UPSC Daily Current Affairs| Prelim Bits 30-05-2025

Satellite Tree Monitoring for Volcano Prediction

Prelims – General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.

Mains – General Studies-III (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment).

Why in news?

NASA scientists have recently stated that they can detect early signs of volcanic eruptions by observing the changing colors of leaves from trees.

• Underground Activity – When a volcano is preparing to erupt, rising magma releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gases.
• Tree Response – Trees near the volcano absorb this extra CO₂ through their roots, which acts like fertilizer.
• Visual Change – The extra CO₂ makes the trees healthier and greener, which can be visible from space satellites.
• Early Detection – Scientists can spot these color changes in satellite images before traditional warning signs appear.
• Satellite Eyes – NASA scientists are using satellites to look at the color of tree leaves around volcanoes. If they see the trees getting greener, it's a red flag.
• Healthier and greener trees – Trees absorb CO₂ through their roots. More CO₂ from the volcano means more "food" for the trees, making them grow healthier and greener.
• Partnership – NASA scientists have partnered with AVUELO (Airborne Validation Unified Experiment: Land to Ocean), to detect early signs of volcanic eruptions by observing the changing colors of leaves from trees.

India has active volcanoes like Barren Island in Andaman & Nicobar and this technology could enhance India's disaster management capabilities.

Significance of the discovery

• Early Warning – This method could provide an earlier warning for volcanic eruptions than traditional methods (like seismic activity or ground deformation) for certain types of volcanoes.
• Remote Areas – Many volcanoes are in very remote places, making it hard for scientists to constantly monitor them on the ground. Satellites can cover huge, hard-to-reach areas.
• Filling a Gap – While sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from volcanoes is easier to track, CO₂ has been tricky because it mixes with other gases. This tree-based method offers a new way to detect volcanic CO₂'s impact.
• Saving Lives – The example from the Philippines shows how an early warning based on tree changes can lead to timely evacuations and prevent casualties.

Reference

Indian express | Satellite Tree Monitoring for Volcano Prediction

RBI's 6^th Remittances Survey

Prelims: Economic development | Current events of national and international importance.

Why in news?

Recently Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s 6^th Round of India’s Remittances Survey, was released.

• A remittance is money that's sent from one party to another and it usually refers to an overseas transfer but it can also be domestic.
• Outward remittance – It means the transfer of money from India to another country or region.
• Inward remittance – It means the transfer of funds into India from outside India.
• In India, inward remittances are exempted from tax.
• Highest remittances – In 2023-24 the inward remittances are $118.7 billion.
• It surpassed FDI inflows and finances over half of India’s merchandise trade deficit.
• It reinforces the stabilizing role of remittances in India’s external sector.

Inward remittances bring in Forex, increases purchasing parity of households and economic growth.

• Shift in source countries – Advanced Economies (AEs) now dominate remittance sources,
  • U.S. share - 27.7% (up from 23.4% in 2020-21).
  • U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Singapore - Combined 51.2%.
  • GCC countries - Declined to 37.9%.
• It reflects shift from low-skilled Gulf migrants to high-skilled professionals and students in AEs.
• Rise in large-value transactions – Rs 5 lakh+ transfers formed 29% of total remittance value but just 1.4% of transactions.
• Growth of digital remittances – Digital channels used in 73.5% of remittance transactions.

Average cost of sending $200 to India is 4.9% (below global avg. 6.65%, above SDG goal of 3%).

• Uneven digital adoption – High digital use in UAE (76.1%) & Saudi Arabia (92.7%).
• Low digital use in Canada (40%), Germany (55.1%), Italy (35%).
• Regional disparities in india – Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu form 51% of total remittances.
• Bihar, UP, Rajasthan contributes less than 6%.

Policy Recommendations

• Enhancing digital remittance infrastructure and reduce costs of sending.
• Promoting financial literacy and asset creation among remittance-receiving households.
• Designing state-specific skilling and migration support systems.
• Introducing remittance-linked investment products for long-term developmental benefits.

Reference

The Hindu| RBI's 6^th Remittances Survey

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)

Prelims: Public policy| Government Initiatives | Current events of national and international importance.

Why in news?

Recently Indian Government approved the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for 2025-26.

• Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) – It provoide short-term credit at an affordable rate to farmers through Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
• Launch - It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2006–07 by the Government of India.
• Funding – Fully funded by the central government.
• Implementation Mechanism – Implemented by RBI and NABARD.
• Operated through
  • Public Sector Banks
  • Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
  • Cooperative Banks
  • Private Sector Banks in rural/semi-urban areas.

