INSIGHTS

DAILY
CURRENT
AFFAIRS + PIB
SUMMARY

18 SEPTEMBER 2023

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 GS2
Table of Contents
HUNGERMAP LIVE: GLOBAL IN-
GS2
• HungerMap LIVE: Global insights and key trends 2 SIGHTS AND KEY TRENDS
GS4 Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions
• Parliamentary conduct 3
• Examples of Ethics (18th September) 4 Context: The World Food Programme has released
“HungerMap LIVE: Global insights and key trends”.
Content for Mains Enrichment
• Project to revive Ancient Maritime Trade route 5 What is HungerMap LIVE?
• Amrit Brikshya Andolan 5 HungerMap LIVE is a real-time monitoring system tracking
key indicators of acute hunger, including household food
Facts for Prelims (FFP) consumption, livelihoods, child nutritional status, mortality,
• Santiniketan 6 and access to clean water.
• ‘Anti-trust’ Law 6
• Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics 6 The trend:The global issue of hunger and food insecurity
• Water on the Moon 6 has shown an alarming increase since 2015, a trend exacer-
• India Seeks Australia’s Help to Combat Nipah Virus 7 bated by a combination of factors including the pandemic,
• Segur elephant corridor 7 conflict, climate change, and deepening inequalities, which
• Anamudi Shola national park 7 calls for attention.

Key findings of the Report:

Mapping
• Tonga 8 Key Points (Global Details
figures)
Global Food Insecurity 828 million chronically hungry
and Hunger globally.
193 million experiencing acute
hunger in 53 countries.
Countries with a High 12 countries account for 33% of
Prevalence of Insuffi- the total number of people with
cient Food insufficient food consumption
Includes Somalia, Afghanistan,
Syrian Arab Republic, Niger,
Mali, Haiti, and more.
Prevalence of Crisis or Includes Haiti, the Syrian Arab
Above Crisis Level Cop- Republic, Afghanistan, Yemen,
ing and more.
Prevalence of Challeng- Includes the Central African Re-
es Accessing Markets public, the Syrian Arab Repub-
lic, Namibia, and others.

Note: A person is food insecure when they lack regular

access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal
growth and development and an active and healthy life.

Hunger-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Hunger-related Sustainable Development Goals are
the SDGs that have a bearing on hunger status di-
rectly or indirectly. Accordingly, these are:
• SDG 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere (pov-
erty-hunger interlinkage)

