Current Affairs 09-JAN-2024 (The Hindu)

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM)

D => Pg-7)

CBAM

• 2021 - EU proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
• A form of carbon tax/duties imposed on the imports of some products.
• Fit for 55 in 2030 package
• CBAM will enter into force in transitional form as of 1 October 2023.
• Permanent from 1 January 2026.

Impacts

• India's exports of metals.
• In 2022 – 27% of India’s total exports of Iron, steel, Aluminium went to EU.
• If CBAM got implemented, more than 50 percent of Indian exports come under CBAM.
• Carbon intensity of Indian products.
• Proportion of coal-fired power - 75%, which is much higher than the EU (15%) and the global average of 36%
• Risk to overall export of India.
• India’s exports like pharmaceuticals, textiles will lead to major loss.
• EU accounted for €88 billion in goods trade in 2021, or 10.8% of total Indian trade.
• Carbon tax would decrease Export competitiveness of Indian products.

Practice Question – Prelims

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

introduced by the European Union?

(a) Encouraging imports of carbon-intensive products to support global trade

(b) Mitigating carbon leakage by imposing carbon costs on imports

(c) Reducing tariffs on low-carbon goods to promote international cooperation

(d) Exempting high-emission industries from environmental regulations.

Education system

D => Pg-7)

Practice Question – Mains GS – IV

“School plays an important role in developing values and ethics in children”– In the light of the above statement, discuss the Issues in the current education model and advantages of a value-based education.

Education system

Introduction

• Education system plays a pivotal role in shaping ethical and moral values of children.
• Current education model faces several challenges while implementing a comprehensive value-based education.
• A value-based educational approach offers numerous advantages in molding responsible and ethical individuals.

Issues

Issues in Current Education Model

• Emphasis on Academic Performance.
• Prioritizes academic excellence over holistic development.
• Rote Learning Culture.
• Focus on rote memorization hinders critical thinking.
• Lack of Comprehensive Curriculum.
• Absence of a structured curriculum leaves a gap in nurturing moral and ethical consciousness.
• Teacher Training and Support.
• Inadequate teacher training programs and support mechanisms.
• Uneven distribution of qualified and skilled teachers.
• Outdated Curriculum.
• Lacks relevance to real-world applications, modern skills, and emerging industries.
• Inequality in Access.
• Disparities in access to education between rural and urban areas.

Advantages of Value-Based Education

• Character Development.
• Value-based education cultivates qualities like empathy, integrity, respect, and responsibility.
• Ethical Decision Making.
• Ability to discern right from wrong, enabling them to make ethical decisions.
• Actively engaged in community service and societal welfare.
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making.
• Enable them to make informed and morally sound decisions in various aspects of life.
• Value-based education.
• Enhances Conflict Resolution Skills.
• Encourages conflict resolution through dialogue, understanding, and peaceful negotiation.
• Civic Engagement.
• Value-based approach encourages active citizen participation in civic affairs.

Conclusion

• Existing education model struggles with shortcomings in integrating values.
• A shift towards a comprehensive value-based education produces morally conscious individuals.
• Revaluation of curriculum design, teacher training and the overall education framework is much needed.