Weekly Current Affairs (1st to 7th October 2024) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Dynamic Nature of the Indian Constitution

Why in News?

• Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud emphasised the dynamic nature of the Constitution, asserting that no single generation can claim a monopoly over its interpretation. CJI emphasised the Constitution's relevance in its ability to adapt to changing social, legal, and economic contexts, contrasting this with the United States doctrine of originalism.

Why Must Constitutional Doctrine Evolve with Society?

• Constitution as a Living Document: CJI highlighted the idea of a "living Constitution," meaning that the interpretation of the document must evolve with changing societal norms. This flexibility allows constitutional courts to address new and unprecedented issues that arise over time, ensuring the document remains relevant.
• Different Social Contexts: CJI noted that no two generations interpret the Constitution under the same social, legal, or economic conditions. As society progresses, new challenges emerge that necessitate fresh interpretations of the Constitution to meet contemporary needs, such as the legalisation of adultery.
• Contrast with Originalism: CJI Chandrachud referenced the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organisation ruling by the US Supreme Court to illustrate originalism, where the right to abortion was denied due to its absence in the US Constitution. He contrasted this with India’s adaptive approach, indicating that originalism may lead to a rigid and restrictive interpretation of citizens' rights.
• Inflexibility: CJI pointed out that strict adherence to the original framers' intent renders the Constitution inflexible. He emphasised that the Constitution was designed to provide broad, adaptable rules that should evolve with the times. Over-reliance on subjective interpretations can result in conservative readings that limit future generations' ability to tackle new issues.

What Role Does Constitutional Flexibility Play in Governance?

• Support for Progressive Reform: The Constitution's adaptability facilitates reforms that respond to current societal demands, including technological advancements and evolving human rights standards, such as data protection laws.
• Fostering Innovation in Law: A living Constitution allows for innovative legal interpretations that can address emerging challenges, including privacy issues in the digital age.
• Safeguarding Citizens’ Rights: A dynamic interpretation of the Constitution helps protect rights from conservative readings that could otherwise limit freedoms.
• Adaptability: A flexible constitutional doctrine ensures that institutions stay relevant in a fast-evolving world, particularly within a growing knowledge economy.
• Inclusion of New Realities: The living Constitution doctrine enables courts to incorporate new social, economic, and legal contexts into their interpretations, ensuring that rights progress alongside societal advancements.

What is the Nature of the Indian Constitution?

• Hybrid Structure: The Indian Constitution combines elements of both rigid and flexible constitutions. This hybrid nature allows for adaptability while preserving the stability of the Constitution's fundamental structure.
• Protecting Fundamental Values: Rigidity safeguards fundamental rights and the basic structure from arbitrary changes.
• Preserving Federalism: While the federal structure is rigidly defined, necessary adjustments can be made to adapt to new realities, such as the concurrent list.
• Balancing Welfare: The integration of rigid rights and flexible Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) ensures a balance between individual freedoms and collective welfare.
• Ensuring Stability: Rigidity promotes stability by requiring consensus for major changes, preventing rash amendments.
• Fostering Democracy: Flexibility in legislative processes enhances democratic governance by allowing elected representatives to respond to public needs while adhering to constitutional limits.

Amendment Procedures
Article 368 Delineates Two Main Methods of Amendment:

• Special Majority of Parliament: Amendments to certain provisions, like Fundamental Rights, require a special majority, which is a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each House, along with a majority of the total membership in each House. This ensures significant changes receive substantial parliamentary support.
• State Ratification: Other provisions, such as the election of the President, necessitate both a special majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the total states. This process underscores India's federal structure, ensuring states have a say in significant constitutional changes affecting governance.
• Simple Majority Amendments: Some provisions, like the formation of new states, can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament, following the same procedure as ordinary laws. These amendments do not fall under Article 368, indicating that certain aspects of the Constitution can be changed with relative ease.

What are the Differences Between Flexible and Rigid Constitutions?

Conclusion

• A balance between a rigid and flexible constitution is crucial for fostering a dynamic legal framework that remains relevant and responsive to contemporary challenges.
• Ultimately, embracing constitutional flexibility is essential for promoting justice, equality, and democratic governance in an ever-changing society.

