INDIAN POLITY

1. WHAT IS RES JUDICATA?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II- POLITY

THE CONTEXT:The Madras High Court recently dismissed a civil revision petition filed by a woman against an order of a lower court that had allowed a second divorce petition filed by her husband on the ground of res-judicata.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The concept of res judicata has evolved from the English Common Law System.
• Res judicata literally means ‘the thing has been judged”.
• The principle of res judicata applies when a litigant attempts to file a subsequent lawsuit on the same matter after having received a judgment in a previous case involving the same parties.
• It is a judicial concept which means that the issue before the court has already been decided by another court, between the same parties, and the courts do not allow a petition to be filed in the same or to the other Court.
• Therefore, the court will dismiss the case before it as being useless.
• Res Judicata as a concept is applicable both in the case of the Civil as well as Criminal legal system.

Purpose:

• To prevent injustice to the parties of a case supposedly finished.
• To avoid unnecessary waste of resources and time of the Judicial System.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

2. WHAT IS THE LIBERALISED REMITTANCE SCHEME (LRS)?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III- ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT:The Union Budget 2023 proposes a Tax Collection at Source (TCS) for foreign outward remittance under LRS (other than for Education and medical purpose) of 20% on the entire value.

THE EXPLANATION:

About the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS):

• LRS allows Indian residents to freely remit up to USD $250,000 per financial year for current or capital account transactions or a combination of both. Any remittance exceeding this limit requires prior permission from the RBI. The scheme was introduced on February 4, 2004

Who can remit funds under LRS?

• Only individual Indian residents, including minors, are permitted to remit funds under LRS.
• Corporates, partnership firms, HUF, trusts, etc., are excluded from its ambit.

Frequency of Remittances:

• There are no restrictions on the frequency of remittances under LRS.
• Once a remittance is made for an amount up to USD 2,50,000 during the financial year, a resident individual would not be eligible to make any further remittances under this scheme.

Types of transactions permitted:

• Opening of foreign currency account abroad with a bank;
• Acquisition of immovable property abroad, overseas direct investment (ODI), and overseas portfolio investment (OPI);
• Extending loans, including loans in Indian Rupees to non-resident Indians (NRIs) who are relatives as defined in the Companies Act, 2013;
• Private visits abroad (excluding Nepal and Bhutan);
• Maintenance of relatives abroad;
• Medical treatment abroad;
• Pursuing studies abroad ;
• Tax liability on profit made: If any profit is made on foreign investments made under LRS, it is taxable in India based on how long the investment was held.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

3. WHAT ARE VERMINS?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III-ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT:The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is working to develop immuno-contraceptive measures for population management of species that have become problematic for humans in many parts of the country.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Vermins:

• Vermin are usually considered problem or nuisance animals that attack humans, crops, livestock or property.
• Species which are classified as Vermin are placed under Schedule Vof the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.

Key facts about the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

• There are Six Schedules in this act. These Schedules give a different standard of protection.
• The Listed breeds and types of animals in Schedule I and part II of Schedule II get supreme protection. Offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties.
• For example Himalayan Brown Bear, Indian Elephant etc.
• The Listed breeds and types of animals in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also secured, but the penalties are comparatively much lower.
• For example, Barking Deer, Falcons, Kingfisher, Tortoise etc.
• Schedule V includes the animals which can be hunted.
• For example, Common Crow, Mice, Rats, Fruit Bats etc.
• The plants, trees and crops mentioned in Schedule VI are banned from Cultivation and Planting. For example, Kuth, Red Vanda, Pitcher Plant etc.

4. DICKINSONIA

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III-ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, an alleged fossil discovered near Bhopal about two years ago and thought to be of the extinct Dickinsonia turned out to be the impression of a decayed beehive.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Dickinsonia:

• Dickinsonia is an extinct genus of basal animal that lived during the late Ediacaran period on ocean floors around present-day’s Australia, Russia and Ukraine.
• The individual Dickinsonia typically resembles a bilaterally symmetrical ribbed oval.
• Its affinities are presently unknown; its mode of growth is consistent with a stem-group bilaterian affinity, though some have suggested that it belongs to the fungi or even an “extinct kingdom”.
• The discovery of cholesterol molecules in fossils of Dickinsonia lends support to the idea that Dickinsonia was an animal.
• It is believed to be one of the key links between the early, simple organisms and the explosion of life in the Cambrian Period, about 541 million years ago.

About the Ediacaran period

• It consisted of tubular and frond-shaped organisms that lived during this period.
• The Ediacaran Period was about 20 million years before the emergence of modern animal life — a period known as the Cambrian explosion.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

5. KEANUMYCINS

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT:Recently, researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) have discovered a new antimicrobial agent.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Keanumycins :

• A group of molecules developed by bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas has proven to have such a strong antimicrobial effect that researchers have named them keanumycins.
• The researchers proved that the substance is effective against both plant fungal diseases and human-pathogenic fungi.
• The group of molecules works effectively against the planet pest Botrytis cinerea, which triggers grey mould rot in crops, causing massive harvest losses every year.
• It also affects fungi that are dangerous to humans, like Candida albicans and has been proven to be harmless to plant and human cells.
• Keanumycins can be an environment-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

What is Pseudomonas?

Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria (germ) that is found commonly in the environment, like in soil and water.

THE CONTEXT: India’s renewable power capacity is expected to double over 2022-2027. The country has made significant progress in recent years in increasing its renewable energy capacity, primarily through the development of solar and wind power projects. However, achieving the goal of doubling capacity by 2027 will likely require significant investment and policy support to overcome challenges such as technological advancement, land acquisition and transmission infrastructure. The following article attempts to analyse the various challenges and opportunities associated with enhancing India’s renewable energy potential from UPSC CSE perspective.

INDIA AND RENEWABLE ENERGY: KEY FACTS AND NUMBERS

• India ranks 3rd in the Renewable Energy Country Attractive index in 2021 and 3rd largest energy consuming country in the world.
• India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power capacity & 4th in Solar Power capacity (as per Renewables 2022 Global Status Report).
• The country has set an ambitious target to achieve a capacity of 175 GW worth of renewable energy by the end of 2022, which expands to 500 GW by 2030. This is the world’s largest expansion plan is in renewable energy.
• India was the second largest market in Asia for new solar PV capacity and third globally (13 GW of additions in 2021). It ranked fourth for total installations (60.4 GW), overtaking Germany (59.2 GW) for the first time.
• India’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased 396% in the last 8.5 years and stands at more than 159.95 Giga Watts (including large Hydro), which is about 40% of the country’s total capacity (as on 31st March 2022). The installed solar energy capacity has increased by 19.3 times in the last 8 years, and stands at 56.6 GW as of 1st June 2022. The installed Renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) has increased from 76.37 GW in March 2014 to 159.95 GW in May 2022, i.e., an increase of around 109.4%. The installed power capacity in the country is around 408.72 GW as of 30th November 2022.
• India achieves 166GW of renewable energy capacity till October 2022. India has achieved its NDC target with total non-fossil based installed energy capacity of 159.95 GW which is 41.4% of the total installed electricity capacity.
• FDI of up to 100% is allowed in the renewable energy industry under the automatic route, with no prior government approval needed.
• India has been ranked amongst top 5 countries in the world, and the best among the G20 countries, based on its Climate Change performance. India jumps 2 spots higher, and is now ranked 8th as per Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI, 2023).
• India attracts $13 bn FDI in non-conventional energy sector. India could attract close to $10 bn in renewable energy investment in 2023.

INDIA AND RENEWABLE ENERGY: COMPARING THE PRESENT WITH FUTURE COMMITMENTS

• With a population of 1.3 billion, India has a massive demand for energy to fuel its rapidly growing economy. From a power deficit nation at the time of Independence, the efforts to make India energy-independent have continued for over seven decades. Today, we are a power surplus nation with a total installed electricity capacity of over Four lakh MW.
• Keeping in mind the sustainable development goals, India’s power generation mix is rapidly shifting towards a more significant share of renewable energy. Today, India is the world’s third largest producer of renewable energy, with 40% of its installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources.
• As of 31st August 2022, Renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 163 GW. The following is the installed capacity for Renewables:
• Wind power: 41.2 GW
• Solar Power: 59.34 GW
• Biomass/Co-generation: 10.2 GW
• Small Hydro Power: 4.88 GW
• Waste To Energy: 0.47 GW
• Large Hydro: 46.85 GW

Future Targets and actions

• India has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. The government’s target is to achieve 175 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar, 60 GW of wind, 10 GW of biomass, and 5 GW of small hydro power.
• India has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy by less than 45% by the end of the decade, achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed by 2030, and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Low-carbon technologies could create a market worth up to $80 bn in India by 2030.

Some recent steps towards the renewable energy push:

• 59 solar parks of aggregate capacity 40 GW have been approved in India.
• Solar Parks in Pavagada (2 GW), Kurnool (1 GW) and Bhadla-II (648 MW) included in top 5 operational solar parks of 7 GW capacity in the country.
• The world’s largest renewable energy park of 30 GW capacity solar-wind hybrid project is under installation in Gujarat.
• India offers a great opportunity for investments in RE sector; $196.98 bn worth of projects underway in India.
• Wind Energy has an off-shore target of 30 GW by 2030 with 3 potential sites identified.

CAN INDIA DOUBLE ITS RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY?

THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA) ANALYSIS

• Renewable energy will comprise 90 per cent of global electricity capacity expansion in the next five years and much of it will be in India, according to a new study by the autonomous intergovernmental organisation, International Energy Agency (IEA).
• With the addition of 145 gigawatt (GW), India is forecast to almost double its renewable power capacity over 2022-2027. Solar photovoltaic (PV) accounts for three-quarters of this growth, followed by onshore wind with 15 per cent and hydropower providing almost all the rest.
• The report said consistent policy support from the Indian government may enable this transition, particularly by promoting local manufacturing of solar modules. This is because there are bottlenecks in the supply chain from China.

CHALLENGES IN ENHANCING RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE IN INDIA’S ENERGY MIX

India faces three principal challenges:

1. how to expand reliable energy access and use while maintaining affordability for consumers and financial stability for the DISCOMs?
2. how, at the same time, to integrate increasing shares of renewable energy in a secure and reliable manner?
3. how to reduce emissions to achieve ambitious social and climate objectives while meeting economic goals?

