Current Affairs 27 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Supreme Court Mandates School Safety Guidelines Implementation
2. Addressing the Plastic Waste Crisis in the Himalayan Region
3. India Joins Minerals Security Finance Network
4. Exostoma sentiyonoae
5. Asia Power Index
6. Dispute Resolution Scheme

 Supreme Court Mandates School Safety Guidelines Implementation

Context:

The Supreme Court has recently mandated the implementation of the Centre’s 2021 Guidelines on School Safety and Security across all schools. This directive follows an unfortunate incident involving the sexual assault of two schoolgirls in Badlapur, Maharashtra. Additionally, the Supreme Court has tasked the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) with overseeing the implementation of these guidelines.

Relevance:

GS II: Education

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of the School Safety and Security Guidelines 2021
2. Key Features of the Guidelines
3. Role of NCPCR in Ensuring Child Safety

Overview of the School Safety and Security Guidelines 2021

• Issuing Authority: The Ministry of Education (MoE) introduced these guidelines to ensure that schools are held responsible for ensuring the safety of their students.
• Key Focus Areas: The guidelines cover essential areas like security protocols, staff duties, and procedures designed to prevent any form of harm or abuse within schools.
• Applicability: These safety measures apply to all types of schools, including both government and private institutions.

Purpose of the Guidelines

• Collaborative Approach: Aimed at fostering collaboration between students, parents, teachers, and school management to create a secure environment.
• Legal Awareness: The guidelines are meant to familiarize all stakeholders with the laws, policies, and procedures related to child safety, such as the Juvenile Justice Model Rules, 2016, and the Right to Education Act, 2009.
• Zero Tolerance Policy: There is a strict no-tolerance policy towards negligence or misconduct. Offenders are to face strict consequences for their actions.

Accountability Structure

• For Government and Aided Schools: Responsibility lies with the school heads, teachers, and administration to ensure safety protocols are enforced.
• For Private and Unaided Schools: School management, principals, and teachers hold primary responsibility for child safety in these institutions.

Holistic Safety Approach

• Whole School Approach: The guidelines promote integrating safety and security aspects across the school system, ensuring health, physical, socio-emotional, psychosocial, and cognitive safety for a holistic well-being of students.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Inputs from various ministries, including health and hygiene protocols from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, are included to ensure comprehensive student safety.

Key Features of the Guidelines

• Capacity Building: The guidelines emphasize the need for training and sensitizing teachers, heads, parents, and students to effectively manage safety protocols.
• NISHTHA Program: This program provides elementary school teachers with specialized training modules, such as responses to Covid-19.
• Cybersecurity Focus: It underlines the importance of promoting online safety and cybersecurity measures among students and teachers.

Alignment with Other Policies

• Disaster Management: The guidelines adhere to the National Disaster Management Guidelines on School Safety Policy, 2016, focusing on physical infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
• NCPCR Compliance: They also comply with guidelines laid down by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for residential schools.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Aligned with the NEP 2020, these guidelines emphasize forming a State School Standards Authority (SSSA) to ensure professional and quality standards across schools.

International and SDG Compliance

• Child Protection under International Law: These guidelines support the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring children are shielded from all forms of violence.
• SDG 4 and SDG 16: The guidelines contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4), ensuring inclusive and quality education, and SDG 16, focusing on reducing violence against children and promoting peaceful societies.

Role of NCPCR in Ensuring Child Safety

• Monitoring Implementation: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), along with State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs), is tasked with ensuring the implementation of legal guidelines related to the safety and security of children in schools.
• Online Complaint Redressal: NCPCR has introduced an Online Complaint System, known as “E-Baal Nidan”, which facilitates the timely resolution of complaints regarding child rights violations and deprivation.
• POCSO e-Box for Reporting: For direct and easy reporting of sexual offenses against children, the NCPCR has launched the POCSO e-Box, ensuring swift action under the POCSO Act, 2012 against the perpetrators.
• Role in RTE Act, 2009: Sections 31 and 32 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 assign NCPCR and SCPCRs the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the Act, ensuring that children have access to free and compulsory education.
• CPCR Act, 2005: As per Section 13(1) of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, NCPCR and SCPCRs are entrusted with the authority to inquire into complaints related to child rights violations and monitor child protection laws.
• Suo-Moto Powers: Both NCPCR and SCPCR have the authority to take suo-moto cognizance of matters involving the deprivation and violation of child rights.
• Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Section 109 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 mandates the commissions to monitor the implementation of the Act, ensuring the safety and protection of children under the law.