Mains Question:

Q. Assess the balance of flexibility and rigidity in the Indian Constitution and its significance in addressing contemporary societal issues.

GS3/Environment

57th Meeting of National Mission for Clean Ganga

Why in News?

• Recently, the Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved several important projects across various states. These initiatives are focused on the conservation and cleanliness of the Ganga River, as well as on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities planned for Mahakumbh 2025.

What are the Key Projects Approved during the Meeting?

• Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): The EC sanctioned the establishment of STPs in Katihar and Supaul in Bihar and in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. These plants are essential for treating wastewater by eliminating sewage and pollutants, thus allowing the treated water to be safely discharged into natural water bodies.
• Monitoring of STPs: This involves setting up an Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring System (OCEMS) to enhance the ongoing monitoring of existing STPs within the Ganga River Basin.
• Mahakumbh 2025 IEC Activities: To promote cleanliness and awareness during Mahakumbh 2025, an IEC project has been approved which includes beautifying the mela area and city through 'Paint My City' mural art.
• PIAS Project: The Committee agreed to restructure the manpower for the Pollution Inventory, Assessment, and Surveillance (PIAS) project to improve its efficiency. This initiative is led by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and focuses on monitoring industrial pollution.
• SLCR Project: Key components of the 'Smart Laboratory for Clean River' (SLCR) project were approved to expedite the rejuvenation of smaller rivers throughout the country.
• Turtle and Gharial Conservation: Approval was also given for a breeding program focused on freshwater turtles and gharials at the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Center in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

What are Key Facts About NMCG?

• NMCG plays a vital role in the rejuvenation and protection of the Ganga River.
• It was established as a society on August 12, 2011, under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
• Legal Framework: It operates as the execution arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), which was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Following the dissolution of NGRBA in 2016, NMCG became the implementation arm of the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (National Ganga Council).
• The National Ganga Council is responsible for ensuring a consistent and adequate flow of water in the river and for preventing, controlling, and reducing environmental pollution.
• Management Structure of NMCG: NMCG has a two-tier management structure, both overseen by the Director General (DG) of NMCG. The Governing Council manages general policies and can approve projects with budgets up to Rs 1,000 crore.

Five-Tier Structure for Ganga Rejuvenation

• The Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1986 outlines a five-tier structure for effective management and rejuvenation of the Ganga River, operating at national, state, and district levels.
• The apex body for oversight is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• The Empowered Task Force (ETF), led by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, is responsible for targeted actions aimed at rejuvenating the Ganga.
• NMCG functions as the implementing agency for various initiatives aimed at cleaning and revitalizing the Ganga.
• State Ganga Committees implement specific measures at the state level.
• District Ganga Committees operate at the grassroots level in districts adjacent to the Ganga River and its tributaries.

What is the Namami Gange Programme?

• The Namami Gange Programme is an integrated conservation initiative aimed at effectively reducing pollution, conserving, and rejuvenating the National River Ganga.
• It was launched as a 'Flagship Programme' by the Union Government in June 2014 with a financial outlay of Rs. 20,000 Crore.
• This programme addresses significant national issues related to health, education, the environment, irrigation, and urban and rural development.

Key Pillars of the Programme:

• Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure: Designed to manage wastewater effectively.
• River-Surface Cleaning: Focused on removing solid waste and pollution from the river's surface.
• Afforestation: Involves planting trees and restoring green cover along the riverbanks.
• Industrial Effluent Monitoring: Aims to protect the river from harmful discharges by industries.
• River-Front Development: Creating public spaces along the river to encourage community engagement and tourism.
• Biodiversity: Enhancing the ecological health of the river and supporting a diverse range of biological communities.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public on the importance of river conservation.
• Ganga Gram: Aims to develop villages along the Ganga into model villages.
• Integrated Mission Approach: Emphasizes linking economic development with ecological improvement, showcasing a commitment to sustainable growth.
• Prioritizes clean energy, waterways, biodiversity conservation, and wetland development in ongoing and future initiatives.

What are the Challenges in the Namami Gange Programme?

