The 2020-2021 farmers' protest over the Indian government's introduction of three laws that relaxed restrictions on agricultural produce sale, price, and storage.

Lets Decipher Farm Protests (Part-1)

To understand what has gone wrong with our agriculture sector, the actual production, glut in the market and more, let us dig into details. I have used FY2015 data, and the crop is wheat.

The wheat production in 2015 was 94-million tons (MNT), in 2020, its whooping 105 MNT. No matter what pessimists project, the actual agricultural production is commendably high.

Now, as it is visible the wheat production is going great guns, what’s about the consumption status? Now let's have a look at the consumption chart. It is amply clear that wheat consumption in our country is almost stagnant. So, who needs this extra 10MNT wheat? One thing is obvious- We don’t.

So, if we have extra produce we can export it, right? Unfortunately NO. This is because there is already glut in the International market with India, EU, and China collectively produce 762 MNT, a little over 50% world production(2018-2019).

Now the problem starts building up, India doesn’t export wheat. Only marginal exports take place. The most developed world is in surplus while the wheat consumption is on the decline worldwide.

Most of the wheat imports take place in the African continent, and with surplus production, the prices are depressed making it economically unsound to export. The charts show the prices are stagnant for a while around $200/ton.

Devil in details

The $200/ton price of wheat(in international markets) roughly translates to Rs.1400/quintal. This implies the MSP offered by GOI is good 37% higher than the prevailing prices. The resulting outcome is NO EXPORTS of a commodity that is lying unused in India. However, a farmer expects GOI to commit itself with MSP, thus enabling him to get the regular income through his produce.

The Facts:

We have seen that the farmers:

 Have benefited from steps initiated by successive governments resulting in surplus wheat production(hardly consumed within country and can’t be exported).

 Bumper harvest due to high-quality seeds compounding the problem of plenty.

 The produce can’t be exported and the tax-payers money is wasted to buy grains.

1

The problem

The increasing farm income is good news for farmers, however, it is coming from taxpayers pockets with no incentive. When GOI procures excessive grains (FCI), this is what happens:

The above stock represents 3yrs of production. The stocks with FCI are excessively high, now add to it the populist measures taken by the GOI in the last 5 years of increased MSP. And you are starring at 2.5 lakh crore of the deficit with FCI. 

The most troublesome part is the speed of increased FCI deficit in the period. The resultant borrowings by FCI from National Small Savings is ₹191,000 core in FY20 in addition to food subsidy bill of ₹184,000 crores. If you look at the earlier financial reports, in FY17, the borrowings were at ₹70,000 crores.

1

Now you can understand the problems we as Indians are staring at, on one hand, farmers are unsatisfied and are ‘protesting’ the entry of private players in the agriculture sector, the other problem is the ballooning of country’s deficit. 

With so many hurdles ahead of us, such as Covid, a website dedicated to keeping a record of events, fittingly called 'Is 2020 Over? No, it does not!

COVID-19: Glimmer Of Hope In Dark Times (Part-3)

Positive Impact of Covid-19 on Human Life

1) Green Shoots for Startups 

Amid global lockdown, the internet has emerged as the last hope of survival, an alternative solution, and a coping mechanism for companies and government. While companies are encouraging their employees to work from home, the unprecedented business opportunity has been beneficial for Indian startups companies.  

.

Services offered 

Many startups are adapting to the situation and working together to leverage technology in driving solutions required to the customers.

 .

Some of them are working with the government to develop apps like an application for citizens to report symptoms of COVID-19. A healthcare app helps the citizens carry out a self-assessment test for COVID-19 and seek help from the government if required. 

.

Some other startups, like Zomato and Cloud Kitchen, have helped the authorities to feed the poor and needy in these challenging times.

.

Even startups performing religious rituals live from places of worship on a virtual reality (VR) platform that is in high demand during the lockdown. The trend is likely to grow as people are becoming conscious of not visiting crowded places like temples.

Some others deliver essential commodities like groceries, fresh fruits, and vegetables to the people at their doorstep. At the same time, the government has also supported the initiative by bringing them under essential commodities. 

Future of Startups 

The Indian startup ecosystem has played an active role in easing the hardships faced by the general population and going forward, the tribe of startups will only grow. There was a gradual shift among the young generation towards the digital world, but the COVID-19 lockdown has accentuated the process.

.

While lockdowns enabled startups to expand, it also allowed individuals to reorganize their lives. People are learning to reconnect themselves with loved ones, besides adopting positive lifestyle changes.

2 a) Family and Social Bonding 

One significant positive outcome of lockdown because of coronavirus is the opportunity for individuals to reconnect with their families and friends. Today people have the time to focus on their health and tend to the needs of family members, friends, and community.

