Why is China Raising Retirement Ages for Its Labour Force?
China is considering raising its retirement ages, marking the first such change in 40 years. The current retirement ages are 60 for men, 50 for female factory workers, and 55 for female white-collar workers. This reform is driven by multiple socioeconomic pressures, including an aging population and economic challenges.
Key Reasons for Raising the Retirement Age
Declining Pension Budgets:
- China’s pension system is under strain, with 11 of its 31 provinces already facing high deficits. Pension payouts are administered provincially, and delays in retirement would help preserve funds by reducing immediate outflows.
- At the current rate, projections by the Chinese Academy of Sciences indicate that pensions could run out by 2035.
Increased Burden on the Workforce:
- The ratio of workers to retirees has drastically dropped. Each retiree is now supported by the contributions of five workers, half the ratio of a decade ago. This creates a growing burden on the employed population, making it essential to keep older workers in the labor force longer.
Aging Population and Increasing Life Expectancy:
- Life expectancy in China has risen to 78.6 years in 2023, compared to 44 years in 1960 when the current retirement ages were set. By 2035, the population aged 60 and older is expected to rise from 280 million to over 400 million, exacerbating the financial pressure on the pension system.
- China’s long-standing one-child policy (1980–2015) has led to a shrinking younger workforce and a rapidly aging society, further stressing social security systems.
Concerns Regarding the Proposal
- Economic Timing: The proposal comes amidst economic slowdown, marked by sluggish growth, deflation, and high youth unemployment, which reached 21.3% in June 2023. The public sees resolving unemployment as a higher priority than retirement reform.
- Disparities Among Workers: Blue-collar and migrant workers, who already face job insecurity and exploitation, worry about the potential for extended working years without proper social security benefits. Many of these workers struggle to meet the requirement of contributing to social security for 15 years, which is necessary for pension eligibility.
Conclusion
China’s decision to raise the retirement age is a response to its aging population and financial strain on the pension system. However, the proposal faces significant challenges, including youth unemployment and concerns about equity among workers, which may complicate its implementation.
Does the Polaris Dawn Mission Violate the 50-Year-Old Outer Space Treaty?
The Polaris Dawn mission, a private spacewalk executed by billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX on September 12, has sparked debate about whether it violates the Outer Space Treaty (OST), signed in 1967. The mission, conducted without oversight from NASA or the U.S. government, may conflict with the treaty’s stipulations regarding state responsibility in outer space activities.
Key Points of the Outer Space Treaty (OST)
The OST, signed during the Cold War, lays out foundational principles for space exploration:
- Space for All: Outer space should be accessible for exploration and benefit all humankind.
- No Sovereignty: Space cannot be claimed by any nation.
- Peaceful Use: The Moon and other celestial bodies must be used for peaceful purposes.
- No Weapons: Nuclear weapons or WMDs cannot be stationed in space.
- State Responsibility: States are responsible for both governmental and non-governmental (private) space activities and must authorize and supervise them.
- Liability: States are liable for any damage caused by their space objects.
Article VI and the Role of Private Players
Article VI of the OST is at the heart of the current debate. It mandates that non-governmental space activities must be authorized and continuously supervised by the appropriate State Party. This means that a country is responsible for any space activities carried out by entities within its borders, including private companies like SpaceX.
- The U.S. Congress, however, limits the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to overseeing only rocket and spacecraft safety on Earth, not activities in space. NASA also has no regulatory control over private missions.
- Some legal scholars argue that this lack of supervision violates Article VI of the OST. Since the Polaris Dawn mission is not subject to U.S. government oversight, Russia, as the successor to the USSR, could theoretically object.
Conflicting Opinions
- Support for Treaty Violation: Some experts, like Tomasso Sgobba, believe the mission breaches Article VI due to the absence of governmental supervision.
- Opposing Views: Others, like Ram Jakhu, argue that international law lacks clear definitions and standards for implementing the treaty, making it difficult to conclusively claim a violation.
Need for Treaty Updates
- As private space exploration grows, the OST’s ambiguities may require revision. Experts suggest creating an international regulatory body to oversee space activities. Additionally, the U.S. National Space Council (NSC) has proposed a bill to regulate private space missions, but it has yet to be passed.
Conclusion
While the Polaris Dawn mission raises concerns about non-compliance with the OST, there is no consensus on whether it technically violates the treaty. As private companies like SpaceX push the boundaries of space exploration, the need for updated international regulations becomes increasingly apparent.
Can Nano DAP Replace Conventional Granular DAP in Punjab’s Rabi Season?
The Government of India is promoting nano DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) as a cost-effective, indigenously produced alternative to the imported granular DAP, but its suitability for Punjab’s Rabi season remains debated. Punjab requires roughly 5.5 lakh tonnes of DAP annually, with 4.8 lakh tonnes needed for the Rabi season crops like wheat and potatoes. Unreliable supplies of imported granular DAP have caused concern, prompting interest in exploring alternatives.
Key Differences Between Nano DAP and Granular DAP
- Form: Nano DAP is in liquid form, unlike the solid granular version.
- Cost-Effectiveness: A 500 ml bottle of nano DAP, priced at Rs 600, is enough for one acre of land, whereas a 50 kg bag of granular DAP costing Rs 1,350 is required for the same area of wheat.
- Efficiency: Nano DAP reduces handling and transportation costs due to its compact and easy-to-manage form.
Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) Concerns
PAU scientists have raised doubts about the efficacy of nano DAP based on their field experiments:
- Lower Yield: PAU’s experiments showed a substantial decrease in wheat yield compared to using granular DAP, along with shorter plant heights and sub-optimal results.
- Nano Urea Concerns: Similar concerns were raised regarding nano urea, with PAU noting reduced yields in rice and wheat over two years of field trials.
- PAU has recommended further trials before completely replacing conventional urea and DAP with nano versions.
IFFCO’s Response
IFFCO, which developed nano DAP, disagrees with PAU’s findings:
- Field Trials: IFFCO asserts that other agricultural institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have not raised concerns, and they recommend continuing field trials based on IFFCO’s usage guidelines.
- Partial Replacement: The Government of India has advised using nano DAP to replace only 25-50% of conventional DAP, with granular DAP still being used at sowing and nano DAP as a foliar spray later in the crop cycle.
Conclusion
While nano DAP presents a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial alternative, concerns about its efficacy compared to granular DAP remain. PAU’s findings indicate that nano DAP may not be a complete replacement, especially in high-yield regions like Punjab. The partial replacement strategy, as recommended by IFFCO and the Indian government, may be a middle ground until further field trials provide more clarity on its long-term benefits.
Why September 12 is Observed as Saragarhi Day
Why in News: September 12 marks the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, regarded as one of the most heroic last stands in global military history.
- On this day in 1897, 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4 Sikh) held their fort against 8,000 tribal militants in the North West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan), fighting till their last breath.
About the Battle of Saragarhi:
Strategic Importance of Saragarhi
- Location: Saragarhi was a communication post between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, in the rugged terrain of the North West Frontier Province.
- Role: The post ensured communication between the two forts, which housed a significant number of British troops.
Events on September 12, 1897
- Enemy Forces: Around 9 am, 8,000 to 15,000 tribal militants were spotted marching towards Saragarhi.
- Call for Reinforcements: Sepoy Gurmukh Singh sent a message for reinforcements, but the route was blocked, and the soldiers were instructed to hold their position.
- Fight Till the End: The soldiers, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, fought heroically for seven hours, managing to kill around 200 militants and injure 600, despite being heavily outnumbered.
Challenges Faced by the Soldiers
- Outnumbered: 21 Sikh soldiers were up against thousands of tribal militants.
- Limited Ammunition: Each soldier had only 400 rounds of ammunition.
- Communication Struggles: Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, the signalman, had to manage the entire heliograph communication system alone.
Legacy of Havildar Ishar Singh
- Commanding Officer: Havildar Ishar Singh, a seasoned warrior from Punjab, led the troops with extraordinary bravery.
- A Maverick Leader: Known for his bold character, he had previously clashed with military superiors but was beloved by his men for his willingness to go to any lengths for them.
Role of Daad, the 22nd Soldier
- Non-combatant Fighter: Daad, a Pashtun who performed odd jobs for the troops, fought alongside the soldiers, killing five militants before being slain.
- Forgotten Hero: Despite his brave actions, Daad was not honored with medals like the other soldiers.
Recognition of the Soldiers’ Valor
- Posthumous Honors: Queen Victoria awarded the 21 Sikh soldiers the Indian Order of Merit, the highest award for Indian soldiers at the time, marking a departure from the tradition of not giving posthumous awards.
- Land Grants: Each family received 50 acres of land and Rs 500.
Commemoration and Memory
- Saragarhi Day: In 2017, the Punjab government declared September 12 as Saragarhi Day, observed annually to honor the soldiers’ sacrifice.
- Memorials: Gurdwaras in Amritsar and Ferozepur were built in their honor, and burnt bricks from Saragarhi were used to build a memorial obelisk at the battle site.
40% of Amazon Rainforest Unprotected: Significance for Climate Change
Why in News: An analysis by Amazon Conservation reveals that nearly 40% of the most critical areas in the Amazon rainforest remain unprotected by governmental measures, raising concerns about climate change mitigation.
Significance of the Amazon for Climate Change:
Carbon Storage Potential
- Critical Carbon Reserves: The Amazon holds approximately 71.5 billion tonnes of carbon, nearly double the global carbon dioxide emissions for 2022. The forest acts as a major carbon sink, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
- Risk of Emissions: If the Amazon is destroyed by deforestation or fires, this stored carbon would be released into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
Areas Most at Risk
- Southwest and Northeast Amazon: Key unprotected areas are located in Peru, Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana, where the densest trees and continuous canopy hold the most carbon.
- Lack of Protection: While 61% of peak carbon areas are protected, 40% remain vulnerable to deforestation, fire, or commercial activities like logging.
Role as a Carbon Sink vs. Emission Source
- Carbon Absorption: The Amazon still absorbs more carbon than it releases, providing a positive outlook for global climate goals. However, recent data shows it is only barely maintaining this balance.
- Tipping Point: If the rainforest loses its ability to absorb carbon and instead becomes a source of emissions, it could have catastrophic effects on the global climate.
Technological Insights
- Satellite Imaging: Amazon Conservation’s analysis used advanced satellite data and machine learning to map peak carbon areas, identifying regions crucial for climate regulation.
- Unprotected Areas’ Vulnerability: The lack of protection in high-carbon areas increases the threat of deforestation, undermining global climate efforts.