There are several other challenges that India faces in its efforts to move towards renewable energy:

• Financial constraints: The cost of renewable energy projects is still relatively high compared to traditional fossil fuels, and this can be a barrier to large-scale deployment of renewable energy in India.
  o A recent joint study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water and International Institute of Sustainable Development claims that subsidies for India’s renewable energy sector have decreased by 59 percent since 2017. This is when the government has increased taxes on solar products such as solar panels and modules and hiked the Basic Customs Duty on imports of solar and wind energy equipment to support the domestic sector.
• Transmission and distribution infrastructure: India’s power transmission and distribution infrastructure is not well-equipped to handle the integration of large amounts of renewable energy into the grid.
• Land acquisition: Acquiring land for renewable energy projects can be difficult and time-consuming in India, which can slow down the development of these projects.
  o This issue is further highlighted in case of land intensive projects like wind energy generation. Issues like multiplicity of land owners too, brings new challenges to such projects.
• Skilled workforce: There is a shortage of skilled workers in the renewable energy sector in India, which can make it difficult for projects to be completed on time and on budget.
• Lack of storage solutions: The lack of storage solutions for renewable energy can make it difficult to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
• Policy and regulatory challenges: Despite the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy, there are still challenges with policy and regulations that can make it difficult for developers to navigate the process of building renewable energy projects in India. For instance, the pandemic has affected the financial viability of the electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), which were already struggling with mounting debts and a liquidity crunch.
  o The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recently released a new draft policy which aims for replacing the old and ageing wind turbines of small size and lesser energy potential with modern higher efficient wind turbines to maximize the potential of wind energy in India. However, in case of mismatch between energy demand and supply, such policies may become redundant.
  o For example, till 2018 Gujarat was the only state to have a dedicated policy on repowering wind energy plants.
• Socio-economic challenges: Renewable energy projects may face resistance from local communities and farmers who may be affected by land acquisition and displacement.
  o Also, a zero-carbon electricity system needs to be cheaper than the current coal-based system to be economically viable and would need to be backed by robust storage technologies.
  o India’s dependence on coal can be gauged from the fact that owing to the shortage of the fossil fuel in thermal plants, Coal India, the country’s largest producer, was in 2022 was forced to import 8 million tonnes of coal for this fiscal.
• Impact on Environment: While RE generation is zero-carbon (barring some biofuels), there are emissions at other points of its lifecycle, such as during raw material extraction and equipment manufacturing. There are also RE’s detrimental impacts on biodiversity and ecology.
• The issue of variable Renewable energy penetration: Renewable energy penetration is highly variable by state in India. The share of solar and wind in India’s ten renewables-rich states (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab and Kerala) is significantly higher than the national average of 8.2%.
  o Solar and wind account for around 29% of annual electricity generation in Karnataka, 20% in Rajasthan, 18% in Tamil Nadu and 14% in Gujarat (financial year [FY] 2020/21).
  o India’s renewables-rich states already have a higher share of variable renewable energy (VRE) than most countries internationally. As a result, many states are already facing system integration challenges.

HOW GOI IS RESPONDING TOWARDS THE RENEWABLE ENERGY PUSH?

The Government of India has taken several steps to promote the production and usage of renewable energy in the country, including:

• Setting targets: The government has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. For example, The country’s vision is to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070.
• Financial incentives: The government has implemented various financial incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, and low-interest loans to encourage the development of renewable energy projects.
  o The duty on imports was increased to 40 per cent for PV modules from 15 per cent and to 25 per cent for solar cells in April 2022. The report said this is expected to add 16 GW of PV capacity, 60 per cent higher than last year. This was done to reduce dependence on China and increase domestic manufacturing.
• Policies and regulations: The government has implemented policies and regulations such as the National Solar Mission, the National Wind Energy Mission, and the National Bioenergy Mission, which aim to promote the development of renewable energy projects.
  o The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme sanctioned 9 GW of PV manufacturing capacity to provide an ecosystem of local manufacturing. This programme aims to expand India’s solar PV cell and module manufacturing capacity to over 70 GW in this decade, including 29 GW of manufacturing capacity fully integrated across the whole supply chain, the report said.
• Transmission infrastructure: The government has initiated efforts to improve the transmission infrastructure to better integrate renewable energy into the grid.
• R&D: The government has also invested in research and development to promote innovation and cost reduction in the renewable energy sector. Biomass power/co-generation programme since mid-nineties. For example, India has co-fired biomass in thermal plants across the country to reduce its CO2 footprint in thermal power generation. Over 800 biomass power and bagasse/non-bagasse cogeneration projects have been installed in the country for feeding power to the grid.
• Capacity building: The government has implemented several programs to train and skill workers in the renewable energy sector. This is made possible through several decades of extensive scientific research and technology development. For example, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) was founded in the 1950s to secure the country’s long-term energy independence. Today, India is the only developing nation with indigenously developed, demonstrated and deployed nuclear reactors for electricity generation.
• Procurement: The government also purchases power from renewable energy sources under the Renewable Purchase Obligation and Renewable Energy Certificates policy which makes it mandatory for certain sector to source a portion of their energy requirements from renewable energy sources.
• International cooperation: Government of India also signed agreements and MoUs with various countries and international organizations to enhance cooperation in the field of renewable energy. For example, having achieved large-scale success in solar energy solutions, India has spearheaded the International Solar Alliance (ISA) which is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies.

These steps, along with private sector investment, have helped to drive the growth of renewable energy in India, but more work needs to be done to fully meet the country’s renewable energy goals.

THE WAY FORWARD

• The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)’s report on Green Recovery Through Renewables mentions that as part of the green recovery package, the priorities should be fourfold:
  o focusing on job creation
  o injecting liquidity for financial relief
  o enhancing economic competence for improved trade prospects
  o ensuring a green energy transition
• Improving transmission infrastructure: The government should invest in upgrading the transmission and distribution infrastructure to better integrate renewable energy into the grid and improve the overall reliability of the power supply.
• Variability matching: To match the variable demand and achieve maximum efficiency in energy utilization, it is imperative to find the sectors having the largest energy consumption and match them with production sources. For example, the agriculture sector needs to be incentivised to draw power at the off-peak hours, to offset the load of peak requirement in household and industry.
• Garnering global support: India is currently chairing the G20 grouping which is by far a group of the world’s most powerful nations. India should use such platforms to arouse the global community for taking actions towards feeing the gaps in renewable energy finance and technology transfer.

THE CONCLUSION: As a developing nation at the time of Independence, India relied heavily on coal to meet its energy demands. However, India has always been committed to looking for more alternative energy sources for sustainable development. There should be transformative policies to accentuate sustainable renewable energy production in addition to a regulated and well-contemplated attenuation in fossil fuel consumption. The future should only have legitimate actions by the government towards fulfilling its targets regarding renewable energy.

Questions:

• “With the global average temperature expected to rise in the times to come, a pivotal move to bend the global emissions curve becomes imperative.” In this context, the renewable energy (RE) transition is vital to building a resilient and secure future energy system in India. Discuss.
• “India’s ambitious renewable energy targets need a concentrated and sustained effort in the times to come.” Examine critically in the context of challenges faced by India in enhancing renewable energy outreach.

[WpProQuiz 421]

INDIAN AGRICULTURE

1. INDIA’S BIG MILLETS PUSH, AND WHY IT MAKES SENSE TO HAVE THESE GRAINS

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-III- ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Union Budget has accorded high priority to millets — grains such as jowar, bajra, ragi — citing their health benefits.
THE EXPLANATION:

According to the Finance Minister, India is  the largest producer and second largest exporter of ‘Sree Anna’ (millets) in the world… The Indian Institute of Millet Research-Hyderabad will be supported as the Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the international level.

India’s millets push

• Two years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted India’s resolution to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Through the year, several central ministries and government organisations will work towards promoting this “nutri cereal”. Delegates at G20 meetings will be given a “millet experience” through tasting, meeting farmers, and interactive sessions.

• Indian embassies in more than 140 countries will organise exhibitions, seminars, and cooked millet dish competitions.
• The government also intends to increase procurement of these grains under the public distribution system. Agriculture Minister said last year (2022) that it was time for public distribution programmes to focus on a more diverse food basket to improve nutritional status.

What are the benefits of millets?

• Millets are both eco-friendly and healthier than more commonly consumed grains. They require much less water than rice or wheat, and can be grown in rain-fed areas without irrigation. Belonging to the grass family, millets tend to be more tolerant to drought and extreme weather, and can grow in poor soil and in hilly areas.
• Millets can be a healthier option to keep lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes at bay. Switching out the regular grains can be especially beneficial in India, which is considered to be the diabetes capital of the world. It is projected that the country will have 69.9 million diabetics by 2025. Indians are also at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases at a young age.
• Millets have a much lower glycaemic index — a measure of how much blood sugar levels spike after consuming a food item — than processed rice or wheat. A low glycaemic diet can help in controlling weight and blood sugar levels, consequently reducing the risk of heart disease or even cancers.
• Millets are also high in fibre content that is known to improve gut microbiota. They result in satiety faster and keeps people fuller for longer, thereby reducing the amount of food consumed.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

2. ENTRENCHED INFLATION

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-III-ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The 2022 Economic Survey presented an optimistic growth outlook for the next year, but it did highlight the risks of an “entrenched inflation” and hence “higher and longer” interest rates, and a “depreciating rupee” leading to higher current account deficit, both on account of global headwinds.
THE EXPLANATION:

• The Entrenched inflation tends to stick around even after the immediate problems that spurred it on have resolved.
• It’s extremely difficult to assess whether inflation is transitory or entrenched in real time. It’s often a retrospective designation, and with all the uncertainty still swirling around, it is still wise to invest for long-term goals even though you may not see large immediate returns.
• Transitory inflation tends to be short-lived and circumstantial. Examples of transitory inflation include the inflationary periods during and immediately following both World Wars, while an example of entrenched inflation is the entire decade of the 1970s.

What Entrenched Inflation could mean for the economy long-term?

• If the RBI continues to raise interest rates, we could be looking at a recession. In the past, recessions have caused companies to cut labour costs, which results in Indians losing their jobs.
• Regardless of the cause, recessions are a time when the average household tends to lack an adequate amount of income to meet the price requirements of running their home – whether that’s because prices are too high, income is too scarce, or both.

What Entrenched Inflation could mean for your investments

• Entrenched inflation and associated recessions are not going to yield high times for the stock market. If companies are cutting costs, they’re just not as focused on growth. That means stock prices are not as likely to rise.
• It also means your return on investments may not keep pace with inflation in the short-term. However, over the long haul, the stock market tends to outperform inflation even after accounting for the down times that come with recessions.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES IN NEWS

3. REVISION SERIES: RASHTRIYA VAYOSHRI YOJANA

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II-GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS

• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category. This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government.
• The expenditure for implementation of the scheme is being met from the “Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund”. The Scheme is being implemented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Importance of the scheme

• As per the Census figures of 2011, the population of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crore.More than 70% of the population of senior citizens live in rural areas of the country. A sizeable percentage (5.2%) of the senior citizens suffers from some sort of disabilities related to old age. Projections indicate that the number of elderly population will increase to around 173 million by 2026.
• The Government has hence devised the Central Sector Scheme to provide Physical aids and Assisted Living Devices for such senior citizens suffering from age related disabilities/ infirmities, who belong to BPL category.

