1. India Ranks 35th in Global Future Possibilities Index
Context:
- The Future Possibilities Index (FPI) sheds light on India’s global positioning, ranking 35th, and highlights top-performing countries.
- The Index, a study conducted by Newsweek Vantage and Horizon Group during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, gauges countries’ preparedness for future opportunities.
Key Findings:
- According to the Future Possibilities Index (FPI), Denmark, the US, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK emerge as the leading countries in assessing readiness for upcoming trends.
- Within the category of large emerging markets, China holds the highest position at 19th, succeeded by Brazil at 30th, India at 35th, and South Africa at 50th.
- The study evaluates critical factors for governments, investors, and private sector stakeholders to capitalize on six global transformative trends.
These trends encompass the Exabyte Economy, Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero Economy, Circular Economy, BioGrowth Economy, and Experience Economy
- The report underscores the significance of the Exabyte Economy in advanced digital technologies, the Wellbeing Economy’s focus on health prevention and wellness, the Net Zero Economy’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the Circular Economy’s emphasis on recycling and reuse, the BioGrowth Economy’s innovations in food and agriculture, and the Experience Economy’s shift towards consuming experiences over physical goods.
- Highlighting substantial business opportunities, the study estimates a combined value of over USD 44 trillion by 2030, constituting more than 40% of the global GDP in 2023.
- However, these opportunities may disproportionately favor the Global North, underscoring the necessity for a robust industry base to promote widespread economic growth and societal well-being.
Data Sources and Methodology:
- The comprehensive approach involves using data from recognized international organizations and a survey of 5,000 business executives conducted by Phronesis Partners.
- This ensures a thorough assessment of countries’ preparedness to leverage future possibilities.
- The report acknowledges that international development efforts should prioritize assisting developing countries in maximizing these opportunities.
Strengthening related industries becomes imperative to ensure equitable benefits and prevent global disparities in economic growth and societal well-being.
2. Adi Shankara’s Heritage: Described
Introduction
The decision of the four Shankaracharyas to buzzword from attending the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 has sparked inquiries and attracted widespread attention.
To comprehend the reasons behind this choice and the importance of the Shankaracharyas, it is essential to delve into the context and explore the life of Adi Shankara, a pivotal figure in Hinduism.
Who are the Shankaracharyas?
- Religious Leaders: The title “Shankaracharya,” meaning ‘teacher of the way of Shankara,’ is held by the heads of four cardinal mathas or peeths, believed to have been established by Adi Shankara (c 788 CE-820 CE).
- Legacy of Adi Shankara: These religious teachers are believed to be part of a lineage dating back to Adi Shankara, a highly respected scholar and philosopher.
- Historical Context: The existence of these mathas before the 14th century CE is debated, with evidence suggesting retrospective establishment to legitimize these centers of knowledge and learning.
Adi Shankaracharya: A Brief Overview
- Adi Shankaracharya was a prominent Indian philosopher and theologian, commonly referred to as Sankara (Jagatguru). He was a staunch advocate of ancient Hinduism.
- His birthplace, Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala, is on the verge of being declared a national monument.
- Under the guidance of his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada, Adi Shankara diligently studied texts such as ‘Gaudapadiya Karika,’ ‘Brahmasutra,’ Vedas, and Upanishads.
- Shankara propagated the philosophies of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and ‘Dashanami Sampradaya,’ earning him the title ‘Shankaracharya’ among his disciples.
His Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta
- Non-Dualism: Shankaracharya’s philosophy, known as ‘Advaita Vedanta,’ advocates non-dualism.
- Ultimate Reality: It posits that the world exists due to the creative energy (Maya) of Brahman, the ultimate, transcendent, and immanent God of the later Vedas.
- Identity of Self: In Advaita Vedanta, the transcendental self of the universe (Atman) and the experiencing self (Jiva) are both identical in truth – both are Brahman. However, the individual self appears different, resembling the space inside a container seeming distinct from space as a whole.
- Overcoming Error: Mistakes and ignorance lead to a plurality (Avidya), but understanding Brahman eliminates these errors, resulting in liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and worldly servitude.
Disciples of Adi Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya’s four closest disciples played crucial roles in disseminating his teachings:
- Padmapada: Recognized for his deep devotion and poetry.
- Totakacharya: Devoted to Shankaracharya’s mission and esteemed for his poetry “Totakashtakam.”
- Hasta Malaka: A prodigious child who amazed Shankaracharya with his understanding of Advaita philosophy.
- Sureshwara: Initially a householder, he became a disciple after losing a philosophical debate to Shankaracharya.
Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya
- Shankaracharya introduced the ‘Shanmata’ system, emphasizing the worship of the five principal deities and restoring the Dashanami structure.
- He composed numerous devotional and meditative hymns and wrote key texts on Advaita Vedanta, including commentaries on major scriptures.
- Adi Shankaracharya revitalized Hinduism during a period of challenges from Jainism and Buddhism, promoting unity and re-establishing traditions.
