28 April 2024

Statecraft IAS www.statecraft.in

1. State-Level DPI Adoption Index
2. Rare Sympathetic Solar Flares Observed
3. Unveiling the Link between Fairness Creams and Nephrotic Syndrome
4. Exploring Raman Spectroscopy
5. Introduction to the AEO Programme
6. Introduction to ACS3 Mission
7. Tamil Nadu’s Synchronized Survey of Nilgiri Tahr
8. Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department Takes Action Against Liquid Nitrogen Usage
9. 75 Most Vulnerable Economies: Addressing Challenges and Unlocking Potential

State-Level DPI Adoption Index

Introduction;

• The World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY), is developing a state-level Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) adoption index to assess and strengthen digital infrastructure across India.
• The World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY), is leading the development of a state-level Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) adoption index.
• The project is currently in its preparatory stages and aims to create an index that assesses different states’ adoption levels of DPIs.
• The goal is to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening DPIs, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering public-private innovation within the digital economy.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI);

• DPI refers to the foundational digital infrastructure that enables the delivery of digital services and facilitates interactions between citizens, businesses, and governments.
• It includes various technological components, policies, and frameworks aimed at enhancing digital connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency in public service delivery.

Three Pillars of DPI;

1. Identity: Aadhar serves as India’s digital ID system.

2. Payment: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitates real-time payments.

3. Data Management: The Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) ensures consent-based data sharing.

India’s Initiatives Leveraging DPI;

– Digital India

– BharatNet

– National Health Stack

– National Knowledge Network (NKN)

– UMANG

– Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

These initiatives are integral to India’s efforts to leverage DPI for digital transformation and inclusive growth.

Rare Sympathetic Solar Flares Observed

Context;

A unique celestial event unfolded as four solar flares, known as Sympathetic Solar Flares, occurred simultaneously, marking the beginning of the Sun’s dynamic 11-year solar cycle.

Understanding Solar Cycles;

• The Sun’s active nature generates powerful magnetic fields due to electrically charged gases on its surface.
• These magnetic fields undergo various changes, leading to solar activity.
• Scientists track solar cycles using sunspots, which fluctuate throughout the roughly 11-year cycle.
• The start of a solar cycle, known as solar minimum, features minimal sunspot activity.

Exploring Sympathetic Solar Flares;

• Sympathetic solar flares are eruptions that occur closely in time and space to another solar flare.
• These events are believed to be connected through magnetic fields or other physical processes on the Sun’s surface.
• When a solar flare occurs, it releases electromagnetic radiation and charged particles into space.
• Sometimes, this energy can cause disturbances in the Sun’s magnetic field, triggering additional flares or eruptions nearby.

Implications for Earth;

• Sympathetic solar flares and related events like coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and plasma bursts can potentially disrupt power grids, communication networks, and increase radiation exposure for astronauts and passengers on aircraft.
• Additionally, solar storms can produce stunning natural light displays known as auroras, visible near the Earth’s magnetic poles.

Unveiling the Link between Fairness Creams and Nephrotic Syndrome

Overview;

• Researchers from Kerala have highlighted a concerning connection between the regular use of fairness creams and the development of Membranous Nephropathy (MN) in 15 reported cases.
• These creams were found to contain extraordinarily high levels of mercury, far exceeding safety thresholds.

Mercury Contamination in Fairness Creams;

• Investigations revealed that affected individuals had significantly elevated levels of mercury in their blood and urine.
• The fairness creams analyzed contained mercury concentrations up to 10,000 times higher than the permissible limit set by the Minamata Convention (2013).
• Surprisingly, most cases tested negative for PLA2R, indicating an alternative cause, with some linked to Neural Epidermal Growth Factor-like Protein 1 (NELL-1).

Understanding Membranous Nephropathy;

• Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a type of nephrotic syndrome characterized by abnormal protein leakage into the urine, potentially leading to kidney failure.
• Symptoms such as fatigue, swelling (edema), and protein in the urine (proteinuria) were observed in patients with a history of consistent fairness cream use.

Systemic Impact of Mercury;

• Mercury present in fairness creams inhibits melanin production, promoting lighter skin.
• Despite its toxicity, consumers often perceive higher mercury levels as more effective for skin whitening.
• Mercury can enter the body through various pathways, including sweat glands and hair follicles, leading to systemic toxicity.
• Chronic exposure to mercury poses severe health risks, including kidney damage, neurological disorders, and other complications.

Exploring Raman Spectroscopy

Overview:

• In a recent development, researchers have utilized Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive laser technique, to trace the origin of ivory.
• This advancement facilitates the differentiation between mammoth ivory and that obtained from living elephants, aiding law enforcement agencies and customs authorities.