Eligibility

• Senior Citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of the age related disability/infirmity viz. Low vision, Hearing impairment, Loss of teeth and Locomotor disability will be provided with such assisted-living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested. The Scheme is expected to benefit 5,20,000 Senior Citizens across the country.

4. MISHTI : THE NEW GOVERNMENT SCHEME

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-II-GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Finance Minister budget speech introduced schemes and policies aimed at ecological conservation. Targeting an array of different issues, these schemes come with the promise of preserving India’s ecological health.
THE EXPLANATION:

• This is part of a larger “green push” with focus on the environment and climate change. The following are the schemes announced.

MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)

• MISHTI is a new programme that will facilitate mangrove plantation along India’s coastline and on salt pan lands. The programme will operate through “convergence between MGNREGS, Campa Fund and other sources”.
• This new programme will aim at intensive afforestation of coastal mangrove forests. India has such forests on both its Eastern and Western coasts with the Sundarbans in Bengal being one of the largest mangrove forests on the planet.

Why does this matter?

• Mangroves are not just some of the most bio-diverse locations in India, they also protect the coastlines from the vagaries of inclement weather. As climate change increases the incidence of extreme weather events across the world, mangrove plantations have shown to make coastal lands resilient, preventing flooding, land erosion and acting as a buffer for cyclones.
• Furthermore, they are also excellent carbon sinks. Mangrove trees can grow in saline waters, and can sequester up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. SHALIGRAM STONE

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the  two sacred Shaligram stones, weighing 31 tonnes and 15 tonnes, arrived in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The stones are expected to be used for constructing the idols of Lord Ram and Janaki at the Ram Temple.
THE EXPLANATION:

What is a shaligram stone?

• According to Anthropologists,  ‘Shaligram Pilgrimage in the Nepal Himalayas’, the shaligram stones are fossils of ammonite, which is a type of mollusc that lived between 400 million and 65 million years ago.
• Referring to a Geological Survey of India publication from 1904, anthropologists said  that shaligram stones “date specifically from the Early Oxfordian to the Late Tithonian Age near the end of the Jurassic Period some 165-140 million years ago”.

Where  do we find this stone?

• Mostly found in riverbeds or banks of the Kali Gandaki, a tributary of the Gandaki River in Nepal, this stone is revered by Hindus who believe it to be a representation of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was cursed to become the shaligram stone for “betraying the chastity of the goddess Tulsi”.
• The stone is considered to have divine powers and is seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Why use the shaligram stone in the Ram temple?

• Lord Ram is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the use of the shaligram stone symbolises the connection between the two gods. The two stones were welcomed by people in Ayodhya by offering prayers, flowers, and bursting firecrackers.

VALUE ADDITION:

Gandak River:

• Gandak River, also called Narayani River, river in central Nepal and northern India. It is formed by the union of the Kali and Trisuli rivers, which rise in the Great Himalaya Range in Nepal; from this junction to the Indian border the river is called the Narayani.
• It flows southwest into India and then turns southeast along the Uttar Pradesh–Bihar state border and across the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It enters the Ganges (Ganga) River opposite Patna after a winding course of 475 miles (765 km).

THE CONTEXT: It is estimated that 62 million tonnes of Bio-CNG, also known as Compressed Biogas (CBG) can be produced in India every year from various sources. To tap this, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) recently announced that 5,000 CBG plants will be set up by 2025 that will produce 15 million tonnes of CBG. The following article attempts to analyse the key issues and potential attached to the production of Compressed Biogas (CBG).

WHAT IS COMPRESSED BIOGAS (CBG)?

Compressed biogas (CBG) is a form of renewable natural gas (RNG) that is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as agricultural waste or sewage. The gas produced by this process, known as biogas, is composed primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. After being cleaned and compressed, it can be used as a transportation fuel, or as a substitute for natural gas in various industrial and commercial applications. CBG is considered a renewable energy source because the organic matter used to produce it is continuously replenished, and because its use reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.

Process of producing Compressed biogas (CBG)

• Waste / Bio-mass sources like agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste and sewage treatment plant waste, etc. produce bio-gas through the process of anaerobic decomposition. The bio- gas is purified to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor and is compressed as Compressed Bio Gas (CBG), which has methane (CH4) content of more than 90%.
• CBG has calorific value and other properties similar to CNG and hence can be utilized as green renewable automotive fuel. Thus, it can replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial areas, given the abundance biomass availability within the country.
• Conversion of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste (MSW) into CBG in a commercial scale is expected to have the following benefits:

o   Import reduction of natural gas and crude.

o   Using agricultural residue, cattle dung and MSW for the production of CBG and thus, to achieve reduction in emissions and pollution.

o   A boost towards fulfillment of National commitments in achieving climate change goals.

o   Providing a buffer against energy security concerns and crude/gas price fluctuations.

o   Contribution towards Swachh Bharat Mission through responsible waste management

o   Lowering pollution and carbon emission.

o   Providing additional source of revenue to the farmers, rural employment and amelioration of the rural economy.

o   The slurry left after biogas is extracted from the digester is passed through a solid-liquid separator. The solid part is cured in the open for 10-15 days and makes for carbon-rich organic manure, while the liquid part can also be used as liquid fertilizer.

• The biogas produced contains approximately 55% to 60% methane, 40% to 45% carbon dioxide and trace amounts of hydrogen sulphide. Biogas is purified to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide gases to prepare CBG. The CBG can be transported through cylinder cascades or pipelines to retail outlets.

SATAT (SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TOWARDS AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION)

SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme is a government initiative in India launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to promote the production and use of compressed biogas (CBG) as a transportation fuel. ‘SATAT’ scheme on Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) was launched on 1.10.2018. The scheme aims to establish a network of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants across the country and to make CBG available to customers at a competitive price.

Key features of SATAT:

• The scheme envisages targeting production of 15 MMT (million tons) of CBG by 2023, from 5000 Plants.
• The initiative aims to produce compressed biogas (CBG) from Waste and Bio-mass sources like agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and sewage treatment plant waste.
• Under SATAT scheme, entrepreneurs shall set up CBG plants, and produce & supply CBG to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for sale as automotive & industrial fuels. PSU OMCs will be inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) from potential entrepreneurs to set up CBG plants under SATAT scheme, and supply CBG to OMCs for sale as automotive & industrial fuel.
• SATAT initiative offers an efficient solution for the treatment and disposal of municipal solid waste management and help in tackling the problem urban air pollution due to farm stubble burning. It will boost entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment and provide an additional source of revenue to farmers.

The potential of the SATAT scheme is that it can help in achieving several important goals:

• Reducing dependence on fossil fuels: By promoting the use of CBG as a transportation fuel, the SATAT scheme can help reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels, which will have positive impacts on the environment and the economy.
• Creating new jobs: The SATAT scheme has the potential to create new jobs in the production, distribution, and use of CBG, which will help to boost economic growth and employment.
• Improving air quality: As CBG is a clean-burning fuel, using CBG as a transportation fuel can help improve air quality in cities and towns across India, which will positively impact public health.
• Promoting rural development: The SATAT scheme can help to promote rural development by providing farmers and rural communities with new income opportunities through the production and sale of CBG.

OTHER GOVERNMENT STEPS

There are several government policies and programs in place in India to promote the production and use of compressed biogas (CBG):

• National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP): This program, launched by the Ministry of Non-Renewable Energy, provides financial assistance and technical support to farmers and other stakeholders for the construction and operation of biogas plants.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): The NAPCC includes a target to increase the share of biogas in the energy mix and to promote the use of biogas as a transportation fuel.
• National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF): The NCEF provides financial assistance for developing clean energy technologies, including biogas.
• National Mission on Biogas and Organic Manure (NMBOM): The National Mission on Biogas and Organic Manure (NMBOM) aims to promote the use of biogas as a clean and renewable energy source, and to increase the use of organic manure in agriculture.
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has implemented a number of policies and schemes to promote the use of renewable energy, including biogas, in India.
• Government of India launched the Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme to convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to Bio-CNG (CBG) and compost. GOBAR-DHAN scheme proposes to cover 700 projects across the country in 2018-19.
• Officially designated as fermented organic manure (FOM) in 2021, the waste product from CBG plants was incorporated in the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985. The Ministry of Fertilizers, through an order in May 2022, made it mandatory for fertilizer companies to offtake FOM from CBG companies under SATAT as part of Integrated Nutrient Management.

Overall, these policies and programs aim to increase the availability of feedstock, improve technology and infrastructure, reduce costs, and increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of CBG in India.

Case study: The Indore municipal commission (IMC)

• Indore, is not just managing waste, but also earning revenue from user fees, carbon credits and also fines for non-segregated waste.
• In 2020, IMC earned Rs 9,239 lakh in revenue from user charges, while the expenditure was 8,190.66 lakhs. For Indore, the CBG plant came five years after putting its waste segregation infrastructure in place.
• Apart from collecting segregated waste at source in compartmentalized vehicles, Indore has transfer stations where waste collected in six separate categories is further sorted and transported in separate colour-coded capsules to the processing facilities for wet and dry waste.
• The coming together of political, administrative and public will is what has worked for Indore, which is missing in metros like Delhi that have set up waste-to-energy plants in the name of processing even though only 11 per cent of the city waste is worth incineration.

ISSUES FACED IN BIO CNG PRODUCTION

India faces several challenges in the production of compressed biogas (CBG), including:

• Lack of sufficient feedstock: India has a shortage of suitable feedstock for biogas production, such as agricultural waste and sewage, which limits the potential for CBG production.
• Limited technology and infrastructure: India have a limited number of biogas plants and the technology used in these plants is often outdated, which makes it difficult to achieve large-scale CBG production.
• High costs: The cost of building and operating biogas plants in India is relatively high, which makes it difficult for small and medium-sized farmers to participate in CBG production.
• Limited awareness and understanding: There is limited awareness and understanding of the benefits of CBG and how to produce it among farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in India.
• Government policies: Despite a number of government policies and schemes in place, implementation of the same is not effective and not enough to promote CBG production in India.
• Limited Distribution infrastructure: India lacks the necessary infrastructure to transport and distribute CBG to end-users, making it difficult to expand its use as a transportation fuel or as a substitute for natural gas.
• Quality issues: The quality of biogas produced in India often does not meet the standards required for use as a transportation fuel or for injection into the natural gas grid, which limits its potential uses.
• Lack of proper waste segregation: The feedstock for MSW-based CBG plants is source-segregated waste also its biggest challenge. Badly segregated waste can lead to construction and demolition waste or other hard particles entering the digester, reducing its energy efficiency and damaging it.

