Context: The Union Cabinet cleared a ₹4,797-crore programme called ‘Prithvi’ (Earth) that is expected to subsume five existing schemes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

About Prithvi Vigyan Scheme:

The Prithvi scheme consolidates five existing sub-schemes, namely:

• Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)
• Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)
• Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)
• Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)
• Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)

Aim:

The integration of these sub-schemes aims to enhance the understanding of Earth's systems and apply scientific knowledge for societal, environmental, and economic benefits.

Objectives and Focus Areas:

• Comprehensive Observations: The scheme emphasizes long-term monitoring across the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth to track Earth System's vital signs and changes.
• Development of Predictive Models: It focuses on creating models for weather, ocean, and climate hazards and advancing climate change science.
• Exploration Initiatives: Exploration of Polar Regions and high seas is a key aspect, aiming to discover new phenomena and Resources.
• Technological Advancements: The scheme stresses the development of technology for the sustainable exploitation of oceanic Resources for societal applications.

Role of the Ministry of Earth Sciences:

• Provision of Critical Services: The Ministry is responsible for delivering crucial services related to weather, climate, ocean and coastal states, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.
• Support in Disaster Management: These services are essential for issuing forecasts and warnings for natural disasters, aiding in disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.

Holistic Approach to Earth System Sciences:

• Broad Scope of Study: Earth System Sciences involve studying the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, and their complex interactions.
• Integrated Research Efforts: The Prithvi scheme aims to address these components comprehensively, enhancing understanding and providing reliable services for India.

Impact and Future Prospects:

• Addressing Major Challenges: The integrated research and development efforts under the scheme will tackle significant challenges in various fields like weather, climate, oceanography, cryospheric studies, and seismology.
• Harnessing Resources Sustainably: It explores sustainable methods to utilize both living and non-living Resources, contributing to national development and environmental conservation.

Context: India’s real GDP growth in 2023-24 is estimated at 7.3%, compared to 7.2% a year ago, as per the first advance estimates of national income released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), which reckon the economy will outperform the 7% uptick recently projected by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

About NSO (National Statistical Office):

Role and Affiliation: The NSO serves as the central agency within the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, overseeing the planned development of the statistical system in the country. It establishes and upholds norms and standards related to statistics, encompassing concepts, definitions, methodology for data collection, data processing, and the dissemination of results.

Components:

The NSO comprises three main entities:

• Central Statistical Office (CSO)
• Computer Center
• National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)

Functions:

• Index of Industrial Production (IIP): The NSO is responsible for compiling and releasing the Index of Industrial Production on a monthly basis, providing 'quick estimates' regularly.
• Annual Survey of Industries (ASI): It conducts the Annual Survey of Industries to gather comprehensive statistical information.
• Statistical Information: The NSO offers statistical data that aids in assessing and evaluating changes within the growth, composition, and structure of the organized manufacturing sector.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):

GDP serves as a monetary metric for the total value of all "final" goods and services within a country during a specific period. These are the goods and services ultimately purchased by the end-user.

Four Key Drivers of GDP Growth:

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): Represents the money spent by individuals on private consumption.

Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE): Encompasses all expenditures made by the government on its current consumption, such as salaries.

Gross Fixed Capital Expenditure: Involves all investments made to enhance the economy's productive capacity, including business investments in facilities and government projects like infrastructure development.

Net Exports (NX): Captures the net impact of exports (foreign spending on domestic goods) and imports (domestic spending on foreign goods).

GDP Calculation Formula: GDP = Private Consumption + Gross Investment + Government Investment + Government Spending + (Exports − Imports)

Context: UN report has revised India’s 2024 GDP growth forecast

Key highlights:

- The United Nations has revised India's GDP growth forecast for the year 2024 to 6.2%, down from the earlier estimate of 6.7%.

- The revision is attributed to the projection of robust domestic demand and strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors.

- The larger South Asian region is estimated to have grown by 5.3% in 2023 and is expected to increase by 5.2% in 2024, with India being the fastest-growing large economy globally.

- China's investment prospects face challenges from a struggling property sector, while India positions itself as an alternative investment destination.

- FDI flows to India rose by 10% in 2022, making it the third-largest host country for announced greenfield projects.

- Global merchandise trade and industrial production remain weak, with India being an exception, as indicated by the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index.