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 • SDG 2 - Creating a world free of hunger by 2030
• SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being
for all at all ages
• SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainable manage-
ment of water and sanitation for all
• SDG 12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and pro-
duction patterns (choice of crops and nutrition)
• SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate
change and its impacts (climate change-related nu-
tritional and food security issues)
India’s performance in hunger-related SDGs:
Key Points Details
Sustainable De- In the 2021 Sustainable Development
velopment Rank- Report, India’s ranking slipped from
ing 117 to 120 among 193 countries, plac-
ing it in the serious category of hunger.
India also faces challenges related to
zero hunger, health, well-being, safe
drinking water, and gender equality
among others.
Global Hun- The Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2022
ger Index (GHI) ranked India 107 out of 121 countries,
Ranking lagging behind Nigeria (103) and Paki-
stan (99).
Food Security According to the State of Food Secu-
and Malnutrition rity and Nutrition in the World Report
2022, India is home to over 224 million
undernourished people.
Despite initiatives like the Integrated
Child Development Services (ICDS)
program, the mid-day meal scheme
since 1995, and the POSHAN Abhiyaan,
India struggles with high rates of mal-
nutrition.
Hunger-related programmes:
• Mission Poshan 2.0: The flagship programme dedi-
cated to maternal and child nutrition.
• National Food Security Act 2013
• Zero Hunger Programme: Began in 2017 to improve
agriculture, health and nutrition.
• Eat Right India Campaign
• Food Fortification / Fortification of rice
• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
Conclusion
Going forward, effective implementation of the programmes
with proper identification of the vulnerable population
will help India perform better in hunger-related goals and
achieve the target of zero hunger.
Mains Links:
Q) Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges to good
governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive
governments have progressed in dealing with these humon-
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gous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. ( UPSC
2017)
Q) How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack
or availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the
attention away from ineffective human development poli-
cies in India? ( UPSC 2018)
Prelims Links:
Q) Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators
used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Re-
port? (UPSC 2016)
1. Undernourishment
2. Child stunting
3. Child mortality
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
GS4
PARLIAMENTARY CONDUCT
Syllabus: Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics
Context: The article (by Shashi Tharoor) discusses the need
for improving parliamentary conduct in India’s Parliament
and suggests emulating certain practices from the Houses of
Westminster to address the issue of frequent disruptions.
There has been a problem of frequent disruptions in India’s
Parliament, where members often resort to disrupting pro-
ceedings rather than engaging in constructive debates.
Recently, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (LS), Sanjay Singh and
Raghav Chadha (in Rajya Sabha) were suspended for disrupt-
ing the parliament.
Evolution of Indian Parliament:
Initially, India’s parliamentary system was modeled after
Britain’s Westminster model, and Indian MPs followed Brit-
ish parliamentary traditions with pride and authenticity.
Further Reading:
• Parliament’s 75-year journey
• Is India a parliamentary democracy?
Issues in the Indian Parliament (from GS4 ethics perspec- Mains Links:
tive): Q. Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been the
Issue Description Solution cause of slow in India? Critically examine. (UPSC 2014)
F r e q u e n t MPs resort to dis- Create a culture of
D i s r u p - ruptive behaviour constructive debates
tions rather than engaging through training and GS4
in constructive de- workshops.
bates. EXAMPLES OF ETHICS (18TH SEP-
Declining Over time, parlia- Role Modeling: Senior
Standards mentary behaviour MPs should set an ex- TEMBER)
has declined, and ample by upholding
lawmakers often high ethical standards Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
breach the code of in debates and discus-
conduct. sions. Example 1: Ayushman Bhav Campaign
Impunity Lawmakers who Ensure consistent en-
It is a health campaign (part of Ayushman Bharat scheme),
breach rules often forcement of penal-
aimed at improving healthcare services and promoting
face few conse- ties for misconduct,
well-being across the country.
quences, leading to a regardless of party af-
culture of impunity. filiation.
Credibility Disruptive conduct Rebuild public trust Ethical Value Description
Concerns may have discredit- through transparen- Inclusivity The campaign’s primary goal is to pro-
ed Parliament in the cy, accountability, and vide inclusive healthcare services to
eyes of the public, adherence to parlia- all individuals, irrespective of their
impacting its credi- mentary rules. geographic location or financial situ-
bility. ation.
I n a d e - Opposition MPs Institute regular Prime Comprehensive Ayushman Bhav represents a shift
quate Op- struggle to influence Minister’s Question Care towards a more comprehensive and
p o s i t i o n parliamentary out- Time (PMQs) for ac- demand-driven healthcare approach.
Influence comes due to par- countability and dia- This reflects the ethical value of holis-
ty-line voting and the logue. tic care.
anti-defection law. Accountability The campaign promotes social ac-
While disruptions Opposition Day: Al- countability within the healthcare
are tolerated to al- lowing the Opposition system through initiatives like Ayush-
low Opposition a designated day a man Sabhas.
space, standards of week to set the agen- Community En- Ayushman Melas and the transfor-
behaviour have been da for debate. gagement mation of villages and urban wards
compromised. into Ayushman Gram Panchayats or
Speaker ’s The Speaker’s rejec- Ensure impartiality Ayushman Urban Wards encourage
Role tion of adjournment in the Speaker’s de- community engagement. This reflects
motions, amend- cisions and allow for the ethical value of involving commu-
ments, and division robust debates. nities in decision-making and health-
votes hinders Op- care initiatives, following the princi-
position representa- ple of “Jan Bhandari se Jan Kalyan.”
tion. Equity and Access It strives to bridge gaps and ensure
Po te nt i a l Frequent disruptions Prioritize democratic that healthcare services are available
D a m a g e and declining stan- values and norms to to all, regardless of their circumstanc-
to Democ- dards could damage restore public confi- es.
racy the credibility of In- dence in the Parlia-
dia’s democracy. ment. Example 2: Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2023 campaign
The government has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)
2023 campaign. This pan-India campaign, celebrated from
Insta Links: September 15 to October 2, is organized by the Department
PUBLIC SERVICE ETHICS/ADMINISTRATIVE ETHICS of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti,
and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