• Lack of Data and Effective Monitoring: As of December 31, 2023, out of 457 projects initiated, only 280 have been completed and operational. There is insufficient data indicating whether the STPs are functioning as intended.
• Neglect of Tributaries: Experts note that the focus on the main river has led to the neglect of smaller rivers, like the Gomti, which suffers from low oxygen levels detrimental to biodiversity.
• Industrial Pollution: Tannery operations in Kanpur are known for inadequate treatment of effluents, leading to high levels of toxic substances like chromium being released into the river.
• Cost Overruns: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticized financial mismanagement within the programme, indicating that only between 8% to 63% of allocated funds were utilized effectively from 2014 to 2017. Concerns were raised about excessive spending on media campaigns.
• Ongoing Environmental Threats: Illegal sand mining and riverfront development projects require dredging, which disrupts the river's natural flow.

Way Forward

• Enhance Financial Management: It is crucial to improve financial practices to ensure that funds allocated to the Namami Gange programme are used efficiently and transparently. This includes implementing strict auditing and reporting mechanisms.
• Strengthen Regulations: Encourage sustainable industrial practices by providing incentives for adopting eco-friendly technologies and waste management systems.
• Revitalise Tributary Restoration Efforts: Targeted measures should be taken to restore the natural flow and biodiversity of tributaries and smaller rivers.
• Monitoring and Data Systems: A centralized database should be developed to integrate data from all Namami Gange projects, facilitating better progress tracking and identifying areas needing improvement.

Mains Question:

Q. How does the Namami Gange Programme and National Mission for Clean Ganga contribute to the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River?

GS2/Polity

Ensuring Discipline Among Judges

Why in News?

• Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) raised significant concerns regarding remarks made by a judge from the Karnataka High Court. The SC decided not to intervene after the judge issued an apology, but this incident underscores the constitutional limits on the judiciary's ability to discipline its members.

What are the Challenges of Disciplining Judges in India?

Constitutional Protection

• Article 121 of the Constitution prohibits parliamentary discussions about the conduct of Supreme Court or High Court judges, except during removal motions.
• Article 211 prevents state legislatures from discussing judges' conduct while performing their duties.

Difficult Impeachment Process

• According to Article 124(4), an impeachment motion requires a majority of total membership and at least two-thirds of members present and voting in each House.
• This high threshold protects judges from being removed for minor issues, yet it complicates addressing serious misconduct.
• For instance, impeachment proceedings have been initiated only five times in history, and no Supreme Court judge has ever been impeached.

Narrow Definition

• Judges can only be removed for proven misbehavior or incapacity, with misbehavior encompassing corruption, lack of integrity, and moral turpitude.
• Many acts of judicial misconduct, such as indiscipline or inappropriate conduct, do not meet the impeachment criteria, leaving the judiciary with limited options for discipline.

What are Other Provisions of Disciplining Judges?

Judicial Intervention

• The SC has the authority to take judicial actions to discipline judges; for example, in 2017, the SC found Calcutta High Court's C S Karnan guilty of contempt and sentenced him to six months in prison.

Transfer Policy

• The SC Collegium, consisting of the five senior-most judges including the Chief Justice, can recommend transferring High Court judges as a disciplinary measure.
• For instance, during the impeachment proceedings against Justice P D Dinakaran, he was transferred to the Sikkim High Court.

In-House Inquiry Procedure

• Established in 1999, this procedure allows the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to request comments from the relevant High Court's Chief Justice and seek responses from the implicated judge.
• If needed, a three-member committee, including two chief justices from other high courts and one high court judge, can be formed for a thorough investigation.

Censure Policy

• The concerned judge can be advised to resign or retire voluntarily; if they refuse, the CJI may instruct the Chief Justice of the High Court not to assign any judicial work to them.

Restatement of Values of Judicial Life 1997

• In 1997, the SC adopted a Charter consisting of 16 points as a code of judicial ethics, aimed at guiding an independent and fair judiciary and maintaining discipline.

What Measures can be Taken to ensure Discipline among Judges?

Establishment of a National Judicial Council (NJC)

• Revive and enact the Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006, which proposes creating the NJC to oversee inquiries into judges' incapacity or misconduct.

Judicial Oversight Committee

• The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010, aimed to establish a National Judicial Oversight Committee, Complaints Scrutiny Panel, and an investigation committee.

