UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 3rd March 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Warmer Summer Due to EL Nino

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

As per the IMD, India is likely to see above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures in summer due to El Nino.

About

• IMD customarily puts out a forecast for the summer season in the first week of March every year.
• The summer season is classified from March to end of May, before the monsoon season officially starts from June.
• India is likely to experience a warmer start to the summer season this year with El Nino conditions predicted to continue through the season.
• The country is likely to record above-normal rainfall in March (more than 117% of the long-period average of 29.9 mm).

Ocean-Atmosphere system
1. Normal Conditions: During normal conditions in the Pacific ocean, trade winds blow west along the equator, taking warm water from South America towards Asia. 

• To replace that warm water, cold water rises from the depths — a process called upwelling. 
• The warmer surface waters near Indonesia creates a region of low-pressure area, causing the air to rise upwards. This also results in formation of clouds and heavy rainfall. 
• The air flow also helps in building up the monsoon system which brings rainfall over India.

2. Abnormal Conditions: Both El Nino and La Nina usually begin to develop in the March to June season, reach their peak strength in the winters and then begin to dissipate in the post winter season.

• Both these phases typically last for a year, though La Nina, on an average, lasts longer than El Nino. 
• While these phases alternate over a period of two to seven years, with the neutral phase thrown in between, it is possible for two consecutive episodes of El Nino or La Nina to occur.

What is El Nino?

• Discovery and Name: South American fishermen first noticed unusual warm periods in the Pacific Ocean in the 1600s, naming the phenomenon "El Niño," which means "Little Boy" in Spanish.
• Nature of Phenomenon: El Niño is characterized by periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
• Effect on Trade Winds: During El Niño, trade winds weaken, causing warm water to move eastward towards the west coast of the Americas, while cold water is pushed towards Asia.

Impact of El Nino

• Low Rainfall: El Niño often correlates with below-average monsoon rainfall in India, resulting in droughts across many regions. This poses significant threats to agriculture, water resources, and the economy.
• Increased Temperature: El Niño can lead to elevated temperatures in various parts of India, exacerbating heat-related issues.
• Forest Fires: The drier conditions associated with El Niño increase the risk of forest fires, particularly in densely vegetated areas. These fires can cause environmental damage, loss of biodiversity, and air pollution.
• Water Scarcity: Reduced rainfall during El Niño events can result in water scarcity in many parts of India, impacting drinking water supplies, agricultural irrigation, and hydropower generation.
• Impact on Fisheries: El Niño can disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries along India's coastline. Changes in sea temperatures and currents can disturb fish migration patterns and lead to fluctuations in fish populations.

La Niña: 

• It means Little Girl in Spanish. La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or simply “a cold event.” La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. 
• The trade winds become stronger than usual, pushing more warmer waters towards the Indonesian coast, and making the eastern Pacific Ocean colder than normal.
• Impact: La Nina, the opposite of El Nino, typically brings good rainfall during the monsoon season.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Rare Diseases Care in India: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Subject: Health 

Why in News?

World Rare Diseases Day (February 29) was recently celebrated.

What are Rare Diseases?

• Global Perspective: Rare diseases are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as often debilitating lifelong diseases or disorders with a prevalence of 1 or less, per 1,000 population.
• National Context: While India lacks a standardized definition, the Organisation of Rare Diseases – India suggests defining a disease as rare if it affects 1 in 5,000 people or less.

National Policy on Rare Diseases, 2021: Highlights

• Comprehensive Approach: This policy provides a comprehensive approach that covers prevention, management, and treatment strategies, all tailored to meet the unique needs of patients.
• Financial Support: Recognizing the significant financial burden on patients, the policy aims to reduce the exorbitant costs of treatment through targeted interventions and support mechanisms.
• Research Focus: The policy prioritizes indigenous research efforts, laying the groundwork for strengthening research initiatives in the realm of rare diseases. This emphasis aims to encourage innovation and foster new discoveries.

Other Initiatives in India

• National Hospital-Based Registry: A pivotal component of the policy, the establishment of a national registry of rare diseases promises to provide invaluable epidemiological data, informing targeted interventions and resource allocation.
• Early Screening and Prevention: The creation of Nidan Kendras aims to enhance early detection and prevention efforts, crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing disease burden.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening secondary and tertiary health facilities at Centres of Excellence underscores the commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.

