THE CONTEXT: In the recent times the monsoons in India have been accompanied by the intensive cyclones. These tropical cyclones of category 2 and 3 have wind speeds between 150 and 250 kilometres per hour. The phenomenon is rare during the monsoons, but weather experts warn that such events could become normal monsoon phenomena in coming years.

RECENT CYCLONES ON INDIA’S COAST

NAME – FORMED IN – MAX WIND SPEED

Cyclone Asani (May 2022) – Bay of Bengal – 119 km/h
Cyclone Jawad (December 2021) – Bay of Bengal – 65 km/h
Cyclone Gulaab (September 2021) – Bay of Bengal – 130 km/h
Cyclone Tauktae (May 2021) – Arabian Sea – 220 km/h
Cyclone Yaas (May 2021) – Bay of Bengal – 119 km/h
Cyclone Nisarga (June 2020) – Arabian Sea – 111 km/h
Cyclone Amphan (May 2020) – Bay of Bengal – 241 km/h

TROPICAL CYCLONES IN INDIA

Tropical cyclones originate over the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian ocean. These tropical cyclones have very high wind velocity and heavy rainfall and hit the Indian Coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Gujarat (These five states are more vulnerable to cyclone disasters than others in India). High wind velocity and torrential rains make these cyclones highly destructive.

Elements associated with cyclones which cause destruction:

• Strong Winds/Squall: It damages installations, dwellings, communications systems, trees etc., resulting in loss of life and property.
• Torrential rains and inland flooding: Heavy rainfall is usually spread over a wide area and causes large scale soil erosion and weakening of embankments. It also brings loss of live and property to the people.
• Storm Surge: It is an abnormal rise of sea level near the coast caused by a severe tropical cyclone. Due to storm surges, sea water inundates low lying areas of coastal regions affecting human beings and livestock, causing erosion on the beaches etc.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND TROPICAL CYCLONES

• Climate change will have opposite effects on the frequency of strong tropical cyclones along the western and eastern coasts of India by 2050. The frequency will reduce in the Bay of Bengal, traditionally known for its powerful storms, while it will increase in the Arabian Sea.
• However, tropical storms that used to be formed more towards the open waters of the Bay of Bengal are likely to form in regions that lie relatively closer to the Indian and Sri Lankan coasts in the future, due to climate change. This shift is likely to cause the cyclones to make landfall sooner, shortening the time needed to intensify into Category 3 or Category 4 tropical cyclones and eastern coastal states are likely to see less intensive cyclones in the future compared to the last three decades.
• On the other hand, cyclones originating in the Arabian Sea are likely to witness the opposite effect, i.e. they are more likely to be intense.
• Microclimatic changes triggered by local climate change drivers are also contributing towards the intense cyclones. Changes include land-use-surface change, deforestation, encroachments upon wetlands and water bodies, which are contributing to this change.These factors are contributing to excessive heating of land areas. This heat is further pulled into the ocean, which is in excess of the heating of oceans due to global warming. It intensifies storms into cyclones.

MORE CYCLONES IN THE ARABIAN SEA IN THE RECENT PAST

• Sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea have increased rapidly during the past century due to global warming. Temp. now is 1.2–1.4 °C higher than the temperature witnessed four decades ago. These warmer temperatures support active convection, heavy rainfall, and intense cyclones. The rising temperature is also enabling the Arabian Sea to supply ample energy for the intensification of cyclones. Currently, seawater up to depths of 50 metres has been very warm that allowed Cyclone tauktae to become intense.
• Greater occurrence of El Niño Modoki. It is a climate phenomenon that means ‘pseudo El Niño’ and creates conditions that are not conducive for cyclogenesis in the Bay of Bengal. However, this condition is conducive for the formation of cyclones in the Arabian Sea. (El Nino is associated with suppressing cyclone formation in the Arabian Sea.)

THE ANALYSIS: ARE CYCLONES DURING THE MONSOON ARE THE NEW NORMAL?

• Ocean warming due to climate change is increasing the chances of cyclone formation in the Indian seas, close to the monsoon onset and withdrawal periods. However, it is hard to say yet that such cyclones are normal during the monsoons, and data from a longer period will have to be observed to see if the cyclone occurrences in monsoon become a new phenomenon.
• Scientists are of the opinion to wait at least four years more and observe the changes, but given the climate change scenario, it is likely that cyclones in monsoon could become a new normal.

Mains Practice Questions:

1. India has been witnessing more number of cyclones during the monsoon season for the past few years. Elaborate on the reasons for the same?
2. Climate change is having the opposite effect on the intensity and frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Substantiate.

BACK TO BASICS

Cyclones are rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area. The air circulates in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. The word Cyclone is derived from the Greek word Cyclos meaning the coils of a snake coined by Henry Paddington as the tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea appear like coiled serpents.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FORMATION AND INTENSIFICATION OF TROPICAL CYCLONES:

• Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C.
• Presence of the Coriolis force.
• Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
• A pre-existing weak low- pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.
• Upper divergence above the sea level system.

COMPARISON OF TROPICAL AND EXTRA-TROPICAL CYCLONES:

Basis – Tropical Cyclone – Extra-tropical Cyclone

Characteristics

• A low-pressure centre
• A closed low-level atmospheric circulation
• Strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain.

• A large scale low-pressure weather systems that occur in the middle latitudes of the Earth.

Formation

• It gets intensified over warm tropical oceans and required temperature higher than 27° C.
• Presence of the Coriolis force, small variations in the vertical wind speed, a pre-existing weak low- pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation and upper divergent above the sea level system.

• It gets intensified any part of extratropical regions of the Earth (usually between 30° and 60° latitude from the equator), either through cyclogenesis or extratropical transition.

Movement

• It moves from east to west.

• It moves from west to east.

Nature of Cyclone

• Violent storms

• Static, not violent

Type

• Warm Core

• Cold Core

TROPICAL CYCLONE DISTRIBUTION AROUND THE WORLD:

CYCLONE PRONE REGIONS IN INDIA:

COLOR CODED WEATHER WARNING: Issued by the IMD, its objective is to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather event which has the potential to cause damage, widespread disruption or loss of life and property. Warnings are updated daily. The IMD uses 4 colour codes are:

• Green (All is well): No advisory is issued.
• Yellow (Be Aware): Yellow indicates severely bad weather spanning across several days. It also suggests that the weather could change for the worse, causing disruption in day-to-day activities.
• Orange/Amber (Be prepared): The orange alert is issued as a warning of extremely bad weather with the potential of disruption in commute with road and rail closures, and interruption of power supply.
• Red (Take Action): When the extremely bad weather conditions are certainly going to disrupt travel and power and have significant risk to life, the red alert is issued.

WHY EASTERN COAST OF INDIA IS MORE VULNERABLE TO CYCLONES:

With a coastline of 7517 km, India is exposed to nearly 10 per cent of the world’s tropical cyclones. Although cyclones affect the entire coast of India, the eastern coast is significantly more prone to cyclones as compared to the western coast.
According to National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) data, about 58 percent of the cyclones that are formed in the Bay of Bengal hit and cross the eastern coast while only 25 percent of the cyclones developing in the Arabian Sea are seen approaching the western coast of India.

Reasons for more number of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal:

• Since sea surface temperatures and humidity both directly correlate with chances of cyclone formation, the Bay of Bengal is a more likely target because it gets higher rainfall. The sluggish winds around it keep temperatures relatively high: about 28 degrees around the year. Warm air currents enhance this surface temperature and aid the formation of cyclones.
• In addition, the Bay receives higher rainfall and constant inflow of freshwater from the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. This means that the Bay’s surface water keeps getting refreshed, making it impossible for the warm water to mix with the cooler water below, making it ideal for depression. On the other hand, the Arabian Sea receives stronger winds that help dissipate the heat, and the lack of constant freshwater supply helps the warm water mix with the cool water, reducing the temperature.
• But not all cyclones are formed in the Bay of Bengal. The basin is also host to cyclones formed elsewhere but move towards the water body, especially those formed in the Pacific Ocean. Cyclones usually weaken if they encounter a large landmass. However, due to the lack of any such presence between the Pacific and the Bay, cyclonic winds easily move into the Bay of Bengal. Once here, the winds encounter the Western Ghats and the Himalayas, either becoming weak or getting blocked in the Bay but never reaching the Arabian Sea.