Clear Standards of Conduct

• Develop and implement a Code of Conduct outlining expected behaviors and ethical standards for judges, ensuring public accessibility to promote accountability.

Judicial Performance Evaluation

• Implement a performance evaluation system for judges based on criteria like case disposal rates, ethical adherence, and feedback from litigants and peers.
• For example, in Odisha, a judicial officer is expected to achieve a workload equivalent to 240 working days per year.

Asset Declaration and Transparency

• Require judges to declare their assets and liabilities publicly to deter corruption and enhance public trust in the judiciary.

Mandatory Training and Workshops

• Institute regular training programs on judicial ethics, anti-discrimination laws, and the importance of impartiality to foster accountability among judges.

Judicial Independence Safeguards

• While enhancing accountability, it is vital to protect judicial independence, ensuring that processes for accountability do not undermine impartial decision-making.

Mains Question:

Q. What measures can be implemented to promote accountability and high standards of conduct among judicial officers?

GS3/Economy

Annual Survey of Industries Report 2022-23

Why in News?

• Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) report, which provides important insights into the recovery and growth of the manufacturing sector in India. The data collection for this survey was conducted between November 2023 and June 2024 for the fiscal year 2022-23.

What are the Key Highlights of the ASI Report 2022-23?

Employment Growth in Manufacturing:

• The ASI indicates a significant employment growth of 7.5%, increasing from 1.72 crore in 2021-22 to 1.84 crore in 2022-23, marking the highest growth rate in the last 12 years.
• In 2022-23, the manufacturing sector created 13 lakh jobs, an increase from 11 lakh jobs in FY22.

Gross Value Added (GVA) and Output Growth:

• The manufacturing sector witnessed robust growth of 7.3%, reaching Rs 21.97 lakh crore in 2022-23, up from Rs 20.47 lakh crore the previous year.
• Total industrial input surged by 24.4%, while output grew by 21.5% compared to 2021-22, indicating a strong rebound in manufacturing activities.

Main Drivers of Manufacturing Growth:

• Key sectors contributing to manufacturing growth include basic metals, coke and refined petroleum products, food products, chemicals, and motor vehicles, which collectively accounted for about 58% of total output.

Regional Performance:

• The top five states in terms of manufacturing employment are Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Increase in Number of Factories:

• The number of factories rose from 2.49 lakh to 2.53 lakh in 2022-23, indicating a full recovery phase following COVID-19 disruptions.

Informal Sector Decline:

• Employment in the informal sector declined by 16.45 lakh, dropping to 10.96 crore in 2022-23, reflecting a shift towards formal employment in manufacturing.

Average Salaries:

• The average emolument per person increased by 6.3%, reaching Rs 3.46 lakh in 2022-23 compared to the previous year.

Capital Investment Surge:

• Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) surged by over 77% to Rs 5.85 lakh crore in 2022-23, while net fixed capital formation rose by 781.6% to Rs 2.68 lakh crore, supporting sustained growth in manufacturing.
• Profits in the manufacturing sector increased by 2.7% to Rs 9.76 lakh crore.

What is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)?

About:

• The ASI is the primary source of industrial statistics in India, initiated in 1960 using 1959 as the base year, and has been conducted annually since then, except in 1972.
• Since 2010-11, the survey has adhered to the Collection of Statistics Act of 2008, which was amended in 2017 to extend coverage across India.

Implementing Agency:

• The National Statistical Office (NSO), part of the MoSPI, conducts the ASI and is responsible for the quality and coverage of released statistics.

Scope and Coverage of ASI:

• The ASI covers all factories registered under certain sections of the Factories Act, 1948, and includes bidi and cigar manufacturing establishments.
• Electricity undertakings engaged in generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity are not included if not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
• Units with 100 or more employees registered in the Business Register of Establishments (BRE) maintained by State Governments are included.

Data Collection Mechanism:

• Data for the ASI are collected from selected factories as per the rules established under the amended Collection of Statistics Act.

What are the Opportunities and Challenges to the Manufacturing Sector in India?

