Kazakhstan’s Emerging Role in Rare Earth Elements

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a significant player in the rare earth sector, with its President highlighting rare earths as the “new oil” for its economy. The global transition towards cleaner energy technologies has accelerated the demand for rare earth elements.

India's Rare Earth Dependency

• India, a major carbon emitter, is shifting towards renewable energy but heavily relies on China for rare earth imports.
• Despite being the world’s fifth-largest holder of rare earth elements, India's advanced extraction technology deficiency compels reliance on China.
• China controls about 70% of global rare earth production, and India sources around 60% of its rare earth imports from China.

Challenges and Geopolitical Concerns

• China's dominance in rare earth supply chains raises security concerns, demonstrated by recent supply halts of crucial minerals like antimony.
• Russia's invasion of Ukraine has further exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, prompting nations to seek diversified sources.

Kazakhstan as a Strategic Alternative

• Kazakhstan holds 15 of the 17 known rare earth elements, with agreements for extraction with countries like Japan and Germany.
• Potential for significant growth in rare earth element extraction, including dysprosium, from 2024 to 2029.
• Kazakhstan hosts full-cycle beryllium and scandium factories and is a key global manufacturer of tantalum and niobium.
• The nation is prioritizing investments in advanced technologies for strategic minerals, complementing India's efforts.

India-Kazakhstan Collaboration Opportunities

• India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030 stresses the need for rare earth elements like dysprosium.
• Collaboration could enhance India's resource security, reduce dependence on China, and encourage sustainable extraction practices.
• The ‘India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum’ proposed by Ajit Doval aims to boost partnerships and investment in the sector.

Kazakhstan’s strategic partnerships and advanced technological capabilities offer India an opportunity to diversify its rare earth supply chains, reducing dependency on China and supporting sustainable industrial growth.

Fisheries Resources in India

• India is a major player in global fisheries, providing livelihoods to approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers.
  • There has been an 83% increase in national fish production since 2013-14, reaching a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.
  • 75% of the fish production comes from inland fisheries, making India the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer globally.
• Strengthening last-mile fisheries and aquaculture extension services is crucial. These services should:
  • Offer request-based services concerning the lifecycle of improved species, water quality, disease management, and rearing technologies.
  • Address issues faced by seed growers and hatcheries.
  • Conduct need-based training to promote sustainable practices and viable fisheries-based business models.

The Role of Matsya Seva Kendras (MSK)

• Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samapada Yojana, Matsya Seva Kendras are envisioned as one-stop solutions for extension services offered by trained aquaculture professionals.
  • Government assistance is available for setting up Kendras, particularly for women and weaker sections, covering up to 60% of costs.
  • 102 Kendras have been funded across various States and Union Territories.
  • Examples include:
    • The MSK in Thrissur, Kerala features a lab for water, soil, and microbial analysis, offering disease tests. 
    • The MSKs in Nasik and Sangli districts of Maharashtra focus on capacity building with technology support.
  •  The government encourages a 'whole of government approach' for MSKs to:
    • Mobilize start-ups, cooperatives, fish farmers’ producer organizations, joint liability groups, and self-help groups.
    • Share best practices, including regenerative and conservation management practices amid climate change.

Sagar Mitras

• Deployed in coastal States and U.T.s, Sagar Mitras act as a crucial link between the government and sea-borne fishers.
  • They gather information on daily marine catch, price fluctuations, and marketing needs at fish landing centers and harbors.
  • Disseminate information on local regulations, weather forecasts, natural calamities, hygienic fish handling, and potential fishing zones.

Improving Extension Services

• To enhance fisheries and aquaculture extension services, two primary strategies are recommended:
  • Integrate existing initiatives with over 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State and U.T.s extension services.
  • Enhance digital outreach through platforms like 'AquaBazaar' by the National Fisheries Development Board.

The World Bank-assisted project aims to formalize the fisheries sector by creating digital identities for fishers and fish farmers, boosting extension, capacity building, and awareness generation.

