India’s copper industry faces a major disruption due to the Quality Control Order (QCO) on refined copper. With Japanese suppliers, who provide the bulk of India’s imports, still awaiting certification, the country could experience a three-month shortage, impacting several critical sectors.

India Braces for a Copper Shortage: Quality Norms Threaten Supply Chains

Introduction
India’s copper industry is facing a significant crisis as the Quality Control Order (QCO) on refined copper, effective from December 1, 2024, causes disruptions in the supply of this crucial raw material. The delays in certification for Japanese suppliers could lead to a copper shortage that may last for months, affecting key sectors like electrical manufacturing and infrastructure.

India’s Dependence on Copper Imports

Due to insufficient domestic production, India depends heavily on imports to meet its copper needs.

• High Import Dependence: India imports around 30-40% of its copper requirements.
• Japan’s Key Role: Japan is the primary supplier, accounting for ₹16,500 crore worth of copper imports in 2023-24.
• Critical for Industry: Copper is integral to the manufacturing of electrical wires, cables, and various other industrial products.

The Quality Control Order’s Impact on Copper Imports

While the Quality Control Order aims to improve the quality of imported copper, it has also triggered a chain of delays.

1. Certification Delays: Japanese suppliers are still awaiting certification, leading to a delay in shipments.
2. Supply Crunch Expected: The copper industry warns of a potential supply disruption lasting for over three months.
3. Industry Impact: Manufacturing sectors reliant on copper, including electrical equipment and construction, could face significant challenges.

Domestic Production Challenges

India’s copper production is inadequate to meet the domestic demand, further compounding the supply issue.

• Production Deficit: India’s copper production falls short, contributing less than 70% of the total need.
• Slow Response: Scaling up domestic production takes years, making it impossible to bridge the immediate gap caused by the import delays.

Concerns from the Copper Industry

The downstream industry has expressed urgent concerns over the potential fallout of the copper shortage.

• Supply Shortages: Without adequate imports, industries like electrical cable manufacturers could face production halts.
• Price Increase: A copper shortage may lead to higher material costs, raising the prices of end products across industries.
• Government Requests: Industry stakeholders have requested the government to expedite the certification process and provide temporary relief to avoid widespread disruption.

Effects on Key Industries

A copper shortage could impact several industries that rely on copper for production.

1. Electrical Manufacturing: Wires and cables producers could face supply disruptions and price hikes.
2. Energy and Infrastructure: Infrastructure projects, including power plants and construction, could experience delays.
3. Automotive and Electronics: These industries, which depend on copper for key components, could face cost pressures and delays.

Government Action to Prevent Crisis

The government must take immediate steps to address the impending copper shortage:

• Expedited Certifications: Accelerating the certification process for key suppliers like Japan could help mitigate supply delays.
• Exploring Other Markets: India should explore diversifying its copper imports to reduce reliance on Japan.
• Boosting Domestic Production: Long-term investments in domestic copper production should be prioritized to avoid future shortages.

The implementation of the Quality Control Order has exposed the vulnerabilities in India’s copper supply chain. With Japan’s delays in certification and limited domestic production, India faces a potential copper shortage that could have widespread effects on critical industries. The government must act quickly to resolve the crisis and secure a reliable copper supply for the nation.

Indian Rupee Shows Modest Recovery After Reaching Record Low

The Indian rupee made a slight recovery on Tuesday, gaining 3 paise to close at 84.69 against the US dollar. This improvement comes after the currency hit an all-time low of 84.76 earlier in the day. While the recovery offers a moment of relief, analysts remain cautious as the rupee continues to face pressure due to global economic conditions and domestic challenges. As the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prepares for its policy review on December 6, all eyes are on the central bank’s moves to stabilize the currency amid growing uncertainty.

Key Factors Behind the Rupee’s Decline

Several factors have contributed to the rupee’s depreciation over the past few weeks:

1. US Dollar’s Strength
   The US dollar remains strong, driven by the Federal Reserve’s tight monetary policies and the overall robustness of the US economy. This strength has put pressure on emerging market currencies, including the Indian rupee, which is susceptible to global financial shifts.
2. Geopolitical Tensions
   Escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, have prompted global investors to flock to safe-haven assets like the US dollar. The resulting flight to safety has affected the rupee, making it more vulnerable to global uncertainties.
3. Capital Outflows from India
   India has experienced a decline in foreign portfolio investments, with investors seeking higher returns and safer assets elsewhere. This outflow has exacerbated the pressure on the rupee, contributing to its volatility.

