Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 31st October 2023) Part - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Implementing Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The recent 25th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25) in Nairobi, Kenya has paved the way for translating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) into actionable steps. The SBSTTA-25 meeting concluded with pivotal recommendations to address global biodiversity challenges. In this article, we'll delve into the key takeaways from the meeting and the significance of the KMGBF in preserving our planet's biodiversity.

Understanding SBSTTA

The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) is an intergovernmental scientific advisory body established by Article 25 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Its role is to provide guidance to the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies concerning the Convention's implementation.

Key Highlights of SBSTTA-25

IPBES Reports: Invasive Species and Biodiversity Valuation

• The meeting examined the findings from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). These reports emphasize the crucial role of invasive species in driving plant and animal extinctions. Additionally, the valuation of nature and the sustainable use of wild species were discussed, highlighting the intricate relationship between biodiversity and invasive species.

IPCC AR6 Findings: Biodiversity and Climate Change

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) took center stage. The report underscores that climate change is a primary driver of biodiversity loss while emphasizing the role of biodiversity in climate adaptation, resilience, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. This connection underscores the importance of biodiversity in global environmental management.

Converging Crises

• Experts at the meeting recognized the interconnected nature of biodiversity loss, climate change, ocean acidification, desertification, land degradation, invasive alien species, and pollution. These crises are intertwined, and addressing them requires a coherent and effective approach.

Recommendations for Action

• To address these interconnected challenges, SBSTTA-25 finalized 15 key recommendations to be presented at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This approach aligns with the goals of the KMGBF, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and other global initiatives, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
• Furthermore, the meeting stressed the importance of collaboration with other multilateral agencies like the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization to enhance scientific and technical guidance in implementing the KMGBF.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This groundbreaking Framework supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and sets an ambitious pathway to attain a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.

Key Elements of the KMGBF

The KMGBF includes four goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030. These goals aim to:

• Conserve and restore biodiversity.
• Ensure sustainable use of biodiversity.
• Share benefits fairly and equitably.
• Enable transformative change.

The 23 targets encompass various aspects of biodiversity preservation and sustainable use. The Framework seeks to strike a balance between conserving biodiversity and meeting the needs of people while promoting equitable sharing of benefits.

Kunming Biodiversity Fund

• Notably, China has pledged to invest USD 233 million in the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, which aims to protect biodiversity in developing countries. This initiative emphasizes international cooperation in safeguarding biodiversity, aligning with the KMGBF's objectives.

In conclusion, the SBSTTA-25 meeting has provided a crucial stepping stone in translating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into actionable steps. As the world grapples with interconnected environmental challenges, the KMGBF represents a beacon of hope and a roadmap towards a harmonious coexistence with nature.

Global Tax Evasion Report 2024

Context: In an era marked by globalization and economic interdependence, the issue of tax evasion has taken center stage. Recently, the European Union Tax Observatory released the 'Global Tax Evasion Report 2024,' shedding light on critical issues surrounding tax evasion, the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) on billionaires, and the measures needed to combat this pervasive problem.

Understanding Tax Evasion

Tax Evasion: The Illicit Financial Web

• Tax evasion, a nefarious practice, involves the illegal act of not paying owed taxes to the government. This is executed through deceptive means such as underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding money in offshore accounts, leading to a reduction in tax liability.

International Reforms: A Global Response

• Global Minimum Tax (GMT): The GMT initiative, championed by the OECD, proposes a 15% corporate minimum tax rate on foreign profits of large multinational corporations. This global consensus aims to discourage tax competition, preventing profit shifting and tax base erosion.
• Automatic Exchange of Information: Introduced in 2017, this measure fights offshore tax evasion by ensuring automatic exchange of financial information, particularly targeting wealthy individuals.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Curbing Offshore Tax Evasion: A Mixed Success: While offshore tax evasion has diminished, challenges persist. Non-compliance by financial institutions and limitations in automatic information exchange pose hurdles.
• Effective Tax Rates: Shocking Realities: The report reveals alarming facts: global billionaires often have effective tax rates as low as 0% to 0.5% of their wealth due to intricate schemes involving shell companies.
• Profit Shifting by Multinational Corporations: MNCs have shifted staggering sums to tax havens, raising concerns. The report also exposes 'Greenwashing the Global Minimum Tax,' wherein companies exploit 'green' tax credits to further reduce their rates.

Policy Choices: Shaping the Future

Importance of Policy Decisions: Tax evasion and profit shifting result from policy choices. The need for evaluating tax policies, making necessary improvements, and fostering sustainable tax systems cannot be overstated.