-Source: The Hindu

Addressing the Plastic Waste Crisis in the Himalayan Region

Context:

The Himalayan region, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, is currently grappling with an escalating plastic waste problem. In response, the “The Himalayan Cleanup (THC)” initiative was launched in 2018, uniting volunteers annually to collect and analyze waste, aiming to pinpoint its origins. A key strategy to combat this crisis involves implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR mandates that manufacturers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, urging them to reduce waste and incorporate sustainable practices. This approach not only aims to lessen the environmental impact but also supports ongoing local cleanup efforts, ensuring that the Himalayas remain pristine for future generations.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Extent of the Plastic Waste Crisis in the Himalayan Region
2. Consequences of Poor Plastic Waste Management
3. Challenges of Waste Management in the Himalayas
4. Concerns Regarding EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) in the Himalayan Region

Extent of the Plastic Waste Crisis in the Himalayan Region

• Solid Waste Generation (SWG): Waste generation in the Himalayas fluctuates based on factors like urbanization, tourism, and household income levels.
• Biodegradable vs. Plastic Waste: While a large portion of the waste is biodegradable, particularly from households, markets, and hotels, plastic waste is dominant in tourist areas.
• Tourist Hotspots: Tourism-heavy regions generate a substantial amount of plastic waste, and waste management in the Himalayas is highly inadequate despite the significance of these ecosystems.
• Plastic in Remote Areas: Plastic pollution has made its way to even the most remote mountain regions, with no proper recycling or disposal systems in place.
• Recyclable vs. Non-Recyclable Plastics: Only 25% of plastic waste comprises recyclable materials such as PET, HDPE, and LDPE, while 75% is non-recyclable. Multi-layered plastics (MLP) pose a major issue as they are difficult to recycle and manage.
• Microplastic Pollution: Microplastics, created by the breakdown of larger plastic debris, are now found in Himalayan glaciers, rivers, lakes, and even human tissues.
• Contributing Industries: The main contributors to plastic waste are products from food brands, smoking/tobacco companies, and personal care products.

Consequences of Poor Plastic Waste Management

• Environmental Degradation: Uncontrolled dumping not only mars the natural beauty of the mountains but also leads to air and soil pollution, destabilizing mountain slopes.
• Water Supply Contamination: The Himalayas are essential for the water supply of major rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. Improper disposal of plastic waste is polluting water sources and damaging biodiversity.
• Wildlife Impact: Wildlife, such as the Greater Adjutant stork in Assam, is consuming plastic waste instead of its natural diet, severely harming its health.
• Health Risks: Pollution from landfills containing mixed waste poses significant health hazards to local communities and disrupts ecosystems.

Challenges of Waste Management in the Himalayas

• Difficult Terrain and Climate: The rugged landscape and harsh climatic conditions make waste collection and disposal especially challenging in remote Himalayan regions compared to urban areas.
• Lack of Segregation and Waste Transport Issues: Segregation at source, collection, and transport of waste remain significant obstacles in many Himalayan states, with poor infrastructure exacerbating the problem.
• Landfill Dumping: A large portion of waste is collected and simply dumped in landfills or rolled downhill, contributing to severe pollution problems.
• Limited Land and Infrastructure: There is limited land available for waste treatment and disposal, and the infrastructure to handle solid waste is either inadequate or nonexistent.
• Centralized Dumping and Lack of Recycling: The widespread practice of centralized dumping persists, with minimal infrastructure available for recycling, worsening environmental degradation.
• Insufficient Data: There is a critical lack of data on the volume and types of waste generated, hindering effective waste management planning.
• Slow Implementation of Regulations: Despite regulations like the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) and Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), implementation has been slow, leaving gaps in addressing the waste crisis.
• Lack of Awareness: Although local communities are aware of the connection between waste management and environmental health, they lack sufficient knowledge of proper disposal practices.

Concerns Regarding EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) in the Himalayan Region

• Minimal Implementation: The EPR framework, aimed at addressing plastic pollution, has seen limited implementation in Himalayan states due to low awareness among local bodies.
• Inadequate Consideration of Local Needs: Current EPR rules do not consider the specific needs and conditions of mountain communities, such as population density, local economies, and the environmental fragility of the region.
• One-Size-Fits-All Approach: The general approach fails to account for the unique ecological significance and challenges faced in the Himalayas.
• Difficult Terrain: The mountainous landscape makes waste collection, aggregation, and transportation particularly difficult, complicating the application of traditional EPR models.
• Accumulation of Litter in Inaccessible Regions: Regions that are difficult to reach are especially prone to waste management issues, leading to the accumulation of litter and waste.
• Burden on Consumers and Waste Managers: Consumers and waste managers bear the brunt of waste management, while producers are not held sufficiently accountable for the lifecycle of their products.
• Lack of Mechanisms for Producer Accountability: There is a persistent absence of mechanisms to ensure that producers take responsibility for the waste generated by their products, especially in remote areas.