Impact of a Weaker Rupee on India’s Economy

While a weaker rupee provides some benefits, it also brings several challenges for the Indian economy:

1. Boost to Exports
   A depreciated rupee makes Indian goods and services cheaper in international markets, helping exporters. Industries like textiles, IT, and pharmaceuticals can benefit from this trend as their products become more competitive globally.
2. Increased Import Costs
   However, a weaker rupee increases the cost of imports, especially for essential items like crude oil, machinery, and electronics. This could lead to higher inflation and affect consumer purchasing power.
3. Rising Inflation
   As the prices of imported goods rise, inflation may also increase, making everyday goods more expensive for consumers and affecting the overall cost of living.

Resilient Stock Market Amid Currency Pressure

Despite the rupee’s weakness, India’s stock market showed resilience. The Sensex rose by 597.67 points to close at 80,845.75, while the Nifty gained 181.10 points, closing at 24,457.15. This suggests that investors remain optimistic about the long-term prospects of India’s economy, despite short-term currency fluctuations.

What Role Can the RBI Play in Stabilizing the Rupee?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a crucial role in managing the rupee’s volatility. The central bank has the authority to intervene in the forex market to prevent excessive depreciation. As India’s foreign exchange reserves continue to grow, the RBI can use them to manage the rupee’s value and stabilize the market.

1. Monetary Policy Action
   The RBI’s policy review on December 6 could be pivotal in shaping the rupee’s future. A cautious approach on inflation could help limit the depreciation, while any rate cuts may lead to further pressure on the rupee.
2. Forex Reserves Utilization
   The RBI might also sell dollars from its reserves to prevent the rupee from falling too rapidly. This kind of intervention has historically helped smooth volatility and maintain currency stability.

What’s Next for the Indian Rupee?

The future of the Indian rupee depends on a combination of factors:

• Global Economic Outlook
  If the US Federal Reserve continues with its hawkish stance, the rupee could remain under pressure. The outlook for the US economy will continue to be a key determinant.
• India’s Domestic Economy
  The health of India’s economy, especially its inflation levels and GDP growth, will also influence the rupee’s performance. A strong domestic economy could act as a buffer against external currency pressures.
• Geopolitical Risks
  Global geopolitical uncertainties will likely remain a source of concern, with developments in regions like the Middle East potentially driving further currency fluctuations.

 Is the Rupee’s Recovery Sustainable?

The Indian rupee’s recent recovery offers some optimism, but its path forward remains uncertain. With global challenges and domestic pressures, the currency’s future largely depends on RBI policy and external economic conditions. Investors and policymakers alike will closely monitor the situation to gauge whether the rupee can continue to recover or if it will face further declines.

In a bid to digitize India’s agriculture, the Kisan Pehchaan Patra (Farmer ID) initiative is now underway, offering a unique digital identity linked to farmers’ Aadhaar, land records, and crop details. This initiative, part of the Digital Agriculture Mission, will create a comprehensive Farmer Registry that helps improve the delivery of agricultural schemes and financial services. With the Centre’s call for faster registration, this initiative is set to benefit millions of farmers across India.

What is Kisan Pehchaan Patra?
The Kisan Pehchaan Patra is an Aadhaar-linked digital identity that includes personal details of farmers, their land holdings, and the crops they cultivate. This system is being developed as part of the Agri Stack, a digital ecosystem that connects farmers to the latest technology and government welfare programs.

Target and Rollout Phases
The government plans to create 11 crore digital farmer identities by 2027 in three phases:

• 6 crore farmers in 2024-25
• 3 crore farmers in 2025-26
• 2 crore farmers in 2026-27

The focus is on implementing the Farmer ID system in a structured, time-bound manner to ensure maximum reach across rural India.

Incentives for States
To promote quick adoption, the Centre is offering financial incentives to states:

• ₹15,000 per camp for organizing Farmer ID registration camps
• ₹10 per ID generated

These incentives are funded through the PM-Kisan scheme, ensuring that states have the resources they need to mobilize their rural populations for registration.