Understanding Raman Spectroscopy:

• Raman spectroscopy is an analytical method that involves examining the vibrational energy modes of a sample using scattered light.
• This technique entails illuminating a substance with a laser and analyzing the light scattered off its surface.
• It relies on the interaction of light with the chemical bonds present in the material.
• By detecting Raman scattering from the sample, this spectroscopy offers both chemical and structural insights, along with substance identification based on their unique Raman ‘fingerprint.’

Discovery of the Raman Effect:

• The Raman effect, introduced by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
• This effect refers to the wavelength change of light when it is deflected by molecules.
• When a light beam passes through a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, most of the scattered light matches the laser source’s wavelength, known as Rayleigh Scatter.
• However, a minute portion of light, around 0.0000001%, scatters at different wavelengths depending on the analyte’s chemical structure, termed as Raman Scatter.

Introduction to the AEO Programme

Overview:

Recently, the Centre has expanded the scope of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status to include the gem and jewellery sector.

Understanding the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme:

• An AEO refers to a business entity engaged in international trade activities and is required to comply with national customs regulations.

• This status is granted by the national administration in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
• The WCO established the SAFE Framework of Standards (WCO SAFE FoS) in June 2005 to ensure the security of the international supply chain, with the AEO being a fundamental component of this framework.
• This programme fosters a closer collaboration between customs authorities and the trade industry.

Key Aspects of the AEO Programme:

• Introduced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in 2011, the AEO Programme in India is voluntary and administered by the CBIC.
• It offers streamlined customs procedures and expedited clearance to businesses demonstrating a high level of security standards in their supply chain operations.
• Entities with AEO status are recognized as reliable and secure trading partners, allowing customs resources to concentrate on riskier businesses.
• Notably, small and medium-scale enterprises are given special attention, with entities handling up to 25 import and export documents annually eligible for AEO status.

Benefits of AEO Status:

• Facilitated direct port delivery for imports and direct port entry for exports.
• Expedited processing of drawback amount, refunds, and adjudications.
• Paperless declaration without supporting documents.
• Provision for site inspection or examination upon request.
• Acknowledgment by partner government agencies and stakeholders.

Eligibility for AEO Status:

Any business entity involved in customs-related activities within the international supply chain in India, regardless of its size, can apply for AEO status. Examples of eligible entities include importers, exporters, Custom House Agents (CHA), and Custodians or Terminal Operators.

Insights into the World Customs Organization (WCO):

• Established in 1952, the WCO is an independent intergovernmental organization dedicated to enhancing customs administrations’ effectiveness and efficiency worldwide.
• It focuses exclusively on customs matters and represents 186 customs administrations globally, processing approximately 98% of world trade.
• The WCO’s initiatives span various areas, including customs standardization, supply chain security, trade facilitation, enforcement, anti-counterfeiting efforts, integrity promotion, and capacity building programmes.
• Additionally, it oversees the international Harmonized System goods nomenclature and administers technical aspects of the WTO Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.

Introduction to ACS3 Mission

Context:

NASA achieved a milestone with the successful launch of its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft from New Zealand.

Mission Overview:

• NASA’s ACS3 mission is a groundbreaking technology demonstration aimed at evaluating solar sail structures for future small spacecraft engaged in deep space missions with extended duration and low-thrust propulsion requirements.
• Launched on April 23, 2024, the ACS3 spacecraft will deploy a sail approximately the size of a small apartment from a compact spacecraft, comparable in size to a toaster oven.
• At the heart of ACS3 lies a CubeSat, conforming to standardized dimensions, equipped with four 7-meter-long deployable composite booms.
• Similar to sailboats harnessing wind energy, solar sails utilize sunlight pressure for propulsion, eliminating the need for traditional rocket propellants.
• Previous space missions have showcased the capability of small spacecraft to modify their orbits using solar sails, broadening their potential applications.
• Future solar sail missions will demand larger sails and lighter materials to enhance performance.
• ACS3 pioneers the use of lightweight carbon fiber sail booms, a departure from conventional metal booms, marking the first space test of this technology.

Understanding Solar Sails

Solar Sail Propulsion:

• Solar sails leverage radiation pressure from sunlight on expansive surfaces to propel spacecraft.
• Proposed since the 1980s, various space missions have aimed to validate solar propulsion and navigation, with the IKAROS spacecraft, launched in 2010, being the first to utilize this technology.

Analogous to Sailing Boats:

• The concept of solar sailing mirrors traditional sailing boats, where sunlight’s force on a vast surface mirrors wind on a sail.
• Beam sailing, utilizing high-energy laser beams, holds potential for generating greater force compared to sunlight.

Types of Solar Sails:

• Reflective Solar Sails: Most solar sails utilize reflection for propulsion, incorporating highly reflective surfaces akin to mirrors.
• Diffractive Solar Sails: Proposed in 2018, diffractive solar sails offer an alternative propulsion method with perceived advantages.

Advantages of Solar Sail Craft:

• Solar sail craft offer cost-effective operations, high speeds (compared to chemical rockets), and extended lifetimes.
• They boast minimal moving parts and require no propellant, enabling multiple uses in payload delivery.