Challenges and Imperatives

• Defining Rare Diseases: Despite significant progress, India lacks a standardized definition of rare diseases, necessitating clarity to guide policy and resource allocation effectively.
• Funding Utilization: Concerns arise over the underutilization of allocated funds, highlighting the urgency to streamline resource allocation and enhance accountability mechanisms.
• Patient Advocacy: Rare diseases patient advocacy groups play a pivotal role in advocating for timely access to treatment and sustainable funding support, urging policymakers and healthcare providers to prioritize patient-centric initiatives.

Way Forward

• Sustainable Funding: Ensuring sustainable funding support for rare diseases treatment is paramount to safeguarding patient well-being and fostering equitable access to care.
• National Registry Implementation: Accelerating the establishment of a hospital-based national registry is imperative to harness the power of data-driven decision-making and advance rare diseases research.
• Multidisciplinary Care: The creation of comprehensive care centers, coupled with initiatives to support caregivers, represents a crucial step towards enhancing patient outcomes and fostering a supportive healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion

• As India commemorates World Rare Diseases Day, it stands at a pivotal juncture in its journey towards rare diseases care and advocacy.
• By embracing a collaborative and patient-centric approach, India can surmount existing challenges, paving the way for a future where every individual affected by a rare disease receives the care and support they deserve.

Source: Financial Express

GS-III

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Central government issued an advisory to all intermediaries and generative AI platforms using artificial intelligence (AI) models, software or algorithms.

• As per the advisory, all the above-mentioned entities to seek permission from the government and label their platforms as “under testing” before making them available to the public.

About Generative Artificial Intelligence:

• Generative AI refers to deep-learning models that can take raw data and “learn” to generate statistically probable outputs when prompted.
• Generative AI is powered by foundation models (large AI models) that can multi-task and perform out-of-the-box tasks, including summarization, Q&A, classification, and more.
• With minimal training required, foundation models can be adapted for targeted use cases with very little example data.

How Does Generative AI Work?

Generative AI Process:

• Learning Patterns: Generative AI utilizes a Machine Learning model to comprehend patterns and connections within a dataset comprised of human-generated content.
• Content Generation: Once the model has learned these patterns, it employs them to produce new content.

Training Approach:

• Supervised Learning: The most prevalent method for training generative AI involves supervised learning.
• Providing Data and Labels: In this process, the model receives a dataset containing human-generated content along with corresponding labels.
• Learning and Mimicking: Through supervised learning, the model learns to mimic the style and characteristics of the human-created content while adhering to the provided labels.

Common Generative AI Applications:

• Generative AI processes vast content, creating insights and answers via text, images, and user-friendly formats. Generative AI can be used to:
  • Improve customer interactions through enhanced chat and search experiences,
  • Explore vast amounts of unstructured data through conversational interfaces and summarizations,
  • Assist with repetitive tasks like replying to requests for proposals, localizing marketing content in five languages, and checking customer contracts for compliance, and more.

Role/Influence of GenAI on Elections in 2024:

2024 Elections Landscape:

• Over 50 countries, including India, the US, the UK, Indonesia, Russia, Taiwan, and South Africa, are gearing up for high-stakes elections.
• Fake news remains a significant challenge for voters, fueled by advancements in AI technology.

AI Misinformation Concerns:

• The World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report highlights AI-generated misinformation as a top 10 risk, foreseeing societal polarization over the next two years.
• Generative AI tools enable individuals with minimal technical knowledge to spread fake content across multiple languages and digital platforms.

Deep-Fakes and Voice-Cloning Challenges:

• AI's capacity to produce deep-fakes and voice-cloned audio presents substantial hurdles for governments and organizations globally.
• Language Mastery and Personalized Influence:
• AI leverages its language proficiency to establish intimate connections with individuals, tailoring messages to sway their perspectives.

AI in Indian Politics:

• Indian politicians are employing AI to expand their outreach, particularly in rural areas.
• Notably, real-time AI translation was used during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Uttar Pradesh in December 2023.
• Debates over AI's Impact:
• The dual nature of AI prompts debates about its potential benefits and risks, with some expressing alarm while others see promise.