Benefits for Farmers
The Farmer ID will offer several key advantages to farmers:

• Direct Benefit Transfer: Farmers will receive government subsidies and financial support directly into their accounts, improving speed and transparency.
• Easier Access to Financial Services: The Farmer ID will streamline access to loans, insurance, and credit, ensuring financial inclusion for farmers.
• Improved Policy Targeting: The Farmer Registry will provide vital data, enabling better policy decisions for the agricultural sector.

Challenges in Implementation
Despite the clear benefits, the initiative will face challenges:

• Digital Literacy: Training farmers to use digital platforms may be difficult, particularly in rural areas.
• Infrastructure: Organizing camps in remote areas will require extensive logistical coordination.

The Kisan Pehchaan Patra is a groundbreaking initiative that will revolutionize the way India’s farmers access government schemes and services. By providing Aadhaar-linked digital IDs, it enhances transparency, facilitates financial inclusion, and ensures more effective governance. As the program rolls out, it promises to be a game-changer for Indian agriculture.

Overview of the Viksit Bharat Quiz Challenge

The Viksit Bharat Quiz Challenge is a dynamic initiative launched by the Government of India, targeting youth between the ages of 15 and 29. This online quiz is designed to test participants’ awareness and understanding of India’s most significant milestones, focusing on achievements across diverse sectors such as technology, governance, science, and culture.

This quiz serves as the first phase in the selection process for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, an event that will bring together young minds to discuss and contribute to the nation’s developmental path.

Quiz Structure and Access Details

The quiz consists of 10 multiple-choice questions, covering key achievements of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. Participants are required to answer these questions within five minutes, making it a quick and engaging challenge.

The quiz can be accessed on the MyGov platform at quiz2.mygov.in, where users can register and immediately begin the challenge. It offers a convenient and user-friendly experience for participants across the nation.

Eligibility and Registration Information

Participation in the Viksit Bharat Quiz Challenge is open to all young individuals aged 15 to 29 years.

To join the quiz:

Register on the official MyGov website.

Complete the quiz within the allocated five minutes.

This accessible format ensures that youth from all regions have an equal opportunity to participate and showcase their knowledge of India’s growth.

The Role of Multilingual Accessibility

The quiz is available in 12 languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu. This multilingual availability helps cater to India’s linguistic diversity, ensuring that participants from different regions can engage with the quiz in their preferred language.

By removing language barriers, the Viksit Bharat Quiz Challenge promotes inclusivity and unifies the youth across India, fostering a national spirit of collaboration and leadership.

The Path from Quiz to Leadership Dialogue

The Viksit Bharat Quiz Challenge is just the first step toward becoming a part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. After the quiz, the next stage involves a 1,000-word essay competition that will run from December 8 to 15, 2024. This essay will provide participants the chance to articulate their vision for India’s future.

The top performers in both the quiz and essay competition will be selected to attend the Young Leaders Dialogue in January 2024, where they will engage with policymakers and thought leaders to discuss India’s growth and its path to becoming a developed nation.

Effective Strategies to Ace the Quiz and Essay Competition

Tips for the Quiz:

Study India’s Achievements: Familiarize yourself with key moments in India’s development, such as technological innovations, economic growth, and social reforms.

Practice Time Management: Take mock quizzes to improve speed and accuracy in answering questions.

Stay Updated: Keep abreast of recent developments in governance and science.

Tips for the Essay:

Choose Relevant Topics: Write on India’s future development and how youth can contribute.

Be Clear and Concise: Structure your essay effectively, and avoid unnecessary jargon.

Proofread: Ensure clarity, coherence, and grammar.

Kerala revises its Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) proposal, reducing the protected zone to 8,590 sq km across 98 villages. The move follows catastrophic landslides in Wayanad, highlighting the need for ecological preservation.

Kerala’s Revised ESA Proposal: A Strategic Move

The Kerala government has submitted a revised proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), requesting the declaration of 8,590.69 sq km of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). This revised figure reflects a 121 sq km reduction from the state’s initial submission in May 2024.

The proposal, covering 98 villages in 12 districts, is a direct response to the landslide disasters in Wayanad, which claimed over 400 lives in July. The tragedy underscored the importance of proactive measures to safeguard ecologically vulnerable regions.

Key Adjustments in the Revised Proposal

Area Reduction:

A reduction of 121 sq km from the earlier proposal aims to balance ecological conservation with local developmental needs.

Focus on High-Risk Zones:

Villages severely impacted by landslides, particularly in Wayanad’s Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Vellarimala, remain integral to the plan.