Recommendations for a Better Tomorrow

• Global Minimum Tax on Billionaires: Advocate for a 2% wealth tax on billionaires.
• Tax Wealthy Long-term Residents: Tax individuals moving to low-tax countries after residing in a nation for an extended period.
• Minimum Corporate Taxation Reform: Raise the minimum corporate tax rate to 25% and eliminate existing loopholes.
• Unilateral Measures: Implement unilateral methods to recover tax deficits from MNCs and billionaires if global agreements falter.
• Creation of Global Asset Registry: Establish a registry to combat tax evasion effectively.
• Strengthen Anti-Abuse Rules: Reinforce economic substance and anti-abuse regulations to deter tax evaders.

Conclusion

The 'Global Tax Evasion Report 2024' underscores the urgency of addressing tax evasion through international cooperation and stringent policies. With robust reforms and a unified global effort, the world can move closer to a fair and just taxation system, fostering economic stability and equity for all.

International Migration Outlook 2023

Context: In the ever-changing landscape of global migration, the International Migration Outlook 2023, a comprehensive report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), illuminates key patterns and policy developments shaping the movement of people worldwide.

• Released recently, this report offers valuable insights into the intricate web of international migration, shedding light on emerging trends, challenges, and the responses of nations to this transformative phenomenon.

India Takes the Lead: Migration to OECD Countries

India emerged as a frontrunner in international migration, outstripping China in 2021 and 2022. With a staggering 0.41 million new migrants in both years, India led the list of source countries for OECD nations. This significant demographic shift highlights India's growing prominence on the global stage, underlining the country's dynamic talent pool and its citizens' pursuit of better opportunities abroad.

Climate-Induced Displacement: A Rising Concern

• The report underscores a pressing concern: climate-induced displacement. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, nations are faced with an urgent need to address the challenges posed by displaced individuals. Remarkably, Colombia took a pioneering step in April 2023 by initiating discussions on a groundbreaking bill. This legislation aims to recognize and support climate-displaced individuals, encompassing vital provisions such as housing, healthcare, education, and the establishment of a national register.

Unprecedented Inflows and Worker Migration

• The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict triggered an unprecedented influx of refugees, with over 10 million people becoming internally displaced or refugees within the OECD region. Simultaneously, countries like India, Uzbekistan, and Turkey witnessed a surge in worker migration, positioning them as significant sources of labor for various OECD nations, second only to Ukraine.

Recent Migration Trends: A Closer Look

• The top four destination countries – the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain – experienced substantial year-on-year increases, ranging from 21% to 35%. The United States alone welcomed 1.05 million new permanent-type migrants, emphasizing its appeal as a destination for individuals seeking a new life. Canada, the fifth destination country, also witnessed a notable 8% increase in migration, reflecting its enduring allure for newcomers.

Shifting Categories: Family, Labor, and Free Movement Migration

• In the realm of permanent-type migration, family migration remained the dominant category in 2022, constituting 40% of all migrations, showcasing the enduring significance of family ties. Notably, labor migration experienced a gradual uptick, representing 21% of permanent-type migration in 2022, up from 16% in 2019. Conversely, free movement migration within the EU-EFTA and between Australia and New Zealand decreased from 28% in 2019 to 21% in 2022, signifying a shift in migration patterns.

Understanding the OECD: Fostering Economic Progress and World Trade

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stands as a beacon of collaboration, promoting economic progress and international trade among its 38 member countries. Founded in 1961, its headquarters in Paris, France, serve as a hub for innovative policy-making and research. While India is not a member, it remains a pivotal economic partner, testament to the OECD's global influence.

Conclusion

As the world navigates the complex terrain of international migration, the findings from the International Migration Outlook 2023 offer invaluable insights into the evolving patterns and challenges faced by nations and individuals alike. With climate-induced displacement, shifting migration categories, and unprecedented refugee inflows shaping the global landscape, nations must collaborate and devise innovative policies to address these challenges and harness the immense potential that migration brings to our interconnected world.

India's Food Export Rejections in the United States

Context: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently unveiled a concerning trend in food imports over the past four years. India, along with Mexico and China, has faced a significant number of refusals, raising questions about the challenges Indian food exporters encounter in the American market.

• Key aspects of India's food export rejections in the United States, the reasons behind these refusals, and potential solutions to improve food safety and quality standards.

Refusal Statistics: India, Mexico, and China

Between October 2019 and September 2023, India, Mexico, and China experienced a substantial number of refusals in their food export shipments to the United States. India's refusal rate, which measures the percentage of shipments refused out of all food export shipments, was 0.15%. In comparison, China's refusal rate was 0.022%, and Mexico's was 0.025%. India's rate is significantly higher, indicating a higher incidence of refusal relative to its total exports.