 .

The hectic schedule and the urgency to meet deadlines have taken a back seat because of lockdown, which will help heal individuals both externally and internally.

 

b) Hygiene Conscious 

Another positive outcome is the government's mass media drive to maintain hygiene, a welcome change, and seems to be everlasting. People have also realized the necessity to manage not only personal health but also around their dwellings.

 .

The habit of covering one's face during sneezing or washing hands frequently after touching something is lifestyle changes and is everlasting.

Conclusion 

When the planet is amid the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across the globe that are directly or indirectly impacted are suffering physical, emotional, and economic casualties unmatched in modern human memory. It will take the concerted efforts of all nations to tide over this crisis, which will hopefully be over soon. Humans are resilient and have been through various challenges before, too; this will not be any different.

.

Let's hope this pandemic will have much needed positive repercussions for our age and the future generation because there is a silver lining in every adversity. It will hopefully teach us that Joy and kindness are obligations and not a privilege. Humankind can not exist without them. Humans will probably learn to coexist peacefully with nature, be more accountable towards their surroundings. Hopefully, this adversity will teach humans to be more kind.

 .

Lastly, the lockdown has awakened the world to a new reality; we are together in this phase and should consider it to help others in these difficult times. Sharing a meal with hungry or coming to the help of lonely elders, feeding birds, and paying gratitude to those who cared for us throughout our lives. It is time to light a lamp within ourselves to dispel darkness. 

Courtesy: Google Images

While the severity and sorrow of the pandemic cannot be minimized, there are silver linings. It is important to look at the potential positive outcomes that can be achieved from Coronavirus adversity.

COVID-19: Glimmer Of Hope In Dark Times  (Part-2) 

CoronaVirus Positive Images

1) Educational Institutions 

Precautionary measures 

As the government's first precautionary step to managing COVID-19 spread, all schools and colleges were closed down. After that, academic and competitive examinations were also postponed. All the actions academics are taken protected students' health, although at a hefty price of time loss.

 

Education sector overhaul 

However, the measures taken have started discussions within the education sector to encourage schools and universities across the nation to pursue the online delivery of education. 

 

The pandemic may bring a paradigm shift in the education sector, completely transforming the way education is provided.

 

It may help in opening the sector for a significant overhaul, including massive investments.

Digitization Expansion

With public and private investments, the schools or universities may further develop and expand its digital offerings, educating even the remotest parts of the country without hassles.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic may speed up the rate of change necessary in imparting education. It may completely alter the way training is provided today.  

 

They focus more on using technology, particularly regarding the development of online and degree programs, school curriculum, and short courses. Virtual classrooms can provide education not only during times of an emergency but may also offer a more engaging experience for students.

Distance learning 

Technology has emerged as a saviour for many sectors to remain operational during the lockdown, hence the education sector can also benefit immensely by leveraging technology.

 

Distance learning is not a new concept in India, but with COVID-19 fallout, the government may be persuaded to allocate more resources to the education sector. It will require greater digitization of the school curriculum, new online programs, and train the faculty for the challenge. 

 

Coronavirus can be transmitted in various ways among the population, money exchange through circulating currency notes is one of the formidable ways that expose individuals to the virus.

2) Money Transactions

 

On banknotes, the coronavirus can remain active for hours. Since it was one of the most effective ways to transmit the epidemic, the Chinese central bank destroyed all banknotes collected by hospitals, wet markets, and buses to ensure cash transactions. It is estimated that China has injected 600 billion yuan (US$85.6 billion) of new banknotes throughout the country to battle a coronavirus outbreak.

 

Digital Drive in India 

Back home, the demonetization drive undertaken by the government three years back has proved to be a blessing in our fight against COVID-19. One of the most significant benefits of that drive was more people went cashless and embraced digital payment methods, wire transfers, and e-commerce. Post demonetization people reduced dependence on currency transactions, and rapid growth in the usage of debit cards, digital wallets, and cashless transactions even at marketplaces was witnessed.

 

The shift, encouraged by government and Central bank in the electronic transaction, was decisive and helped many startups e-commerce sites like Grofers, Flipkart, etc. to establish their hold among the customers.

Advantages 

Today as the lockdown is underway, these e-commerce sites are operational, providing necessary items at the doorstep. The government has pitched in by allowing them to operate as part of essential services.

 

Another significant advantage is the disbursement of money to the intended beneficiaries digitally across the nation without much hassle. During the lockdown, Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and crores of Jan Dhan accounts came in handy for direct transfer of welfare money to the poor.