[WpProQuiz 400]

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. BIHAR GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT CASTE-BASED SURVEY

TAGS: GS-I & II- SOCIETY AND SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: The government of Bihar, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is set to begin the first phase of a caste-based survey in the state. The survey, which is set to conclude on May 31, 2023, will be conducted in two phases.

THE EXPLANATION:

The first phase of the survey will involve counting and recording the number of all households in the state. This phase is set to run from January 7 to January 21, 2023 and will be carried out by 5.24 lakh surveyors. These surveyors, who are mostly teachers, agriculture coordinators, and government workers, will visit each of the 2.58 crore households in urban and rural areas across all 38 districts of the state. The survey is expected to cover an estimated population of 12.70 crore in Bihar.

Phase 2: Caste and Socio-Economic Information Collection

• The second phase of the survey will take place from April 1 to April 30, 2023 and will involve surveyors visiting each household to gather information about the caste of family members, their socio-economic profile, and their exposure to government welfare schemes. There will be 26 columns in the survey form for this phase, and all of the collected data will be uploaded to a portal.

Purpose of the Survey

• According to Bihar Chief Minister, the purpose of the survey is to create a detailed record of castes and communities in the state in order to aid in their development. The survey is expected to be particularly beneficial to the ruling parties of Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, as they have the support of many socially and economically disadvantaged caste groups. The survey report will allow for more effective implementation of welfare schemes for these groups.

Data Collection Methods

• Data for the survey will be collected digitally through a mobile application as part of an eight-level survey process from the panchayat to the district level. The app will include questions about the place of residence, caste, number of people in the family, their profession, and their annual income. Information will also be collected about family members who are living outside the state.

Difference between SECC and Census

Census

The Census provides a picture of the Indian population

Census falls under the Census Act of 1948 and all data are considered confidential

SECC

SECC is a tool to identify beneficiaries of state support

All the personal information given in the SECC is open for use by Government departments to grant and/or restrict benefits to households.

HEALTH ISSUES

2. INDIA’S KALA-AZAR CASES DECLINED 98.7%

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: According to the Union Health Minister, Kala-azar cases in India fell to 834 in 2022 from 44,533 in 2007 — a 98.7 per cent decline.

THE EXPLANATION:

• As many as 632 endemic blocks (99.8 per cent) spread across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal have received elimination status (less than one case per 10,000), the minister added. He was chairing a high-level review meeting on the status of the disease in these four endemic states.
• Only one block (Littipara) of Pakur district, Jharkhand is in the endemic category (1.23 cases / 10,000 population).
• After malaria, kala-azar is the deadliest parasitic disease in the world. It is one of the three conditions in the disease group called leishmaniasis caused by the protozoa parasite Leishmania. The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly, a tiny 2-3 mm long insect vector, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar is the most serious form of the disease and as of November 2022, about 89 per cent of the global cases were reported from eight countries: Brazil, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, WHO noted. India contributes 11.5 per cent of total cases reported globally.

VALUE ADDITION:

What is Kala Azar Disease?

Kala Azar or black fever is a disease caused by infection with Leishmania parasites. It is transmitted by female sandfly – Phlebotomus argentipes. It is also known as visceral leishmaniasis or black fever or Dum-Dum fever.

Types:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis:

• This is another form of Kala-azar which results in skin lesions – mainly ulcers on the exposed parts of the body, which creates scars and serious disability. The lesions usually are painless but can be painful, particularly if open sores become infected with bacteria. Types of Cutaneous leishmaniasis:

Mucosal Leishmaniasis:

• In this type of Cutaneous leishmaniasis, the infection results from the dissemination of parasites from the skin to the naso-oropharyngeal mucosa.
• Symptoms
• Initially, leishmania parasites cause skin sores or ulcers at the site of the bite. If the disease progresses, it attacks the immune system.
• Kala azar presents after two to eight months with more generalized symptoms including prolonged fever and weakness.

Treatment: Treatment of Kala Azar is done through liposomal AmB – this is the drug of choice for immunocompetent patients. There are other treatment options available such as paromomycin, miltefosine and multidrug therapy treatment.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

3. WORLD’S FIRST PALM-LEAF MANUSCRIPT MUSEUM IN KERALA

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT:The recently opened Palm Leaf Manuscript Museum in Thiruvananthapuram has added to the cultural and intellectual life of the state of Kerala.

THE EXPLANATION:

The museum, which is the world’s first of its kind, contains 187 manuscripts and other artefacts related to the former Travancore kingdom from 650 AD until the end of the 19th century. It also has documents from the regions of Kochi and Malabar.

Exhibits at the Museum

• The museum’s exhibits include palm leaf manuscripts, styluses, carriers for Cadjan bundles, copper plates, and bamboo splints. The museum is divided into eight galleries, each focused on a different aspect of Travancore history, including “History of Writing,” “Land and People,” “Administration,” “War and Peace,” “Education and Health,” “Economy,” “Art and Culture,” and “Mathilakam Records.” Some galleries also include films and QR code technology for gathering additional information.
• The museum is particularly notable for its manuscripts, which are written on cured and treated palm leaves and contain primary source material on a variety of topics. One of the most famous manuscripts is the account of the Battle of Colachel, in which Travancore’s AnizhamThirunalMarthanda Varma defeated the Dutch East India Company in 1741. This battle put a halt to Dutch expansion in India and cemented Travancore’s place as a major power in the region.
• The museum is divided into eight galleries representing different segments of Travancore history: ‘History of Writing’, ‘Land and people’, ‘Administration’, ‘War and peace’, ‘Education and Health’, ‘Economy’, ‘Art and culture’, and ‘Mathilakam Records’. These galleries also include films and QR code technologies for gathering information.

Conservation Efforts

• The Palm Leaf Manuscript Museum was created as part of a larger conservation effort by the state of Kerala. The museum is located in a three-century-old building that is home to the Central Archives for the state government. The first phase of the museum’s collection was selected from 1.5 crore (15 million) palm leaf records that had been poorly preserved throughout the state.
• The manuscripts at the museum provide important information on the development of writing in the area, including the evolution of the Malayalam script from earlier systems like Vattezhuthu and Kolezhuthu. They also offer insights into the complex administrative systems, proclamations of the Travancore royals, and international negotiations and agreements that shaped the kingdom’s history.
• The Palm Leaf Manuscript Museum is a valuable resource for both general visitors and specialized researchers. It offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Travancore kingdom and helps to fill in gaps in our understanding of Kerala’s past. The museum’s audio-visual technology and multimedia exhibits make it an engaging and informative experience for all who visit.

4. HAWAII’S KILAUEA VOLCANO ERUPTS

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-1- GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT:Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active, erupted again releasing lava fountains and discharges of volcanic ash into the air.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected a glow in webcam images indicating Kilauea had begun erupting inside Halemaumau crater at the volcano’s summit caldera. The observatory raised Kilauea’s alert level lowered it from warning to watch because the initial high effusion rates are declining and no infrastructure is threatened. The observatory expects the eruption to remain in the summit.
• There is generally a three-month cooling off period before scientists consider an eruption to be complete. It is currently unclear why both Kilauea and Mauna Loa ceased erupting at around the same time in December 2021.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

• Volcanic eruptions hold significant cultural and spiritual meanings for native Hawaiians. During the Mauna Loa eruption in November 2021, many Hawaiians participated in traditional practices such as singing, chanting, and dancing in honor of Pele, the god of fire and volcanoes.

About Kilauea Volcano

• The Kilauea volcano is the most active of the five volcanoes that make up the Island of Hawaii. It is a shield volcano, which is a type of volcano composed of fluid lava and characterized by its vast lava flow.
• Kilauea has two active rift zones and a recently formed caldera, a massive depression formed when the ground surface collapses into an emptied magma chamber. The pit crater within Kilauea is called Halemaumau, which contained a lava lake before it began erupting in multiple locations in 2018.

Kilauea’s Last Eruptions

• This is not the first time Kilauea has erupted in recent years. It last erupted for 16 months starting in September 2021, and for about two weeks in November 2021, Hawaii had two volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, spewing lava side by side.

5. WORLD’S FIRST VACCINE FOR HONEYBEES GETS CONDITIONAL NOD IN US

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a conditional license for a vaccine for honeybees to curb American foulbrood (AFB), a fatal bacterial disease for the insect.

