Daily News Analysis: September 13, 2024
4 Years of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
Launched in September 2020, PMMSY aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable development of the fisheries sector in India
Key objectives include increasing fish production, enhancing productivity, modernizing the value chain, and doubling fishers’ incomes
Targets include increasing fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25 and enhancing exports to Rs 1 lakh crore
Implemented as an umbrella scheme with central sector and centrally sponsored components
Progress so far:
Rs 3,363 crore allocated from FY 2020-21 to 2023-24
Projects worth Rs 2,309 crore approved
Generated around 45.59 lakh employment opportunities
Challenges include infrastructure gaps, lack of skilled manpower, and regulatory compliance issues
Future focus on accelerating implementation as scheme enters 4th year
UN Observes International Day of South-South Cooperation
Observed annually on September 12
Theme for 2024: “A better tomorrow through South-South Cooperation”
Commemorates adoption of 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action for technical cooperation among developing countries
Highlights importance of collaboration between Global South countries to address development challenges
Key initiatives:
UN Office for South-South Cooperation
South-South Galaxy knowledge sharing platform
World Food Programme support for South-South initiatives
India plays significant role through projects like Pan-African e-Network, India-Brazil-South Africa Fund
Challenges include lack of strong institutional framework and need for innovative financing
Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation
Adopted at 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in September 2024
Key focus areas:
Regional cooperation in civil aviation sector
Sustainable growth and addressing emerging challenges
Inclusivity, especially for women in aviation
Technological and infrastructure advancements
Safety, security and environmental sustainability
Highlights India’s progress in aviation infrastructure, aiming for 350-400 airports by 2047
Proposes International Buddhist Circuit to boost regional tourism
Emphasizes green aviation and collaborative approach to long-term goals
Growing Concern of Dark Patterns in India’s Digital Landscape
Dark patterns are deceptive design tactics used by online platforms to mislead users
Major concern as India’s e-commerce market projected to reach $350 billion by 2030
Common dark patterns: false urgency, hidden subscriptions, confusing language
Challenges:
Exploitation of user psychology and cognitive biases
Lack of regulatory oversight
Consumer vulnerability, especially first-time digital users
Government initiatives:
Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 by CCPA
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 provisions
Way forward:
User-first approach in design
Education on ethical design practices
Stronger regulatory framework
User advocacy and technological solutions
India’s Sickle Cell Anaemia Challenge
India has world’s second largest burden of sickle cell disease, over 1 million affected
Concentrated in tribal belts of states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh
Only 18% of affected people receive consistent treatment
Challenges:
Social stigma and misconceptions
Lack of access to diagnosis and treatment
Poor adherence to treatment plans
Government initiatives:
National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission launched in 2023
Aim to eliminate the disease by 2047
Large-scale screening programs
Addition of hydroxyurea to essential medicines list
Way forward:
Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma
Increased newborn screening
Improving access to medicines and healthcare in tribal areas
Research and development of affordable treatments
Universal Basic Income
Concept of providing regular, unconditional sum of money to all citizens
Gaining traction due to concerns about jobless growth and automation
Key aspects: unconditional, regular, universal, covers basic living expenses
Arguments in favor:
Poverty alleviation
Simplification of welfare programs
Reduction in bureaucracy and corruption
Support for informal sector workers
Boost to consumer spending
Arguments against:
High cost and potential budget deficits
Inflation risks
Potential reduction in work incentives
Implementation challenges in diverse country like India
India’s context:
Similar programs like Jan Dhan Yojana and Direct Benefit Transfer exist
Full UBI not currently feasible without raising additional taxes
Focus remains on accelerating inclusive economic growth
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