Source: Mint

40 pharma PLI projects launched

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

Union govt has inaugurated 27 greenfield bulk drug park projects and 13 greenfield manufacturing plants for medical devices.

• These forty greenfield projects were inaugurated under the PLI schemes for manufacturing bulk drugs and medical devices.
• A bulk drug, also known as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), is the chemical substance responsible for the therapeutic effects of a pharmaceutical product.
• i.e., it is the primary ingredient in a medication that produces the intended medical effect.

The pharmaceutical industry in India: Notable achievements

• The Indian pharmaceutical industry, often referred to as ‘the pharmacy of the world’, contributes immensely to global public health and promoting universal healthcare access.
• India ranks 3rd worldwide for production by volume and 14th by value.
• India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, occupying a 20% share in global supply by volume.
  • The pharmaceutical industry in India offers 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories.
• It is the leading vaccine manufacturer globally with 60% of the world’s vaccines comes from India.

Industry scenario

PLI for Pharmaceuticals:

• The scheme was launched with an outlay of INR 15,000 Cr until FY 2027-28.
• The aim is to boost India’s manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and contributing to product diversification to high-value goods.

PLI for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices

• The scheme, with an outlay of INR 3420 Cr till FY 2027-28, is being provided for the creation of common testing and laboratory facilities/centres in four Medical Device Parks.

Vision Pharma 2047

• Make India a global leader in the manufacturing of affordable, innovative & quality pharmaceuticals & medical devices for the goal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
• Vishwaguru in innovation & Research for delivering health care products to future generations in a sustainable manner, introducing natural products
• Medical Devices to be an integral part of global supply chains for raw materials, components, spare parts, assemblies/subassemblies, etc.
• Digitisation and technology upgradation in the delivery of services & products under Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana

National Pharmaceutical Policy (2023)

• The policy is being drafted to serve as a comprehensive framework to address the challenges faced by Indian Pharmaceutical industries.
• The draft policy encompasses five key pillars:
  • Fostering Global Pharmaceutical Leadership, Promoting Self-Reliance, Advancing Health Equity and accessibility, Enhancing Regulatory Efficiency in the Indian Pharmaceutical Sector and Attracting investments.

Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (2022)

• The scheme, launched with a total financial outlay of INR 500 Cr until FY 2025-26 to:
  • strengthen the existing pharmaceutical clusters’ capacity by creating common facilities;
  • facilitate MSMEs of a proven track record to meet regulatory standards; and
  • facilitate growth and development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Sectors.

Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks (2020)

• The scheme boosts domestic manufacturing of identified KSMs, Drug Intermediates and APIs by attracting large investments in the sector.
• Financial assistance, up to INR 1000 Cr, will be provided for the creation of common infrastructure facilities in three Bulk Drug Parks selected in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

Source: Financial Express

Analysis of Centre’s Capital Expenditure and Fiscal Deficit

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

In January, the Centre’s capital expenditure saw a significant decline of 40.5%, totaling ₹47,600 crore compared to ₹80,000 crore in the previous year.

• Fiscal Deficit Widening: By the end of January, the fiscal deficit reached 64% of the revised estimates for 2023-24. Despite challenges in expenditure, the government seems poised to meet the revised deficit target of 5.8% of GDP for the year.

What is Fiscal Deficit?

• Definition: Fiscal deficit is the excess of total disbursements from the Consolidated Fund of India over total receipts, excluding debt repayment, within a financial year.
• Formula: Fiscal Deficit = Total expenditure of the government (capital and revenue expenditure) – Total income of the government (Revenue receipts + recovery of loans + other receipts).

Reasons behind Fiscal Deficit

[1] Fall in Income:

• Lower Tax Collection: Economic slowdown, tax evasion, and challenges related to GST implementation have resulted in decreased tax revenues.
• Impact of Pandemic Shutdowns: Closure of economic activities during the pandemic has further reduced tax revenues.
• Missed Disinvestment Targets: The government's failure to achieve disinvestment targets has led to lower capital receipts.