Opportunities:

• Broad Domestic Market and Demand: The Indian manufacturing sector has experienced strong demand for its products from both domestic and international markets. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recorded at 58.8 in May 2024 indicates expansion in India's manufacturing landscape.
• Sectoral Advantage: Key manufacturing sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, industrial machinery, and textiles have demonstrated significant growth recently. For instance, pharmaceutical manufacturing costs in India are approximately 30-35% lower than in the US and Europe.
• Outreach to the Global South Market: Indian manufacturing is transitioning from European to Asian Global Value Chains (GVC), with foreign value-added from Global South partners increasing from 27% to 45% between 2005 and 2015.
• Rise of MSMEs: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute around 30% to India’s GDP and are crucial for economic growth, accounting for nearly 50% of the country’s total exports.
• Potential for Growth: The Indian manufacturing sector has the potential to reach USD 1 trillion by 2025, highlighting its critical role in the economy.

Challenges:

• Outdated Technology and Infrastructure: Dependence on outdated technology and inadequate infrastructure hinders Indian manufacturers' global competitiveness and ability to meet international quality standards.
• Shortage of Skilled Workforce: According to the World Bank, only 24% of India's workforce possesses the skills necessary for complex manufacturing jobs, compared to 52% in the US and 96% in South Korea.
• High Input Costs: The Reserve Bank of India reported in 2022 that logistics costs in India are 14% higher than the global average, impacting the manufacturing sector's overall competitiveness, compounded by complex land acquisition processes.
• Competition from China and Import Dependence: In 2023-24, China accounted for nearly 42% of India's textiles and clothing imports, 40% of machinery, and 38.4% of electronics imports.

Way Forward

• Investment in Infrastructure: Improving infrastructure quality and accessibility can help lower logistics costs and attract more investment in manufacturing.
• Need for Industry 4.0: Adoption of Industry 4.0 can enable the manufacturing sector to contribute 25% to GDP by FY26. Currently, Indian manufacturers invest 35% of their operating budgets in digital transformation, which should be increased.
• Promoting Export-Oriented Manufacturing: Supporting the development of export-oriented manufacturing can help Indian businesses access new markets and enhance competitiveness through targeted policies.
• Financial Assistance: Many MSMEs struggle to secure credit for exports; therefore, enhanced financial support for SMEs is crucial for their growth.
• Enabling Regulations: Streamlining regulations can reduce burdens on businesses and promote investment.
• Skill Development: Increasing training programs can address the skilled labor shortage and improve the sector's competitiveness, as demonstrated by Vietnam's success in becoming a global manufacturing hub.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the key opportunities and challenges facing the manufacturing sector in India and suggest measures to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.

GS3/Environment

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

Why in News?

• Recently, on 29th September, the world observed the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW), highlighting its implications for food security and environmental sustainability. A 2023 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that around 30% of global food production is either lost or wasted, which could potentially alleviate hunger. This pressing issue necessitates immediate action, particularly in India, where post-harvest losses are alarmingly high.

What is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste?

The IDAFLW, established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2019, emphasizes the critical issue of food loss and waste (FLW). Its aim is to raise awareness and galvanize efforts to reduce FLW, stressing the importance of financial support to meet climate goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative is aligned with SDG Target 12.3, which seeks to halve global food waste and minimize food losses by 2030, and is linked to the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Addressing FLW is recognized as a climate solution that necessitates increased climate finance.

What are the Implications of Food Loss and Waste (FLW)?

• Impact on Food Security: A study published in Nature indicates that nearly 29% of the global population faces moderate to severe food insecurity, while about one-third of all food produced (1.3 billion tonnes) is lost or wasted. This contributes significantly to a reduction in food availability for consumption, worsening issues of hunger and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups.
• Environmental Consequences: Vast resources such as land, water, energy, and labor are squandered alongside food, depleting natural resources. Food wastage is responsible for generating 3.3 billion tons of CO2 equivalents annually, significantly contributing to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Water Usage: The volume of water wasted on food that goes uneaten equals the annual flow of the Volga River in Russia or three times the volume of Lake Geneva.
• Land Usage: Approximately 1.4 billion hectares of land are utilized for producing food that is ultimately wasted, which is around 28% of the world’s agricultural land.
• Energy Waste: Roughly 38% of the total energy consumed in the global food system is expended on food that is lost or wasted.
• Methane Emissions: Food waste in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas that is significantly more potent than CO2, thereby exacerbating climate change.
• Climate Goals: Inefficiencies in the agricultural sector hinder the achievement of global climate targets, as emissions from food systems account for up to 37% of all GHG emissions.
• Economic Impacts: The economic ramifications of FLW are considerable, resulting in lost income for producers and inflated prices for consumers. Food prices often do not reflect the true social and environmental costs associated with food production, leading to market inefficiencies and perpetuating inequalities.