 

As the digitization of payments increased exponentially post demonetization, it has come as a saviour without which the struggle against the disease would be lacklustre. It would have exposed millions of Indians to unwanted risk, standing in queues at banks, grocery stores, or in merely providing relief to the poor at a time when social distancing is required.

Future 

Going forward, the digital payment methods will become centralized, with most transactions will be through this method.

 

Due to the government and the private sector's collective efforts, today, India is the second-fastest digitizing economy among the 17 leading economies of the world, and the trend will only increase further once the lockdown is lifted.

 

As the coronavirus transcended national boundaries and became world headache, fingers are now being pointed at WHO, the watchdog to monitor diseases for the world community.

3) World Health Organization (WHO) 

Intriguingly, only after 5700 deaths and over 150,000 infected cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus from China that rapidly spread across the world a pandemic. The world paid a heavy price because of the time wasted by the WHO in dealing with the threat.

 

Instead of focusing energy to take countermeasures in controlling COVID -19, WHO wasted precious time in politicizing and downplaying the danger posed by  COVID -19.

 

There are reports that WHO chief Tedros hobnobbed with Chinese authorities in trivializing the Corona pandemic even when there was transmission between people and high fatality rates. The mismanagement of the deadly disease and failure to implement travel bans and restrictions helped spread the virus across the world. Because of the apathy showed by WHO, its leadership failure, the world missed a critical window to halt the pandemic or mitigate its risks.

Future 

There is a probability that drastic reforms would be enacted to make WHO transparent, once the COVID -19 pandemic is tamed. There is a need to maintain transparency in selecting the head of such institutions and accountability in the functioning of the world bodies. 

 

The importance of an international, autonomous organization has never been more recognized in the face of growing infectious diseases such as COVID -19.  Such a body would be proactive rather than reactive in its commitment to addressing present and potential future challenges. 

 

However, in its current form, WHO cannot cope with the problems of the rapidly changing global health scenario and thus needs a complete overhaul.

 

Regardless of all the doom and uncertainty in the economy, certain positive overshoots are noticeable that may alter the way businesses are operated today.

As the storm tears you apart, you get to choose how to rebuild your life again. COVID is our storm, and while there will be no return to normalcy, there will be a new way of living.

COVID-19: Glimmer Of Hope In Dark Times  (Part-1)

It is said that a person in pitch darkness should still be optimistic and must pursue the light. It keeps us motivated to strive towards happier times. To battle, the gloom we need is a ray of hope, like sunshine on freezing wintry days or rainbow, on a rainy day. 

 

In the present scenario, which is unprecedented, people are bombarded with many kinds of pessimistic reports regarding the impact of  COVID-19  on everyone's life.

 

By now, we are all familiar with the origin of the pandemic in the Chinese province of Wuhan and its spread to the remotest part of our world. The COVID-19 epidemic, which appeared out of nowhere, has become a great obstructor in our daily lives.

 

How Coronavirus Changed the World?

As the countries struggle to find a cure for the epidemic, mother nature has already rebooted itself and is healing the scars inflicted because of the polluted environment. While complete recovery requires time and patience, yet some significant issues contributing to pollution like Global warming because of greenhouse gas emissions is actively being addressed.

 

1- Greenhouse

There are many aspects of nature promising in these difficult times, imploring us to remain positive. Some positive indicators, such as a miraculous decrease in greenhouse gas emissions across the globe, are not only impressive but much required to address the global warming crisis. 

 

To combat the COVID -19 pandemic, policymakers across the globe were compelled to limit people's movement and take drastic measures such as lockdowns or curfews.

Due to lockdown

Governments across the world are prompted to enforce lockdowns in their respective countries brought the entire vehicular movement and air traffic to a complete halt. As factories, transportation, businesses have stopped, and people are confined to houses, working remotely, the end product of these efforts is a safe, noiseless, and calm environment, the type that we all longed for but were unsuccessful.

 

Despite constant appeals by environmentalists and NGO's, nothing much was achieved on a global front to cut carbon emissions, the lockdown, however, may prove to be a hidden blessing in disguise. If civilians across the world, who have now witnessed the risks of a toxic atmosphere, can prepare their respective governments, to frame and implement environmental conservation policies after the lockdown, this period could prove to be a game-changing moment in the history of humanity.

 

According to studies, there is a 25 percent reduction in carbon emissions in China; likewise, satellite imaging around Europe has shown a significant reduction of toxic emissions of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), back home, data collected by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), part of India's Environment Ministry is pleasing. 

However, the clean environment can only be sustained if two significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, namely fossil fuel-based power plants and transportation networks, are checked. This is possible only by investing in renewable energy resources.