Overall, India needs to work on increasing feedstock availability, improving technology and infrastructure, reducing costs and increasing awareness, and addressing the distribution infrastructure, Government policies and quality issues in order to increase the production of compressed biogas.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Increasing the availability of feedstock: India can increase the availability of feedstock by promoting the cultivation of energy crops such as Jatropha and Pongamia, as well as by encouraging the use of agricultural and municipal waste as feedstock for bio-CNG production.
• Improving the efficiency of bio-CNG production: India can improve the efficiency of bio-CNG production by investing in research and development to enhance feedstock conversion into bio-CNG, as well as by implementing best practices in the production process.
• Developing infrastructure for bio-CNG distribution: India can develop infrastructure for bio-CNG distribution by building more bio-CNG refueling stations and by making bio-CNG more easily accessible to consumers.
• Encouraging private sector investment: India can encourage private sector investment in bio-CNG production by providing financial incentives and creating a favorable policy environment for bio-CNG production.
• Encouraging the use of bio-CNG in transportation sector: India can encourage the use of bio-CNG in the transportation sector by promoting the use of bio-CNG vehicles and by providing incentives for the conversion of existing vehicles to run on bio-CNG.
• Promoting awareness: India can promote awareness of bio-CNG as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, to encourage more people to adopt it.
• Learning from global examples: Countries such as Germany, Italy, UK, France and Switzerland are promoting bio-gas usage promoted by supporting legal frameworks, education schemes and the availability of technology. Biogas produced in European countries is mostly fed into local natural gas grids and used for power generation. Grid injection is most common in European states followed by vehicles fueled with biogas (either pure or in blend with natural gas) and biogas is also used for heating purposes either directly or blended to natural gas. India should also assess such utilities of biogas in India to ensure completion of its commitments under INDCs, etc.

THE CONCLUSION: India is among the fastest growing economy in the world and its energy consumption is slated to increase rapidly. India’s dependence on fossil fuels for its energy needs has two major concerns i.e., a growing import bill and the carbon emission. The country now imports nearly 85 per cent of crude, which roughly translates to 45% of primary energy demand and will only go up in the near future. There should be more focused implementation of policies like SATAT, which by producing CBG from wastes, would not only meet the growing energy demand in a responsible and eco-friendly manner, but also contribute to India’s commitment to GHG emission reduction.

Questions

• “In 2021, there were only 3,180 CNG stations in India compared to more than 65,000 petrol pumps.” In such a scenario, highlight the challenges faced in moving towards greener fuels like Bio-CNG in India and suggest how India could achieve its ambitious low carbon economy dream in the future.
• The SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme is said to be a game changer in the production and use of compressed biogas (CBG) in India. Examine critically.

GOVERNANCE

1. WHAT IS NO FLY LIST?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, In last 1 year, a total of 63 passengers have been placed in “No Fly List” for such period, as recommended by the airline’s Internal Committee constituted in accordance with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). These include 02 (two) incidents of urinating that have come to the notice of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

THE EXPLANATION:

What are the rules for putting a flier on the no-fly list?

• In 2017, the government issued rules for preventing disruptive behaviour by air travellers and laid down guidelines for a no-fly list. As per the rules, a complaint of unruly behaviour needs to be filed by the pilot-in-command, and this is to be probed by an internal committee to be set up by the airline.
• During the period of pendency of the inquiry, the rules empower the concerned airline to impose a ban on the passenger. The committee is to decide the matter within 30 days, and also specify the ban duration.
• The rules define three categories of unruly behaviour: Level 1 refers to behaviour that is verbally unruly, and calls for debarment up to three months; Level 2 indicates physical unruliness and can lead to the passenger being debarred from flying for up to six months; Level 3 indicates life-threatening behaviour for which the debarment would be for a minimum of two years.

Why is there a no-fly list?

• The Civil Aviation Requirements issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) note that unruly behaviour on board aircraft has been declared an offence and is a punishable act. Even one unruly passenger can jeopardise safety on board. The government kick-started the process of developing these rules after an incident involving then Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad assaulting an Air India staffer on a flight back in 2017.
• Subsequently, a clutch of airlines banned Gaikwad from travelling on their flights; this was in effect for two weeks. The government came out with the no-fly list in September that year.

How do other countries manage no-fly lists?

• India is one of the few countries where airlines have been empowered to straight away ban a person from taking their flights. In aviation markets like the US or Canada, the no-fly list is more oriented to be a terror-watch program.
• In the US, the no-fly list had less than 20 people prior to 9/11, but sky-rocketed to thousands following the attacks. Cases of disruption with unruly behaviour, however, has got people on the no-fly list in the US. In 2016, US-based Delta Airlines banned a passenger for life after he was caught on video shouting profane political comments on its flight.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2. NISAR MISSION

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-III- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: NASA-ISRO partnership’s satellite all set to arrive in India,Once launched into space, NISAR will provide critical information on Earth’s crust, ice sheets, and ecosystems, helping researchers better understand the causes and consequences of land surface changes.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Jointly developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), an Earth-observation satellite, called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), got a send-off ceremony at the American space agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California on (February 3)2023.
• The SUV-size satellite will be shipped to India in a special cargo container flight later this month for a possible launch in 2024 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh.

What is NISAR?

• NISAR has been built by space agencies of the US and India under a partnership agreement signed in 2014. The 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite.
• While NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to store data, and a payload data subsystem, ISRO has provided the S-band radar, the GSLV launch system and spacecraft.
• According to NASA, another important component of the satellite is its large 39-foot stationary antenna reflector. Made of a gold-plated wire mesh, the reflector will be used to focus “the radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure”.

What is the mission?

• Once launched into space, NISAR will observe subtle changes in Earth’s surfaces, helping researchers better understand the causes and consequences of such phenomena. It will spot warning signs of natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides. The satellite will also measure groundwater levels, track flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets, and monitor the planet’s forest and agricultural regions, which can improve our understanding of carbon exchange.
• By using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), NISAR will produce high-resolution images. SAR is capable of penetrating clouds and can collect data day and night regardless of the weather conditions.
• According to NASA, “the instrument’s imaging swath — the width of the strip of data collected along the length of the orbit track — is greater than 150 miles (240 kilometres), which allows it to image the entire Earth in 12 days.”

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

3. THE WORLD’S DEADLIEST EARTHQUAKES SINCE 2000

TAGS: PRELIMS & GS-III DISASTER MANAGEMENT

THE CONTEXT: Turkey has experienced powerful earthquakes since the early hours of 6th February 2023, with the first one, a quake of magnitude 7.8, being described as the strongest the country has experienced in over a century.

THE EXPLANATION:

• A magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook Turkey and Syria killing more than 3,400 people in the two countries.
• The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers search through the frigid night.
• The US Geological Survey (USGS) said while the quake was centred about 33 km from Gaziantep, around 18 km deep, its effect was felt across West Asia, Northern Africa and South Eastern Europe with residents of Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Israel and Egypt also reporting tremors.
• India is among the 45 countries, which have so far offered assistance to Turkey. It’s sending search and rescue teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and medical teams along with relief material to the West Asian nation.

What is an earthquake?

• An earthquake is an intense shaking of the ground caused by movement under the earth’s surface. It happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another, according to USGS. This releases stored-up ‘elastic strain’ energy in the form of seismic waves, which spreads through the earth and cause the shaking of the ground.

What exactly causes earthquakes?

• The earth’s outermost surface, crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates. The edges of the plates are called plate boundaries, which are made up of faults. The tectonic plates constantly move at a slow pace, sliding past one another and bumping into each other.
• As the edges of the plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving. Earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

4. THIS WORD MEANS: NORTH STAR

TAGS:PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Vice President said Parliament is the “North Star” of democracy, “a place of discussion and deliberation to realise the aspirations and dreams of the people”.

THE EXPLANATION:

In January 2023, Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud had described the basic structure of the Constitution, laid down by the Supreme Court in the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati judgment, as the “North Star” that “guides and gives certain direction to the interpreters and implementers of the Constitution when the path ahead is convoluted”.
Guide to navigation

• Polaris, known as the North Star or Pole Star, is a very bright star — around 2,500 times more luminous than the Sun. It is part of the constellation Ursa Minor, and is around 323 light years away from the Earth.
• Since Polaris is less than 1° away from the north celestial pole, almost in direct line with the Earth’s rotational axis, it appears to sit motionless in the northern sky, with all the other stars appearing to rotate around it.
• Its position and brightness have allowed humans to use it for navigation since late antiquity. Simply the elevation of the star above the horizon gives the approximate latitude of the observer. In the northern hemisphere, if you can spot Polaris, you can tell the north — and by extension, the other three directions as well. Upon crossing the equator to the south, however, the North Star is lost over the horizon, and hence stops being a useful navigational aid.

5. A NEW KIND OF ICE: ‘AMORPHOUS’ SOLID, WATER ‘FROZEN IN TIME’

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Scientists have created a new type of ice that matches the density and structure of water, perhaps opening a door to studying water’s mysterious properties.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The ice is called medium-density amorphous ice. Theshook regular ice in a small container with centimetre-wide stainless-steel balls at temperatures of (–) 200 °C to produce the variant, which has never been seen before. The ice appeared as a white granular powder that stuck to the metal balls.
• Normally, when water freezes, it crystallizes and its molecules are arranged into the familiar hexagonal, solid structure that we call ice. Ice is less dense than its liquid form — an unusual property for a crystal. Depending on conditions such as pressure and the speed of freezing, water can also solidify in any of two dozen other regular arrangements. Amorphous ice is different: it has no such order.
• If confirmed, the new form of ice could enable studies of water in a manner that was not possible before.

