06 November 2024 Daily Current Affairs

1 Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Context: The Indian government recently released the Operational Guidelines for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. This initiative, governed at the national level by an Empowered Committee of Secretaries from key departments, is set to promote women’s empowerment and technological advancement in agriculture.

About the Namo Drone Didi Scheme:

• Type: Central Sector Scheme, part of the DAY–NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission).
• Objective: Empower Self–Help Groups (SHGs), particularly women’s SHGs, by enabling them to provide drone rental services for agricultural purposes. The scheme targets support for 14,500 SHGs across India from 2024 to 2026.
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Key Features:

• Financial Assistance:
  • Provides 80% subsidy (up to Rs 8 lakh) for SHGs to buy drones.
  • Additional financing is available through the Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility

(AIF), offering a 3% interest subvention on loans.

• Drone Package:
  • Includes spray assemblies, batteries, cameras, chargers, and measurement tools.
  • Extra batteries and propellers are included, allowing drones to cover up to 20 acres per day.
• Training Program:
  • Each SHG will assign a drone pilot who will receive a 15–day training program focused on agriculture-related tasks such as nutrient and pesticide spraying.
• Implementation and Oversight:
  • Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will coordinate the scheme at the state level, working with state departments, drone manufacturers, and SHG federations.
  • An IT–Based Drone Portal (MIS) will provide real-time monitoring, fund management, and drone usage tracking.

Significance:

1. Empowers Women: Offers income-generating opportunities for SHGs by establishing them as drone service providers.
2. Modernizes Agriculture: Introduces precision agriculture for efficient fertilizer and pesticide application, increasing productivity.
3. Reduces Farming Costs: Saves time and labor, making advanced farming more affordable for farmers.
4. Promotes Rural Skill Development: Enhances digital literacy and drone operation skills in rural areas.
5. Supports Government Initiatives: Aligns with DAY–NRLM and the Kisan Drones program, furthering rural empowerment and sustainable agriculture.
6. Enhances Technological Access: Brings advanced technology to rural regions, promoting inclusivity in the agricultural sector.

Challenges and Concerns:

1. Financial Burden on SHGs: SHGs must cover the remaining 20% of the drone cost, which may be challenging for financially vulnerable groups, especially if the economic returns do not meet expectations.
2. Limited Training for Technical Complexity: The 15–day training may be insufficient for managing complex tasks or troubleshooting technical issues in drone operation.
3. Bureaucratic Layers: Dependence on Lead Fertilizer Companies for coordination may cause bureaucratic delays in implementation.
4. Environmental and Health Risks: There are concerns about potential harm to biodiversity in ecologically sensitive areas, such as the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu, where conservationists worry that aerial spraying may impact pollinators and fragile ecosystems.

Way Ahead:

1. Enhanced Financial Support: Consider grants or full subsidies to cover the remaining 20% of costs, minimizing financial stress for SHGs.
2. Extended Training Programs: Offer comprehensive training and refresher courses to better equip SHGs for handling technical and operational challenges.
3. Environmental Safeguards: Establish guidelines for safe pesticide application via drones, particularly near ecologically sensitive zones, to protect biodiversity and prevent environmental damage.

Conclusion: The Namo Drone Didi Scheme represents a significant step towards integrating women’s empowerment with technology-driven agriculture, yet its success will depend on addressing financial, technical, and environmental concerns effectively.

2 Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)

Context: A recent study by the University of New South Wales highlights that Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) have had a positive impact on India’s GDP. The study analysed data on freight costs,

industry inputs, and population statistics, revealing significant benefits for the western regions and lower per-capita GDP states through reduced transportation costs.

Key Findings from the Study:

• Revenue Boost for Indian Railways: Between FY 2018-19 and FY 2022-23, DFCs increased Indian Railways’ revenue by 2.94%.
• Lowered Commodity Prices: Improved efficiency and reduced freight costs on DFCs have contributed to a 0.5% reduction in commodity prices.
• Regional Economic Benefits: The study found that DFCs significantly benefited states with lower per-capita GDP, particularly in western India.

