Weekly Current Affairs (1st to 7th August 2023) Part - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Enhancing Social Security for Unorganized Workers

Context: Recently, the Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment shed light on the significant strides made in the realm of Social Security for Unorganized Workers during a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

• Aligned with the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, the government has formulated a range of welfare programs, spanning life and disability coverage, health benefits, maternity support, and old age protection.
• Unorganized Workers constitute about 93% of the total workforce or around 43.7 crore workers in India.
• Social Security Code, 2020 aims to regulate the organized/unorganized (or any other) sectors and extend social security benefits, during sickness, maternity, disability, etc. to all employees and workers across different organizations.

What are the Various Initiatives Related to Social Security for Unorganized Workers?

Life and Disability Cover:

• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Offers a life cover of Rs. 2.00 Lakh for insured individuals, regardless of the cause of death, at an annual premium of Rs. 436/-.
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Available to the people in the age group of 18 to 70 years with a bank/post office account. Provides accidental death or disability cover of Rs. 2.00 Lakh and Rs. 1.00 Lakh respectively, at a nominal premium of Rs. 20/- per annum.
• Over 16.92 crore beneficiaries enrolled under PMJJBY and 36.17 crore beneficiaries under PMSBY nationwide.

Health and Maternity Benefits:

• Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Ensures health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5.00 lakhs per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• As of July 2023, Verified approx. 24.19 crore beneficiaries and created Ayushman Cards across the country.

Old Age Protection:

• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM): Launched in 2019, provides a monthly minimum assured pension of Rs. 3000/- for workers aged 60 or above with a monthly income of Rs. 15000/- or less.
• Beneficiary contributes 50% monthly, matched by equal contribution from the Central Government.
• Enrolled around 49.47 lakh beneficiaries nationwide.

eShram Portal:

• Launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment in 2021.
• Aims to create a comprehensive database of unorganized workers.
• Approx. 28.97 crore workers registered on eShram Portal, including details like name, occupation, address, education, skills, and family information.

Additional Schemes for Unorganized Workers:

• One Nation One Ration Card: Public Distribution System under the National Food Security Act.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Provides employment opportunities.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kausal Yojana: Skill development programs.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Affordable housing scheme.
• Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Rojgar Yojana: Employment generation during the pandemic.
• Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana: Provides enhanced insurance cover to the handloom weavers in the case of natural as well as accidental death and in cases of total or partial disability.
• Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana: Promotion of multiple livelihoods and improved access to financial services for rural poor households across the country.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: Vocational training and certification of Indian youth for a better livelihood and respect in society.

Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008

• The Act defines unorganized workers as those who work in the informal sector or households, without any regular employment or social security benefits.
• The Act empowers the Central Government and the State Governments to frame schemes for providing various social security benefits to unorganized workers, such as life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, education, housing, etc.
• The Act also provides for the constitution of a National Social Security Board and State Social Security Boards for unorganized workers, which will advise and monitor the implementation of the schemes.
• The Act mandates the registration of unorganized workers by the District Administration and the issuance of identity cards to them.
• The Act also envisages the establishment of workers facilitation centers to provide information and facilitate access to the schemes.

Code on Social Security, 2020

• The Code on Social Security, 2020 aims to extend social security to all employees and workers either in the organized or unorganized or any other sectors and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
• The Code can be applied to establishments subject to size-threshold through notification by the central government.
• Separate Social Security Funds will be set up by the Central and State Governments for unorganized workers, gig workers, and platform workers.
• Registration provisions are specified for unorganized workers, gig workers, and platform workers.
• A National Social Security Board will be established to recommend and monitor schemes for these categories of workers.
• Funding for schemes of gig workers and platform workers may come from contributions by central and state governments, as well as aggregators.
• Penalties for certain offenses have been reduced, including obstructing inspectors and unlawfully deducting contributions from wages.
• During an epidemic, the central government may defer or reduce employer and employee contributions (under Employee State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund (PF) for up to three months.

Finger Minutiae Record - Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) Modality

Context: Recently, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has rolled out an in-house Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technology-based Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality.

• This technology, specifically designed to enhance Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) transactions, aims to tackle fraudulent activities, including the misuse of cloned fingerprints.

