Microplastics

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Why in News?

A recent study found that microplastics, mainly polyethylene and PVC, are commonly found in the testicles of humans and dogs. This might be linked to lower sperm counts.

What are Microplastics?

About Microplastics

Microplastics are plastics smaller than five millimeters. They can harm oceans and aquatic life. Sunlight, wind, currents, and other natural forces break down larger plastics into these tiny particles. Microplastics are particles smaller than 5 mm, while nanoplastics are even smaller, under 100 nm.

Classification

Primary Microplastics: These are tiny particles made for commercial use, including microfibers from clothing and textiles. Examples are microbeads in personal care products, plastic pellets, and plastic fibers.

Secondary Microplastics: These come from the breakdown of larger plastics, like water bottles, due to environmental factors such as sunlight and ocean waves.

Applications of Microplastics

Medical and Pharmaceutical Uses: Utilized in targeted drug delivery because they can effectively absorb and release chemicals.

Industrial Applications: Employed in air-blasting technology for cleaning machinery and in making synthetic textiles.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as exfoliating agents in facial scrubs, toothpaste, and other personal care items.

What are the Current Developments Regarding Microplastics?

Microplastics in Testicular Tissues

A study found mean total microplastic levels of 122.63 µg/g in dogs and 328.44 µg/g in humans, with polyethylene (PE) being the most common type. This raises concerns about potential impacts on human reproductive health, such as declining sperm counts.

Global Plastic Overshoot Day (POD)

In 2024, POD is expected to be on September 5th, indicating the point when plastic waste generation surpasses the world's capacity to manage it. By the end of 2024, 217 countries are projected to release over 3 million tonnes of microplastics into waterways, with China and India being the largest contributors.

Microplastics in Drinking Water

A review of 50 studies on microplastics in drinking water and freshwater sources emphasized the need for standardized sampling and analysis methods. Only four studies met all the quality criteria.

Microplastic Contamination in Ashtamudi Lake

Significant microplastic pollution was found in Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland. Microplastics were detected in fish, shellfish, sediment, and water. Hazardous heavy metals like molybdenum, iron, and barium in these microplastics pose risks to aquatic organisms and humans who consume contaminated fish and shellfish.

What are the Challenges Related to Microplastics?

Environmental Challenges

• Persistence and Spread: Microplastics persist in the environment for a long time and can travel great distances due to their small size, making them common pollutants everywhere.
• Threat to Wildlife: Marine organisms often ingest microplastics, leading to the accumulation of toxic chemicals in their bodies.

Health Challenges

• Human Exposure: People are exposed to microplastics through eating, breathing, and skin contact. Microplastics have been found in human tissues, such as the placenta, and can cause health problems like oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, and metabolic disorders.

Regulatory and Policy Challenges

• Inconsistent Regulations: Although some countries have banned microbeads, there is no global regulation for all microplastic sources. Inconsistent monitoring makes it difficult to control pollution.
• Enforcement Issues: Effective enforcement of existing regulations is hindered by limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of public awareness.

Detection and Analysis Challenges

• Complex Detection: Detecting and measuring microplastics in environmental samples is difficult due to their varied properties.

Way Forward

Scientific Research and Monitoring

• Biodegradable Plastics: Promoting biodegradable plastics can reduce the persistence of microplastics in the environment.
• Filtration Systems: Wastewater treatment plants and devices to capture microplastics from stormwater runoff can help reduce the amount of microplastics entering aquatic environments.
• Advanced Techniques: Techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry are used to detect microplastics but need further refinement for better accuracy and reliability.

Regulatory Measures

• Bans on Plastics: Implementing bans on single-use plastics and microbeads in personal care products can significantly reduce primary microplastics in the environment. The European Union's REACH regulation is an example.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR schemes make producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, encouraging the design of more sustainable products and reducing plastic waste.

Innovative Ways to Deal with Microplastics

• Biodegradable Silk: Researchers at MIT have developed a silk-based system that can replace microplastics in various applications, such as agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics.
• Plant-Based Filters: Filters made of tannins and wood dust can trap up to 99.9% of microplastics in water.
• Natural Fiber Textiles: These textiles do not release microplastics during washing and are biodegradable under the right conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon.