THE EXPLANATION:

• US has approved the first-ever vaccine for honey bees which will confer protection from the American foulbrood disease, raising hopes of a new weapon against diseases that routinely ravage colonies that are relied upon for food pollination. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has permitted a conditional license for a vaccine, developed by a US-based biotech company.
• The vaccine, which contains an inactivated form of the causative bacteria, will be administered along with the royal jelly feed given by the worker bees to the queen bee. The developing bee larvae, being exposed to the vaccine, will have immunity to the foulbrood disease when they hatch. This will cut down the death rates associated with the disease, claims the company.

There is no cure for the foulbrood disease:

• American foulbrood (AFB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae that can weaken and kill honey bee colonies. Currently, there is no cure for this contagious disease.
• Beekeepers follow one treatment method and that is to destroy and burn the infected hives and administer antibiotics to the nearby colonies in order to curb the spread of the disease.

1. What does it take to become self-realised? READ MORE
2. Happiness: it’s limitless READ MORE
3. Practice forgiveness for good relations READ MORE

1. Some Truths on How India’s Groundwater Management Programme Is Progressing READ MORE
2. Draconian, Toothless~I
3. Environmental Consciousness on a Spectrum READ MORE

1. Another depressing year of normalised gendered violence READ MORE
2. Not protection, women need autonomy, equality READ MORE

1. Political parties are not like companies READ MORE
2. The judicial pendency question: How to lighten the court’s load READ MORE
3. Why is the GST Tribunal a non-starter? READ MORE
4. Curb online gaming READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. New electrolyte found can help better ammonia synthesis READ MORE  
2. Supreme Court thwarts eviction from Railway land in Haldwani READ MORE
3. Endangered Asian elephant has lost most of its optimal habitat in Nilgiri Reserve: Study READ MORE
4. UGC unveils draft norms to allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India READ MORE
5. Decennial census put off till September to freeze boundaries READ MORE
6. Guyana, Suriname Presidents to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas READ MORE
7. Covid XBB, BQ lineages most common in international fliers READ MORE
8. World’s first vaccine for honeybees gets conditional nod in US READ MORE
9. Antibiotic residues in wastewater may trigger antimicrobial resistance in India, China: Study READ MORE
10. Did war in Ukraine drive more migratory birds to Chilika lake in Odisha? READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Another depressing year of normalised gendered violence READ MORE
2. Not protection, women need autonomy, equality READ MORE
3. Some Truths on How India’s Groundwater Management Programme Is Progressing READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Political parties are not like companies READ MORE
2. The judicial pendency question: How to lighten the court’s load READ MORE
3. Why is the GST Tribunal a non-starter? READ MORE
4. Curb online gaming READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Making healthcare accessible, the digital way READ MORE
2. Uniform Civil Code necessary for gender justice READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The crisis in international law READ MORE
2. India’s G20 Presidency: Forging global solidarity READ MORE
3. India needs to double down on its China policy READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Explained | India’s plan to develop green hydrogen READ MORE
2. Explained | The millet mission READ MORE
3. Global Economy: In 2023, Central Banks Will Have to Battle Inflation Amid Political Obstacles READ MORE
4. Why India’s Balance of Payments is Headed for Hard Times READ MORE
5. Mitigating Risks in Agriculture: The inefficacy of crop insurance in times of growing weather volatility can be debilitating. READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Draconian, Toothless~I
2. Environmental Consciousness on a Spectrum READ MORE

 SECURITY

1. Armed drones in Indian military: Can machines understand the rules of war? READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. What does it take to become self-realised? READ MORE
2. Happiness: it’s limitless READ MORE
3. Practice forgiveness for good relations READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Discuss the importance of international laws for foreign policy. In the light of the recent developments in international politics, analyse why India needs to incorporate these laws in its foreign policy?
2. ‘Despite its claims of independence and impartiality, the collegium system is plagued by serious weaknesses and flaws that have had a detrimental impact on the functioning of the judiciary’. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.
• India needs to engage in a critical study of international law and utilise it to effectively conduct its foreign policy and engage in lawfare.
• India has been acquiring a central stage in world affairs and international order in the recent years. Besides benefits, this has brought challenges also like the China factor, terrorism in the near neighbourhood, issues relating to carbon emissions and climate compensation and reduced multilateralism.
• India is a prime example of suffering at the hands of partisan views and narrow geopolitical aims against terrorism.
• If something is legally correct, it does not automatically become constitutionally sound.
• As we prioritise the integrity and independence of the judiciary, it is crucial to address the flaws in the appointment process and seek a solution that ensures fair and impartial judicial appointments.
• Despite its claims of independence and impartiality, the collegium system is plagued by serious weaknesses and flaws that have had a detrimental impact on the functioning of the judiciary.
• The government has been criticised for selectively appointing some of the judges recommended by the collegium while delaying or ignoring the appointments of others, thereby altering the seniority of the judges.
• Digital technology with digital learning when put to good use will open its gate to digital opportunity i.e. it will lead to opening of new possibilities which will further lead to communication, social networking, collaboration, content management and access to analytics data, along with staff and customer satisfaction.
• There should be widespread public consultation to ensure that economic rights, individual freedoms, and social imperatives remain in balance.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Humanities develop a rounded personality

50-WORD TALK

• From being an outspoken advocate of the Chinese government’s COVID-19 response in 2020 when the virus first stuck the world to now asking its leadership to track it, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus may have taken the path of course correction. But WHO’s credibility will be hard to re-establish.
• The deadly Ukrainian rocket strikes on Russian soldiers in Makiivka—killing at least 63, perhaps hundreds—demonstrate President Vladimir Putin’s military is technologically and tactically outclassed. Putin can continue obliterating Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure but at the price of his country’s economic future. The world needs to push Putin to end unwinnable war.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a PIL was filed in Supreme Court to issue directions to the Kerala government to not implement the Gadgil committee report as no space is available to displace the population within the state. There are large groups completely dependent on agriculture, and banning the cultivation of several crops will affect their livelihood. Though valid to a certain extent, yet it negates the larger issue of environmental crisis manifested in Kerala flood and such other issues. This raises a paradox on the discourse between Democracy and Ecology. In this context, we will study in detail about the reports of different commissions on conservation and preservation of biodiversity in western ghats and what are the issues in implementing their recommendations.

ABOUT WESTERN GHATS

• The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs from the western coast of Peninsular India. Older than the Himalaya Mountains, they are also known as Sahyadri.
• A significant characteristic of the Western Ghats is the exceptionally high level of biological diversity and endemism. This mountain chain is recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity along with Sri Lanka.
• It begins near the border of Gujarat and stretches down 1600 km through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala ,Goa and Tamil Nadu covering around 160,000 km2 of the area.
• It has an exceptionally high level of biological diversity and endemism and is recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity.
• The forests of the site include some of the best representatives of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests anywhere and are home to at least 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species.

MADHAV GADGIL COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE WESTERN GHATS?

Gadgil Commission, an environmental research commission is named after its chairman Madhav Gadgil. The commission is formally known as Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP). The commission submitted the report to the Government of India on 31 August 2011.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GADGIL COMMITTEE

• The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) designated the entire hill range as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
• The panel, in its report, has classified the 142 taluks in the Western Ghats boundary into Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) 1, 2 and 3.
• ESZ-1 being of high priority, almost all developmental activities (mining, thermal power plants etc) were restricted in it.
• The extent of existing Protected Areas plus ESZ1 will not normally exceed 60% of the total area. And the extent of area covered by existing Protected Areas plus ESZ1 and ESZ2 together will be around 75% and the extent of ESZ3 will normally be around 25% of the total area.
• Gadgil report recommended that “no new dams based on large-scale storage be permitted in Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1. Since both the Athirappilly of Kerala and Gundia of Karnataka hydel project sites fall in Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1, these projects should not be accorded environmental clearance,” it said.
• In Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1 and 2 no new license for mining and No new polluting (red and orange category) industries to be given while in Ecologically Sensitive Zone 3 new mining and setting up of New polluting industries may be taken up only under strict regulation and social audit . Agriculture activities are allowed by phasing out the use of chemical fertilizers in all the three zones.
• Gadgil Committee report specifies that the present system of governance of the environment should be changed. It asked for a bottom to top approach (right from Gram sabhas) rather than a top to bottom approach. It also asked for decentralization and more powers to local authorities.
• The commission recommended the constitution of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA), as a statutory authority under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, with the powers under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

WHAT WAS THE NEED FOR THE KASTURIRANGAN COMMITTEE SUBSEQUENTLY?