What are Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)?

Dedicated Freight Corridors are specialized railway lines exclusively for freight transport, designed to allow faster, higher-capacity movement of goods. These corridors enhance the efficiency of supply chains and support export-import activities, helping to reduce logistics costs across India.

• Initiation: The DFC initiative was first announced in the Railway Budget for FY 2005–06.
• Special Purpose Vehicle: The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited

(DFCCIL) was created in 2006 to oversee the construction and operation of DFCs.

Current Status of DFC Projects: The Ministry of Railways launched two major DFCs in 2006:

1. Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC):

• Length: 1,337 km from Sonnagar, Bihar to Sahnewal, Punjab.
  • Status: Completed.

2. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC):

• Length: 1,506 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai to Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Status: 93% commissioned, with full completion expected by December 2025.

Upcoming DFC Projects: India has proposed four additional DFCs to expand the network:

• East–West DFC: Kolkata to Mumbai
• North–South DFC: Delhi to Chennai
• East Coast DFC: Kharagpur to Vijayawada
• Southern DFC: Chennai to Goa

Importance of Dedicated Freight Corridors

1. Reducing Congestion on Rail Networks: DFCs alleviate congestion on the Golden Quadrilateral rail network, which connects India’s major metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Howrah) and is currently overburdened by high traffic.
2. Improving Freight Efficiency and Reducing Travel Time: DFCs provide dedicated tracks for freight, ensuring faster, uninterrupted goods movement, and reducing transit times.
3. Economic Impact and Revenue Growth: DFCs aim to cut logistics costs for industries and improve Indian Railways’ revenue. Between FY 2018-19 and FY 2022-23, DFCs contributed 2.94% revenue growth for Indian Railways.
4. Lower Freight Costs and Reduced Commodity Prices: DFCs improve the efficiency of freight movement, lowering transportation costs and subsequently reducing commodity prices, benefiting the broader economy.

Conclusion: Dedicated Freight Corridors are transforming India’s transportation infrastructure by enhancing efficiency, supporting economic growth, and reducing logistics costs. The completion of ongoing and proposed DFCs is expected to play a vital role in boosting India’s trade, industry, and overall economic competitiveness.

3 Supreme Court Directions on Permanent Remission for Convicts

Context: The Supreme Court of India recently issued directives to improve transparency and standardization in granting permanent remission to convicts. This move addresses the need for clear guidelines, timely communication, and greater accessibility to remission policies across the country.

Key Points of the Ruling

1. Policy Accessibility and Information:
   1. States must make remission policies accessible to all convicts by providing copies in prisons and publishing them on government websites.
   1. Jail authorities are required to inform eligible convicts of these remission policies.
2. Timely Communication of Decisions: States and Union Territories must notify convicts within one week if their remission application is rejected.
3. Updated Policy Availability: Any modifications to remission policies must be promptly updated in prisons and online.

What is Permanent Remission?

Permanent remission refers to reducing or shortening a convict’s sentence or allowing early release based on factors such as good conduct or special circumstances. Legal provisions under which remission can be granted include:

• Article 72 (President’s Power): Grants the President the authority to pardon, reprieve, or remit punishment, including for death sentences, in consultation with the Union Cabinet.
• Article 161 (Governor’s Power): Empowers state Governors to grant remission for sentences passed by courts within the state, based on the state government’s advice.
• Section 432, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC): Allows central or state governments to grant remission or suspend a convict’s sentence, either temporarily or permanently, depending on specific circumstances.

Types of Remission:

1. Full Remission: The convict’s sentence is completely removed, leading to immediate release.
2. Partial Remission: The duration of the sentence is reduced, but the convict is not released immediately.