[WpProQuiz 420]

1. Integrate yourself around your true centre READ MORE
2. Accuracy, ethics must be at centre of AI race READ MORE
3. Drop the dilemma READ MORE
4. Myth, ritual And truth READ MORE
5. IQ, EQ and SQ READ MORE

1. Sinking Himalayas READ MORE
2. Loss of biodiversity and the new Global Biodiversity Framework READ MORE  

1. Need to address root-causes of domestic violence READ MORE  
2. Women: Education, employment, empowerment READ MORE
3. Education is the only way ahead but SC/ST/OBC students trapped in status quo of merit READ MORE

1. Neglecting the health sector has consequences: India needs an infusion of resources and a bold imagination to address the problems of the sector READ MORE
2. Defend Constitution against predatory politicians READ MORE
3. Reinventing civil societies and democracy READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Use of Bio-Fertilizers READ MORE  
2. One District One Product-Districts as Export Hubs (ODOP-DEH) products in Taj Hotel’s in-house luxury store, Khazana given ODOP-DEH tags READ MORE
3. India received highest ever foreign inward remittances in a single year of $89,127 million in FY 2021-22 READ MORE
4. Blockchain Technology (BCT) is one of many promising technologies: RBI READ MORE
5. FM signals readiness to review 28% GST on cement READ MORE
6. India, Russia continue discussions to resolve payment crisis READ MORE
7. CAR T-cell therapy: the next step towards a holistic treatment of cancer READ MORE
8. What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Sinking Himalayas READ MORE
2. Need to address root-causes of domestic violence READ MORE  
3. Women: Education, employment, empowerment READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Neglecting the health sector has consequences: India needs an infusion of resources and a bold imagination to address the problems of the sector READ MORE
2. Defend Constitution against predatory politicians READ MORE
3. Reinventing civil societies and democracy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Education is the only way ahead but SC/ST/OBC students trapped in status quo of merit READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A quick reset: On India’s G-20 presidency: India and Canada are looking at the big picture as they put behind misunderstandings READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Are we spending enough? Consumption is the economy’s biggest mover. As inflation moderates, Indians should be consuming more READ MORE
2. Positive outlook. Budget 2023: One for new India, new age farmer READ MORE
3. Gender parity. Financial inclusion faces hurdles READ MORE
4. Supporting farm growth: Budget has enabling proposals READ MORE

TECHNOLOGY

1. Make in IndAIa: As Google comes up with a ChatGPT rival & AI becomes ubiquitous, here’s what GoI must do READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Loss of biodiversity and the new Global Biodiversity Framework READ MORE  

SECURITY

1. C Raja Mohan writes: In light of the Russia-Ukraine war, an opportunity to modernise India’s defence industry READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. When quake strikes: Building quality trumps all factors READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Integrate yourself around your true centre READ MORE
2. Accuracy, ethics must be at centre of AI race READ MORE
3. Drop the dilemma READ MORE
4. Myth, ritual And truth READ MORE
5. IQ, EQ and SQ READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘Data Protection Bill is riddled with arbitrary provisions that violate the Right to Privacy’. Examine.
2. ‘As the gap between women’s education and women’s employment continues to widen, the question arises if women are truly being empowered’. In the light of the statement discuss how the discrimination against women at workplace can be addressed?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Peace is the first condition, without which nothing else can be stable.
• While the Bill takes several commendable steps to ensure that it complies with global standards of data protection, it nevertheless suffers from several infirmities that render its constitutionality questionable.
• A greater engagement with Constitution in our everyday workplaces and social conversations will go a long way in refining our understanding of the Constitution – so that in this upcoming cultural collision, if you will, there is a collective sense of the constitutional idea of India.
• As the gap between women’s education and women’s employment continues to widen, the question arises if women are truly being empowered.
• Reservation on the basis of economic disadvantage can only be justified if the provision or policy attempts to eliminate ingrained types of economic disadvantage that cannot be otherwise addressed by welfare measures.
• While the impact of domestic violence on the victim is worrisome, it can also have a traumatic effect on witnesses, especially kids.
• The pursuit of relentless growth of global and national GDP has become a cancer that is sucking water out of the Earth.
• For status quoist India, the rise of the Asian century might turn out to be too seeped in harsh realpolitik for its comfort
• Even the ECI had expressed doubts about the practicality of remote voting rights for migrants in the past. Meanwhile, there is also an active demand for voting rights for Non-Resident Indians. Higher turnout is worth striving for, but not without sufficient safeguards.
• Laws are an imperfect solution to social problems, but to clearly, loudly and unambiguously say something is not okay, signifies something beyond itself. Some lines must be drawn, even if in the sand.
• As India debates the latest border clashes with China, Delhi should keep in mind that China has moved to a security over economics mode, making a Chinese compromise less likely.
• A scheme such as MGNREGS needs to evolve while keeping its core idea of a demand-driven work allocation intact. Treating it as a burden will only hurt genuine beneficiaries.

50-WORD TALK

• India’s China challenge has to be managed through trade and investment rather than by flexing military and diplomatic muscles. India has a diplomatic advantage over China because it is a more westernised country. But India has to find a more substantial way to deal with China and that lies in the economic sphere. India has to carve out its own niche in world affairs, but without using China as a reference point.
• We should gauge the import of the word ‘digital’ added to the present Data Protection Bill. In the digital realm, the magic is created by servers and phones. So, secure and robust data empowerment will happen if loopholes of both are plugged. Cyberspace and telecom platforms should have an overarching regulatory body. To begin with, the Grievance Appellate Committee can be merged with the Data Protection Board.

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.

1. Instead of criminalising child marriage, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma should heed PM Modi’s call of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao READ MORE
2. When power empowers and when it does not READ MORE
3. Morality is the starting point of any sadhana READ MORE

1. For a new paradigm of growth: Groundwater crises of Arizona and Punjab show how things have gone wrong READ MORE
2. Loss of biodiversity and the new Global Biodiversity Framework READ MORE  

1. Need to address root-causes of domestic violence READ MORE  
2. Women: Education, employment, empowerment READ MORE
3. Why EWS reservation defeats the purpose of reservation READ MORE

1. End-of-life decisions: On SC’s leagal status to advance medical directives READ MORE
2. The freedom of speech and an ‘adolescent India’ READ MORE
3. Environment: The problem of the Supreme Court as an ‘approving’ authority READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. China lodges protest over U.S. shooting down ‘civilian airship’ READ MORE  
2. India to send disaster relief teams to quake-hit Turkey READ MORE
3. India, Canada FMs discuss Indo-Pacific cooperation, trade READ MORE
4. With swearing-in of five new judges, SC now just 2 short of full strength READ MORE
5. Huge chunk of plants, animals in U.S. at risk of extinction -report READ MORE
6. Turkey hit by series of powerful earthquakes: The science behind it READ MORE
7. Atmospheric rivers are hitting the Arctic more often and increasingly melting its sea ice READ MORE
8. China’s demand for Africa’s donkeys is rising. Why it’s time to control the trade READ MORE
9. Fed, ECB hawkishness can impact domestic growth READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. For a new paradigm of growth: Groundwater crises of Arizona and Punjab show how things have gone wrong READ MORE
2. Need to address root-causes of domestic violence READ MORE  
3. Women: Education, employment, empowerment READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. End-of-life decisions: On SC’s leagal status to advance medical directives READ MORE
2. The freedom of speech and an ‘adolescent India’ READ MORE
3. Environment: The problem of the Supreme Court as an ‘approving’ authority READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Why EWS reservation defeats the purpose of reservation READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India’s dilemmas in an Asian century: For status quoist India, the rise of the Asian century might turn out to be too seeped in harsh realpolitik for its comfort READ MORE
2. Why China is happy with Nepal’s new PM READ MORE
3. China’s growing influence in Nepal means India’s diplomacy and project delivery will need to improve READ MORE
4. India must counter China economically READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India’s just energy transition is more than a coal story READ MORE
2. Ashwini Deshpande responds to Surjit Bhalla: Worry over unemployment is not unfounded READ MORE
3. CEO NITI Aayog Param Iyer on Budget 2023-24: An infrastructure push for the people READ MORE
4. Fiscal issues amidst good Budget READ MORE
5. Land misallocation and industrial development READ MORE

TECHNOLOGY

1. ChatGPT is an enabler in tech-enabled ecosystem READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Loss of biodiversity and the new Global Biodiversity Framework READ MORE  

SECURITY

1. Combating the menace of narcotics consumption READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Instead of criminalising child marriage, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma should heed PM Modi’s call of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao READ MORE
2. When power empowers and when it does not READ MORE
3. Morality is the starting point of any sadhana READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘Data Protection Bill is riddled with arbitrary provisions that violate the Right to Privacy’. Examine.
2. ‘As the gap between women’s education and women’s employment continues to widen, the question arises if women are truly being empowered’. In the light of the statement discuss how the discrimination against women at workplace can be addressed?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.
• While the Bill takes several commendable steps to ensure that it complies with global standards of data protection, it nevertheless suffers from several infirmities that render its constitutionality questionable.
• A greater engagement with Constitution in our everyday workplaces and social conversations will go a long way in refining our understanding of the Constitution – so that in this upcoming cultural collision, if you will, there is a collective sense of the constitutional idea of India.
• As the gap between women’s education and women’s employment continues to widen, the question arises if women are truly being empowered.
• Reservation on the basis of economic disadvantage can only be justified if the provision or policy attempts to eliminate ingrained types of economic disadvantage that cannot be otherwise addressed by welfare measures.
• While the impact of domestic violence on the victim is worrisome, it can also have a traumatic effect on witnesses, especially kids.
• The pursuit of relentless growth of global and national GDP has become a cancer that is sucking water out of the Earth.
• For status quoist India, the rise of the Asian century might turn out to be too seeped in harsh realpolitik for its comfort
• Even the ECI had expressed doubts about the practicality of remote voting rights for migrants in the past. Meanwhile, there is also an active demand for voting rights for Non-Resident Indians. Higher turnout is worth striving for, but not without sufficient safeguards.
• Laws are an imperfect solution to social problems, but to clearly, loudly and unambiguously say something is not okay, signifies something beyond itself. Some lines must be drawn, even if in the sand.
• As India debates the latest border clashes with China, Delhi should keep in mind that China has moved to a security over economics mode, making a Chinese compromise less likely.
• A scheme such as MGNREGS needs to evolve while keeping its core idea of a demand-driven work allocation intact. Treating it as a burden will only hurt genuine beneficiaries.

50-WORD TALK

• India’s China challenge has to be managed through trade and investment rather than by flexing military and diplomatic muscles. India has a diplomatic advantage over China because it is a more westernised country. But India has to find a more substantial way to deal with China and that lies in the economic sphere. India has to carve out its own niche in world affairs, but without using China as a reference point.
• We should gauge the import of the word ‘digital’ added to the present Data Protection Bill. In the digital realm, the magic is created by servers and phones. So, secure and robust data empowerment will happen if loopholes of both are plugged. Cyberspace and telecom platforms should have an overarching regulatory body. To begin with, the Grievance Appellate Committee can be merged with the Data Protection Board.

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.

[WpProQuiz 419]

THE CONTEXT: Human-wildlife conflict refers to encounters between humans and wildlife that lead to negative results, such as loss of property, livelihoods, and even life. Recently a rogue elephant has been tranquilised, which has become a terror in the Kerala state. This article highlights various dimensions of the Human-Wildlife Conflict.