Astrodynamics of Solar Pressure:

• Solar pressure influences all spacecraft, whether in interplanetary space or orbiting celestial bodies.
• Mission trajectory planning must factor in solar pressure effects, as even spacecraft bound for Mars can experience displacement of thousands of kilometers.
• Solar pressure also influences spacecraft orientation, necessitating consideration in spacecraft design.

Tamil Nadu’s Synchronized Survey of Nilgiri Tahr

Introduction:

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government unveiled its initiative to conduct a synchronized survey of the Nilgiri Tahr commencing from April 29.

About Nilgiri Tahr:

• The Nilgiri tahr (scientific name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is a species of mountain goat native to the Nilgiri Hills and various regions of the Western and Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• It stands as the sole species within the genus Nilgiritragus and shares close genetic ties with sheep.
• The Eravikulam National Park situated in Kerala is home to the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr.
• Designated as the state animal of Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiri Tahr is renowned for its remarkable climbing abilities, earning it the moniker “Mountain Monarch” for its adeptness in scaling steep cliffs.
• Physically robust, it features short coarse fur and a distinctive bristly mane, with coat colors ranging from grey-brown to dark, facilitating effective camouflage in its natural surroundings.
• Classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Nilgiri Tahr receives protection under Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• A 2015 report by the World Wildlife Fund India estimated the population of Nilgiri Tahr to be around 3,000 individuals in the Western Ghats region.

Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department Takes Action Against Liquid Nitrogen Usage

Introduction:

Recently, the Food Safety department in Tamil Nadu initiated enforcement measures against Food Business Operators (FBOs) employing liquid nitrogen for direct consumption in food products like biscuits, ice creams, and wafer biscuits.

About Liquid Nitrogen:

• Liquid nitrogen (LN₂) denotes nitrogen in its liquid form, possessing an exceptionally low temperature with a boiling point approximately at -196°C (-321°F).
• It appears as a colorless, odorless, noncorrosive, nonflammable, and extremely cold liquid.
• Due to its rapid freezing capability, liquid nitrogen finds extensive use in both scientific and culinary domains.
• Beyond culinary applications, LN₂ serves as a coolant for diverse storage requirements, including food preservation during transit and cryopreservation of cellular or tissue samples.
• In the medical realm, liquid nitrogen therapy, also referred to as cryotherapy, is utilized for freezing and eliminating abnormal or unwanted tissues such as warts, skin tags, and certain precancerous skin lesions.
• Industrial production of liquid nitrogen involves the fractional distillation of liquid air.
• Notably, liquid nitrogen swiftly transitions back into its gaseous state upon contact with room temperature surfaces, evaporating instantaneously.

75 Most Vulnerable Economies: Addressing Challenges and Unlocking Potential

Introduction:

• While the global economy has shown resilience despite significant shocks, the plight of the 75 poorest and most vulnerable economies remains a concern.
• These economies are eligible for assistance from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) but face numerous challenges that often go unnoticed.

Challenges Faced by IDA Countries:

1. Economic Reversal: IDA countries, housing a quarter of the world’s population, are grappling with historic economic setbacks exacerbated by overlapping crises, pre-existing vulnerabilities, and broader issues like climate change and conflict. Projections indicate the weakest half-decade of growth for these nations by the end of 2024.

2. Income Convergence Stagnation: Despite global growth trends, these countries are experiencing stalled income convergence relative to advanced economies. One-third of IDA nations are now poorer than they were before the pandemic, with significantly higher extreme poverty rates and half facing debt distress or high-risk situations.

3. External Challenges: Escalating conflict and violence, along with increasing investment requirements to address climate vulnerabilities, further compound the difficulties faced by IDA countries. Projections suggest the risk of prolonged economic stagnation without significant intervention.

Unlocking Potential through Investment:

1. Harnessing Demographic Dividends: IDA countries possess untapped potential with growing working-age populations and abundant natural resources. Effective resource management and investments in healthcare and education are crucial for capitalizing on demographic dividends.

2. Fostering Stability and Growth: Weak investment growth in IDA countries underscores the need for comprehensive policy reforms aimed at enhancing fiscal stability, macroeconomic resilience, and structural changes. Both public and private investments, alongside quality infrastructure development, are essential for sustainable growth.

3. International Cooperation: Enhanced international financing and cooperation are vital to complement the efforts of IDA countries. Addressing global challenges such as climate change, trade, debt restructuring, food insecurity, and conflict resolution is imperative for creating an enabling environment for these nations to prosper.

Conclusion:

Investment in IDA countries is not just an economic development issue but also a global imperative for long-term peace and prosperity. By tackling economic challenges, leveraging demographic dividends, and fostering international collaboration, these nations can unlock their potential and contribute to global goals. Prioritizing support for IDA countries is crucial for ensuring a brighter future for all.