- He established four monastic institutions (Mathas) in different parts of India, unifying the nation and codifying leadership roles:
- Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam in Chikmaglur, Karnataka.
- Jyotir Matha in the Garhwal region, Uttarakhand.
- Kalika Matha in Dwarka, Gujarat.
Govardhana Matha in Puri, Odisha.
3. The integral role of women in waste management
Context:
- The Women of Waste (WOW) initiative, led by women in the waste sector and supported by the International Solid Waste Association, conducted a global online survey titled “Mapping the Status of Women in the Global Waste Management Sector.”
- The survey reveals a significant contribution of women to the global waste management sector.
Revealing Insights:
- Data collected from 626 women across 73 countries indicates that women are actively involved in various roles within the waste management hierarchy globally, even though their visibility in society may be limited.
- Responses were predominantly from upper-middle and high-income countries, but the survey identified highly qualified and experienced women in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
- The majority of respondents work in local government (30.2%), followed by private waste management companies (14.4%), and consulting/engineering companies (13.3%).
- Women are increasingly involved in waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and material recovery, contributing proactively to address the waste crisis.
Integral Role of Women:
- The crucial role of women in waste management often goes unnoticed in policymaking. Gender-inclusive waste management strategies can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive solutions.
- In developing economies, especially where informal waste picking is prevalent, women drive waste collection activities.
- Women actively participate in household waste segregation and collection, influencing the initial stages of the waste management process.
- Their contributions extend globally across roles such as engineers, collectors, recyclers, activists, researchers, policymakers, and managerial positions.
Examples form India
- Examples from India highlight women’s dominant participation at the grassroots level, encompassing collection, segregation, and informal waste recycling.
- Despite lower-paying roles, women excel in door-to-door collection and segregation.
- Notably, in Pune, 90% of street recycling pickers are women, emphasizing their vital role in the informal sector.
Persistent Challenges:
- Women in waste management often face repetitive and time-consuming tasks, accompanied by lower earnings than their male counterparts. Integrating a gender perspective into waste management policies is crucial.
- Policies should address gender-specific needs, create opportunities for women at various stages of the waste management value chain, and encourage leadership roles.
- Women’s involvement in decision-making roles extends beyond gender equality, leveraging their unique perspectives for better environmental management and sustainable development.
Maximizing Contributions:
- To maximize women’s contributions, it is essential to provide equal opportunities, training programs, and awareness campaigns.
- This diverse engagement has a multi-dimensional impact at the grassroots level, contributing to economic participation, waste management, and regeneration, leading to sustainable practices.
Economic Empowerment:
Women in waste management, particularly in informal roles, significantly contribute to their families’ income, leading to economic empowerment.
Community Health and Awareness:
Women, often associated with household cleanliness and family health, play a crucial role in observing environmental deterioration, contributing to community health and awareness.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities:
Integrating women into decision-making roles opens opportunities for entrepreneurship in waste management, addressing gender disparities.
Environmental Sustainability:
Women’s unique perspectives contribute to better environmental management, fostering sustainability and aligning with India’s waste reduction and recycling goals.
4. World Economic Summit at Davos
Introduction
- The annual summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is currently underway in Davos, Switzerland.
- The WEF, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is an international non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing global political, social, and economic challenges.
- Established in 1971 by Swiss-German economist Professor Klaus Schwab, the organization’s inaugural meeting took place over five decades ago in Davos, which has since become synonymous with the yearly gathering.
Purpose and Essence of the WEF
- The WEF brings together leaders from business, government, and civil society to collectively tackle global challenges and generate innovative solutions.
- Initially focused on European firms catching up with US management practices, the organization’s scope has expanded to encompass a broader range of economic and social issues.
Annual Meeting in Davos
- Introduced in 1975, the WEF implemented a membership system for the world’s top 1,000 companies.
- The annual meeting in Davos serves as a platform for global diplomacy, providing leaders with a conducive environment to defuse tensions and engage in critical discussions.
- Noteworthy historical moments include the first ministerial-level talks between North and South Korea and discussions on German reunification.
- The concept of the G20, initially centered on global finance and comprising 20 countries, originated from discussions at the WEF in 1998.
Funding and Davos’s Serene Environment
- The WEF primarily relies on funding from partnering corporations, typically global enterprises with annual turnovers exceeding $5 billion.
- The tranquil surroundings of Davos offer an ideal backdrop for the WEF’s mission to foster a more prosperous global economy.
Beyond Discussions: WEF’s Impact
- In addition to hosting discussions, the WEF publishes influential global rankings and indices, including the Global Competitiveness Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.
The WEF Summit stands as a dynamic platform where leaders and stakeholders converge to address urgent global issues, promoting cooperation and innovation on a grand scale.
5. Decarbonisation the easiest way to Scale up Renewable Capacity
Context:
This editorial explores the current state of carbon emissions in India, focusing on the findings of the Global Carbon Project released during COP28.