 

Investments

The COVID-19 pandemic could stimulate the world's investments in cleaner technologies.  

 

More investments can spur research in Solar, wind, and other renewable resources that harnesses nature to produce electricity. It can also prove to be a boon in the transportation sector to upgrade, resulting in an entire generation of electric or hybrid vehicles for public or private transportation.

 

Since transportation accounts for 23 percent of global carbon emissions, the coronavirus pandemic may be the tipping point toward discarding the existing fossil-fuel-based transportation system. This would promote private and public investments to create a safe and sustainable potential transport network. 

 

Such an endeavor is urgently required for countries like India, where vehicular pollution has become a significant health hazard in urban areas.

 

Lockdown In India 

The lockdown scenario has already shown a dramatic reduction of pollutants across different cities and towns in India, which has the notorious distinction of having 21 of the world's 30 most polluted cities.

 

The coronavirus pandemic has given countries such as India, an unprecedented chance to invest in clean energy or efficient green public and private transportation that will have long-term benefits.

 

After the environment, another social sector that needs more attention during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is healthcare.

 

 

2 - Healthcare 

Throughout the case of the COVID-19 outbreak, the healthcare system, which is the proverbial shield against any disease outbreak, has been found wanting. This time, not just the developing nations, even the developed world, has been brought to its knees. There are desperate attempts made by the European Union and the USA government to import vital medical equipment and supplies.

 

Jostling for Medical equipment

Not just qualified doctors and paramedics even the shortfall of medicines, masks, protective gear, ventilators, the scramble to gain such primary products is perpetual, and the condition is scary.

 

The desperation of the US administration became apparent when it urged the Indian government to lift the ban on hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol medicine immediately. After that, with adequate supply available for internal use, GOI has partially relaxed the export of drugs on humanitarian grounds.

 

It no denies the fact that the healthcare system across the nations is under-prepared primarily to cope with any significant health crisis that involves large volumes of people who would seek medical care because of the pandemic.

 

Rethinking  

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted people to think, we not only need more hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and qualified doctors and nursing staff but also resources for research to develop a new generation of disease-fighting drugs.

 

It is interesting to note that even when an alarming amount of resurgent and 'modern' infectious diseases are growing internationally, investments in the discovery and introduction of new antimicrobial agents by the world's major pharmaceutical companies are diminishing. 

 

One major factor being huge investments required to develop a newer range of antibiotics and the time required. 

 

Today, our total allocation of healthcare resources is just 1% of our GDP compared to 10% in the developed world and 18% in the USA. Similarly, resource allocation for research and development in India is .7% of GDP, while on defense, it stands at 2.4% of GDP. The rising death toll and the havoc caused because of COVID-19 pandemic may force the respective governments to change their spending pattern.

 

Radical changes possible 

As the pandemic eventually subsides, there is expected to be a significant overhaul in the way resource allocation is carried out globally, including India. The social sector, like healthcare, needs substantial investment to ward off crises like today.

 

The fact that the collective consciousness of the society has been jolted and may radically alter the preferences.

 

Today as the threat of COVID-19 pandemic is looming over us, it has prompted institutions to forge a coalition to innovative and produce medical equipment on a war footing.

One such initiative that deserves to be emulated is the coming together of different organizations in India.

India setting example 

Few would have envisaged a scenario where a multi patient-ventilator designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be manufactured by automakers like Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), Hyundai Motor India, Honda Cars India, and Maruti Suzuki India. This will not only help in overcoming the shortage of critical equipment like a ventilator, which is necessary to fight coronavirus, but is also a low cost and can be exported to developing countries.

 

It is promising to see the collaboration between Indian government laboratories and the private sector who have risen to the occasion to meet the virus's challenge.

 

Future expectation 

The future looks promising as the Indian scientists, engineers, and technicians have shown the mettle to provide solutions overnight. They have worked overtime to tackle hurdles while industries have contributed by mass-producing critical items at low-cost. 

 

The time has come for us to improve our hospital's capacity to plan for and respond to the threat of bioterrorism and natural epidemics and disasters. Countries must focus on developing protective equipment, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals instead of taking vital money aside for disruptive purposes.

 

Apart from healthcare, the education sector will also be in focus. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the education sector was negatively impacted because of lockdown.

Image Courtesy -Unsplash

Discarded electronic or electrical devices and products are referred to as electronic waste. This article covers the fundamentals of electronic waste management in India.

E-waste Management 

 

What is E-waste?

E-waste or electronic waste is the term that refers to discarded or dumped electrical or electronic goods. If we observe carefully, human beings are dependent on different kinds of electronic gadgets in their daily routine. These electronic products such as refrigerators, computers, batteries, mobile phones, etc. have a shelf life, after which they are discarded.

