve practical and ceremonial purposes. These crafts are often imbued with spiritual significance and are passed down through generations.

Modern Maori Society

Today, the Maori community is vibrant and dynamic, actively participating in all aspects of New Zealand life while striving to maintain and rejuvenate their cultural heritage. They are involved in politics, education, the arts, and business, contributing uniquely to the multicultural landscape of New Zealand.

-Source: Indian Express

One Day One Genome Initiative

Context:

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) introduces the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative to showcase the enormous microbial potential of India.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Overview of the “One Day One Genome” Initiative

Introduction

The “One Day One Genome” initiative is a groundbreaking project coordinated by the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (BRIC-NIBMG), an institute under the Department of Biotechnology. This initiative focuses on the genomic study of unique bacterial species found in India, highlighting their importance in various sectors including the environment, agriculture, and human health.

Objectives and Features

• Genome Release: The primary aim is to release a fully annotated bacteriological genome isolated within the country each day, making this information freely available to the public.
• Information Accessibility: Alongside the genomic data, the initiative will provide a detailed graphical summary, infographics, and comprehensive details on genome assembly and annotation.
• Scientific and Industrial Applications: The provided documents and data will offer insights into the scientific and industrial uses of these microbes, enhancing understanding and potential applications.

Benefits and Impact

• Public and Scientific Engagement: By making microbial genomic data more accessible, the initiative aims to stimulate public and scientific discussion, fostering a broader understanding of microbiology.
• Innovation and Community Benefits: The initiative is designed to drive innovations that benefit the community and ecosystem by leveraging the genetic information of microbes.
• Educational Tool: The initiative will serve as a valuable educational resource for students, researchers, and professionals in genomics and microbiology.

Role of Microorganisms in Ecosystems and Human Health

Environmental and Agricultural Impact

• Biogeochemical Cycles: Microorganisms play crucial roles in all biogeochemical cycles, essential for maintaining ecological balance.
• Soil Health and Fertility: They contribute to soil formation, mineral purification, and maintain soil fertility through processes like nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling.
• Waste Degradation and Methane Production: Microbes are involved in the degradation of organic wastes and toxic pollutants, and they also produce methane, a significant greenhouse gas.

Health and Disease

• Human Health: Microorganisms outnumber human cells in the body and are vital for digestion, immunity, and even mental health.
• Disease and Defense: While pathogenic microorganisms are responsible for infectious diseases, non-pathogenic microbes play a crucial role in defending against these diseases.

Symbiotic Relationships

• Plant Associations: Microorganisms are symbiotically associated with plants, aiding in nutrient and water uptake, thus enhancing plant growth and health.
• Pest and Stress Control: In agriculture, microbes help in controlling pests and weeds and ameliorating plant stress responses.

-Source: Indian Express

Dhudmaras Village

Context:

Dhudmaras, a village in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has been selected to participate in the Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP) under the  United Nations Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP) by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). 

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Dhudmaras Village Overview

Location and Attractions

• Situated in Kanger Valley National Park: Dhudmaras is nestled within the lush expanse of Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), named after the Kanger River that meanders through it.
• Rich Biodiversity: The village is surrounded by dense forests, the flowing Kanger River, and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for eco-tourism.
• Cave Formations: KVNP is renowned for its spectacular caves—Kutumbasar, Kailash, and Dandak—which are celebrated for their intricate stalactites and stalagmites.

Flora and Fauna

• Dominant Vegetation: The park’s vegetation is primarily composed of moist deciduous forests, including sal, teak, and bamboo.

Cultural Significance

• Dhurwa Tribe: Dhudmaras is home to the Dhurwa Tribe, which is part of the larger Gond tribal community. The Dhurwa people speak Paarji, a dialect of the Gond language.
• Tribal Lifestyle and Tourism: The village offers visitors a chance to experience authentic tribal life through homestays, traditional food, and guided tours.

Development Initiatives

• UNWTO Assistance: Under the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP), Dhudmaras is set to receive support aimed at boosting economic and environmental sustainability along with tourism development.

UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP)

Goals and Objectives

• Promoting Rural Development: The UNTRDP aims to foster development, inclusion, and innovation in rural areas through tourism. It seeks to combat rural depopulation and encourage sustainable practices.
• Evaluation Framework: Participating villages are assessed across nine key areas, including cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, tourism development, and infrastructure.

Three Pillars of the Programme

1. Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: This component recognizes rural tourism destinations that excel in preserving cultural and natural assets, upholding community values, and adhering to principles of innovation and sustainability.
2. Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP): Provides targeted assistance to villages to address areas of improvement, helping them meet the criteria for recognition as a Best Tourism Village.
3. The Best Tourism Villages Network: Creates a platform for sharing experiences and collaborating on best practices in rural tourism. It connects experts, communities, and stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange and cooperation.

-Source: Indian Express