• None of the six concerned states accepted the Gadgil committee report.
• In August 2012, a High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats under Kasturirangan was constituted to “examine” the Gadgil Committee report in a “holistic and multidisciplinary fashion in the light of responses received” from various stakeholders.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE KASTURIRANGAN COMMITTEE

• Instead of the total area of Western Ghats, only 37% (i.e. 60,000 sq. km.) of the total area be brought under ESA under Kasturirangan report.
• A complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining in ESA.
• Distinguished between cultural (58% occupied in the Western Ghats by it like human settlements, agricultural fields and plantations) and natural landscape (90% of it should come under ESA according to the committee).
• Current mining areas in the ESA should be phased out within the next five years, or at the time of expiry of mining lease, whichever is earlier.
• No thermal power be allowed, and hydropower projects are allowed only after detailed study.
• Red industries i.e. which are highly polluting be strictly banned in these areas.
• Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats has made several pro-farmer recommendations, including the exclusion of inhabited regions and plantations from the purview of ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs).
• The Kasturirangan report had said 123 villages fall under the ESA purview.

COMPARISON OF MADHAV GADGIL REPORT AND KASTURIRANGAN REPORT

GADGIL REPORT

• Recommended that the entire stretch of the western ghats should be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)
• It divided the region into three zones-ESZ1, ESZ2 & ESZ3 and gave a broad outline of certain restrictions for each zone
• It recommended the determination of an area as ESZ1 or ESZ2 or ESZ3 be done at the block/taluka level
• No new polluting industries (red and orange category) were to be permitted in ESZ1&ESZ2.Existing industries were to be phased out by 2016.

KASTURIRANGAN REPORT

• Divided the western ghats into two: natural landscape and cultural landscape
• Of the natural landscape, it picked out merely 37% as “biologically rich” and “with some measure of contiguity”. Any restrictions were only placed in this area
• It proposed the demarcation of ESA be done at the village level
• Only red category industries (heavily polluting such as mining) were completely restricted

WHY STATE GOVERNMENT’S NOT IMPLEMENTING THE REPORT?

BARRIER TO DEVELOPMENT

• The state government believes that implementation of the report will halt the developmental activities in the region.
• Karnataka Government states that it has the distinction of being one of the states with extensive forest cover and the government has taken care to protect the biodiversity of Western Ghats.

GROUND REALITY

• The Kasturirangan report has been prepared based on the satellite images, but the ground reality is different.
• People of the region have adopted agriculture and horticultural activities in an eco-friendly manner.
• Priority has been accorded for environment protection under the Forest Protection Act.
• In this background bringing one more law that would affect the livelihood of the local people is not appropriate.

PEOPLE’S PROTEST

• The political representatives from Uttara Kannada district have always opposed the Kasturirangan report since 600-plus villages will fall under the eco-sensitive area if the report is implemented.

PRESENT STATUS

• While there is a growing concern over the forest encroachments in Karnataka, the state government has planned to further shrink the deemed forest area from 3,30,186.938 hectares to 2 lakh hectares.

REINVENTING DEMOCRACY

Seventy-five years since Independence, it is now acutely clear that we need to rethink this paradigm of development altogether since it has failed to balance economic interests with social costs. This model of development promises equality, but in reality, it privileges corporate interests. Displacement has been one of the major consequences of this process, particularly the displacement of tribals and other marginalised communities.

ISSUES IN THE PESA (PROVISIONS OF THE PANCHAYATS EXTENSION TO SCHEDULED AREAS) ACT, 1996 IN DEMOCRATIC DECENTRALISATION

• Social audits conducted across the state have also pointed out that in reality different developmental schemes were being approved on paper by Gram Sabha, without actually having any meeting for discussion and decision making which results into respond by the localities for eg: “Pathalgarhi movement” by the tribals who basically seeks for autonomy.

ISSUES IN THE FOREST RIGHTS ACT

• The main barriers with regard to implementation relate to the structural conditions, which define the power of the state vs powerlessness of the scheduled tribes and other forest dependent communities.
• The current growth model which is basically top to bottom approach has systematically perpetuated high levels of inequality, which reflects on competing interests over the rich base of natural resources- land, minerals, water and forest. To elaborate more, three significant barriers, which impede the realisation of forest rights.

A clash of ideas: for a brighter future

IMPACT OF THE NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPORT ON THE WESTERN GHATS

• There have been a lot of evident climatic changes like temperature increase, excess floods, droughts etc. such incidents will further increase.
• Gadgil called on the authorities to take immediate measures to preserve Kerala’s natural environment, especially in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region. Gadgil also urged the state government to impose a ban on industrial and mining activities in the area and strictly regulate development work but the environmental expert says the government did not pay heed to his recommendations Which results into deadly floods in Kerala.
• The impacts include pollution (noise, air and groundwater), depletion of fisheries, deforestation, siltation of water bodies and loss of unique biodiversity among many others. The report claimed that there are also numerous illegal activities in these areas causing these problems.

THE WAY FORWARD

To eradicate poverty and increase growth in the economy, development is mandatory. Without economic development, a nation cannot come out of the vicious circle of poverty. As our population grows, finding a balance between economic advancement and consumption of natural resources is a vital question that we should address.

• ECO-TOURISM: Eco-tourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and conservation. Thus,ecotourism needs to be promoted in western ghats.
• JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT (JFM): The rationale behind Joint Forest Management (JFM) approach is that the willing and active participation of the Forest Department with the local community is essential for ensuring regeneration, conservation, protection and sustainable use of forest resources. JFM is to be considered as cost-effective approach for the regeneration and conservation of forest apart from meeting the diverse needs of the local communities.
• ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE: Good environmental governance which limits the exploitation of natural resources to sustainable levels.

THE CASE STUDY CONSERVATION BY EXCLUSION- SOLIGAS OF BRT HILLS

BRT hills are a forest covered range in Karnataka to the east of the Nilgiris. It is the traditional homeland of Soliga tribals, who earlier practised hunting-gathering and shifting cultivation. They have protected a large sacred grove, harbouring a magnificent Michelia champaca tree. When this area was declared a Wild Life Sanctuary, Soligas could no longer hunt or practice shifting cultivation. So gathering of honey, medicinal plants and amla became the mainstay of their subsistence. A voluntary organization, Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra, has organized them effectively and helped set up a system of regulated collection, processing and marketing of forest produce. A scientific institution, ATREE, has been engaged in a study of the Soliga forest produce collection practices and their impact on resource stocks. They have come to the conclusion that these practices are entirely sustainable. The Soliga earnings had also improved because of their own processing industry. Most regrettably, the Forest Department has banned all collection of forest produce for marketing, forcing Soligas into destitution.

THE CONCLUSION: There is a need to find solutions to the problem of power shortage, paucity of drinking water, poverty and unemployment, without forgetting the fact that ecological biodiversity needs to be recognized as an integral part of the human and cultural landscape as well as the natural one. Everyone agrees that one must strike a fine balance between conservation, preservation and development and ensure that they can go hand in hand; but this is easier said than done.

QUESTION FOR MAINS EXAMINATION:

Q1.Explain the significance of western ghats for India. Suggest some innovative ways to conserve the biodiversity of the region.
Q2.Is it possible to strike a balance between developmental imperatives of a growing economy like India and the limits to growth imposed by environmental degradation? Critically analyse.

[WpProQuiz 399]

THE CONTEXT: The 22nd edition of the Council of Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO-CHS) concluded with India taking over chair of the regional forum. In this article, we will analyse the background of SCO, What are the bilateral and Multilateral challenges faced by the countries, highlights of the Indian Prime Minister’s speech, and the most importantly, the outcomes and the way forward.

THE OUTCOMES SAMARKAND DECLARATION

Decision by the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States on the Comprehensive Action Plan for 2023-2027 for implementation of provisions of the Treaty on Long-Term Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States and also to Develop Interconnectivity and Create Efficient Transport Corridors and “smart” agriculture and agro- innovation.

• The Samarkand declaration advocated “commitment to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation”.
• The rotational presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been handed over to India. New Delhi will hold the presidency of the grouping for a year until September 2023.

