APRIL 3, 2024 | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR APSC/UPSC

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Assam Govt. has Requested the Commerce Ministry to Defer the Mandatory 100% Auction of Dust Tea for a Reasonable period:

  • What's the matter?
    • Recently, The Tea Board of India notified that, all bought leaf factories have to channel all their teas to the markets via the tea auction route.
    • (Defer means to postpone)
    • Tea Board sources said that the move was to prevent seepage of “pesticide-laden teas” into the markets, as food safety inspectors would ensure that only pesticidefree teas are sold at the tea auctions.
    • This also led to the shutting down of Bought-Leaf Factories (BLFs) for a few days in protest or opposition, which would harm small tea growers and factories.
      • BLFs are units that purchase tea leaves from small tea growers and then process them into the final tea product. 
      • Essentially, BLFs act as intermediaries between STGs and the final tea market. 
      • Bought leaf factories produce more than 50 per cent of the country’s tea.
  • News in development:
    • BLFs initially opposed mandatory auction but agreed to accept only "good leaf" until SOP for testing chemical residual content is finalized.
    • BLFs and small tea growers decided to continue the current system of purchasing green leaves from Small Tea Growers (STGs) adhering to FSSAI norms.
    • Government directed strict vigilance against the stock and sale of banned chemicals, warning of stern action against defaulters.
    • Auction-specific concerns raised by BLFs will be addressed at an appropriate forum.
    • BLFs argue against government intervention citing unsold tea percentage, poor price realization, and slower auction procedures.
    • They advocate for a liberalized market where producers can sell their produce as they see fit.
  • Support for Mandatory Auction:
    • Proponents believe mandatory auction would enhance transparency, compliance, and result in better price realization.
    • They argue that small tea growers will benefit from better prices due to increased transparency.

Challenges Faced by Indian Tea Industry:

  • What's the matter?
    • India was the fourth-largest tea exporter globally in 2022-23, exporting 241.05 million kg valued at USD 817.57 million.
    • Major export destinations include UAE, Russia, USA, Iran, UK, Germany, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Japan, accounting for 70% of total tea exports volume.
  • News in Development:
    • The Tea Board of India acknowledges intense competition from major tea-exporting countries like Kenya and Sri Lanka, as well as low-priced producers like Vietnam, Malawi, and Nepal.
    • Geopolitical and geo-economic factors, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have hindered export growth in the sector.
    • A significant decline in tea exports to Iran has been noted, impacting the industry's export volume and value.
    • Concerns Regarding Maximum Residue Limits (MRL):
      • Tea exports from India contain traces of nicotine, a naturally occurring pollutant, which presents challenges due to revised MRL set by the European Union.
      • The adjustment in MRL poses difficulties for meeting export standards, affecting tea exports from the country.
  • Overview of Indian Tea Industry:
    • India is the second-largest producer of tea globally and the largest consumer.
    • The overall tea production reached 1,374.97 million kg in 2022-23, with Black CTC Tea dominating production.
    • Tea cultivation spans 15 states, with Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala contributing nearly 98% of the total output.
    • Approximately 19% of tea produced is exported, while 81% is consumed domestically.
    • The industry provides direct employment to over a million individuals, with women constituting around 60% of the workforce, supporting the livelihoods of over six million people.

India Rejects Chinese Attempt to Rename Places in Arunachal Pradesh:

  • What's the matter?
    • China announced Chinese names for 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as part of southern Tibet.
    • This is not the first time China has attempted such actions. In the past, it released standardized names for places in Arunachal Pradesh in 2017, 2020, and 2021, which India strongly opposed.
  • India's Response:
    • India firmly rejected China's attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it "senseless."
    • The Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that assigning invented names does not change the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

Optimism for India's Permanent UNSC Membership:

  • What's the matter?
    • The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was formed 80 years ago, following the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 after World War II. 
    • The original five permanent members of the UNSC were China, France, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), the UK, and the US. 
    • Since the establishment of the UNSC there have been significant changes in the global landscape since then, with the number of UN member states increasing to around 193 today. Many member states advocate for reforms of the UNSC, arguing that its composition and structure do not adequately reflect the realities of the modern world. They seek reforms to make the UNSC more representative and inclusive.
  • News in Development?
    • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism about India eventually gaining permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), considering it inevitable.
    • He emphasized that international momentum is favoring India's bid for a permanent seat.
    • Collaborative proposals involving India, Japan, Germany, and Egypt have been submitted to the UN, indicating progress.