Special Remission: Granted as part of special amnesty, often on national holidays or for certain categories of prisoners (e.g., elderly or sick).

Guidelines for Premature Release: Laxman Naskar v. Union of India (2000)

In this landmark case, the Supreme Court outlined criteria for considering premature release:

• Whether the crime was an isolated act, without broader social impact.
• Likelihood of the convict committing future crimes.
• Whether the convict has lost the capacity to commit a crime.
• Whether continued confinement serves any purpose.
• The socio-economic condition of the convict’s family.

Landmark Cases and Principles on Remission:

Several cases, including Maru Ram v. Union of India (1981) and Union of India v. V. Sriharan (2016),

emphasize key principles in remission:

• Discretionary Powers: The President and Governor have discretionary powers to grant remission.
• Executive–Judiciary Relationship: Judiciary reviews remission decisions to ensure alignment with justice.
• Focus on Rehabilitation: Good conduct, rehabilitation, and judicial oversight are essential for granting remission, especially for life convicts and death row inmates.

Bail Provisions in India:

The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, governs bail provisions, with updates introduced through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Common types of bail include:

1. Regular Bail: Granted during a trial upon meeting court conditions.
2. Anticipatory Bail: For those who fear arrest in non-bailable offenses, allowing advance bail.
3. Interim Bail: Short-term bail granted pending a regular bail decision.
4. Default Bail: Granted when the accused isn’t released within a specified period, typically 90 days in non-bailable offenses.

Conclusion: Permanent remission serves as a crucial instrument for offering a second chance to rehabilitated convicts or those with special circumstances. However, this power is regulated by strict legal standards and requires a comprehensive review of each convict’s situation to ensure the decision aligns with justice and public interest. The Supreme Court’s directives aim to create a consistent, fair, and transparent remission process across states, ultimately reinforcing the importance of reform and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system.

4 G-20 DRRWG Ministerial Meeting in Brazil

Context: India recently participated in the G–20’s Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) ministerial meeting in Brazil, where G20 ministers and delegates adopted a Ministerial Declaration emphasizing accelerated action to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Key Highlights of the Ministerial Declaration:

The declaration underscored:

• The importance of mobilizing =inancial resources for disaster risk reduction.
• The need to adopt nature–based solutions and ecosystem–based approaches to effectively manage disaster risks.

About G–20’s Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)

• Established: 2023, during India’s G-20 Presidency.
• Objective: Integrate disaster risk reduction into G-20 activities, reinforcing collective action against disasters.
• Five Priority Areas:
  • Early Warning Systems: Improving alert mechanisms for early disaster warning.
  • Disaster–Resilient Infrastructure: Strengthening infrastructure to withstand disasters.
  • DRR Financing: Ensuring adequate =inancial resources for disaster preparedness and response.
  • Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction: Enhancing post-disaster rebuilding efforts.
  • Nature–Based Solutions and Ecosystem Approaches for DRR: Utilizing natural solutions to mitigate disaster risks.

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030)

The Sendai Framework is a 15-year, non-binding agreement that replaced the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005– 2015). It was adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in 2015 in Sendai, Japan.

Objectives: The framework aims to signi=icantly reduce disaster risk and losses in terms of:

• Lives, livelihoods, and health.
• Economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets.

Priorities of the Sendai Framework:

1. Understanding Disaster Risk: Recognizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of risks associated with various hazards.
2. Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: Improving policies and frameworks to manage and reduce risks effectively.
3. Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience: Allocating resources to enhance resilience against disasters.
4. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response: Preparing adequately for response and recovery to mitigate impact.
5. Building Back Better: A focus on recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts to strengthen resilience against future disasters.

The G–20’s DRRWG and its alignment with the Sendai Framework re=lect global efforts to enhance resilience, particularly through financial mobilization, nature-based solutions, and comprehensive DRR strategies. India’s active role in this working group underscores its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and risk reduction both domestically and globally.

