26 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
26-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
1. Moving away from the ‘take-make-dispose’ model.
Topic: GS3 – sustainable development.
Resource efficiency and circular economy:
- Resource efficiency and circular economy are strategies to minimize dependence on natural resources and promote sustainable design practices.
- These strategies aim to decouple resource utilization from economic growth and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- India has prioritized ‘Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy’ as one of the core themes for deliberations in the G-20 forum.
- Four priority areas for circular economy during India’s G-20 presidency:
- Circularity in the steel sector
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Circular bioeconomy
- Establishing an industry-led resource efficiency and circular economy industry coalition
- The G-20 community recognizes the importance of resource efficiency and circular economy strategies for sustainable development.
Moving to a circular steel sector:
- Most G-20 member countries have committed to net zero ambitions and are working to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
- To ensure environmentally responsible resource consumption, recycling rates of 15%-25% need to be raised.
- The steel sector plays a crucial role in infrastructure development, and efficient utilization of steel is important.
- Globally, about 7% of energy sector emissions are attributed to iron and steel production.
- Transitioning to a circular steel sector is essential to tackle steel sector emissions.
- Collaboration among G-20 member countries is crucial for knowledge sharing, technology co-development, and technology transfer.
- The presidency document on ‘Circular Economy in the Steel Sector’ provides a potential blueprint for a net zero pathway for the steel industry.
- India’s G-20 presidency emphasizes the significance of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to integrate circularity throughout the value chain.
Recycling, a bioeconomy and biofuels:
- Effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) promotes recycling infrastructure and waste collection systems.
- India has one of the largest frameworks for EPR with over 20,000 registered Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) and 1,900 plastic waste processors on the centralised EPR portal.
- India has comprehensive rules for e-waste and battery waste management.
- Biowaste, such as municipal and industrial waste, and agricultural residue, has become a global issue, causing pollution and global warming.
- Adopting a circular bioeconomy approach can reduce the need for extracting virgin resources and provide effective waste disposal solutions.
- The Indian Government promotes biofuels through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana and mandatory use of biomass pellets in thermal power plants.
- The GOBAR Dhan scheme converts cattle dung and organic waste into compost, biogas, and biofuels to promote sustainable agriculture and improve sanitation.
- The SATAT Scheme promotes the use of Compressed BioGas (CBG) as an alternative green transportation fuel, accelerating bioenergy infrastructure development.
On industry coalition:
- India envisions an industry coalition to advance resource efficiency and circular economy practices.
- The coalition aims to achieve technological collaboration, build advanced capabilities, mobilize de-risked finance, and engage the private sector proactively.
Importance of resource efficiency and circular economy for India:
- Resource efficiency and circular economy help India reduce its dependence on natural resources and minimize waste generation.
- These practices contribute to sustainable development and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- By adopting resource efficiency, India can enhance productivity and competitiveness in industries while reducing environmental impacts.
- Circular economy strategies enable India to create a more resilient and sustainable economy by promoting reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing.
- These approaches can lead to job creation, increased economic growth, and improved environmental outcomes for the country.
- Resource efficiency and circular economy play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- India’s large and diverse population can benefit from reduced resource depletion and a cleaner environment through these practices.
- Embracing circular economy principles can also enhance energy security and lead to more responsible consumption patterns
Challenges ahead:
- Changing consumer and industry mindset
- Upfront investments and business model changes
- Developing efficient waste infrastructure
- Resistance from traditional industries
- Lack of standardized regulations
- Coordinating efforts among stakeholders
- Addressing technological barriers
- Capacity building and skill development
- Balancing economic growth and sustainability
- Monitoring and measuring impact
Conclusion:
- Global platforms like the G-20 play a crucial role in addressing key issues and adopting a collaborative approach.
- Resource efficiency and circular economy are vital solutions to tackle triple planetary challenges.