It emphasizes the need for a thoughtful decarbonization strategy, examining challenges and potential solutions, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and green hydrogen.
Highlights:
- India is expected to surpass 3 gigatons of CO2 emissions by the end of 2023, marking an 8% increase from 2022.
- Despite lower per capita and cumulative emissions compared to global averages, India faces challenges in mitigating emissions in crucial sectors such as energy, agriculture, and industry.
- The energy sector is responsible for 76% of greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a shift away from fossil fuels, especially in power generation and transportation.
Challenges:
- Transition in the Transport Sector: Adoption of EVs faces obstacles due to reliance on the fossil fuel-dependent power grid and infrastructure gaps, particularly for four-wheelers and heavy transport.
- Industrial Decarbonization: Industries relying on intense heat, such as iron and steel, encounter difficulties in substituting fossil fuels, as renewable sources may not meet their power requirements.
- Green Hydrogen: Despite being considered a solution, global production of green hydrogen remains minimal, facing challenges related to substantial green power and water requirements, as well as issues in transportation and energy-intensive storage methods.
Key Terms:
- CO2eq: Carbon dioxide equivalent, a metric expressing the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases.
- Renewable Capacity: The amount of energy a country can generate from renewable sources like solar and wind.
- Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, seen as a potential clean fuel.
Key Phrases:
- “Low-hanging fruit”: Referring to the simplest or most readily achievable goals, such as scaling up renewable capacity.
- “Net-zero by 2070”: The aspiration to achieve equilibrium between greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere by 2070.
Key Quotes:
- “Reduction in the use of fossil fuels can be easily done in the case of power generation…”
- “What is thus evident is that the easiest way to decarbonize is to scale up renewable capacity…”
Key Statements:
- “India’s per capita and cumulative emissions notwithstanding, we need to strategize our decarbonization process.”
- “The best solution for sectors like heavy transport or industries is getting access to green hydrogen.”
Key Examples and References:
- Reference to India’s Third National Communication (2023) providing data on greenhouse gas emissions.
- Mention of challenges in adopting electric vehicles, especially for heavy transport and four-wheelers.
Key Facts and Data:
- India’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 were 3.1 gigatons of CO2eq, with the energy sector contributing 76%.
- The energy sector, particularly power generation, accounts for 39% of CO2 emissions in India.
Critical Analysis:
- The editorial highlights the complexities of decarbonization, acknowledging the limitations of current solutions like electric vehicles and the challenges in transitioning industries.
- It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, combining the scaling of renewable energy with advancements in technologies like green hydrogen.
- The author critiques policy inconsistencies, pointing out the incongruity between announcing new coal-based capacity and a prior commitment to avoid it.
Way Forward:
Prioritize the growth of renewable capacity by streamlining land acquisition processes, ensuring regular payments to generators, and facilitating access to the grid.
Address challenges in the transport sector and industry by promoting research and development in sustainable alternatives like green hydrogen.
Maintain policy consistency and focus on achieving the goal of being net-zero by 2070.
6. Punganur Cows
Introduction
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Prime Minister gained attention by feeding Punganur cows at his New Delhi residence. This action not only highlighted a cultural tradition but also brought attention to the distinctive characteristics of this unique cattle breed.
About Punganur Cows
Originating from the Punganur municipality in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, Punganur cows are known for their remarkably small stature, measuring only 70-90 cm in height, and weighing between 115-200 kg on average. Recognizable by their broad foreheads and short horns, these cows are well-suited for small-scale dairy and organic farming.
Milk Yield
- Punganur cows are renowned for their high milk production, providing 3 to 5 liters of milk daily.
- Temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the Tirupati Thirumala Temple, utilize the milk of Punganur cows for Ksheeraabhishekam, a ritual of milk offerings to deities.
Cost Variation
The cost of Punganur cows ranges from Rs 1 lakh to 10 lakhs, depending on factors such as purity and health.
Nutrition in Punganur Cow’s Milk
- Punganur cow’s milk stands out for containing an element identified as ‘Au,’ the chemical symbol for gold.
- With a high-fat content of eight percent, compared to 3 to 4 percent in other indigenous breeds, this milk is rich in Omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, providing significant nutritional benefits and is believed to possess medicinal properties.
Resilience and Adaptability
- Punganur cows exhibit remarkable resilience, thriving on dry fodder like grass, straw, and hay.
- Their calm and manageable temperament, coupled with resistance to common diseases and parasites, adds to their appeal.
Breed Protection Measures
- Faced with the threat of extinction due to a shift towards hybrid cattle for higher milk production, Punganur cattle saw a revival with the initiation of ‘Mission Punganur’ by the Andhra Pradesh government in 2020.
- With an allocation of Rs 69.36 crore, the mission aimed to boost the cattle population using IVF technology, enhance reproductive efficiency, and produce 8.5 offspring from each cow within five years.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is actively involved in conservation efforts, rearing a group of Punganur cattle.