Assisted Dying Legalisation in England and Wales

Britain's House of Commons voted to legalise assisted dying, marking a significant social shift. Proponents view it as a compassionate choice for those suffering, while opponents fear it could pressure vulnerable individuals.

• 75% public support per UK National Centre for Social Research survey.

Controversy Surrounding the Move

The sensitive nature of assisted dying involves ethical and philosophical questions. UK courts and governments have left the decision to parliament. Notably, the current legislation is a private member's bill supported by key political figures, though opposed by six Cabinet Ministers.

Current Law

• Suicide is not a criminal offense, but assisting suicide is punishable by a 14-year sentence under the 1961 Assistive Suicide Act.

Proposed Law

Targets terminally ill, mentally competent adults with less than six months to live, requiring approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.

Petitioners' Prayers

• Since 2001, disabled applicants have argued against the 1961 law's compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
• Cited rights include self-determination, alleviation of suffering, privacy, freedom of conscience, and non-discrimination.

Court Rulings

In 2014, the Supreme Court found the 1961 law incompatible with the rights of non-terminally ill petitioners but left changes to parliament. The European Court of Human Rights supported this stance.

International Status

• The crown dependencies of Jersey and the Isle of Man are nearing legislative enactment for assisted dying.
• Examples of countries with similar laws include Switzerland, Oregon (USA), Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Germany.

Position in India

In Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court recognised the right to die with dignity under Article 21, legalising passive euthanasia and setting guidelines for its implementation.

• Guidelines involve living wills and judicial oversight, recently simplified by a Constitution Bench.
• New draft guidelines by the Health Ministry aim to fill regulatory gaps in healthcare practice.

RBI's Initiative on Ethical AI in Financial Sector

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a significant step towards the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence in the financial sector by forming a committee to develop a Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI).

Committee Composition

• Chairman: Pushpak Bhattacharyya, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay.
• Members: 7 others from Industry and academia. 

Objectives and Responsibilities

• Assess the current level of AI adoption in financial services, both globally and in India.
• Review regulatory and supervisory approaches to AI with a focus on the financial sector worldwide.
• Identify potential risks associated with AI and recommend strategies for evaluation, mitigation, and monitoring.
• Suggest a framework for governance and responsible, ethical adoption of AI models in the Indian financial sector.
• Provide recommendations on any other matters related to AI in the Indian financial sector.

Timeline and Support

The Committee is expected to submit its report within six months from its first meeting. The FinTech Department, Central Office, Reserve Bank of India, will offer secretarial support to the Committee.

Stampedes in India: An Urgent Safety Concern

India experiences a high incidence of stampedes, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities, especially during religious festivals, political rallies, and celebrity events.

Statistics and Incidents

• Data from 1996 to 2022:
  • 3,935 stampede incidents recorded.
  • Over 3,000 deaths reported.
• Religious Gatherings:
  • 2011 Sabarimala tragedy: 106 deaths on a narrow pathway.
  • 2013 Kumbh Mela in Allahabad: 36 fatalities at a railway station due to overcrowding.
• Political Rallies:
  • 2014 Gandhi Maidan, Patna: Over 30 people killed in a stampede.
• Celebrity Appearances:
  • Hyderabad, film Pushpa 2 event: Stampede during Telugu actor Allu Arjun's appearance.

Issues and Responsibilities

• Negligence and Mismanagement:
  • Recurring pattern of inadequate planning and crowd control.
  • Confusion over the roles and responsibilities of police and event organizers.

Recommendations for Improved Safety

• Prioritize Crowd Safety:
  • Consider spatial and thermal comfort in event planning.
  • Ensure adequate hydration facilities are available.
• Infrastructure and Emergency Preparedness:
  • Multiple, clearly designated entry and exit points.
  • Deployment of medical aid and trained personnel.
  • Effective chaos management protocols.

Ensuring public safety during large gatherings is crucial, encompassing religious, political, and entertainment events, to prevent tragedies and protect citizens.