How Significant are FLW in India?

• Post-Harvest Losses: According to a survey by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Services (NABCONS) conducted in 2022, India suffers food losses valued at Rs 1.53 lakh crore (USD 18.5 billion). Major losses include 12.5 million metric tonnes of cereals, 2.11 million metric tonnes of oilseeds, and 1.37 million metric tonnes of pulses. Annually, around 49.9 million metric tonnes of horticultural crops are lost due to inadequate cold chain infrastructure.
• Key Causes of Post-Harvest Losses: A survey by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) indicates that food loss primarily occurs during harvesting, threshing, drying, and storage, largely due to low mechanization levels. Poor storage facilities contribute to approximately 10% of total food grain losses in India, as per the Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGSMRI).
• National Food Loss: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that India wastes 74 million tonnes of food each year, accounting for a loss of 92,000 crore rupees. Food waste in restaurants often arises from overproduction, oversized portions, and the complexity of offering a wide range of dishes, leading to spoilage. Additionally, customer over-ordering frequently results in food being left uneaten or discarded, exacerbated by a lack of awareness regarding the economic, social, and environmental impacts.
• Food Waste Index Report: The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021 notes that Indian households produce 50 kg of food waste per capita annually, culminating in a total of 68,760,163 tonnes each year.

Why is Reducing FLW Crucial for India’s Future?

• Climate Change: Mitigating food wastage can significantly decrease GHG emissions. Reducing FLW could potentially cut emissions by as much as 12.5 gigatons of CO2 equivalent, which is comparable to removing the emissions of 2.7 billion cars from the roads. Minimizing FLW also lessens the pressure on natural resources like water and land, ensuring that more food reaches those in need.
• Food Insecurity: Globally, between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022. According to the FAO, over 74% of India’s population cannot afford a nutritious diet. With millions in India still malnourished, reducing food loss could ensure that more food is available to those in need, especially during crises.
• Economic Efficiency: Enhancing post-harvest processes can improve farm productivity, reduce waste, and increase farmer incomes, thereby fostering a more resilient agricultural economy.

What are India’s Initiatives to Combat Food Loss and Waste?

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana: This is a central sector umbrella scheme by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) aimed at minimizing food loss and waste through the establishment of robust food processing and preservation infrastructure across India.

Key Components:

• Cold Chain, Value Addition & Preservation Infrastructure: This component focuses on developing integrated cold chains and preservation infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Mega Food Parks: These parks are intended to streamline food processing and distribution (though this initiative was discontinued by the Government of India in April 2021).
• Agro Processing Clusters: These clusters promote localized food processing units to minimize food wastage and enhance local supply chains.
• Operation Greens: This initiative provides financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid or subsidies aimed at establishing food processing projects that lead to the development of food processing and preservation infrastructure.

Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy (IFSA): Initiated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this program unites various stakeholders to prevent food loss and waste throughout the supply chain, also facilitating the safe distribution of surplus food.

What Actions are Needed to Address FLW?