What is Finger Minutiae Record - Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) Modality?

About:

• The FMR-FIR modality is an advanced AI/ML-based technology developed by the UIDAI to bolster security measures within the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS).

Key Features and Functionality:

Hybrid Authentication:

• FMR-FIR combines the analysis of two distinct components – finger minutiae and finger image – to establish the authenticity of fingerprint biometrics during Aadhaar authentication.

Liveness Detection:

• The modality's primary function lies in assessing the liveness of the captured fingerprint.
• It can differentiate between a genuine, "live" finger and a cloned or fake fingerprint, thereby preventing spoofing attempts.

Real-time Verification:

• FMR-FIR operates in real-time, providing instant verification results during the authentication process.

Robust Fraud Prevention:

• By detecting and deterring the use of cloned fingerprints, the technology significantly reduces the risk of AePS frauds.

Rationale and Implementation:

• Addressing Emerging Threats: The emergence of fraudulent activities involving cloned fingerprints necessitated the development of a sophisticated solution to safeguard AePS transactions.
  • Payment-related frauds have surged in India, with over 700,000 reported in FY21.
  • The figures dramatically escalated to nearly 20 million in FY23, according to data from supervised entities of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • While many cases go unreported due to limited awareness about cyber frauds, instances of financial frauds remain significant.
  • Silicone-based Fraud: Instances of unauthorized money transfers through fake fingerprints created using silicone prompted the need for a more secure and technologically advanced approach.
• Integration of AI/ML: The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of fingerprint authentication.

Advantages and Implications:

• UIDAI's FMR-FIR technology bolsters security, mitigates vulnerabilities, boosts transaction confidence, and exemplifies technological innovation for societal welfare.

What is the Unique Identification Authority of India?

• Statutory Authority: The UIDAI is a statutory authority established on 12th July 2016 by the Government of India under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, following the provisions of the Aadhaar Act 2016.
  • The UIDAI was initially set up by the Government of India in January 2009, as an attached office under the aegis of the Planning Commission.
• Mandate: The UIDAI is mandated to assign a 12-digit unique identification (UID) number (Aadhaar) to all the residents of India.
  • As of 31st October 2021, UIDAI had issued 131.68 crore Aadhaar numbers.

What is AePS?

• The AePS is a bank-led model that allows online interoperable financial transactions at Point of Sale (PoS) or micro-ATMs through the Business Correspondent (BC) of any bank using the Aadhaar authentication.
• It was taken up by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) - a joint initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
• The AePS is meant to provide easy and secure access to banking services for the poor and marginalized sections of society, especially in rural and remote areas.
• It eliminates the need for OTPs, bank account details, and other financial information.
• Transactions can be carried out with only the bank name, Aadhaar number, and captured fingerprint during Aadhaar enrollment.

Forest Cover in India: Progress and Initiatives

Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provided valuable insights into the various initiatives to boost forest cover in India during a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

What are the Major Forest Conservation Initiatives in India?

About Forest Cover in India:

• The Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun has been conducting biennial (once every two years) assessments of forest cover since 1987, and the findings are published in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
• As per the latest assessment in ISFR 2021, India's total forest and tree cover stands at 8,09,537 square kilometers, which accounts for 24.62% of the country's geographical area.
• Notably, this represents an increase of 2261 square kilometers compared to the ISFR 2019 assessment, indicating positive strides in forest conservation efforts.

Government Initiatives to Boost Forest Cover:

• Green India Mission (GIM): Started in the Financial Year 2015-16, GIM focuses on afforestation activities.
  • Over the last five years, Rs. 755.28 Crores has been released to seventeen States and one union territory to support afforestation efforts.
• National Afforestation Programme: Implemented for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas.
  • The National Afforestation Programme is now merged with Green India Mission.
• Nagar Van Yojana (NVY): Launched in 2020, NVY aims to create 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatika in urban and peri-urban areas by 2024-25.
  • The initiative intends to enhance the green cover, preserve biological diversity, and improve the quality of life for urban dwellers.
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): Utilized by States/UTs for compensatory afforestation to offset forest land diversion for developmental projects.
  • 90% of the CAF money is to be given to the states while 10% is to be retained by the Centre..
• Multi-Departmental Efforts: Apart from the central initiatives, afforestation activities are taken up under various programs and schemes of line Ministries, State Governments/UT Administrations, Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society, and Corporate bodies.
  • Some notable efforts include participation in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Bamboo Mission, and Sub-Mission on Agroforestry.
• Draft National Forest Policy: The policy focuses on integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into forest management practices. It emphasizes building resilience to climate change, particularly among forest-dependent communities.