Public Awareness and Education

Education: Incorporating information about microplastics and their impacts into school curricula can educate the next generation about reducing plastic pollution and adopting sustainable practices.

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Need for New Agriculture Export-Import Policy

Why in News?

Agricultural Export and Import Trends in India

Recent data from the Department of Commerce shows that India's agricultural exports decreased by 8.2% in 2023-24, mainly due to government restrictions on various commodities. At the same time, agricultural imports fell by 7.9%, driven by lower edible oil prices.

Need for a Balanced Policy

These trends highlight the necessity for a balanced agriculture export-import policy to stabilize the agricultural sector. Such a policy should ensure sufficient domestic availability while also promoting market growth.

What is the Current State of Indian Agricultural Exports and Imports?

Agricultural Exports

In the fiscal year 2023-24, India's agricultural exports fell by 8.2% to USD 48.82 billion, down from a record USD 53.15 billion in 2022-23.

Declined Commodities

Sugar Exports: Sugar exports were halted in October 2023, leading to a decrease from USD 5.77 billion in 2022-23 to USD 2.82 billion in 2023-24.

Non-Basmati Rice Exports: A ban on all white non-basmati rice exports was imposed in July 2023 due to concerns over domestic availability and food inflation. Only parboiled grain shipments are allowed, with a 20% duty. This reduced exports from USD 6.36 billion in 2022-23 to USD 4.57 billion in 2023-24.

Wheat Exports: Exports ceased in May 2022, dropping to USD 56.74 million in 2023-24 from USD 2.12 billion in 2021-22.

Onion Exports: The ban on onion exports was lifted in May 2024, but a floor price of USD 550 per tonne and a 40% duty were imposed. Exports were 17.08 lakh tonnes (USD 467.83 million) during April-February 2023-24, down from 25.25 lakh tonnes (USD 561.38 million) in 2022-23.

Growth in Other Commodities

Basmati Rice and Spices: Exports increased, with basmati rice reaching USD 5.84 billion and spices exceeding USD 4 billion for the first time.

Marine Products, Castor Oil, and Other Cereals: These also saw growth, contributing positively to the overall export basket.

Agricultural Imports

India's agricultural imports fell by 7.9% in 2023-24, influenced by global market conditions and domestic demand.

Reduced Edible Oil Imports

The import bill for vegetable fats was USD 20 billion in 2022-23 due to high global prices post-Russia-Ukraine war.

In 2023-24, the FAO vegetable oil sub-index decreased to 123.4 points, reflecting lower global prices. Consequently, the vegetable oil import bill dropped to below USD 15 billion.

Surge in Pulse Imports

• Pulse imports nearly doubled to USD 3.75 billion in 2023-24, the highest since the levels of USD 3.90 billion in 2015-16 and USD 4.24 billion in 2016-17. This surge indicates ongoing dependence on foreign sources to meet domestic demand.

These trends underline the need for a balanced agriculture export-import policy to stabilize the agricultural sector, ensuring sufficient domestic availability and fostering market growth.

What are the Key Factors Influencing India's Agricultural Exports and Imports?

Export Restrictions

The Indian government has imposed restrictions on the export of key commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, and onions due to concerns over domestic availability and food inflation. These restrictions have led to a significant decline in the exports of these commodities.

Global Price Movements

• FAO Food Price Index: The FAO food price index (base: 2014-16=100) is used to track global agri-commodity prices.
• 2013-14 to 2019-20: The index dipped from an average of 119.1 points in 2013-14 to 96.5 points, reflecting a crash in global agri-commodity prices. This crash reduced the cost competitiveness of India's agricultural exports.
• 2022-23: Following the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the index soared to 140.8 points, leading to record highs in India's farm exports and imports.
• 2023-24: The index eased to 121.6 points, while the vegetable oil sub-index fell to 123.4 points, resulting in a decline in India's edible oil import bill.