 .

The piled-up discarded electronic scrap contains potentially toxic heavy metals such as lead, lithium, cadmium, mercury, etc. When discharged unchecked or processed without regulations, these heavy metals affect not only human health but also pollute the environment. However, the heavy metals in e-waste can be recycled and reused.

 

Recycling Of E-waste

The recycling of e-waste is a tedious process and poses a significant danger to workers' health and the general population in close vicinity. Hence a great deal of caution must be taken to avoid toxic discharge of pollutants during the recycling process. It is essential to understand that even the accidental release of harmful materials can extensively damage the local flora and fauna.

According to studies, there has been a steady increase in e-waste generation in the country, and the trend is likely to continue. This is corroborated by a report on Global e-waste by the UN monitor group, where India ranked 5th in the e-waste generation in 2014.

 

E-waste Management

As the problem of e-waste starts mounting, the government sprung into action to deal with the problem of e-waste disposal. Steps were taken to regulate and process e-waste in an organized manner.  In its endeavor to effectively address the increasing problem of e-waste management, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has come out with the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016. The new rules have superseded the earlier notified e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011.

 

The new rules underline the commitment of the government to safeguard human health and the environment. An obligation on the government to uphold the directive principles of the state policy inscribed in the constitution.

What’s New In E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016?

1)  Mercury-containing equipment, Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), or other lamps containing mercury are now subjected to the new rules.

2)  For the first time, manufacturer, distributor, refurbisher, and product responsibility association (PRO) are added as new stakeholders in the law.

3)   Components and spare parts of consumer goods(EEE) are also brought under the ambit of the new law.

4)  For the first time, the regulations shall bind together producers within the framework of the Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR with the goals. They are now held responsible for the collection and exchange of e-waste. The collected e-waste has to be disposed of in an environmentally safe and secure manner.

5)  Solid waste treatment facilities should be established within a period of two years by local municipal bodies with a population of 1 lakh or more.

6)  Towns with a population below lakh are given three years to set up a solid waste treatment facility.

7)  It was further announced to shut down or bio-treat the old or discarded dumping sites inside five years period.

8)  Urban local bodies were assigned the responsibility to collect and dispose of municipal waste. They were also given the authority to collect fees and even impose a penalty on violators.

9)  In the new framework, the State governments were assigned the responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and health of workers who are engaged in the e-waste recycling process.  

10)  Endangering the environment or third party due to improper management of e-waste is strictly prohibited. Provisions have been made in the law to impose a financial penalty on the violators.  

 

Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB), in association with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), ensures the compliance of e-waste rules formulated by the government.

Web-based Integrated Waste Management System 

The Union Ministry (MoEFCC), in its endeavor to simplify the process of waste management, inaugurated a web-based application- (IWMS) in May 2016. The main objective of the app is to manage solid waste properly. Through this app, the government can keep an eye on the movement of hazardous scrap material and ensure proper management.

Key Benefits Of The App

1)  The monitoring of 43000 industries that are producing hazardous waste becomes easy.

2)  The app will help in providing national and state-wide data on the different types of waste generated and processed by industries at one location.

3)  People can now apply and receive permission online for import and export of specific types of waste for reuse, recycle, or recovery of material.

4)  The applicants can now track their application status any time with the help of this online portal.

5)  The application is instrumental in bringing transparency in the functioning of regulatory bodies.

6)  The app is user friendly and expedited the process of granting permission or analysis of waste.

7)  The launching and use of the online portal have made the whole process paperless and environmentally friendly.

 

First e-Waste Clinic In India

Continuing with its efforts to manage e-waste properly, the first e-waste clinic in India started functioning in Bhopal on January 24. The clinic was conceived and executed in accordance with the rules and regulations. It is a three-month pilot project and, if successful, would pay the way for the establishment of such e-clinics in other parts of the country. The e-clinic is a joint effort by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Objective 

The main objective of this initiative is to segregate, process, and dispose of e-waste in an eco-friendly manner. The e-waste is collected either directly through the door to door campaign or submitted by an individual at the clinic. The e-waste collected from the residential and commercial establishments will be sent to Bengaluru for recycling. This initiative would help bring a long-term solution to the ever-increasing problem of e-waste in the country.

Requirement Of E-waste Clinic

According to the survey conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), around 2 million tons of e-waste is generated every year in the country. In the absence of a proper mechanism to handle e-waste, it is dumped along with the other kind of solid household waste. Under these circumstances, the establishment of e-waste clinics across the country will help address the problem of piled up e-waste.

Image Courtesy - Google Images