Key features

• Interest subvention – For Banks the interest subsidy is initially 2%, but later revised to 1.5%.
• For farmers short-term loans up to Rs 3 lakh at a 7% annual interest.
• An additional 3% incentive for prompt repayment, lowering effective rate to 4%.
• As per Union Budget 2025–26, the loan limit is enhanced to Rs 5 lakh.
• Loan Coverage Extended – It covers crop production loans and working capital for animal husbandry and fisheries.
• Interest benefit for these allied sectors is applicable up to Rs 2 lakh.
• Disaster Relief Component – In case of natural calamities, restructured crop loans receive 2% interest subvention for the first year.
• It supports farmers during recovery and ensures continuity of agricultural activities.

Significance

• It ensures financial inclusion of rural farmers.
• It boosts productivity by supporting input needs.
• It protects farmers from high-interest informal loans.
• It also supports rural and cooperative banks in lending at subsidised rates.
• Scheme Continuation – The scheme will continue with the existing structure and 1.5% interest subvention rate for FY 2025–26.

Reference

The Hindu| Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)

Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme

Prelims: Economy| Government Initiatives | Current events of national and international importance.

Why in news?

Recently, Indian Government announced the restoration of benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme for exports which was suspended due to budgetary constraints

• Aim – To reimburse exporters for embedded, non-refundable taxes and duties to make Indian exports more cost-competitive globally.
• Launch – 2021
• Implementation agencies – Department of Commerce and Department of Revenue.
• WTC compliance – It is as World Trade Organization (WTO) compliant and implemented through an end-to-end digital platform for transparency.
• The WTO prohibits export-linked incentives that are considered trade-distorting.
• RoDTEP does not reward exports directly instead, it reimburses embedded taxes and levies.
• These reimbursements are classified as “non-actionable subsidies” under WTO rules because they do not cause any adverse trade effects.

This includes levies on fuel, electricity, water, education cess, and duties on inputs used in production.

The remission is granted in the form of electronic scrips, which are credited to an electronic ledger maintained by the exporter with Customs (ICEGATE portal).

• The earlier Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) was challenged by the U.S. at the WTO for being an export-contingent subsidy.
• In response, India phased out MEIS and launched RoDTEP as a WTO-compliant alternative.
• Beneficiaries covered – It covers all export-oriented manufacturers in India such as,
  • Advance Authorization (AA) holders (allow duty free import for manufacturing inputs that are meant to be exported)
  • Export-Oriented Units (EOUs)
  • Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units

• Restoration of Benefits - Earlier benefits for AA/EOU/SEZ categories were withdrawn on 5th February 2025.
• Their restoration provides parity with other exporters and enhances competitiveness in global markets.
• Reinstated benefits apply to eligible exports made on or after 1st June 2025.

Significance

• It creates a level playing field for all exporters.
• It boosts export competitiveness and support a compliant and transparent export ecosystem.
• It contributes to India's long-term trade growth strategy.

Reference

PIB| Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products Scheme

POCSO Act and the Recent SC Ruling

Prelims: Public policy| Social development | Current events of national and international importance.

Why in news?

Recently, Supreme Court declined to impose a sentence on a man convicted under the POCSO Act, noting that the victim did not view the incident as a crime and had suffered more from the legal fallout.

• Case background – In 2018, a 13-year-old girl went missing and was later found married to a 25-year-old man.
• Despite her mother’s rescue attempts, she stayed with him and later gave birth to a child.
• The accused was convicted in 2022 under POCSO, and various IPC Sections.
• Special POCSO Court sentenced the accused to 20 years imprisonment.
• The Calcutta High Court overturned the conviction and recommended exclusion of consensual adolescent relationships from POCSO.
• Supreme Court set aside the Calcutta HC’s ruling and withheld sentencing and sought a deeper understanding of the victim’s present situation.
• It deferred sentencing under Article 142 of the Constitution, citing:
  • The victim's welfare
  • Her continued support for the accused
  • Her social isolation and poverty
• A three-member expert committee was formed to assesses the situation before a final decision.
• Expert panel findings – It flagged the inadequate implementation of the POCSO Act as a “collective failure”.
• It recommended keeping the family unit intact for the child’s welfare, alongside providing financial, legal, and educational support.
• SC withheld sentencing and directed the West Bengal government to ensure her welfare and rehabilitation.

Controversy in SC ruling

• SC’s withholding of punishment using its extraordinary jurisdiction (Article 142) is unusual.
• It could lead to misuse by perpetrators claiming "consensual" relationships with minors.
• It undermines the core intent of absolute protection for children from exploitation.

Way Forward

• Need for comprehensive sex education and a stigma-free curriculum in schools.
• Reforms in POCSO implementation to make justice more sensitive and effective.
• Exceptions must remain rare and guided strictly by law and welfare but not social pressure or sentiment.

Reference

The Hindu| SC deviated from the POCSO Act in a recent judgment