• Promote Mechanisation: Farmers who utilize mechanized equipment like combine harvesters report significantly lower losses in paddy production. However, only a small fraction of Indian farmers possess such machinery. Expanding mechanization through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) can enhance technology accessibility to small and marginal farmers, thereby reducing on-field losses.
• Improve Storage and Packaging Solutions: Traditional storage methods, such as sun drying and jute packaging, are susceptible to contamination, quality decline, and spoilage from rodent infestations or pilferage. Implementing solar dryers, airtight packaging, and increasing India’s grain storage capacity by 70 million metric tons (MMT) over five years, as planned by the government, could significantly reduce post-harvest losses.
• Waste Management Protocols and Recycling: Adopting the UN Global Food Loss and Waste Protocol can help India quantify food loss across the value chain and develop targeted solutions. Converting food waste into compost, biogas, or energy provides a sustainable approach to managing excess production and post-harvest waste.
• Redistribute Surplus Food: Surplus food can be redirected to those in need, alleviating hunger and food insecurity. Alternatively, surplus food can be transformed into animal feed or organic manure, offering an effective recycling solution.
• Consumer Responsibility: Consumers play a crucial role in minimizing food waste by purchasing only what is necessary. Changing consumer behaviors through awareness campaigns can foster responsible consumption patterns.
• Adopt Innovative Technologies: Innovations such as mobile food processing systems, improved logistics, and e-commerce platforms can help bridge the gap between food production and consumption, reducing inefficiencies in storage, transportation, and distribution.
• Food Collection from Social Events: Social gatherings often result in significant food wastage. City-based organizations are already collecting surplus food from events and distributing it to underprivileged areas, addressing both food waste and hunger.
• Align Food Production with Demand: To minimize resource wastage, aligning food production with actual demand can optimize the use of water, energy, and land, ensuring that excess resources are not expended on food that will ultimately go to waste.

Conclusion

Reducing food loss and waste in India is not merely about enhancing economic efficiency; it is critical for securing food availability for millions and mitigating environmental damage. Technological advancements, coupled with supportive policies, can pave the way for cutting food wastage by 50%. As India progresses toward a sustainable future, addressing food loss and waste becomes an essential component of the strategy to feed its population and protect the planet.

Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the implications of food loss and waste on food security in India. What measures can be taken to address this issue?

GS2/International Relations

Implications of the Israel-Iran Conflict

Why in News?

• The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, leading to heightened concerns across multiple sectors, especially in trade and economics. As tensions rise, the implications for India, which is emerging as a significant player in the global market, are becoming increasingly critical.

What are the Implications of the Israel-Iran Conflict on India?

Disruption of Trade Routes:

• The ongoing conflict poses a threat to crucial shipping routes vital for India's trade with regions like Europe, the US, Africa, and West Asia.
• Key routes such as the Red Sea and Suez Canal are essential for transporting goods worth over USD 400 billion annually.
• Such instability endangers not only shipping lanes but also the overall security of maritime trade.

Economic Impact on Exports:

• Indian exports have already begun to feel the pinch, with a reported 9% decline in August 2024.
• The petroleum sector faced a significant 38% drop in exports, largely due to the crisis in the Red Sea.
• Iran's role as a major importer of Indian tea, with exports reaching 4.91 million kg in early 2024, is now under threat due to the conflict.

Rising Shipping Costs:

• Conflicts have led to longer shipping routes, increasing costs by 15-20%.
• This surge in shipping rates has put pressure on profit margins for Indian exporters, particularly in sectors sensitive to freight costs like textiles and low-end engineering products.
• Exporters are now reconsidering their pricing strategies and operational efficiencies due to rising logistics costs.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC):

• Under India's G20 presidency, a new trade corridor known as IMEC aims to connect India with the Gulf and Europe, reducing reliance on the Suez Canal and countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• However, the ongoing conflict jeopardizes the progress and viability of this corridor, affecting bilateral trade with regional partners.

Impact on Crude Oil Prices:

• The conflict has caused global crude oil prices to rise, with Brent crude nearing USD 75 a barrel.
• As a major oil producer, any military actions involving Iran could disrupt oil supplies and push prices even higher.
• Increased oil prices may deter central banks from reducing interest rates due to the inflationary pressures complicating economic recovery.

Effects on Indian Markets:

• India's heavy reliance on oil imports (over 80% of its needs) makes it susceptible to price fluctuations.
• A sustained rise in oil prices could prompt investors to shift from Indian equities to safer investments such as bonds or gold.
• The Indian stock market has already reacted, with major indices like Sensex and Nifty opening lower amid concerns of a prolonged conflict.

Gold as a Safe Haven:

• Geopolitical tensions have driven gold prices to new highs, as investors seek safe havens during uncertain times.
• This increase in demand for gold could further elevate its price amidst the ongoing conflict.

Logistics Challenges:

• Indian exporters are currently in a "wait and watch" mode, facing uncertainties.
• Some exporters are advocating for government investment in developing a reputable Indian shipping line to reduce dependence on foreign shipping companies that charge high transport fees.