-Source: Down To Earth

India Joins Minerals Security Finance Network

Context:

India has recently formalized its membership in the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), a collaborative effort led by the United States to bolster international cooperation and secure supply chains for critical minerals. This announcement came from the US State Department during the UN General Assembly and included a pact signed by 14 countries along with the European Union. The MSFN is a continuation of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which the US initiated in 2022 and India joined in June 2023. This strategic alliance aims to enhance the stability and security of mineral resources crucial for global economic and technological development.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What are Critical Minerals?
2. China’s Strategy for Controlling Access to Critical Minerals
3. Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)
4. Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN)

What are Critical Minerals?

• Critical minerals are elements that are the building blocks of essential modern-day technologies, and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
• These minerals are now used everywhere from making mobile phones, computers to batteries, electric vehicles and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
• Based on their individual needs and strategic considerations, different countries create their own lists.
• However, such lists mostly include graphite, lithium and cobalt, which are used for making EV batteries; rare earths that are used for making magnets and silicon which is a key mineral for making computer chips and solar panels.
• Aerospace, communications and defence industries also rely on several such minerals as they are used in manufacturing fighter jets, drones, radio sets and other critical equipment.

Why is this resource critical?

• As countries around the world scale up their transition towards clean energy and digital economy, these critical resources are key to the ecosystem that fuels this change.
• Any supply shock can severely imperil the economy and strategic autonomy of a country over-dependent on others to procure critical minerals.
• But these supply risks exist due to rare availability, growing demand and complex processing value chain.
• Many times the complex supply chain can be disrupted by hostile regimes, or due to politically unstable regions.
• They are critical as the world is fast shifting from a fossil fuel-intensive to a mineral-intensive energy system.

China’s Strategy for Controlling Access to Critical Minerals

• Blocking Critical Mineral Exports:
  • On August 15, 2023, China restricted antimony exports, a vital mineral for military use, citing “national security.”
  • These restrictions, effective from September 15, reflect China’s broader strategy to counter efforts by other nations to reduce dependence on Chinese minerals.
• Dominating Global Supply Chains:
  • China controls around 60% of global rare earth and critical mineral production and 80% of processing, making several countries, such as the U.S., EU, India, and Japan, vulnerable.
• Weaponizing Its Position:
  • In 2010, China halted rare earth exports to Japan following a maritime dispute.
  • In 2023, China further restricted exports of gallium, germanium, and graphite in retaliation against U.S. technology export controls.
  • This demonstrates China’s willingness to use its dominant position to disrupt supply chains and hinder Western efforts to reduce reliance on its resources.
  • China’s actions indicate a shift from cooperation to coercion in its foreign policy.

Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)

• Overview:
  • Established in August 2022, the MSP is an alliance including the U.S. and 10 other nations.
  • It aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals essential for a clean energy transition.
  • Focuses on minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, and rare earth elements required for clean energy technologies.
• Goals:
  • Sustainable Supply Chains: Build diverse and responsible supply chains for critical minerals.
  • Economic Development: Ensure that mineral production, processing, and recycling promote economic growth.
  • Environmental and Social Governance (ESG): Commit to high ESG standards.
  • Shared Prosperity: Promote prosperity for all involved nations.
• Members:
  • Countries in the alliance include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, the U.S., and the European Union.

Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN)

• Reducing Dependence on China for Critical Minerals:
  • MSFN was created to reduce reliance on countries like China for essential minerals, especially rare earth elements.
  • Global demand for these minerals, crucial for clean energy transitions, necessitates cooperation between the public and private sectors.
• Initiative Origin:
  • MSFN is an extension of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a framework initiated by the US in 2022.
  • The goal is to bring institutions from the Indo-Pacific region and Europe together, fostering cooperation, information exchange, and co-financing.
  • Development finance institutions (DFIs) and export credit agencies (ECAs) from member countries collaborate to improve production capacity and resilience in mineral supply chains.
• Countries Participating in MSFN:
  • The initiative includes 14 countries along with the European Commission.
  • The participating nations are: USA, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Sweden, UK, and the European Union.

India’s Participation in MSFN:

• Objective: India aims to diversify its supply of critical minerals by collaborating with countries like Argentina, Chile, Australia, and select African nations.
• Exploration in Central Asia: India is also looking at Kazakhstan as a potential source for these essential minerals.
• India seeks to establish itself in the lithium value chain, while China currently dominates 70% of rare earth production.
• India’s Dependence on Imports:
  • India relies heavily on importing minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper, with a reported import cost of around ₹34,000 crore in FY23.
  • As India’s demand for these minerals continues to grow, the import cost is expected to rise, increasing the country’s vulnerability.
• Strategic Importance:
  • This collaboration with the US-led MSFN is a crucial move for India to reduce its reliance on China.
  • The goal is to establish a sustainable supply chain to support India’s green energy initiatives and long-term mineral security.