- India’s G-20 presidency has focused extensively on these approaches for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Model question: Explain the concept of resource efficiency and circular economy. How can these principles contribute to sustainable development in India? Provide examples of successful implementation of circular economy practices in any sector of the economy.
2. Drawn from gig workers’ struggles, hewn in Rajasthan.
Topic: GS3 – gig economy.
Context:
- The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023 was passed in the Rajasthan Assembly on July 24.
- The Act draws strength from past workers’ struggles and victories while responding to new relationships in the evolving future.
- The term “gig” originated from jazz musicians doing short performances for a fee and was applied to current working arrangements in the capitalist economy.
- The “gig economy” represents highly contractualized work, where the employer avoids most responsibilities, except for task assignment and payment.
What is the gig economy?
- The gig economy is a term used to describe a growing trend in which individuals perform short-term or freelance work (or “gigs”) facilitated through online platforms or mobile applications.
- These jobs can range from driving for ride-sharing services and delivering food or goods to providing professional services such as writing, graphic design, or web development.
- Gig workers are paid per gig rather than receiving a salary or traditional benefits.
Importance of the economy in workers:
- Flexibility:It provides flexible work arrangements for individuals who may not be able to or prefer not to work traditional full-time jobs.
- Opportunities beyond the boundaries of countries:There are no geographical limitations on gig workers – they can perform freelance work for any client from any country.
- It gives an opportunity to businesses to access a wider pool of talent.
- Businesses can scale up or down their workforce more quickly in response to market demand.
- Promotion to Innovation and Entrepreneurship:the gig economy can encourage entrepreneurship and innovation by allowing individuals to pursue their passions.
- Helps reduce unemployment: people can turn their skills into income-generating opportunities.
Challenges:
- Job insecurity:Gig workers lack job security and can face unpredictable work schedules, leaving them vulnerable to income instability and financial stress.
- Lack of benefits:Gig workers do not get traditional employment benefits such as healthcare, paid time off, or pension, leaving them without adequate social security protection.
- Exploitation:Some gig workers can be exploited by their employers – who may not provide adequate compensation.
- Inconsistent income: Gig workers often experience unpredictable work schedules and income fluctuations, making it difficult to plan for the future or maintain financial stability.
- Social isolation: Gig workers often work alone and have limited opportunities for collaboration or social interaction with colleagues.
Way forward:
- Provide benefits:Governments and companies can work together to provide gig workers with benefits – such as healthcare, paid time off, and retirement savings plans, that are typically offered to full-time employees.
- Improve job security:Governments should introduce regulations requiring companies to offer their workers more secure work arrangements, such as minimum hours or contracts. The step taken by the Rajasthan government in this regard is praiseworthy.
- Address exploitation: Governments can enforce labour laws and regulations that protect gig workers from exploitation and abuse by their employers.
- Social support: arrangements should be made to reduce their social isolation by providing opportunities for gig workers to build networks and connect with other employees.
Model question: Explain the concept of the “Gig Economy” and discuss its impact on the workforce in India. How can policy measures address the challenges and ensure better working conditions for gig workers?
For Enquiry
26 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
26 July 2023 : PIB
26 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
25 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
25 July 2023 : PIB
25 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
24 July 2023 : Daily Quiz
24 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
24 July 2023 : PIB
24 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
The Hindu 26 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
25-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
Facebook-f
Twitter
Youtube
1. An…
PIB 26 July 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
26-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau…
Daily Current Affairs 26 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
26-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu…
The Hindu 25 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
25-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
Facebook-f
Twitter
Youtube
1. An…
PIB 25 July 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
25-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau…
Daily Current Affairs 25 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
25-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu…
Daily Quiz 24 July 2023 : Daily Quiz 1. Since the implementation of economic reforms in 1991, India has witnessed significant growth in various…
The Hindu 24 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
24-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
Facebook-f
Twitter
Youtube
1. Dilemmas…
PIB 24 July 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
24-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau…
Daily Current Affairs 24 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
24-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu…