• Member States on signing the Memorandum of Commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to become a member State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

• Member States on launching the procedure of admitting the Republic of Belarus as a member, granting the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Maldives the status of Shanghai Cooperation Organization dialogue partner.
• The SCO plans to prepare a single list of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups whose activities are banned on the territories of the member states. This move aims to counter the threat posed by them to the region.
• Member States on declaring Varanasi, Republic of India, as the Tourist and Cultural Capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2022-2023.
• India once again refrained from affirming support for China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative in the Joint Declaration.
• Member States on the approval of the Report of the Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure on the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIAN PRIME MINSTER SPEECH DURING THE SUMMIT

• Indian Prime Minister urged the world leaders present at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2022 to work towards solving the supply chain issues that were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The United Nations had previously expressed concerns about the food and energy crisis that has been plaguing a number of countries.
• Addressing the summit, Indian Prime Minister framed the “right to transit” in the context of connectivity and how it could help establish reliable and resilient supply chains in the region. Lack of transit across Pakistan’s territory has been a challenge for India to access Central Asian markets, and Delhi has flagged this concern several times in the past.
• The Indian Prime Minister also took the opportunity to talk about how the Indian economy has bounced back after the pandemic and the growth expected in the near future. “We are focussing on people-centric development model. We are supporting innovation in every sector. Today there are more than 70,000 start-ups and over 100 unicorns in our country.”

BILATERAL MEETING WITH IRAN

• During the meeting, the two leaders discussed many important issues pertaining to the bilateral relationship and expressed their desire for strengthening the relationship further. Prime Minister highlighted that India- Iran bilateral ties are marked by historic and civilizational connections, including strong people to people contacts.
• The two leaders reviewed the progress in the development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal,Chabahar Port and underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity.
• They also discussed international and regional developments including Afghanistan. Prime Minister reiterated India’s priorities of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and the need for a representative and inclusive political dispensation in support of a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan.
• President Raisi briefed the Prime Minister on the status of the JCPOA negotiations.

BILATERAL MEETING WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT

• Indian Prime Minister began his comments by telling the Russian President that the “era of war” is over, indicating India’s discomfort with Russia’s attack on Ukraine for the first time in public, although New Delhi has not criticised Russia for its action thus far. He reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

• The two leaders also had a discussion pertaining to global food security, energy security and availability of fertilizers in the context of the challenges emanating from the current geopolitical situation.

HOW DOES MEMBERSHIP OF THE SCO HELP INDIA?

FOR ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

• India’s membership provides it with select opportunities in the geoeconomic and the geostrategic sphere in the Central Asian Region (CAR). The CAR supplies around 10 percent of oil and energy to the world. With India being one of the most energy-hungry nations, involvement in the SCO provides it with an opportunity to satisfy its energy requirements through regional diplomacy.
• India’s pending energy projects like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline, IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India) pipeline, and CASA (Central Asia-South Asia)-1000 electricity transmission projects — all of which are blocked, due in part to Pakistan’s recalcitrant approach — can get a much-needed push through the SCO.

FOR SECURITY

• In the sphere of security, the SCO formed Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) in 2005 at Tashkent. RATS which works on information sharing and joint counterterrorism measures between member states. The SCO has successfully nullified 600 would-be attacks and extradited more than 500 terrorists through the RATS mechanism. India’s full membership in the SCO will enable it to play an instrumental role in RATS.

FOR INDIA-PAKISTAN AND INDIA-CHINA RELATIONSHIP

• In the absence of the SAARC summit, the SCO summit gives an opportunity for Indian and Pakistani leaders to meet informally, on the side-lines. Both sides have the obligation not to bring in bilateral disputes but can cooperate on issues of mutual interest and importance.
• China, Pakistan and Russia are already in talks with the Taliban, India can volunteer to work upon a stable solution for crisis at Afghanistan crisis, much needed for peace in the region.
• Signing off on joint counter-terrorism exercises will be a new form of engagement between the two militaries. With China, it is yet another opening, like the BRICS summit last year (2021), to bring down tensions, and ahead of the next informal summit in October in India.

FOR GLOBAL GEOPOLITICS

• The US’ power struggle with China, exit from the Iran nuclear deal Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) (affects India’s oil imports from Iran), and adversarial attitude towards Russia (affects India’s defence purchase like S-400) have forced India to choose sides. While Washington’s stance against Islamabad after the Pulwama attack was evidence of its support to New Delhi, India has had a strained relationship with China after the Doklam stand-off, followed by attempts to reset relations in Wuhan.
• In the SCO, India’s sitting down with less-than-free regimes, Russia and China has always had the West worried. India, however, has always been tactful in not aligning with these countries on governance issues. What draws India to SCO is the “Shanghai spirit”, which emphasises harmony, non-interference in others’ internal affairs, and non-alignment. The bottom line is that it helps India keep all options open in terms of international partnerships.

POINT TO BE NOTED

• India’s bilateral trade with Central Asia stands at about $2 billion and with Russia about $10 billion in 2017.
• In contrast, China’s trade with Russia has crossed $100 billion in 2018 while the bilateral figures for Central Asia stand at over $50 billion.

WHAT’S THE DOWNSIDE WITH THE SCO?

THE COUNTER-TERRORISM AND CONNECTIVITY

• For India, two important objectives are counterterrorism and connectivity. These sit well with the SCO’s main objective of working cooperatively against the “three evils”. India wants access to intelligence and information from SCO’s counter-terrorism body, the Tashkent-based Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS). A stable Afghanistan too is in India’s interest, and RATS provides access to non-Pakistan-centred counter-terrorism information there. Connectivity is important for India’s Connect Central Asia policy.

DEFINITION OF TERRORISM

• India’s definition of terrorism is different from the definition of SCO under RATS.
• India points to state-sponsored cross border terrorism, but for SCO, terrorism coincides with regime destabilization.
• SCO’s targets groups like East-Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Al-Qaeda, whereas groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jayesh-e-Mohammad, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network do not come under its anti-terror structure.

GROWING RUSSIA-CHINA CONVERGENCE

• One of the major factors for Russia pushing India’s inclusion into the SCO was to balance China’s power.
• However, today the challenge India faces is the growing closeness of Russia and China, even as India has promoted better relations with the US.
• Further, the new equation of growing Russia — China — Pakistan triangular convergence of interests is a challenge that needs to be navigated.

CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

• India has expressed its strict reservations against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) and has not accepted the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) of China.
• Since, all the group members except India have endorsed BRI, it makes India standalone on its position.

RIVALRY OF INDIA-PAKISTAN

• India and Pakistan rivalry makes it difficult to adopt a common stand. The deliberate raising of bilateral issues into the SCO is a blatant violation of principles and norms of the charter of the grouping.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• INDIA AS SCO CHAIR: From being an Observer since 2005, India became a member of the SCO in 2017. Following the Summit meeting in Samarkand, India has for the first time assumed the SCO Chair.

In 2021, Iran’s trade with the SCO member states surpassed US$37 billion, which accounts for about 30 percent of the country’s total foreign trade.

• India’s economy is expected to grow by 7.5 per cent in 2022 – the highest among the world’s largest economies. Being the fastest growing major economy of SCO, the growth impetus in the SCO area will be vastly contributed by Indian economy in the coming years. India has assumed the Chairmanship at an important time when the region needs greater cooperation to overcome the challenges.
• IRAN’S SCO ACCESSION: One of the crucial reasons for the lack of flourishing of trade between India and Central Asian states is that there is no direct access. India has to either trade with Central Asia through China or through Europe via Russia, thus making it an expensive affair. Chabahar port in Iran has provided some convenience but in a limited way. Also, Iran can play as a “hub country” a central role in the East-West and International North-South transit corridors (INSTC). India should use Iran as a gateway for Central Asian countries for its geo-economic importance.
• BALANCING THE BLOCS:For India, the buzzword now is ‘all-alignment’. Our External Affairs Minister in his book “The India Way”, offers a critique of India’s traditional policy of “non-alignment” where he distinguishes between the “optimistic non-alignment” of the past, which he feels has failed, that must give way to more realistic “multiple engagements of the future”.