5 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Enhancing Biodiversity and Nutritional Security

Context: A recent study highlights the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in conserving biodiversity and improving nutritional security, particularly for coastal communities. The study emphasizes that sustainable MPA management can have substantial benefits for global fisheries, revenue, and nutrition.

Key Highlights of the Study:

• Sustainable–Use MPAs contribute:
  • 13.6% of global catch
  • 14% of Uisheries revenue
  • 13.7% of nutrient supply to the global population
  • 7% of global catches come from within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
  • Establishing MPAs in nutritionally vulnerable coastal regions can enhance human health and nutrition by ensuring sustainable =ish stocks and marine resources.
  • Understanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
  • MPAs are speci=ic areas in oceans where human activities are regulated more strictly than in surrounding waters to protect marine biodiversity. Managed by various levels of government and indigenous authorities, MPAs help preserve both natural and historical marine resources.
  • SigniUicance of MPAs:
  • Genetic Reservoirs: Provide sources of genetic material to help recover areas affected by pollution or
  • overUishing.
  • Refuge for Marine Species: Offer safe zones for countless species, protecting them from overUishing, habitat destruction, and pollution.
  • Research Baselines: Serve as control sites for scientiUic research on marine ecology.
  • Tourism and Recreation: Attract nature–based tourism, supporting local economies.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Aid in carbon sequestration and improve ecosystems’ resilience to climate change.
  • Challenges in Conserving MPAs:
  • Enforcement Issues: Dif=iculties in enforcing regulations across vast marine areas.
  • Resource Demands: Requires signi=icant =inancial and human resources for effective management.
  • Impact on Local Livelihoods: Restrictions on =ishing can affect the income of local communities dependent on marine resources.
  • Global Initiatives for Marine Biodiversity Protection:
  • Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Aims to protect 30% of oceans and lands by 2030.
  • High Seas Treaty: The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), commonly known as the High Seas Treaty, addresses biodiversity conservation in areas outside national jurisdiction.
  • Marine Protected Areas in India:
  • Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu)
  • Lothian Island (West Bengal)
  • Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (Odisha)
  • Conlusion: MPAs play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, nutritional security, and climate resilience, especially for coastal and marine–dependent communities. With global support and sustainable management, MPAs can ensure both ecological preservation and human well-being.

6 Tumaini Festival

The Tumaini Festival in Malawi is a unique cultural event held annually at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. Since its founding in 2014, the festival has served as a powerful platform for refugees and local Malawians to connect through music, art, dance, and crafts, fostering a sense of community, solidarity, and hope. It is notably the only festival of its kind hosted within a refugee camp and is organized and managed by the refugees themselves.

Highlights of the Tumaini Festival:

• Global Reach: The festival features performances from artists worldwide, attracting thousands of attendees each year.
• Cultural Exchange: It offers a diverse lineup of music, dance, theater, and visual arts, celebrating both local and global cultures.
• Award–Winning Impact: In 2024, the Tumaini Festival was honored with the Cultures of Resistance Award for its role in promoting peace and cultural resilience.

About Dzaleka Refugee Camp:

Located in Malawi, Dzaleka is the country’s only permanent refugee camp, established in 1994 to shelter displaced people from Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the years, it has also received refugees from Somalia, Ethiopia, and other regions.

Key Facts about Malawi:

• Geography: A landlocked nation in Southeastern Africa, covering 118,484 sq. km, bordered by

Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia.

• Capital: Lilongwe
• Official Languages: English and Chichewa
• Currency: Malawi kwacha (MWK)
• Natural Landmarks: Known for its highlands and Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa), one of the world’s deepest lakes.
• Economy: Malawi relies heavily on agriculture, employing over 80% of its population, yet remains one of the poorest countries globally.

The Tumaini Festival not only showcases the artistic talents of refugees and locals but also exemplifies the resilience and cultural richness that can emerge from the challenges of displacement.