-Source: The Hindu

Exostoma sentiyonoae

Context:

Recently, A new species of glyptosternine catfish- Exostoma sentiyonoae, has been discovered in the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland.

Relevance:

Species in News

Exostoma sentiyonoae Overview:

• Distinct Characteristics: This species is identified by unique traits, such as an adipose fin attached to the upper caudal-fin rays, tubercles on the dorsal-fin spine, a slender head, a long distance between the dorsal and adipose fins, small eyes, and 41 vertebrae.
• Comparison with Related Species: Researchers distinguished Exostoma sentiyonoae from related species in Myanmar and Thailand, particularly E. berdmorei and E. gaoligongense.
  • Differs from E. berdmorei with a shorter dorsal-fin base, a longer distance between dorsal and adipose fins, and a smaller eye.
  • Differs from E. gaoligongense by having a shorter pectoral-pelvic distance and smaller eyes.
• Biodiversity Significance: This species is the fourth of its kind found in the Barak drainage area, emphasizing the rich biodiversity of the region.
• Discovery Location: It is the first known species of its genus from the Dzuleke River in Nagaland.

Barak River System:

• Geographic Importance: The Barak River is the second largest river in Northeast India, after the Brahmaputra.
• Origin: The river originates as a small stream in the lofty hills and dense forests of Liyai village, located in the Poumai territory of Manipur.
• Length: The Barak spans around 900 km, with 564 km flowing through India.
• Drainage Path:
  • The river flows through Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam in India and also passes into Bangladesh.
  • It merges with the Deirii and Makhan streams as it moves south through the Biiso valley.
  • The Khiiri stream joins it before reaching Karong.
  • Flowing southwards, the Barak passes through Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei territories in Manipur and Nagaland.
  • Ultimately, it enters Bangladesh and joins the Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers.

-Source: The Hindu

Asia Power Index

Context:

India ranked third in the annual Asia Power Index, released by an Australian think tank.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Asia Power Index:

• Launch: Established by the Lowy Institute in 2018.
• Purpose: Provides an annual measurement of power dynamics within the Asia-Pacific region.
• Evaluation Scope: Assesses the capabilities of 27 countries in shaping and responding to regional and global affairs.
• Focus: Evaluates both the material capabilities of states and their influence on the international stage.
• 2024 Edition: Features an expanded assessment of power distribution, including Timor-Leste for the first time, underscoring its increasing importance in Southeast Asia.

Structure of the Index:

The index is divided into two key determinants:

Resource-Based Determinants:

• Assesses the economic strength of a nation using indicators such as GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP), technological advancement, and global economic connectivity.
• Measures conventional military strength based on factors like defense spending, the size and sophistication of armed forces, and key weapon systems such as long-range power projection.
• Looks at a country’s ability to manage internal and external threats to state stability, including institutional strength, geopolitical security, and resource security.
• Projects the future distribution of critical resources (economic, military, and demographic) up to 2035.

Influence-Based Determinants:

• Evaluates a country’s capacity to exert influence through trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.
• Assesses the strength of alliances and partnerships based on military cooperation and arms transfers.
• Measures a country’s diplomatic reach, including its involvement in multilateral forums and foreign policy leadership.
• Focuses on the country’s ability to influence international public opinion through cultural exports, media presence, and people-to-people ties.

Power Scoring:

• Overall Power Score: A nation’s power is measured by a weighted average across eight key metrics, totaling 131 individual indicators. This offers a comprehensive view of a nation’s global and regional influence.

-Source: Times of India

Dispute Resolution Scheme

Context:

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has introduced the Dispute Resolution Scheme (e-DRS), 2022, as a streamlined and efficient platform for taxpayers to resolve their income tax disputes.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dispute Resolution Scheme

• Objective: To reduce litigation and offer a quicker, more cost-effective way for taxpayers to resolve disputes.
• Method: Disputes are resolved electronically through Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs).

Eligibility Criteria

• Taxpayers: Must meet specific conditions outlined in section 245MA.
• Financial Limits: Disputes involving amounts not exceeding Rs. 10 lakh and where the taxpayer’s income for the relevant year does not exceed Rs. 50 lakh.
• Scope of Disputes: Does not cover disputes involving information from searches or international agreements.

Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs)

• Location: Established in all 18 regions across India.
• Powers: Can modify orders, reduce penalties, or waive prosecution.
• Decision Timeframe: Required to make decisions within six months of receiving the application.

-Source: The Hindu