INSTANCES OF HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT

LEOPARD ATTACK

• Leopard attacks on humans are regularly reported in India.
• Human–leopard conflict regions of the country are West Bengal, Maharashtra and Assam, where most of the deadly leopard attack incidents happen.
• In the northeastern region, Leopard killed 15 people in an unprovoked rampage in the town of Jorhat in December 2022.

TIGER ATTACK

• Most of the Tiger attacks in India appeared in the Sundarbans mangrove forest National Park of West Bengal. Sundarbans host the largest population of tigers in the world.
• A tiger attacked forest rangers on an Elephant in the Kaziranga National Park of Assam, in the northeast state of India December 2022.

ELEPHANT ATTACK

• The elephant is one of the holy animals in India, especially in Kerala but due to the elephant attack some 500 people are killed by each year. There are many incidents of elephant attacks that occurred in the villages of Kerala and other parts of India. Recently Kerala’s rogue elephant, codenamed PT-7 became a terror in Kerala in January 2023.

BEAR ATTACK

• A sloth bear attacked and killed one person and seriously injured three others in India in November 2022. The major zone includes Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh where most of the incidents occur.

KING COBRA

• Many a time Cobra entered the human settlement and got killed. In Sathyamangalam Tiger reserve, 5 of the Cobras got killed due to speeding vehicles in January 2023.

CAUSE OF HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS

• Habitat Loss: Human-wildlife conflicts can occur wherever wildlife and human populations overlap, so any factor that forces wildlife and people into closer contact makes conflicts more likely. The threat also increases with fragmentation and loss of water resource.
• Deforestation and agricultural extension in forest areas: It leads to a decline in the buffer areas that separate humans and animals. This result in an increase in Human-Wildlife Conflict.
• Decline in the prey to the animals: In the Jorhat rampage, it is believed that the animal escaped the nearby Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in search of food.
• Increase in wildlife population: there has been an increase in the population of some flagship species viz., Indian bison, Indian Leopard, and Indian elephant, in recent times. This increase in the wild population is due to an imbalance in the ecological food chain.
• Competition for Resource: As human populations and demand for space continue to grow, people and wildlife are increasingly interacting and competing for resources, which can lead to increased human-wildlife conflict.
• Infrastructure development: Railways track and roads built in nearby areas to the forest or going through the forest areas increases the chance of human-animal conflict.
• Use of Animals in captivity: They lose control over their lives and their environment. Social animals are often forced to live in the misery of solitary confinement. E.g. Elephant. Similarly, animals are used as entertainer objects in sports events. E.g Jallikattu. Further, they are used in religious gatherings, e.g., in Kerala temples, where they lost control and sometimes caused loss of humans and property.

IMPACT OF HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT

Wildlife and the communities near it are most directly impacted by human-wildlife conflict.

• Casualties of livestock predation: leopards attack pet animals like Dogs and livestock, is a grave concern in human-wildlife concern.
• Against animal welfare: People turn violent against wild animals in this conflict. This affect animal welfare and their rights. For example, A pregnant elephant died after a local allegedly fed her a pineapple stuffed with crackers, in Malappuram.
• Incidents of human injured and incidents of human death: Leopards and elephants were mainly involved in human death. Among human casualties of conflict with animals, elephants killed 1,579 humans in three years — 585 in 2019-20, 461 in 2020-21, and 533 in 2021-22. Odisha accounted for the highest number of these deaths at 322.

• Decline and potential eradication of species: Between 2018-19 and 2020-21, 222 elephants were killed by electrocution across the country, 45 by trains, 29 by poachers and 11 by poisoning.
• Crop Raiding: It lead to crop loss and income risk to the farmers. Elephant and monkey is involved in crop raiding.
• Development and Humanitarian issue: Human-wildlife conflict is, therefore, as much a development and humanitarian issue as it is a conservation concern, affecting the income of farmers, herders, and artisanal fishers—particularly those with incomes below the poverty line.
• Loss to communities: It can experience financial losses and livelihoods, food security, and property due to man-animal conflict. It also causes migration of the people,.

• Wildlife crime: If not addressed adequately, Human-Wildlife conflict (HWC) may drive wildlife crime.

Source UNEP report

THE WAY FORWARD

At the national level–The concerned authorities must devise a strategy and action plan to reduce human-wildlife conflict at the national level. This can be understood with following steps:

• A nationwide study of the human-wildlife conflict around wildlife reserves across the country has highlighted the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the current mitigation strategies as despite the widespread use of protection measures for crops and livestock; many households continued to experience losses.
• In order to reduce human-wildlife conflict, we must reassess the relationship—and especially the direct interactions—between people and wildlife to improve our coexistence in the future. We need to adopt approaches that identify and address the deeper, underlying causes of conflict while developing systemic, context-specific solutions with affected communities as active and equal participants in the process.
• Addressing the issue of Deforestation so that the loss of animal habitat can be tackled. Also, there is a need to prevent the fragmentation of forest habitat.
• Also declaring the nearby of protected areas as an Eco-sensitive zone and limiting human interference in that region can result decline in the Human- Wildlife Conflict.
• Local solution–Local communities can also participate in devising measures to reduce this conflict-
  • Strobe Lights –Farmers increasingly rely on automatic light machines to scare off destructive nocturnal wildlife. Half strobe light and half motion sensor, the machines flash beams of light randomly in all directions to mimic a farmer with a flashlight.
  • Natural Barriers –To keep elephants at a safe distance from their farms and homes, some African villagers have turned to two unlikely, all-natural solutions: bees and hot peppers. Elephants dislike the chemical capsaicin found in chilli peppers.
    • Indian railway introduced Buzzing Bees to keep the elephants away from tracks.
    • Re-Hab project by KVIC-fencing of bee boxes is installed in such areas from where elephants move towards the human settlements and farmers’ agriculture. Fencing of Bee-boxes on the routes of movement of elephants blocks the path of wild elephants. In this way, elephants can be prevented from attacking humans and destroying farmers’ crops through honeybees.
  • Solar-powered electric fences keep crop-raiding elephants out of fields in Africa, while wildlife managers in Alaska use tasers to deter moose and bears that have become habituated to humans.
  • Corridors–One way to reduce conflicts with wild animals is by guiding their movements in developed areas. Wildlife corridors, areas of preserved native habitat in human-dominated regions, provide wildlife with a safe pathway as they travel between larger areas of intact habitat. To protect elephant corridor is being built for their passage in different localised habitats.
    • Eco-Bridges and Eco-Ducts are built to safely pass wild animals across fragmented habitats.
  • Sensitising the local community – through awareness and making people conscious of the wild animals in their region and how to respond and manage the human-animal conflict.
  • Mapping –Using GPS tracking collars and GIS mapping software, researchers can identify hot spots where human-wildlife conflict is likely to occur. Identifying conflict hot spots helps to pinpoint ranger manpower and funding to proactively address the issue of human-wildlife conflict.

THE CONCLUSION: Human-wildlife conflict will always exist as our world becomes increasingly crowded; however, effective, well-planned management and holistic and integrated approaches can reduce and minimize conflict in the long term. Such human-wildlife conflict management strategies can create opportunities and benefits not only for biodiversity and impacted communities but for society, sustainable development, production, and the global economy at large. Thus there is a need for global cooperation, concerted actions, and resources to address the issue at the required scale.

Mains Question

1. Analyse the various reason for the increasing incidence of the Human-wildlife conflict. Suggest way forward.
2. Human-wildlife conflict affects the prospect of the country achieving the Sustainable development Goal by 2030. Analyse

THE CONTEXT: Parasnath hill was caught in a political storm with both the Adivasis and the Jains staking exclusive claims over it. Following this, the Union government classified the area as an eco-sensitive zone and directed the State government to take appropriate action to maintain the sanctity of Sammed Shikhar at Parasnath. Earlier, the Supreme Court’s decision to declare one kilometer around protected forests as ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) have provoked protests in the country’s different regions. This article will analyse the conflict around the declaration of ESZ and steps that need to be taken to resolve the issue.

DEVELOPMENTS IN PARASNATH RELATED TO ESZ

• Earlier, in April 2015, the then Jharkhand Chief Minister launched a “Parasnath Hill Development Plan” to boost tourism in the Shikharji hills. According to the plan, a helipad, theme park, and tourism reception centre was to be constructed on Parasnath hill.
• In 2019, the State government notified the Parasnath area as a tourist destination, but it was in the year 2023 that members of the Jain community began demonstrations in New Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, protesting the proposed development of the site as a tourism hub.
• On January 3, 2023 Sugyeyasagar Maharaj, a septuagenarian Jain priest who was on hunger strike to protest against the development plan, passed away in Jaipur.
• The Union government responded positively to the Jain protests. The Union government modified its 2019 notification and classified the area as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
• MoEFCC directed the State government to strictly enforce the relevant provisions of the Management Plan of the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary and to appoint two members from the Jain community and one member from the local tribal community as Permanent Invitees to the committee constituted by the Central government for monitoring the provisions of the ESZ notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

ABOUT PARASNATH HILL

• It is a mountain peak located in chotanagpur plateau region in the Giridih district of Jharkhand.
• Parasnath hill is considered sacred by two communities, both Jain and Tribals, that, ironically, differ sharply in diet and customs.
• For jain, it is known as Sammed Shikhar, and It is named after Parshvanath who is the 23^rd jain Tirthankara and is considered as one of the most holy pilgrimage sites for jain community.
• For tribals, the hill is known as Marang Buru which means the great mountain or supreme deity. Santhals and other tribes of the region worship it.

WHAT ARE ECO SENSITIVE ZONES?