THE CONCLUSION:  Since its formation, SCO has largely been successful in keeping its ‘core’ stable and secure. Further, the SCO has also provided as a platform to strengthen bilateral cooperation among members. The successful cooperation in security domain in SCO will encourage the countries to increase cooperation in economy, technology, healthcare, innovation and connectivity areas. There can be no meaningful economic cooperation without unhindered inter-regional connectivity and territory transit. The economic potential makes the organisation a powerful force for growth and prosperity.

FOR PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

MULTINATIONAL JATE “ANTI-TERROR EXERCISE 2022”

Recently, Pakistan has been invited to the closing ceremony, of the ongoing Joint Anti-Terror Exercise (JATE) under the ambit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) being hosted by India.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The National Security Guard (NSG) is hosting the multinational JATE “Manesar Anti-Terror 2022” under the framework of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), at the NSG Manesar Garrison.

• An Indian delegation had participated in the closing ceremony of the two-week-long JATE-2021 hosted by Pakistan at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, in September 2021.
• The exercise is aimed at exchanging expertise and best practices and build synergy between the Counter Terrorism Forces of the SCO RATS member countries to enhance capabilities for conducting anti-terrorist operations and countering other security threats collectively.

AIM OF THE EXERCISE

• “JATE is being conducted with a view to practice and master various drills and procedures involved in Counter Terrorism operations including Cordon & Search, Compound Clearance, Close Quarter Battle and medical evacuation.
• The exercise is aimed at enhancing synergy and interoperability among Special Services and Law Enforcement Agencies of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries for combating international terrorism, practice mechanisms to respond to a crisis situation and capacity building of the forces.
• RATS, headquartered in Tashkent, is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

ADD TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE

BACK2BASICS: ABOUT SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic and security grouping founded on the 15th of June, 2001. It is headquartered in Beijing. Its members include China, Russia, India and Pakistan, as well as 4 Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It is the world’s largest regional grouping, covering about 60 per cent of the area of Eurasia, 40 per cent of the global population and more than 30 per cent of the global GDP. India and Pakistan became members in 2017. The SCO is currently the world’s largest regional organization.

The main objectives of the SCO are to

1. strengthen relations among member states;
2. promote cooperation in political affairs, economics and trade, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection;
3. safeguard regional peace, security, and stability; and
4. create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

1. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What Importance does it hold for India?

1. What are the outcomes of the recent SCO Summit which was held in Uzbekistan capital. And what are the importance of Manesar Anti-Terror Excercise Under SCO RATS.

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. JALLIKATTU-CULTURAL PRACTICE OR CRUELTY?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Amid the Supreme Court quash the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 in 2014, the State said the ban on Jallikattu was perceived as an onslaught against the cultural identity of the people of Tamil Nadu.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Jallikattu?

• It is a bull-taming sport and a disputed traditional event in which a bull such is released into a crowd of people.
• Multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull’s back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.
• Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull’s horns.
• It is typically practised in the state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal (harvest) celebrations in January.

Issue with the sport

• An investigation by the Animal Welfare Board of India concluded that “Jallikattu is inherently cruel to animals”.
• Human deaths: The event has caused several human deaths and injuries and there are several instances of fatalities to the bulls.
• Manhandling of animals: Animal welfare concerns are related to the handling of the bulls before they are released and also during the competitor’s attempts to subdue the bull.
• Cruelty to animal: Practices, before the bull is released, include prodding the bull with sharp sticks or scythes, extreme bending of the tail which can fracture the vertebrae, and biting of the bull’s tail.
• Animal intoxication: There are also reports of the bulls being forced to drink alcohol to disorient them, or chilli peppers being rubbed in their eyes to aggravate the bull.

Arguments in favour

• Native breed conservation: According to its protagonists, it is not a leisure sport available but a way to promote and preserve the native livestock.
• Cultural significance: Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE) and finds mention in Sangam texts.
• Man-animal relationship: Some believe that the sport also symbolizes a cordial man-animal relationship.

2. 50 ASI-PROTECTED MONUMENTS DISAPPEAR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-I

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Culture recently told Parliament that 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments were missing.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Fifty of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments have gone missing, according to the Ministry of Culture has told Parliament.

What are centrally protected monuments?

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under this Act.
• The Act protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old, including temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars that may be of historical significance.
• According to the provisions of AMASR Act, ASI officials are supposed to regularly inspect the monuments to assess their condition. Apart from various conservation and preservation operations, ASI officials can also file police complaints, issue show cause notices for the removal of encroachments, and communicate to the local administration the need for demolition of encroachments.

How can a monument go “missing”?

• The ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, when he realised the need for a permanent body to oversee archaeological excavations and conservation. But while the body remained largely dysfunctional in the 19th century owing to fund crunch, in the decades preceding Independence, it became very active. A bulk of the protected monuments were taken under the ASI’s wings during the 1920s and 30s, up till the 50s, according to the sources.
• But in the decades after independence, the focus of successive governments was on health, education and infrastructure, rather than protecting heritage. Even within the scope of heritage, the aim was to uncover more monuments and sites, instead of conservation. So in due course, many monuments and sites were lost to activities like urbanisation, construction of dams and reservoirs, and even encroachments.
• As per the ASI submission in Parliament, 14 monuments have been lost to rapid urbanisation, 12 are submerged by reservoirs/dams, while 24 are untraceable, which brings the number of missing monuments to 50.
• The agency told the Parliamentary committee that security guards were posted at only 248 of the 3,693 monuments. “The committee notes with dismay that out of the total requirement of 7,000 personnel for the protection of monuments, the government could provide only 2,578 security personnel at 248 locations due to budgetary constraints”.

VALUE ADDITION:
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

• The AMASR Act provides for preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
• It provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
• The Archaeological Survey of India functions under the provisions of this act.
• The Act prohibits construction in ‘prohibited area’, an area of 100 meters around protected monument.
• It does not permit construction in such prohibited areas even if it is for public purposes, except under certain conditions.
• The central government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters.
• The iconic monuments in India, Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, The Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Sun Temple of Konark, among others are designated as “ancient monuments of national importance” and protected under the AMASR Act. The Archaeological Survey of India is the custodian of these monuments.
• National Monument Authority will make a recommendation, for construction of public works to the central government, only if it is satisfied that there is no reasonable possibility of moving the construction outside the prohibited area.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. INDIA-FRANCE STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

TAGS-GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The 36th India-France dialogue will record a forward movement with French President Emmanuel Macron committed to support India for developing advanced military industrial complex.

THE EXPLANATION:

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DIALOGUE
Aircraft Engines and Submarines

• One area where India is seeking French assistance is in the manufacturing of aircraft engines. India is looking for a transfer of technology to enable it to make engines for its indigenous twin-engine fighter, as well as the design and development of next-generation military and civilian engines for future fighter and transport platforms. The Tata group has already teamed up with Airbus to manufacture C295 tactical transport aircraft in Gujarat, and this partnership is set to be expanded to include the production of other civilian and military aircraft through a joint venture with France.
• In addition to aircraft engines, India is also interested in continued French assistance with the production of submarines. The Kalvari (French Scorpene) class submarine line is set to deliver its final submarine this year, and India is hoping that France will help to continue the manufacturing line at Mumbai Dockyards. The plan is to retrofit diesel attack submarines with indigenous air independent propulsion (AIP) systems for long endurance. It is expected that progress will be made on both aircraft engines and long-range submarines during this year’s strategic dialogue with France.

Indo-Pacific Security and Space Cooperation

• Another key topic of discussion during the strategic dialogue will be the Indo-Pacific region, where France is ready to help India with ocean bed mapping and the development of underwater drones and sensors.
• With the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China becoming increasingly aggressive in the Indo-Pacific, and rapidly expanding its warship and nuclear submarine force, India and its allies must be prepared for any eventualities in the Indian Ocean, which is fast becoming a new frontier. In order to ensure maritime domain awareness and security from the east coast of Africa to the far Pacific, India and France have formed a trilateral group with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• In addition to security in the Indo-Pacific, India and France are also working together in the field of space technology, sharing knowledge in an effort to counter China’s rapid strides in this area.

Terrorism and Regional Stability

• During the strategic dialogue, Bonne will also be briefed by Doval on the posture of the PLA along the 3488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India, and the two leaders will discuss ways to bring both Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table to end the conflict that began in February 2022.
• Another topic of discussion will be the issue of radicalization in the region, particularly in the Af-Pak region, in the wake of the rise of the Taliban, as well as terrorism emanating from Pakistan and targeting India, as seen in the recent terrorist attacks in Rajouri by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayebba (LeT) group.

