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