• ESZs are effectively insulating layers where humans and nature can be at peace with each other. It is intended to protect ‘protected areas’ as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries by transitioning from an area of lower protection to an area of higher protection.
• It is notified as ecologically fragile zones under Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment Protection Act 1986.
• It is created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain nearby human activities.
• As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, land within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ).
• Protected areas cover 5.26% of India’s land area and are notified under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Surrounding these protected areas is an area of more than 1,11,000 sq. km or 3.4% percent of the country’s land which in effect, falls under the ESZ regime. Governments have notified 341 ESZs in 29 States and five Union territories, while another 85 ESZs are awaiting notification. Protected areas and the ESZs cover 8.66% of India’s land area.
• The MoEFCC guidelines list the activities prohibited in an ESZ, such as commercial mining, sawmills, commercial use of wood, etc., apart from regulated activities like felling of trees. There are permitted activities like ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE

Eco-Sensitive Zones play a significant role in balancing the development and environment by preserving biodiversity and conserving indigenous and regulating development activities. Some of the significance of ESZ is mentioned below:

• In-Situ conservation: ESZ helps in in-situ conservation of an endangered species which means conservation of species in its own natural habitat which helps in maintaining the ecological balance.
• Conservation of flora and fauna: ESZ helps conserve flora and fauna of the protected areas as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and helps minimise deforestation.
• Benefit to Indigenous and local communities: Indigenous and local communities benefited by ESZ demarcation as they can isolate themselves from interference of outsiders.
• Sustainable development: It helps balance environment and development by regulating activities that happen in the area without harming the environment.
• Avoid Human-Wildlife Conflict: Protected areas are based on the core and buffer management model, which minimises human wildlife conflict.
• Protection to tribal rights and livelihoods: ESZ provides protection to tribal rights to preserve their culture, diversity and livelihood which helps in balancing unity and integrity of the nation.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT BY SUPREME COURT

• On June 3, 2022, the Supreme Court said that the MoEFCC guidelines are also to be implemented in the area proposed in the draft notification awaiting finalization and within a 10-km radius of yet-to-be-proposed protected areas. The Court also allowed States to increase or decrease the minimum width of ESZs in the public interest.
• Second, the court vested the powers to ensure compliance with the guidelines with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Home Secretary of the State/UT. The PCCF was to make a list of all structures within the ESZs and report it to the Supreme Court within three months. This has yet to be done. The court also ordered that no new permanent structure could come up for any purpose within an ESZ.
• This brings us to the reason for the protests in Kerala in 2002, a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) was also constituted to monitor the implementation of the court’s orders and bringing to its attention incidents of non-compliance.
• One of the most significant rulings in the case came in June 2022, when a three-Judge Bench led by Justice L. Nageswara Rao mandated the creation of ecologically sensitive zones of one kilometer around wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Court, however, observed that a one kilometer-wide ‘no development zone’ might not be feasible in all cases.

ANALYSIS OF SC JUDGEMENT: WHETHER IT IS FEASIBLE OR NOT

IN FAVOUR OF SC JUDGEMENT

●  Inclusive implementation:  This decision nullifies the area-specific ESZ boundary limit around the PAs, as previously announced by the Supreme Court and would apply in all states/UTs where the minimum extent of ESZ is not prescribed. This will led to inclusive implementation in all protected areas.

● Relieve pressure on protected areas:  It will relieve the pressure on protected areas caused by the intensification of mining and linear infrastructure in an unsustainable way. Mining activities in general, whether within or near Protected Areas, have a wide range of environmental consequences. For example, mining imperilled the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Bondla WLS, Netravali WLS etc.

●  Forest conservation: The decision can be viewed as a positive step towards forest conservation in India, with the amendments and inclusions that are being discussed. Owing to the pressures of human habitation and infrastructure development projects, the eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around such protected areas are shrinking and, in some cases, are near zero or absent. This decision will help in regaining the status of ESZ.

● Committee for consultation: Ministry has asked all states to form a committee comprised of the wildlife warden, an ecologist, and a revenue department official from the affected area to recommend the need for an eco-sensitive zone and its size. The panel could also recommend the best methods for managing such zones and broad-based thematic activities to be included in the master plan for the areas that have been classified as prohibited, restricted with safeguards, and permissible.

●  Acts as buffer zone and shock absorber: It will act as the buffer zone between protected areas and urban areas and will also help in minimizing human and wildlife contacts which will help in minimizing damage of lives and property.

●  In situ conservation of wildlife species: This decision will help conserve wildlife species in their original habitat, which will help restore the environment.

AGAINST SC JUDGEMENT

●  Environmentalist concern: Many environmentalists from across the country expressed concern about the template of the Supreme Court judgment, claiming that the ecological perspective was not given due consideration.

●   Rights-negating ‘fortress conservation model’: It has continued India’s colonial forest regime, resulting in a historic injustice. According to Some states such notification did not favor local communities inhabiting the forest boundary. It is also argued that such a binding rule is detrimental to the well-being of tribal communities residing on the edge of forest boundaries for decades and depends exclusively on forest resources for a living.

●   Denying basic infrastructure: New structures that are banned could include electric poles, buildings, walls, roads and bridges. Millions of forest-dwellers living on forest land and on the fringes of forests are the most affected. After being denied forest rights, they are now denied better public infrastructure. The government and the judiciary need to reconcile laws, reaffirm democratic governance, and protect the environment and as well as livelihoods.

●   One size fits all: These guidelines need to have been a location, community and ecology-specific plan, arrived at through people’s informed participation, became a virtually ‘one size fits all’ notification.

●   No proper surveys: Supreme Court has not asked for any physical survey for the buffer zones. The government is moving to dilute the issue in the name of physical surveys.

●  Affect revenue: It is also opposed because activities such as mining and quarrying contribute significantly to the state economy.

● Delay in development activities: Some stakeholders are also unhappy with the proclamation that such regulation will delay development work, particularly the mining activities in and around the protected area, which is a significant source of revenue for the state.

CHALLENGES RELATED TO ESZ IMPLEMENTATION

The recent Supreme Court decision triggered new conflicts among policymakers, environmentalists, and other stakeholders. Some are pleased with it, while others have criticized it. In this regard there are a few challenges associated with it.

• No mandatory rule for establishing ESZ: Due to ideological differences between central and state governments, India just now had a mandatory rule on maintaining the ESZ around its protected area.
• Conflict between centre and state: The subject “forest” for which such regulation is prescribed is kept in the concurrent list of the Indian constitution, on which both the state and central governments can make decisions that lead to conflict of interest.
• Issues in determining boundary: Some stakeholders are also concerned about determining the boundary in the case of marine / aquatic PAs, where identifying the permanent boundary of the national park and sanctuaries is complex due to alteration in original boundaries over time, making ESZ boundary demarcation questionable.
• No provision has been made for reserve forests: There is no provision for reserve forests which also have significant protection values. It is a well-known fact that several of these reserve forests are also undermining pressure, which significantly impacts their original values.

THE WAY FORWARD

Article 51-A (g) says, “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.” Directive principles under the Indian constitution are directed toward the ideals of building a welfare state. In this regard, there is a need to take certain steps to ensure the same regarding determining ESZ.

• Flexible and Area specific approach: This fixed minimum limit of one km for a Sanctuary/NP with a few square kilometers should not be the same as the PAs having an area of hundreds of square kilometers. Such as Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, located near urban areas, cannot rationally maintain the ESZ boundary of one km. A flexible and area-specific minimum limit boundary provision is required.
• Identification of the eco-sensitive zones: Mandatory execution of ESZ for each National Park and Sanctuary can be done, but there is a need for proper identification of all the issues related to ESZ.
• Balancing development and environment: While development is necessary, it should not be done at the expense of forest degradation and interest of all the stakeholders have to be balanced.
• Focus on regulation rather than prohibition: It was decided that the delineation of eco-sensitive zones would have to be site-specific and relate to regulation, rather than prohibition, of specific activities. The primary goal was to regulate certain activities near National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to reduce the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystems surrounding the protected areas.
• Consultation and Collaboration: Besides that, it should also be taken into consideration that India is a state union, and any decision made by the executive, Judiciary, or legislature will not be widely implemented until it receives unanimous approval from all states. A consultation meeting among all states, the central government, and the judiciary is necessary before the execution of the recent judgment, so that genuine concerns raised by state governments can be appropriately addressed, reducing future conflicts.
• Taking an Indigenous concern into account: Several indigenous communities live in the forest area and implementing this rule will jeopardize their lives, so there is a need for proper amendment to ensure that their lives and livelihoods are not affected.

Thus, it can be understood that the recent judgments were not made in haste but rather based on several facts and conclusions. However, there is a need for a few amendments to ensure inclusiveness.

THE CONCLUSION: India has demonstrated its commitment to environmental preservation in many national and international forums and the Supreme Court’s decision to implement ESZ can be viewed as a positive step towards forest conservation with certain amendments and inclusion as it supports the concept of sustainability.

MAINS QUESTIONS

1.  What are Eco-Sensitive Zones? Discuss their importance and the challenges involved in the declaration of ESZs.
2. The Supreme Court’s decision to implement ESZ around 1 km of protected areas has attracted protest across the country. In this regard, analyse whether it’s a right step in balancing the rights of locals and the protection of the environment.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

1. WHAT IS A CIRCUIT BREAKER IN TRADING?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III-ECONOMY

Recently after the Hindenburg revelations, many of the Adani Group companies’ stocks have hit the lower circuits in subsequent trading sessions.

About Circuit breaker:

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) implemented index-based market-wide circuit breakers in June 2001.
• Circuit breakers are triggered to prevent markets from crashing due to a panic-induced sale of stocks.
• This can occur for a variety of reasons, leading to stockholders in the market believing that their stocks are overvalued. As a result, they engage in a sell-off.
• Circuit breakers temporarily halt trading, thereby halting the sell-off.
• Circuit-breakers effectively limit how much a stock’s value can fall in a single day/trading session, resulting in a more stable market overall.

How do these work?

• This index-based market-wide circuit breaker system applies at three stages of the index movement, at 10, 15 and 20 per cent.
• When triggered, these circuit breakers bring about a coordinated trading halt in all equity and equity derivative markets nationwide.

Criticism of Circuit Breakers

• Some analysts believe that circuit breakers are disruptive and keep the market artificially volatile because they cause orders to build at the limit level and decrease liquidity.
• Critics of circuit breakers argue that if the market were allowed to move freely, without any halts, they would settle into a more consistent equilibrium.

2. SENIOR CITIZEN SAVINGS SCHEME (SCSS)

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III-ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The maximum investment limit for the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) has been increased from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh in Budget 2023.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS):

• SCSS was launched with the main aim of providing senior citizens in India a regular income after they attain the age of 60 years old.

Who is eligible?

• Indian citizens above the age of 60 years.
• Retirees in the age bracket of 55-60 years who have opted for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) or Superannuation.
• Retired defence personnel above 50 years and below 60 years of age.
• Maturity: It has a maturity period of five years. But, a depositor can extend one’s maturity period for another three years.
• Number of accounts: Individuals are allowed to operate more than one account by themselves or open a joint account with their spouse.
• Deposit Limits: Eligible investors can make a lump sum deposit
• Minimum Deposit– Rs. 1,000 (and in multiples thereof)
• Maximum Deposit– Rs. 15 Lakh or the amount received on retirement, whichever is lower(Increased to Rs 30 lakh in Budget 2023).
• Interest Payment: Under SCSS, the interest amount is paid to the accountholders quarterly.
• Premature withdrawal: After one year of opening the account, premature withdrawal is allowed.
• Deposits in SCSS qualify for deduction u/s 80-C of Income Tax Act.