Villages Covered:

The revised ESA proposal includes 98 villages, distributed across ecologically fragile districts like Idukki, Wayanad, and Palakkad.

Western Ghats: An Ecological Treasure

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and water resource management. However, they face growing threats from:

Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agriculture and construction disrupts ecosystems.

Mining and Quarrying: These activities exacerbate soil erosion and destabilize landscapes.

Tourism Pressure: Unregulated tourism has led to pollution and habitat destruction.

Kerala’s ESA proposal aims to address these issues while fostering sustainable development.

Landslides in Wayanad: A Stark Reminder

The July 30 landslides in Wayanad highlighted the devastating consequences of neglecting fragile ecosystems. Heavy rains triggered massive mudslides in areas like Chooralmala, resulting in significant loss of life and property. These events have strengthened the case for stricter ecological safeguards in the Western Ghats.

Challenges in Balancing Development and Ecology

While the revised ESA proposal seeks to protect vulnerable regions, it has sparked debates among stakeholders.

Environmentalists: Call for broader ESA coverage to ensure long-term conservation.

Local Communities: Express concerns about restrictions on economic activities, including farming and construction.

The Kerala government has emphasized its commitment to community engagement, ensuring that the proposal reflects both ecological and socio-economic priorities.

Union Environment Ministry’s Role

The Union Environment Ministry, led by Bhupender Yadav, is currently reviewing Kerala’s revised proposal as part of its broader efforts to finalize the ESA notification for the Western Ghats.

The draft notification, issued in July 2024, proposed 56,825 sq km of ESA coverage across six states, including Kerala. The Ministry’s decision will be instrumental in shaping the conservation framework for this ecologically vital region.

Kerala’s revised ESA proposal demonstrates a strategic effort to balance environmental conservation with development needs. The proposal, while scaled down, retains its focus on protecting high-risk zones in the Western Ghats.

As the Union Ministry deliberates on the final notification, Kerala’s move serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to safeguard one of India’s most critical ecological assets.

Rapido, a pioneer in India’s shared mobility market, is expanding its services with a new initiative aimed at making airport commutes more affordable. Soon, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport will offer taxi pooling services that allow passengers to share rides to and from the airport, cutting costs while promoting sustainable travel.

Why the Pool Taxi Service is a Game-Changer

Cost-Effective Commutes

The new taxi pooling service will allow passengers traveling on similar routes to share a ride, significantly reducing the cost of airport commutes.

Promoting Eco-Friendly Travel

With fewer cars on the road, pooling services help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, supporting a greener future.

Proven Success in Bengaluru

Rapido’s autorickshaw pooling services have already been widely adopted in Bengaluru, proving the viability of shared mobility options in the city.

How Rapido’s Taxi Pooling Service Will Work

Passenger Matching: Passengers with similar destinations will be grouped together, maximizing the vehicle’s capacity.

Affordable Pricing: The service will provide transparent and budget-friendly fares, making airport travel more accessible to everyone.

Easy-to-Use App: Riders can book their rides through Rapido’s app, ensuring a hassle-free experience from booking to drop-off.

Impact on Bengaluru’s Transportation Ecosystem

Rapido’s pooling services have already made a mark in Bengaluru, where the company has become a crucial part of the city’s transportation network. With over 10 lakh riders and 20 lakh rides each week, Rapido has contributed to reducing the city’s traffic and providing alternative, affordable travel solutions.

The introduction of airport pooling will enhance these efforts by reducing travel costs for passengers and improving the sustainability of Bengaluru’s urban mobility.

Benefits of Rapido’s Airport Pooling Service

Lower Travel Costs: By sharing a ride, passengers can significantly reduce their fare compared to private taxis.

Eco-Friendly: Fewer vehicles on the road lead to less pollution and less congestion.

Easy Accessibility: The service provides an affordable alternative for a broader range of passengers, including frequent travelers and airport staff.

Experts Weigh In on Rapido’s Future

At the Bengaluru Tech Summit, industry leaders emphasized that shared mobility, like Rapido’s pooling services, is key to the future of sustainable transportation. Rapido’s move to introduce taxi pooling at Bengaluru airport aligns with this vision.

Rapido’s airport taxi pooling service is poised to transform the way passengers travel to and from Kempegowda International Airport. With affordable pricing, reduced environmental impact, and a seamless experience, this initiative could pave the way for similar services across India