Government Policies

The government's decision to maintain low or zero import duties on pulses and edible oils contradicts its goal of boosting domestic production. This policy favors imports over domestic cultivation, potentially discouraging farmers from diversifying crops. In the long run, this undermines agricultural development and self-sufficiency.

These factors highlight the need for a balanced agricultural export-import policy. Such a policy should stabilize the agricultural sector, ensure domestic availability, support market growth, and encourage domestic production and diversification.

What is Agricultural Export Policy?

About Agricultural Export Policy

An agricultural export policy consists of government rules, actions, and incentives aimed at regulating and boosting the export of agricultural goods from a nation. This policy includes export subsidies, tariff reductions, quality standards, market access agreements, financial incentives, and trade promotion initiatives to help agricultural producers and exporters access international markets and enhance their competitiveness.

India’s Agriculture Export Policy, 2018

In December 2018, the Indian government implemented a comprehensive agriculture export policy to leverage India's agricultural export potential. The goal was to establish India as a leading force in global agriculture and increase farmers' incomes.

Objective

• Export Growth: The policy aimed to double agricultural exports from over USD 30 billion to more than USD 60 billion by 2022.
• Farmer Benefits: Expected to provide farmers with export opportunities in the overseas market.
• Promotion of Diverse Products: Encouraged exports of ethnic, organic, traditional, and non-traditional agricultural products.
• Monitoring Framework: Established to oversee the implementation of the Agricultural Exports Policy.

Elements

Strategic:

  Policy Measures: Implementing comprehensive policy measures.

• Infrastructure and Logistics: Enhancing infrastructure and logistics for better export facilitation.
• State Involvement: Encouraging greater involvement of state governments in agricultural exports.

Operational:

• Focus on Clusters: Developing export-oriented clusters.
• Value-Added Exports: Promoting value-added agricultural exports.
• Marketing and Promotion: Enhancing the "Brand India" initiative.
• Private Investments: Attracting private investments into production and processing.
• Quality Regime: Establishing a strong quality regime.
• Research & Development: Promoting research and development in agriculture to support export growth.

What are the Challenges to the Agri-Export Policy of India?

Policy Instability and Double Standards

Frequent changes in export policies, often intended to protect domestic consumers from price hikes, can negatively impact farmers and traders. Sudden bans and restrictions on commodities like wheat and onions disrupt market stability and long-term trade relationships.

Conflicting Goals

The government's reduced import duties on pulses and low tariffs on edible oils aim to ensure consumer affordability. However, these measures conflict with the goal of promoting domestic crop diversification to less water-intensive and import-substituting crops.

Subsidy-Centric Schemes

Populist measures during election seasons, such as increased consumer food and farmer fertilizer subsidies, loan waivers, and free power, are politically popular but undermine fiscal discipline and the agricultural sector's financial health.

Inadequate R&D Investment

India's investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) is around 0.5% of its agricultural GDP, which is insufficient for substantial growth. This investment needs to be doubled or tripled to enhance production and exports.

Quality and Standards

Ensuring consistent quality and compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards is a significant challenge for Indian agricultural exports due to issues like pests and diseases.

Competitiveness

India faces competition in pricing and quality in its agricultural exports. Additionally, exchange rate fluctuations influence competitiveness, affecting export performance.

To address these issues, India needs a stable and coherent agricultural export policy that aligns with domestic goals, boosts investment in R&D, ensures quality compliance, and enhances competitiveness in the global market.

What are the Steps Ahead for a Stable Agri-Export Policy in India?

Balancing Interests and Long-Term Goals

Economists recommend adopting more predictable and rules-based policies, such as temporary tariffs, to manage exports without sudden shocks, ensuring stability and predictability in the agricultural sector.

Strategic Buffer Stocks and Market Intervention

Maintaining buffer stocks of essential commodities helps mitigate price volatility and ensures market stability. This approach allows for controlled and less disruptive market interventions, preventing sudden policy shifts that can destabilize agriculture.

Farmer’s Welfare

Prioritizing the welfare of farmers ensures they receive fair prices for their produce, directly benefiting the farming community. Agricultural export success should translate into improved livelihoods for farmers.