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

4. SILENT VALLEY BIRD SPECIES GOES UP TO 175

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a bird survey conducted at the Silent Valley National Park in the December 2022 identified 141 species, of which 17 were new.

THE EXPLANATION:

• This year’s survey marked the 30th anniversary of the first bird survey in Silent Valley. Brown wood owl, Banded Bay cuckoo, Malabar woodshrike, White-throated kingfisher, Indian nightjar, Jungle nightjar, and Large cuckooshrike were among the 17 species newly identified in the Silent Valley.

Silent Valley National Park:

• It is a beautiful representation of the last remaining rainforest of Kerala. The forests of the Silent Valley National Park harbour some of the most pristine, unique and highly productive forests in the world.
• Silent Valley is located in the Southwestern corner of Nilgiris.
• A perennial river named Kunthipuzha is passing through the western side of the park, from north to south direction finally merging into Bharathapuzha.
• Fauna: Silent Valley Park is known for many highly endangered species such as lion-tailed macaque, tiger, gaur, leopard, wild boar, panther, Indian Civet and Sambhar.
• The indigenous tribal groups that live within park boundaries include Irulas, Kurumbas, Mudugas and Kattunaikkars.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTION

5. TELANGANA JOINS FREE RICE SCHEME

TAGS: GS-II-GOVERNMENTS SCHEMES & INTERVENTIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Telangana government has recently made the decision to join the free rice scheme of the Central government under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

THE EXPLANATION:

• This initiative aims to provide assistance to families in need by distributing free rice to those who are eligible under the NFSA. The Telangana government’s decision to join this scheme demonstrates a commitment to addressing issues of food security and poverty in the state.
• The Central scheme envisages the supply of five kilograms of rice per person per month to 54.44 lakh NFSA cardholders in the state. However, the Telangana government will extend this benefit to an additional 35.52 lakh cardholders, at its own cost.
• Previously, both types of cardholders were receiving free rice under the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which is a part of the Public Distribution System (PDS). The Central government used to supply this rice at a subsidized price of ₹3 per kilogram. However, the Telangana government added its own subsidy of ₹2 per kilogram and distributed the PDS rice for only ₹1 per kilogram.

Uncertainty Surrounding Amount of Rice Supplied

• It is currently unclear whether the state government will continue to supply six kilograms of rice per person per month, as it did under the PMGKA, or if it will restrict this amount to the five kilograms specified under the NFSA.
• The Telangana government has made the decision to join the free rice scheme of the Central government under the National Food Security Act in order to provide assistance to families in need. Although there is some uncertainty surrounding the amount of rice that will be supplied, the state government is committed to distributing free rice to all cardholders starting on January 5, 2022.

About PMGKAY

• In March 2020, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government had announced the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) welfare scheme. Initially, the scheme was planned for a period of 3 months but since then, it has been extended several times.
• This scheme looked to provide every individual covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) with an additional 5 kg of grains (rice or wheat) free of cost, along with the 5 kg of subsidized food grain that is already being provided through the country’s Public Distribution System (PDS). It covers people belonging to Below Poverty Line – Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) categories.
• It also covers other vulnerable people like widows, terminally ill, elderly, landless agricultural labourers, primitive tribe households, informal sector workers etc. More than 81.35 crore people are benefiting from this scheme. Wheat has been allocated for 6 states and union territories and rice has been provided for the rest. This supplements the monthly entitlements under the NFSA.

Connect the Dots:

• National Food Security Act (NFSA)
• What is the difference between Central sector schemes and Centrally sponsored schemes

[WpProQuiz 398]

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2. Lessons from South Africa: The fading Gandhi-Mandela legacy READ MORE
3. Being in the state of flow READ MORE
4. WE ALL ARE SMALL BUT WE MUST FIT IN WORLD READ MORE

1. How to cool a green space? Plant trees downstream of wind READ MORE
2. After excess rainfall, now poor prices leave Marathwada cotton farmers in debt READ MORE

1. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Making healthcare accessible, the digital way READ MORE
2. Uniform Civil Code necessary for gender justice READ MORE

1. Supreme Court expands Article 19 ambit: Not just state, even pvt citizens can face challenge READ MORE
2. Gaming and gambling: On the Centre’s move to regulate online gaming READ MORE
3. How free now?: SC did well to warn against further restrictions on free speech. But misuse of IPC provisions needs checking too READ MORE
4. Freebie culture in Indian politics READ MORE
5. Indian judiciary’s well-being is at stake. Conflicts over collegium system can create tension READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. CAQM Sub-Committee decides to roll back Stage-III of GRAP in entire NCR with immediate effect READ MORE  
2. Union Cabinet approves National Green Hydrogen Mission READ MORE
3. Indian coal power plants should be compensated for forced generation in 2022: regulator READ MORE
4. Cards, mobile, net banking top complaint areas at banking ombudsman: RBI READ MORE
5. Cabinet panel clears scheme to upgrade Prasar Bharati READ MORE
6. India tried to defuse Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant situation: EAM Jaishankar READ MORE
7. Silent Valley bird species goes up to 175 READ MORE
8. Mamata demands national status for Gangasagar Mela READ MORE
9. 50 ASI-protected monuments disappear: How did they go ‘missing’, what happens next READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. How to cool a green space? Plant trees downstream of wind READ MORE
2. After excess rainfall, now poor prices leave Marathwada cotton farmers in debt READ MORE
3. Need to address root-causes of domestic violence READ MORE  
4. Women: Education, employment, empowerment READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Supreme Court expands Article 19 ambit: Not just state, even pvt citizens can face challenge READ MORE
2. Gaming and gambling: On the Centre’s move to regulate online gaming READ MORE
3. How free now?: SC did well to warn against further restrictions on free speech. But misuse of IPC provisions needs checking too READ MORE
4. Freebie culture in Indian politics READ MORE
5. Indian judiciary’s well-being is at stake. Conflicts over collegium system can create tension READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Making healthcare accessible, the digital way READ MORE
2. Uniform Civil Code necessary for gender justice READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. From West Asia to Afghanistan: The worrying rise of fractured geopolitics to fight terrorism READ MORE
2. Incorporating international law in India’s foreign policy READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Mixed signals: On macro-economic data: Manufacturing has gained momentum, but inflation still a concern READ MORE
2. Some critical questions on GM mustard: In a labour-abundant rural economy like India’s, herbicide tolerant crops can upset farming ecosystems READ MORE
3. Can India’s production incentive scheme transform the economy as the SEZ push did for China? READ MORE
4. Did India really achieve its goal of 175 gigawatt of renewable energy by 2022? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Digital technology is next big revolution globally READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Muhammad Iqbal: a poet for all ages READ MORE
2. Lessons from South Africa: The fading Gandhi-Mandela legacy READ MORE
3. Being in the state of flow READ MORE
4. WE ALL ARE SMALL BUT WE MUST FIT IN WORLD READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Discuss the importance of international laws for foreign policy. In light of the recent developments in international politics, analyse why India needs to incorporate these laws in its foreign policy?
2. ‘Despite its claims of independence and impartiality, the collegium system is plagued by serious weaknesses and flaws that have had a detrimental impact on the functioning of the judiciary’. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The capacity for inner dialogue is a touchstone for outer objectivity.
• India needs to engage in a critical study of international law and utilise it to effectively conduct its foreign policy and engage in lawfare.
• India has been acquiring a central stage in world affairs and international order in the recent years. Besides benefits, this has brought challenges also like the China factor, terrorism in the near neighbourhood, issues relating to carbon emissions and climate compensation and reduced multilateralism.
• India is a prime example of suffering at the hands of partisan views and narrow geopolitical aims against terrorism.
• If something is legally correct, it does not automatically become constitutionally sound.
• As we prioritise the integrity and independence of the judiciary, it is crucial to address the flaws in the appointment process and seek a solution that ensures fair and impartial judicial appointments.
• Despite its claims of independence and impartiality, the collegium system is plagued by serious weaknesses and flaws that have had a detrimental impact on the functioning of the judiciary.
• The government has been criticised for selectively appointing some of the judges recommended by the collegium while delaying or ignoring the appointments of others, thereby altering the seniority of the judges.
• Digital technology with digital learning when put to good use will open its gate to digital opportunity i.e. it will lead to opening of new possibilities which will further lead to communication, social networking, collaboration, content management and access to analytics data, along with staff and customer satisfaction.
• There should be widespread public consultation to ensure that economic rights, individual freedoms, and social imperatives remain in balance.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Humanities develop a rounded personality