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 Ethical Values Description
Voluntarism The campaign encourages voluntary
participation in cleanliness drives, re-
flecting community engagement and
solidarity.
Welfare Emphasis on the welfare of SafaiM-
itras (sanitation workers) demon-
strates care for vulnerable individuals
in society.
Ownership Mobilizing youth to take sustained
ownership of cleanliness reflects a
sense of responsibility towards public
spaces and the environment.
Solidarity The campaign promotes unity and
collective action for a common goal,
fostering a sense of solidarity among Usage: The example can be used in Ancient history/Arts
participants. and culture Questions
Empowerment Organizing welfare camps for sanita-
tion workers (SafaiMitra Suraksha Shi- About Project Mausam:
vir) aims to empower them by improv-
ing their well-being and quality of life. Project ‘Mausam’ is a cultural initiative led by the Ministry
Convergence Coordinating with various ministries to of Culture and implemented by the Indira Gandhi National
extend entitlements of welfare bene- Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. It aims to show-
fits demonstrates collaboration and case a Transnational Mixed Route (Natural and Cultural
inclusivity. Heritage) on the World Heritage List. The project explores
Environmental The theme “Garbage Free India” un- monsoon patterns, cultural routes, and maritime land-
Ethics derscores a commitment to environ- scapes in the Indian Ocean region.
mental ethics and sustainable practic- • Its goals include understanding the historical impact
es. of monsoon winds on interactions, shared knowledge
systems, and cultural exchanges among coastal cen-
tres.
• The project fosters cross-cultural linkages with 39 In-
Content for Mains Enrichment dian Ocean countries and focuses on cultural routes
and maritime landscapes connecting different parts of
the Indian Ocean littoral.
PROJECT TO REVIVE ANCIENT
MARITIME TRADE ROUTE
AMRIT BRIKSHYA ANDOLAN
Ministry of Culture (fully funded by it), in collaboration with
the Indian Navy and Hodi Innovations based in Goa, is em- The Assam Government organized a campaign called “Am-
barking on a project to reconstruct an ancient stitched ship rit Brikshya Andolan” aimed at increasing the state’s green
reminiscent of vessels that sailed India’s ancient maritime cover by planting saplings, primarily of commercial trees.
trade routes over 2,000 years ago.
The campaign set out to achieve nine world records during
The Voyage: this massive tree-planting drive.
Once the ship is ready, it will undertake a voyage to Bali,
Indonesia, in November 2025, carrying a crew of 13 Indi- The primary objective of the campaign was to plant one
an Navy members from Cuttack, Odisha. The voyage aims to crore saplings across Assam, involving thousands of people
honour India’s old maritime trade routes and is part of a from various regions of the state. Assam government in-
broader effort to revive and celebrate India’s maritime her- tends to plant eight crore saplings in 2024 and an additional
itage. 10 crore saplings in 2025.
Usage: The campaign can be quoted in the Environment
The project aims to revive India’s maritime heritage and cul- Conservation question.
tural connections with other countries.

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Facts for Prelims (FFP)
SANTINIKETAN
Context: Santiniketan, the renowned university town in
West Bengal established by Rabindranath Tagore, has been
added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
• The decision was made during the 45th World Heri-
tage Committee Meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Ara-
bia.
About Santiniketan:
• Santiniketan was originally an ashram established
by Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Debendranath
Tagore, where people of all castes and creeds could
meditate on the one Supreme God.
• It has historical and architectural significance, in-
cluding structures like Santiniketan Griha and the
Mandir (temple) with stained glass, which are as-
sociated with the founding of Santiniketan and the
promotion of universal spiritual values.
• Visva-Bharati University, located in Santiniketan,
was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and offers a
wide range of degree courses.
• It has been declared a central university and an in-
stitution of national importance by an Act of Parlia-
ment in 1951, with the Prime Minister serving as its
chancellor.
‘ANTI-TRUST’ LAW
Context: Google is currently facing allegations in a U.S.
court that it used illegal tactics to maintain a monopoly in
online search.
• The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and sever-
al U.S. states argue that Google’s “arrangements”
with companies like Apple to be the default search
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engine on their devices constitute unlawful monop-
oly building.
• Google contends that its success is due to providing
superior services rather than stifling competition.
This case is significant not only for Google but also for other
major internet companies like Amazon and Meta, as it could
set a precedent for how antitrust issues are addressed in
the tech industry.
While the European Union has previously fined Goo-
gle for antitrust violations, this case represents a growing
“techlash” in the U.S. against the influence and practices of
big tech companies.
UNIFIED PORTAL FOR AGRICUL-
TURAL STATISTICS
Context: The Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg
Portal - www.upag.gov.in) was officially launched recently.
• This innovative platform is designed to revolutionize
data management in India’s agriculture sector, ad-
dressing complex governance challenges.
• The portal aims to provide real-time, reliable, and
standardized information, empowering stakehold-
ers and facilitating more responsive and efficient
agricultural policies.
Key Points:
• The UPAg Portal addresses key challenges in agricul-
ture data, including lack of standardization, verifica-
tion, dispersion, and different update frequencies.
• It offers data standardization, advanced analytics,
granular production estimates, commodity profile
reports, and flexibility for users to prepare their
own reports.
• The UPAg Portal is part of the Digital Public Infra-
structure for Agriculture, focusing on harnessing
data for growth, transparency, and agility in India’s
agriculture sector.
• This initiative aligns with e-governance principles
and aims to enhance data-driven decision-making
for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in
the agriculture domain.
WATER ON THE MOON
Context: A recent study using data from the Chandrayaan-1
mission has suggested that high-energy electrons in Earth’s
magnetosphere might be contributing to the formation of
water on the Moon’s surface.
• The research indicates that electrons in our planet’s
plasma sheet, a region of trapped charged particles
within Earth’s magnetosphere, may play a role in
weathering processes on the lunar surface, poten-
tially leading to the formation of water.
• The study builds upon previous research that
 showed oxygen in Earth’s “magnetotail” is causing
rusting on iron in the lunar polar region.