- Slowing global demand, trade tensions, and geopolitical conflicts are impacting trade flows, influenced by the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.

- Climate change-related events, such as droughts and above-average rainfall, have affected the South Asian region in 2023.

- The 2023 GDP growth projection for India was revised upwards by 0.5 percentage points to 6.3%.

About the report:

• The report is released jointly by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs(UN/DESA), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD) and the five United Nations regional commissions.

UNCTAD

• It was established in 1964, is a permanent intergovernmental body under the United Nations General Assembly.
• It operates as part of the UN Secretariat and is also associated with the United Nations Development Group (UNDP).
• While reporting to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, UNCTAD has its own membership, leadership, and budget.
• The organization's headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• UNCTAD produces various reports, including the Trade and Development Report, World Investment Report, Technology and Innovation Report, and Digital Economy Report.

Purchasing Managers’ Index

• The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is an economic gauge obtained through monthly surveys of diverse companies.
• It assesses activity at the purchasing or input stage, distinct from industrial production, which reflects actual production.
• The two main types of PMI are Manufacturing PMI and Services PMI. It does not encompass informal sector activities.
• S&P Global, a global leader in financial information and analytics, releases PMI data for India. IHS Markit used to publish the PMI data for India before its merger with S&P.
• The Manufacturing PMI evaluates the performance of India's manufacturing sector based on a survey of approximately 500 manufacturing companies.

Context: Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai has been nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), replacing Justice Sanjiv Khanna – the seniormost judge of the top court after the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

What is the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee:

• The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, formed under Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, is mandated to offer free and proficient legal assistance to the disadvantaged sections of society within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
• According to Section 3A, the committee is established by the Central Authority, namely the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• The committee is headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge appointed as the chairman, and other members, meeting the qualifications specified by the central government, are nominated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• Additionally, the CJI has the authority to designate the Secretary to the Committee.

Composition of SCLSC:

• Currently, the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) is comprised of Chairperson BR Gavai and nine members appointed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• The committee is granted the authority, as per Rule 10 of the NALSA Rules, 1995, to appoint officers and other staff members in accordance with the guidelines set by the central government and in consultation with the CJI.
• Furthermore, Rule 10 of the NALSA Rules, 1995, specifies the requisite numbers, experience, and qualifications for SCLSC members.
•  According to Section 27 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the central government is empowered to formulate rules, through notification and in consultation with the CJI, for the effective implementation of the provisions outlined in the Act.

Legal Services Authorities Act 

• The Legal Services Authorities Act (1987) was enacted to establish a statutory foundation for legal aid programs.
• The primary goal is to provide free and competent legal services to specific eligible groups, including women, children, SC/ST, EWS categories, industrial workers, disabled persons, etc.
• The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted in 1995 under the Act to monitor and evaluate the implementation of legal aid programs and formulate policies for making legal services available.
• A nationwide network was envisioned for providing legal aid and assistance, with NALSA disbursing funds and grants to State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and NGOs for implementing legal aid schemes.
• In each state, SLSAs were established to implement NALSA’s policies, give free legal services, and conduct Lok Adalats.
• An SLSA is headed by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court, with the senior HC judge serving as its Executive Chairman. The HC Chief Justice is the patron-in-chief of the SLSA, while the CJI is the patron-in-chief of NALSA.
• District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and Taluk Legal Services Committees were established in districts and most taluks, respectively.
• Each DLSA, situated in the District Courts Complex, is chaired by the District Judge of the respective district.
• Taluka or Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committees, headed by a senior civil judge, were established to collectively organize legal awareness camps, provide free legal services, and handle the supply and obtain certified order copies and other legal documents.

Need for legal services 

• The importance of providing legal services is emphasized in various provisions of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 39A specifically mandates that the State must ensure that the legal system promotes justice with equal opportunity, including the provision of free legal aid through suitable legislation or schemes.
• Articles 14 (right to equality) and 22(1) (rights to be informed of grounds for arrest) also obligate the State to ensure equality before the law and a legal system that fosters justice based on equal opportunity.
• While the concept of a legal aid program was initially proposed in the 1950s, it gained traction in 1980 with the establishment of a national-level committee chaired by then Supreme Court judge Justice PN Bhagwati.
• The Committee for Implementing Legal Aid Schemes, formed in 1980, took on the responsibility of monitoring legal aid activities throughout India.