Support for Domestic Consumers

To ensure food security, policy support is necessary for domestic consumers, particularly vulnerable sections of society. A domestic income policy can help support these consumers while maintaining affordability.

Productivity Enhancement

Increasing agricultural productivity while maintaining quality is crucial for competitiveness. This requires investments in research and development, seeds, irrigation, fertilizers, and better farming practices.

Diversify Export Basket

Diversifying the basket of agricultural exports, focusing on value-added products, and reducing reliance on a few commodities can enhance resilience and open opportunities in various international markets.

Infrastructure Development

Investing in modern infrastructure, including cold storage, processing facilities, transportation, and logistics, can reduce post-harvest losses and enhance export competitiveness.

International Best Practices

Strengthening diplomatic efforts to negotiate favourable trade agreements and reduce trade barriers can improve access to international markets. Learning from successful agricultural export policies and best practices in countries like the Netherlands and the United States can provide valuable insights for India's agricultural sector.

India's Critical Mineral Acquisition Plans in Africa

Why in News?

India is intensifying its efforts to acquire critical minerals in Africa, aiming to challenge China's dominant position in the region.

The competition for critical minerals is a primary focus, and India is actively securing mining partnerships and access agreements with various African countries.

Why is India Stepping Up its Critical Mineral Acquisition Plans in Africa?

Resource Securitisation

Ensure a stable supply of critical minerals for India's industries, especially the growing electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

Reduce dependence on imports and mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.

Support India's drive towards self-reliance and strategic autonomy in critical sectors.

Countering China's Dominance-

China controls a significant portion of cobalt processing facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has substantial investments in lithium resources in Zimbabwe.

India aims to establish a stronger presence in the African mining sector to counterbalance China's influence.

Access to High-Quality Reserves

Africa holds substantial reserves of critical minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, presenting an opportunity for India to acquire access to economically viable deposits to meet its growing demand.

Leverage Africa's mineral wealth to support India's industrial and technological aspirations.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

India is engaging in government-to-government (G2G) negotiations to secure mining collaborations and access agreements with African nations.

Signed MoUs with several African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, and Zimbabwe, to build stronger diplomatic and economic ties.

Potential Investments

A Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report predicts that Indian investments in Africa could reach USD 150 billion by 2030, noting that India has already invested USD 74 billion in the region since April 1996.

What are India's Other Overseas Critical Mineral Acquisition Plans?

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL)

Joint venture of National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd (MECL).

Aims to source and process strategic minerals from foreign sources, focusing on battery minerals for supply in India.

Coal India Limited (CIL)

Targeting acquisition of lithium, cobalt, and nickel assets abroad to diversify beyond coal.

Amended its Memorandum of Association to include non-ferrous and critical minerals.

Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)

India joined MSP in June 2023, becoming the 14th member alongside countries like the US, Australia, and Canada.

Aims to aid Indian PSUs in acquiring critical mineral assets abroad, ensuring reliable supply chains through collaboration between governments and industry.

Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)

Collaboration with Australia and Japan to ensure supply chain resilience for critical minerals.

Australian Partnership

Signed Critical Minerals Investment Partnership with Australia to invest in critical minerals projects.

Global Collaborations

Collaborating with countries like Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia known for significant lithium resources.

In talks with Sri Lanka to acquire a graphite mine block, crucial for battery manufacturing. Sri Lankan graphite is among the purest globally, with over 98% carbon content.

What Initiatives have Prompted India to Secure Critical Minerals?

Panchamrit Vision

India's commitment to climate change mitigation includes:

• Growing non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
• Achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Strategic Initiatives

Planning Commission (2011): Emphasized the need for strategic mineral resources.

Expert Committee (2019): Focused on cobalt and lithium sourcing from Australia, Argentina, and Bolivia.

Geological Survey of India (GSI): Utilizing advanced exploration techniques to find new resources.

Legislative Amendments

• MMDR Amendment Act, 2023: Strengthens exploration and extraction of critical minerals essential for India's economic development and national security.
• Offshore Area Minerals (Development and Regulations) Amendment Act, 2023: Regulates mining of minerals in India's maritime zones, categorizing activities into reconnaissance, exploration, and production.