The analysis of remote sensing data collected by the Moon

Mineralogy Mapper during the Chandrayaan-1 mission re-
vealed that water formation in the magnetotail appeared
to be consistent whether the Moon was inside or outside of
it. This suggests the presence of water formation processes
or sources not directly associated with solar wind protons.

INDIA SEEKS AUSTRALIA’S HELP

TO COMBAT NIPAH VIRUS
Context: India is seeking Australia’s assistance in combating
the Nipah virus outbreak, which has claimed 12 lives in the
country.
• The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)
has reached out to the Queensland government in
Australia to obtain an antibody developed there for
testing its effectiveness in neutralizing the Nipah
virus in humans.
• While the antibody has shown promise in vitro
(outside the body in artificial conditions), it has not
been tested on humans. ANAMUDI SHOLA NATIONAL
• The move aims to generate data on the efficacy of
the antibody against the virus, which has a high PARK
mortality rate of 50 to 70%.
Context: The Munnar Wildlife Division in Idukki, India, has
Currently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for Nipah successfully transformed the Pazhathottam area in the
virus infection, and the treatment for human cases primari- Anamudi Shola National Park from a burnt-out land filled
ly involves supportive care. with exotic tree species into a lush 50-hectare forest.
• This eco-restoration project carried out with support
from the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), removed exotic species and planted natu-
ral grass, revitalizing the area.
SEGUR ELEPHANT CORRIDOR
As a result, wildlife like bison and wild elephants have re-
Context: A Supreme Court-appointed committee has de- turned, and bird species like the Nigiri Pipit are now regular
clared 12 private resorts along the Segur elephant corridor visitors. The project also revived natural streams, ensuring
illegal. water security downstream.
• This corridor is vital for the movement of elephants
and other wildlife between habitats in the Nilgiri An eco-development committee named “Haritha Vas-
Biosphere Reserve. antham” was formed for the project, involving local resi-
• The resorts were challenged by the owners who
dents in its implementation.
claimed the corridor didn’t comprise an elephant
habitat. The committee ruled in favour of protect-
ing the corridor, noting that the resorts had erect-
ed illegal structures that hindered elephant move-
ment.
• While this decision safeguards the corridor, it has
economic consequences for local communities reli-
ant on resort employment.

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Mapping

TONGA
In 2023, record-high temperatures have been observed glob-
ally. Scientists attribute this unusual heat to various factors,
including an underwater volcanic eruption off Tonga (Hunga
Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai) in the South Pacific in January 2022.

While most volcanic eruptions typically cool the planet due

to sun-dimming particles, this eruption released a significant
amount of water vapour and Sulfur dioxide into the strato-
sphere, a natural greenhouse gas that traps heat.

The volcano is located in the Tonga island of the South Pacif-

ic Ocean. It is part of the Tonga–Kermadec Islands volcanic
arc formed due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate under
the Indo-Australian Plate.

Tonga is a Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 South Pa-

cific islands, many uninhabited, most lined in white beaches
and coral reefs and covered with tropical rainforest.

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