[2] Rise in Expenditure:

• High Inflation Impact: High inflation rates have increased import and borrowing costs, contributing to rising expenditure.
• Social Infrastructure Investment Importance: There's a focus on investing in social infrastructure to foster inclusive growth and employment opportunities.
• External Market Volatility: India's dependency on imports makes it susceptible to external market fluctuations, impacting expenditure.
• Unproductive Expenditures: Essential but unproductive expenditures, such as subsidies, add to fiscal pressure.

[3] Rise in Borrowings:

• Market Borrowing for Policy Implementation: Borrowing is necessary for implementing policies like bank recapitalization, farm loan waivers, and schemes like UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana).

Implications of Fiscal Deficit

• Vicious Circle of Borrowing and Repayment: Continuously borrowing to repay loans creates a cycle leading to a debt trap.
• Inflation: Increased borrowing results in higher interest rates and inflation.
• Reduced Private Sector Borrowing: Government borrowing reduces borrowing opportunities for the private sector.
• Discouragement of Private Investment: Inflation and limited financing discourage private investment.
• Risk of Credit Rating Downgrade: High borrowing increases the risk of a credit rating downgrade.
• Limits Revenue Spending: Rising fiscal deficit affects government allowances such as dearness allowance and dearness relief.
• Foreign Dependence: Borrowing from foreign sources increases dependence and exposes to external fiscal policies.

Measures for Control: FRBM Act, 2003

• The FRBM Act aims to instil fiscal discipline and ensure inter-generational equity in fiscal management, promoting long-term macro-economic stability.
• Targets:
  1. Limit fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP by March 31, 2009.
  2. Completely eliminate revenue deficit.
  3. Reduce liabilities to 50% of estimated GDP by 2011.
  4. Prohibit direct borrowing from RBI to monetize the deficit.
• Escape Clause: Section 4(2) of the Act allows the Centre to exceed annual fiscal deficit targets under specific circumstances, such as national security, calamity, agricultural collapse, or structural reforms.
• Review Committee: In May 2016, a committee under NK Singh was formed to review the FRBM Act. Recommendations included targeting a fiscal deficit of 3% of GDP until March 31, 2020, reducing it to 2.8% in 2020-21, and further to 2.5% by 2023.
• Current Targets:
  1. The latest provisions of the FRBM Act mandate limiting fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP by March 31, 2021.
  2. Central government debt should not exceed 40% of GDP by 2024-25, among other stipulations.

Source: India Today

Insights from UNEA-6

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

The Sixth Assembly session of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEA-6) was convened at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

• It focussed on the pivotal role of multilateralism in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

About United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)

UNEA-6: Theme and Focus

• Theme: Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• Focus: Planning the role of multilateralism in shaping global environmental policy to combat the pressing challenges facing our planet.

Key Outcomes

[A] Environmental Multilateralism

• High-Level Dialogues: UNEA-6 dedicated a day to discussing cooperation and convergence with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), emphasizing effective implementation at both national and global levels.
• Importance: MEAs are crucial in addressing specific environmental issues at national, regional, and global levels, providing essential frameworks for international environmental governance.

[B] Energy Transition to Renewable Sources

• Rapid Adoption of Renewable Energy: The session stressed the need for three times the current renewable energy capacity by 2030 to foster a nature and people-positive planet.
• Global Standards Development: Efforts are underway to establish globally acceptable standards for renewable energy, ensuring environmental sustainability and responsible mineral sourcing.

[C] Plastic Pollution

• Call for Action: Discussions focused on a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, aiming to introduce strong reuse provisions and harmonize definitions of reuse and circularity.
• Current Scenario: Over half of global plastic production comprises single-use plastics, with significant leakage into the environment.

[D] Role of Nature-Based Solutions

• Potential: Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and land restoration, offer promising avenues to combat the climate crisis and restore biodiversity.
• Financial Constraints: Despite their potential, nature-based solutions receive only a fraction of the required funding, underscoring the need for increased investment and innovative financing mechanisms.

Conclusion

• As UNEA-6 unfolds, stakeholders worldwide are poised to collaborate and drive actionable solutions to safeguard our planet for future generations.

Source: UNEP.org