Carbon Capture and Storage

Context: The UK government has reasserted its commitment to advancing projects aimed at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as a crucial component of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions.

What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

About:

• It is a process designed to mitigate the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels, particularly in power plants.
• The goal of CCS is to prevent a significant amount of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming and climate change.
• Approaches: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) encompasses two primary approaches:
  • The first method is known as point-source CCS, which involves capturing CO2 directly at the site of its production, such as industrial smokestacks.
  • The second method, direct air capture (DAC), focuses on removing CO2 that has already been emitted into the atmosphere.
• The recent UK initiatives specifically target point-source CCS.
• Mechanisms of Point Source- CCS: The process of carbon capture and storage encompasses several distinct steps, each contributing to the effective containment of CO₂ emissions:
• Capture: CO₂ is isolated from other gases generated during industrial processes or power generation.
• Compression and Transportation: Once captured, CO2 is compressed and transported to designated storage sites, frequently through pipelines.
• Injection: The CO₂ is then injected into subterranean rock formations, often situated at depths of one kilometer or more, where it remains stored for extended periods, sometimes lasting decades.

Applications:

• Mineralization: Captured carbon can be reacted with certain minerals to form stable carbonates, which can be stored safely underground or used in construction materials.
  • This process, known as mineral carbonation, offers a long-term and secure method of carbon storage.
• Synthetic Fuels: Captured CO2 can be combined with hydrogen (often produced via electrolysis using renewable energy) to produce synthetic fuels such as synthetic natural gas, synthetic diesel, or even synthetic jet fuel.
• Greenhouses and Indoor Agriculture: Captured carbon dioxide can be supplied to greenhouses and indoor farming facilities to enhance plant growth.
• Dry Ice Production: Captured carbon dioxide can be used to produce dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide at extremely low temperatures.
  • Dry ice has various applications, including shipping and transportation of perishable goods, medical and scientific purposes, and special effects in the entertainment industry.

Note:

• In India, two National Centres of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization are being established.
• National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE-CCU) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai
• National Centre in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCCCU) at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru.

Challenges:

• Cost and Economics: CCS involves high initial capital costs for building capture, transportation, and storage infrastructure.
  • The cost of capturing CO₂ from flue gases or industrial processes can be significant, affecting the overall viability of CCS projects.
• Geological Storage Suitability: Identifying and securing suitable geological formations for long-term CO₂ storage is a challenge.
• Not all geological formations are appropriate for CO₂ storage due to potential risks of leakage or seismic activity.
• Extended Lifespan of Fossil Fuel Companies: Certain environmental organizations raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of CSS, suggesting that its implementation might unintentionally prolong the operational viability of fossil fuel companies.
  • This potential consequence could inadvertently hinder the speed of transitioning to more sustainable and cleaner energy sources.

Way Forward

• Natural Climate Solutions Integration: Combining CCS with natural climate solutions can enhance its effectiveness.
  • Embracing initiatives like reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable land management can complement CCS efforts by sequestering carbon naturally, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
• International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: To address global climate challenges, countries must collaborate and share knowledge and expertise in CCS.
  • Establishing international forums, research partnerships, and technology-sharing initiatives can accelerate the development and adoption of innovative carbon capture solutions.
• Balancing CCS and Emission Reduction for Climate Action: The United Nations report underscores CCS's potential to align with the Paris Agreement’s market-based mechanisms like carbon trading through carbon credits.
  • However, it emphasizes that emission prevention remains paramount. An inclusive climate strategy mandates both carbon capture technology adoption and proactive emission reduction to effectively address climate change.
  • In line, in terms of Nationally Determined Contribution, India now stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030.