Google's Settlement in Lawsuit:

  • What's the matter?
    • Google has agreed to purge billions of records containing personal information collected from over 136 million people in the US who used its Chrome web browser.
    • The settlement arises from a lawsuit accusing Google of illegal surveillance, including tracking Chrome users' internet activity even when using the 'Incognito' mode meant for privacy.
  • News in Development:
    • Attorneys representing Chrome users view the settlement as a victory for personal privacy, estimating its value between USD 4.75 billion to USD 7.8 billion based on potential ad sales generated from personal information collected through Chrome.
    • The settlement does not shield Google from future lawsuits on similar issues, allowing individual consumers to pursue damages through civil complaints.
    • Google faces regulatory challenges, including allegations of search engine dominance abuse and potential changes to its Android app store after being accused of running an illegal monopoly.

The Assam Tribune Editorial Summary (April 3, 2024)

Annual Price Hikes of Essential Medicines:

  • What's the matter?
    • Over 800 drugs on the National List of Essential Medicines have witnessed price hikes this year after steep annual increases of 12% and 10% in the past two years.
    • While this year's hike is marginal, it adds to the burden on the common man, who is already facing challenges accessing quality medical care due to surging costs.
  • News in Development:
    • The electoral bond 'scam', has been linked to skyrocketing medicine prices, with 35 pharmaceutical companies contributing nearly Rs 1,000 crore to political parties through electoral bonds.
    • The revelation of pharmaceutical companies contributing to political parties while being investigated for poor-quality drugs raises concerns about public health compromises.
  • Who Controls Drugs Prices in India?
    • Scheduled drugs' prices are controlled by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
  • Impact:
    • The significant price increases in the past two years have exacerbated the situation, making medical care increasingly unaffordable for many.
    • The escalating prices of essential medicines burden the masses, especially amid rising costs of food and other commodities.
    • While generic medicines are affordable, the reluctance of doctors to prescribe them poses a hurdle, as patients often prefer brand-name prescriptions.
  • Way Forward:
    • Balancing government intervention in the market with necessary price control measures for life-saving and widely used drugs is essential.

Sustainable Electronics for Greener Future:

  • Background:
    • The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report highlights a substantial increase in e-waste production globally, with Asia leading in generation.
    • Improper e-waste recycling poses health risks due to toxic substances like lead and mercury.
    • The World Health Organisation identifies e-waste as the fastest-growing solid waste stream globally.
  • Sustainable Electronics:
    • Sustainable electronics entail redesigning, manufacturing, and disposing of electronic devices to minimize environmental impact.
    • Prioritizing materials wisely, choosing biodegradable or earth-abundant alternatives, and emphasizing recyclability are fundamental aspects.
    • Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, enable easier disassembly, repair, and recycling, reducing material waste.
  • Sustainable Manufacturing:
    • Sustainable manufacturing processes focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and minimizing hazardous substances.
    • Adoption of renewable energy sources, closed-loop systems, and lean manufacturing principles contribute to a more sustainable production cycle.
  • Energy Efficiency:
    • Energy-efficient components and systems reduce electricity consumption during the usage phase.
    • Proper recycling programs, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and encouraging responsible usage practices are essential for managing electronic waste.
  • Nanotechnology and Sustainable Electronics:
    • Nanotechnology offers solutions at the nano-scale, enhancing properties like conductivity and efficiency for energy-efficient devices.
    • Nanotechnology revolutionizes manufacturing, bringing precision and efficiency to produce electronic components with minimal resource use and waste.

Small tea growers tasting big success:

  • Background:
    • Assam's tea sector, which accounts for more than 25% of the state's GDP, has witnessed the emergence of small tea growers (STGs) who play a crucial role in tea production. 
    • Initially, tea cultivation was restricted to large-scale plantations, but the scenario changed after 1978 when restrictions were lifted, leading to the growth of small-scale tea cultivation, spearheaded by Soneswar Bora.
  • Emergence of Small Tea Growers (STGs):
    • Small-scale tea cultivation began in Golaghat district, Assam, in 1986, driven by unemployment concerns.
    • Favorable weather conditions and infrastructural support facilitated the growth of small tea gardens.
  • Impact and Growth of Small Tea Growers:
    • The establishment of the 'All Assam Small Tea Growers' Association' in 1987 marked a turning point, promoting small-scale tea cultivation.
    • The Small Tea Growers Advisory Programme (STAP) provided technical assistance, contributing to the economic development of Assam.
    • The total number of small tea growers in Assam is 1,25,484, contributing 47.77% of the total tea production annually in the state.
    • They have steadily expanded their presence, particularly in upper Assam districts, with Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Golaghat being key areas.
Credit: The Assam Tribune, April 3, 2024.
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