What is the Status of India's Trade with Israel and Iran?

India-Israel Trade:

• India-Israel trade has experienced remarkable growth, doubling from approximately USD 5.56 billion in 2018-19 to USD 10.7 billion in 2022-23.
• In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade reached USD 6.53 billion (excluding defense), although it has seen a decline due to regional security issues and trade route disruptions.
• Israel ranks as India's second-largest trading partner in Asia.
• Key exports from India to Israel include diesel, diamonds, aviation turbine fuel, and Basmati rice, with diesel and diamonds together accounting for 78% of total exports in 2022-23.
• India's imports from Israel consist mainly of space equipment, diamonds, potassium chloride, and mechanical appliances.

India-Iran Trade:

• Contrasting with the robust trade with Israel, India's trade with Iran has declined over the past five years, totaling only USD 2.33 billion in 2022-23.
• During FY 2023-24, trade with Iran reached USD 1.52 billion in the first 10 months (April-January).
• India enjoyed a trade surplus of approximately USD 1 billion in 2022-23, exporting USD 1.66 billion worth of goods to Iran, primarily agricultural products, while importing USD 0.67 billion.
• Major exports to Iran include Basmati rice, tea, sugar, fresh fruits, pharmaceuticals, soft drinks, and pulses.
• India's imports from Iran primarily consist of saturated methanol, petroleum bitumen, apples, liquefied propane, dry dates, and various chemicals.

What are the Global Implications of the Israel-Iran Conflict?

Energy Supply and Pricing Dynamics:

• Iran, as a member of OPEC, produces about 3.2 million barrels per day, representing around 3% of global output.
• Despite facing U.S. sanctions, Iranian oil exports have surged, especially due to demand from China, highlighting its strategic importance in the global oil market.
• OPEC+ has significant spare capacity, with Saudi Arabia capable of increasing output by up to 3 million barrels per day and the UAE by about 1.4 million barrels per day.
• This spare capacity acts as a buffer against potential disruptions in Iranian oil supplies, though the situation remains tense.

Long-term Energy Security:

• The diversification of global oil supply, especially with rising U.S. production, provides some insulation from price shocks due to conflicts in the Middle East.
• The U.S. produces approximately 13% of global crude oil and nearly 20% of total liquid production, which helps stabilize the market amid uncertainties.

Potential for Escalation:

• While Israel has not yet targeted Iranian oil facilities, the possibility remains, and such actions could provoke a strong military response from Iran.
• Historically, conflicts in this region can escalate quickly, leading to unintended consequences for global supply chains.

Geopolitical Considerations:

• The U.S. is likely to pressure Israel to avoid significant military escalation to maintain regional stability and prevent a wider conflict.
• This reflects a nuanced foreign policy approach that seeks to balance support for Israel with global economic interests.
• Other global players, particularly China, with significant energy ties to Iran, will closely monitor developments, which may reshape international energy strategies and alliances.

Humanitarian Crises:

• A broader conflict could result in refugee flows that impact Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece, straining international humanitarian resources.

What are the Possible Solutions to De-escalate the Iran-Israel Conflict?

Immediate Ceasefire Agreement:

• Encouraging both Iran and Israel to agree on an immediate ceasefire can be a crucial first step in reducing tensions and enabling dialogue.
• Global powers, especially the United States and China, should use their diplomatic influence to advocate for a ceasefire and foster negotiations.

Regional Collaboration:

• Involving Gulf Arab states in discussions offers a more comprehensive approach to de-escalation, addressing shared fears regarding Iran's regional influence.

Humanitarian Aid and Support:

• Increasing humanitarian assistance to affected areas can alleviate suffering and help foster goodwill, potentially easing hostilities.

International Organisations:

• Engaging organizations like the United Nations to mediate discussions and facilitate conflict resolution efforts can provide neutral ground for negotiations.

Long-term Peace Initiatives:

• Regional powers should work together to establish a comprehensive security framework that includes confidence-building measures, arms control agreements, and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Addressing underlying issues, such as historical grievances, territorial disputes, and religious extremism, will create a more favorable environment for lasting peace.

Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the implications of the Israel-Iran conflict on India's trade and economic interests.