Major Factors Behind Refusals

The products that faced refusals in India's exports were often deemed unfit for consumption for various reasons, including:

• Contamination: The products consisted, in whole or in part, of a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance or were otherwise unsuitable for food.
• Pathogens: The products were found to contain Salmonella, a bacteria responsible for severe stomach infections.
• Unapproved Substances: Some products used unapproved new drugs, unsafe food additives, or prohibited substances.
• Misbranding: Products were frequently misbranded in terms of nutritional labels, ingredients information, or health claims.

Long-Term Trends in India's Refusals

Over the last decade, India's food export refusals have been on a downward trend in absolute terms. From a peak of 1,591 refusals in 2015, it decreased to 1,033 refusals in 2023. Despite these refusals, India's food exports to the United States reached USD 1.45 billion in FY23, representing a 16% increase from the previous fiscal year. Notable exports included basmati rice, natural honey, guar gum, and cereal preparations.

The International Measure Backing Food Import Refusals by the United States

The World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of traded food products. Some of its major provisions include:

• Member nations have the right to implement sanitary and phytosanitary measures to protect human, animal, or plant life and health, provided such measures align with the agreement.
• Measures should be based on scientific principles and supported by scientific evidence.
• Measures should not unfairly discriminate between members and should not serve as disguised trade restrictions.
• Members must accept equivalent sanitary and phytosanitary measures from other members.
• The exporting member must prove that its measures meet the importing member's required level of protection.
• Access for inspection and testing should be provided upon request.

How India Can Improve its Food Safety and Quality Standards

To address the challenges India faces in its food exports to the United States, there are several key solutions:

• Strict Inspection and Quality Control: Strengthening the role and capacity of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the apex food regulator, to monitor, inspect, and certify food products for both domestic and export markets.
• Enhanced Testing Protocols: Developing and enforcing comprehensive testing protocols for food products to identify contaminants, pathogens, and adulterants. Investment in advanced laboratory equipment for more accurate and rapid testing is essential.
• Supply Chain Transparency: Utilizing blockchain technology to create transparent and traceable supply chains, enabling rapid identification of the source of contamination or quality issues.
• Global Standards Adherence: Adopting international best practices and standards for food safety and quality management, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), and Codex Alimentarius.

Conclusion

India's food export rejections in the United States highlight the need for improved food safety and quality standards to regain and strengthen its foothold in the American market. By addressing the issues that lead to refusals and adhering to international standards, India can continue to expand its food exports and ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality products to consumers worldwide.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Data

Context: In a landmark move, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has unveiled its inaugural Data Dashboard, shedding light on the alarming escalation of Land Degradation across the globe.

• Compiled from national reports of 126 countries, this comprehensive overview highlights the pressing need for urgent action. 

Understanding Land Degradation and Its Implications

Land Degradation: A Growing Crisis

• From 2015 to 2019, the world lost a staggering 100 million hectares of productive land annually—twice the size of Greenland. This crisis, exacerbated by factors like extreme weather and human activities, has significant consequences, accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and triggering droughts and wildfires.

Desertification: An Alarming Consequence

• Severe land degradation leads to desertification, transforming areas into arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions. This process not only disrupts ecosystems but also contributes to involuntary migration and the emergence of infectious diseases.

UNCCD Data Insights: Regional Variances and Bright Spots

Global Trends and Regional Variances

• Land degradation has hit Eastern and Central Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean the hardest, affecting over 20% of their total land area. Sub-Saharan Africa and Western and Southern Asia are also witnessing land degradation rates surpassing the global average.

Bright Spots: Countries Making Strides

• Despite the bleak scenario, some nations are making commendable progress. Countries like Botswana and the Dominican Republic have significantly reduced land degradation through dedicated restoration efforts. Uzbekistan, although facing challenges, showcased a notable decrease in degraded land, proving that concerted efforts can yield positive outcomes.

Strategies and Initiatives: Curbing Land Degradation on a Global Scale

Global Efforts

• The Bonn Challenge: Aiming to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
• Great Green Wall Initiative: Eleven Sahel-Saharan African countries collaborating to combat land degradation and restore native plant life.

India's Initiatives
India, acutely aware of its vulnerability to land degradation, has implemented multifaceted strategies:

• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): Focused on sustainable land and water management.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Providing employment while conserving soil and water resources.
• Soil Conservation in the Catchment of River Valley Project: Preventing erosion and enhancing soil fertility.
• Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas by ISRO: Utilizing technology to map and monitor degraded land.

The Road Ahead: Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)

The UNCCD emphasizes the urgency of restoring 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality involves halting further degradation and accelerating restoration efforts. International cooperation, funding, and innovative solutions are pivotal in attaining this goal.

Conclusion

The UNCCD's Data Dashboard serves as a wake-up call, urging nations and communities worldwide to collaborate in the fight against Land Degradation. With concerted efforts, innovative strategies, and global cooperation, the vision of Land Degradation Neutrality can become a reality. Let us stand united in preserving our planet's precious resources for generations to come.