50-WORD TALK

• The deadly Ukrainian rocket strikes on Russian soldiers in Makiivka—killing at least 63, perhaps hundreds—demonstrate President Vladimir Putin’s military is technologically and tactically outclassed. Putin can continue obliterating Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure but at the price of his country’s economic future. The world needs to push Putin to end unwinnable war.
• It is desirable that the Uniform Civil Code should neither be a Hindu code nor a Muslim one. It should be a positive, secular and composite code, subscribing to the universal principles of equality, non-discrimination and human dignity. An ideal UCC should include monogamy, equal rights for son and daughter over the inheritance of parental property, and gender and religious neutrality in matters of marriage, divorce, adoption, succession, will and charity.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY & CLIMATE CHANGE

1. WHAT IS THE KALASA-BANDURI NALA PROJECT?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently,Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai told the Legislative Assembly that the government had received clearance from the Centre for two Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on the Kalasa-Banduri Nala on the Mahadayi. It has escalated its long-standing dispute on the issue with neighbouring Goa.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Kalasa Banduri Nala project:

• The Kalasa Banduri Nala project aims to divert water from Mahadayi to satisfy the drinking water needs of Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot and Gadag districts.
• Though the project was first proposed in the early 1980s, it has remained on paper owing to a dispute between Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
• As per plans, barrages are to be built against Kalasa and Banduri streams — tributaries of Mahadayi — and water diverted towards Karnataka’s parched districts.
• Mahadayi originates inside the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Belagavi district of Karnataka and flows into the Arabian Sea in Goa.

What did the Tribunal say?

• A Tribunal was set up by the UPA government in November 2010.
• The Tribunal in 2018 awarded 13.42 TMC water from Mahadayi river basin to Karnataka, 1.33 TMC to Maharashtra and 24 TMC to Goa.
• In Karnataka’s share, 5.5 TMC was to meet drinking water needs and 8.02 TMC was for hydro-electricity generation.
• Of the 5.5 TMC, 3.8 TMC was to be diverted to Malaprabha basin through Kalasa and Banduri Nalas (canals).
• This was notified by the Central government in February 2020.

2. INDIA’S FIRST GREEN HYDROGEN BLENDING PROJECT

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: NTPC Limited and Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL) have commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending project in the piped natural gas (PNG) network of NTPC Kawas township, Surat.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Green Hydrogen?

• Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar or wind power. This process splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen being captured and stored for use as a fuel. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
• The main advantage of green hydrogen is that it is a clean, renewable fuel that can be used to power a variety of applications, including transportation and electricity generation.
• It also has the potential to play a significant role in the decarbonization of the energy sector, as it can be used to replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits of Green Hydrogen Blending

• The green hydrogen blending project in Surat is being carried out with the approval of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). The regulatory body has given permission for a 5% vol./vol. blending of green hydrogen with PNG to start with, with the blending level to be gradually increased to reach 20%.
• The addition of green hydrogen to the natural gas network has a number of benefits. First and foremost, it reduces CO2 emissions while maintaining the same net heating content. This is an important step in the fight against climate change and will help India reduce its hydrocarbon import bill while also bringing in foreign exchange through the export of green hydrogen and green chemicals to the rest of the world.
• In addition, the use of green hydrogen in the energy sector has the potential to create new job opportunities and boost economic growth. It can also improve energy security by reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
• The commissioning of India’s first green hydrogen blending project is a major milestone that puts the country at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of NTPC and GGL, who have been able to achieve this feat in record time.
• The project serves as a model for other countries to follow and demonstrates the potential for green hydrogen to play a key role in the decarbonization of the energy sector. It is hoped that this project will pave the way for the wider adoption of green hydrogen in India and help the country transition to a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTION

3. RISE- RISING INDIA THROUGH SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-III- GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the President of India participated in the launch of the National Campaign on ‘RISE- Rising India Through Spiritual Empowerment’, organized by Brahma Kumaris at Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

THE EXPLANATION:

President’s Personal Connection with Brahma Kumaris

• In her address to the gathering, the President spoke of her personal connection with the Brahma Kumaris Institution. She explained that she had learned the method of Raja Yoga, which emphasizes inner spiritual power rather than external physical conveniences and events. This helped her to find light and enthusiasm during a time when she felt surrounded by darkness and lacked hope.

Objectives of RISE

• The National Campaign on ‘RISE- Rising India Through Spiritual Empowerment’ is aimed at spiritually empowering Indian nationals in order to fulfill the dream of a “Golden India.” Brahma Kumaris believes that self-transformation leads to world transformation, and that the journey of a million transformations will create a domino effect, ultimately leading to the rebuilding of the nation.

Methodology

• To achieve these goals, a range of lectures, workshops, short courses, youth camps, and fests will be conducted nationwide to create awareness and transformation among youth. Additionally, Brahma Kumaris will collaborate on various projects that provide opportunities for young people to participate in activities of social and humanitarian concern.

Key Areas

• The National Campaign on ‘RISE- Rising India Through Spiritual Empowerment’ will focus on a range of areas, including lectures, workshops, short courses, youth camps, and fests nationwide to create awareness and transformation among youth. Additionally, the campaign will involve collaboration on projects that offer opportunities for young people to engage in social and humanitarian activities.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

4. DIEBACK DISEASE

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT:Recently, Dieback disease hits neem trees in Telangana.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Dieback Disease:

• The dieback disease was first reported in the country during the 1990s near Dehradun in Uttarakhand, while it was first noticed in Telangana in 2019.
• The dieback disease is mainly caused by the fungi Phomopsis azadirachtae.
• The dieback disease affects leaves, twigs and the inflorescence of neem trees of all ages and it causes almost 100% loss of fruit production in severely infected trees.
• The dieback is a fungal disease but the neem trees are sometimes hit by insect infestation and the combination of both increases its impact.
• The disease posing a threat to the neem trees has been identified as twig blight and dieback disease in Telangana, and it has reappeared in the state this year on a massive scale.
• The appearance of symptoms starts with the onset of the rainy season and becomes progressively severe in the later part of the rainy season and early winter.

5. WORLD BRAILLE DAY: JANUARY 4

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Every year, the World Braille Day is celebrated on January 4 by the United Nations and several other international organizations. The day is celebrated to create awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the realization of human rights for the blind.

THE EXPLANATION:

Why is World Braille Day celebrated on January 4?

• The celebration of World Braille Day on January 4 is in honor of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system. Braille was born in France on January 4, 1809, and it was his development of the system that has allowed blind individuals to read and write, increasing their independence and access to education and employment opportunities.

When was the first World Braille Day celebrated?

The first World Braille Day was celebrated in 2019.

What is Braille?

• Braille is a system of representing alphabetic and numerical symbols using six raised dots. The dots are arranged in a grid, with different combinations of dots representing different letters, numbers, and symbols. This allows blind individuals to read and write by feeling the raised dots with their fingers.

Who invented Braille?

• Braille was invented by Louis Braille in the 19th century in France. As a young boy, Braille was blinded in an accident and struggled to find ways to continue his education. He eventually developed the Braille system as a way for blind individuals to read and write, and it has since become the primary means of communication for the blind community around the world.

Braille Language in India

• In India, the Braille system has been in use for many years, with the country adopting uniform Braille codes for different languages in 1951. India also established the Central Braille Plant in Dehradun and the Central Braille Press in 1954, which produce simple Braille equipment such as slates and styluses.

Steps Taken by the Government of India to Support People with Disabilities

• The Government of India has taken several steps to support people with disabilities, including enacting the Persons with Disabilities Act in 1995. This act provides a special category called “low vision” in addition to the category of “blind,” and meets the stipulations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• India has also accepted several United Nations resolutions on disabled people, including observing the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981 and the UN Decade for the Disabled from 1983 to 1992.
• Additionally, India has observed the Asia-Pacific Decade for the Disabled declared by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), a regional think-tank that provides analysis on social, economic, and environmental dynamics in the region.

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