3. WHAT IS EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF INDIA (EXIM BANK)?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III-ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Union Finance Minister recently announced the setting up of a subsidiary of EXIM Bank and data embassies at GIFT City in Gujarat.

THE EXPLANATION:

About EXIM Bank:

• It is the premier export finance institution of the country.
• It was established by the Government of India, under the Export-Import Bank of India Act, 1981
• EXIM Bank wholly owned by the Government of India.

Services:

• EXIM Bank provides financial assistance to exporters and importers.
• It extends Lines of Credit (LOCs) to overseas financial institutions, regional development banks, sovereign governments and other entities overseas, to enable buyers in those countries to import developmental and infrastructure projects, equipment, goods and services from India, on deferred credit terms.
• It functions as the principal financial institution for coordinating the work of institutions engaged in financing export and import of goods and services with a view to promoting the country’s international trade.

Structure:

• The operations of the Bank are governed by a Board of Directors.
• The Board of Directors consists of a chairman, a managing director, two deputy managing directors; one director each nominated by the Reserve Bank of India; IDBI Bank Ltd. and ECGC Ltd.; and not more than 12 directors nominated by the Central Government.

VALUE ADDITION:

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City):

• Location: It is located in the state of Gujarat, between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, on the bank of river Sabarmati.
• The GIFT city is built on 886 acres and has a multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
• It is home to India’s first International Financial Services Centre(IFSC) and also has Domestic Tariff Area (DTA)
• It aims to be a ‘smart city’ for India’s growing finance and technology sectors.
• It is being developed as a well-planned and technology-enabled smart city having world-class commercial, residential and social facilities of global standards.

4. WHAT IS URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (UIDF)?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III-ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Finance Minister recently announced that government will set up an Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) of Rs 10,000 crore per year for creating infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF):

• UIDF will be established through the use of priority sector lending shortfall.
• Purpose: The fund will be used by public agencies to create urban infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
• It will be managed by the National Housing Bank.
• It will be established on the lines of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
• States will be encouraged to leverage resources from the grants of the 15th Finance Commission, as well as existing schemes, to adopt appropriate user charges while accessing the UIDF.

What are tier-2 and tier-3 cities?

• Cities with a population in the range of 50,000 to 100,000 are classified as tier 2 cities, while those with a population of 20,000 to 50,000 are classified as tier 3 cities.

What is Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)?

• The RIDF was set up by the Government in 1995-96 for financing ongoing rural Infrastructure projects.
• The Fund is maintained by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• Contribution: Domestic commercial banks contribute to the Fund to the extent of their shortfall in stipulated priority sector lending to agriculture.
• Main Objective: To provide loans to State Governments and State-owned corporations to enable them to complete ongoing rural infrastructure projects.
• Repayment period: Loan to be repaid in equal annual instalments within seven years from the date of withdrawal, including a grace period of two years.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. INDIAN MILITARY JOINT TRAINING EXERCISE TRISHAKTI PRAHAR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Defense Forces conducted firepower exercises called the “TRISHAKTI PRAHAR” to synergize the firepower assets and to orchestrate a battle. The exercise is important to keep the forces ready for battle.  The exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force, CAPF, and the Indian Army. It was a firepower exercise.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Trishakti Prahar

• The main objective of Trishakti Prahar was to refresh battling skills
• All the latest defense equipment was used during the exercise. This includes helicopters, infantry combat vehicles, new-generation equipment, mortars, artillery guns, etc.
• Equipment made as a part of AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan was also used in the exercise
• Forces moved and rehearsed across the regions of North Bengal
• The Indian Army checks if the troops are in battle preparedness through these exercises
• Reviewed by Eastern Command
• The eastern command officer Lt Gen RP Kaltia reviewed the exercise. The eastern command is based in Kolkata and is one of the six commands of the Indian Army.

Where was the exercise held?

• Teesta Field Firing Ranges. It is near Siliguri. The Siliguri is strategically important to India. This narrow 20 to 30-km-wide passage touches Bangladesh in the south and Bhutan in the north. If this passage is closed, the Indian mainland will lose its contact with the northeastern states. For this reason, the Siliguri corridor is important to India.

THE CONTEXT: Joshimath located on the slopes of the Himalayas is the gateway to famous pilgrimage sites like Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib is facing land subsidence and it is feared that not only this town, but many settlements around could be in danger of being wiped out. People are being evacuated and governments are looking desperately for safe ground where they could be shifted temporarily. In this context, let’s analyse how this disaster took place, the reasons behind it, and what should be done to avoid worsening the situation.

DETAILS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CALAMITY

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN JOSHIMATH?

• The warnings about the dangers in Joshimath town have been repeatedly echoed for several years and the cracks started appearing long back.
• The problem began 14-15 months back in November 2021, when residents began complaining of the cracks in areas like Gandhinagar, Suneel, Manohar Bagh, Singdhar and Marwari.
• Joshimath with 25,000 residents, has around 4,500 buildings spread over 2.5 sq km is one of the six tehsils (blocks) in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. It was all quiet and business as usual in the city until the last few months of 2022 when forces of nature began to push back, and residents began to protest.
• In midnight of January 2 and 3, 2023 residents of the town woke up to see cracks in several houses at Singhdhar in the Joshimath town of Uttarakhand and cracks in their roads had increased in size and with an escalated subsidence rate, massive cracks appeared in around 678 identified houses, and others are to follow.
• Secretary of Disaster Management told that new cracks had developed, and new water sources have emerged in places. More than 800 buildings have developed cracks, and authorities have been demolishing the unsafe ones. However, no lives were lost in these incidents.
• A team from Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee has started to check the land subsidence in Joshimath by conducting a door-to-door survey of the condition and has also installed a gauge meter at houses where severe cracks have been reported.
• CP Rajendran, a geoscientist, warned that subsidence will continue until a new lower level is reached.

FINDINGS BY ISRO

• Satellite images of Joshimath released by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) show that the Himalayan town sank at a rapid pace of 5.4 cm in just 12 days between December 27 2022 and January 8, 2023 triggered by possible subsidence.
• Even a preliminary report by ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), which has since been taken off its website, said the land subsidence was slow between April and November 2022, during which Joshimath had sunk by 8.9 cm.

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE BY UTTARAKHAND AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

RESPONSE BY UTTARAKHAND GOVERNMENT

●        Chief Minister of Uttarakhand state said that the subsidence affected around 25% of the town’s area.

●        The State Cabinet approved an amount of Rs 45 crore as relief for the affected families.

●        Cabinet cleared a proposal to waive the electricity bill of all those affected for six months starting from November 2022, besides approving a proposal for providing employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) to two members of each of the affected families.

●        Affected people will be provided with Rs 950 daily for accommodation and Rs 450 shall be given for food.

●        The cabinet also cleared a proposal to prepare a final package proposal and send the same to the union government within a week.

RESPONSE BY CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

●        The Central Government declared Joshimath as a ”landslide-subsidence zone” and asked experts to prepare short and long-term plans on what to do.

●        The cabinet approved the proposal for a geological survey to be conducted in the affected areas. Also, for assessing carrying capacity in hill stations in different phases.

●        The Prime Minister’s Office said the safety of the people is the priority and asked the state government to establish clear and continuous communication with the residents.

WHY IS JOSHIMATH SINKING?

Accelerated anthropogenic activities and climate change pose a grave danger to the Himalayan ecosystem. There are both causes, natural and human-made as follows:

GEOGRAPHICAL PHYSIOLOGY

●        The Himalayas are a very fragile ecosystem. Most parts of Uttarakhand are either located in seismic zone V or IV, prone to earthquakes.

●        Joshimath was always vulnerable to earthquakes as the region falls in seismic zone V.

●        The town sits on the intersection of the Main Central Thrust 1, 2, and 3, the intra-crustal fault lines, where the Indian Plate has been pushed under the Eurasian Plate along the Himalayas.

LAND SUBSIDENCE

●        Joshimath is hit by a geological phenomenon known as land subsidence, which is a gradual settling, or sinking of the surface due to the removal of water, oil, natural gas, or mineral resources from the ground.

●        According to the US-based National Ocean Services, subsidence is also triggered by natural events such as earthquakes, soil compaction, erosion, sinkhole formation, and an infusion of water to fine soils.

●        The land subsidence was also triggered by an incessant spell of rain in the region in the last few years, which deposited more water on the surface.

CLIMATE CHANGE

●        Climate change is further worsening the matter, with more extreme weather events as the temperature of Uttarakhand will increase by more than 2-degree Celsius.

●        The way climate change is manifesting in some of the hill states of India is unprecedented. For example, 2021 and 2022 have been years of disaster for Uttarakhand as Chamoli disaster (2021) caused by retreating Himalayan glaciers and associated melt along with unstable slopes triggered landslides by rainfall during monsoon or by induced seismicity in the region.

DRAINAGE ISSUE

●        Joshimath does not have a proper drainage system, so “water percolation has decreased the cohesive strength of the rocks over time. This has resulted in landslides, triggering cracks in the houses.

●        Also, the natural drainage system got blocked due to the NTPC’s Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro project in Chamoli.

WEAKENING OF SOIL

●        Joshimath was built on the debris of a landslide triggered by an earthquake and is located in a tremor-prone zone. It frequently witnesses landslides, which have weakened the soil.

●        Due to the unavailability of solid rocks underneath, the water seeped into the soil and loosened it from within.

●        With the top surface of the soil already gone due to intense construction, the region has remained on the edge.

UNSTABLE FOUNDATION

●        Every structure needs a strong foundation, but Joshimath, has none as it was built on the rocks settling down which got stabilized and are sitting on a glacial moraine and thus is not suitable for construction.

●        The debris has angular sediments, which are worse than river-deposited sediments. These sediments have voids, making them extremely unstable, geologically.

●        When burdened with heavy construction in the region, this unstable foundation began caving by centimetres.

RAMPANT CONSTRUCTION

●        In the last several decades a boom in construction has made this region extremely vulnerable and susceptible to deformation.

●        Back in 1976, a government report had called for restrictions on heavy construction work in Joshimath, saying that it should only be allowed after examining the “load-bearing capacity of the soil”.

●        Rampant construction, especially of projects like roads and dams, that use explosives, drilling and extensive digging, have weakened the slopes.

●        Projects like Chardham and Hydropower projects Tapovan are a few examples.

• Joshimath is a classic case of all these factors working together to create a recipe for disaster.
• The geological developments underway in Joshimath should be a case study for every town planner working in the hills. The factors at play in Joshimath are also found in other cities such as Nainital, Champawat, and Uttarkashi.

RELATED STUDIES/EXPERT’S VIEW

●        Dehradun-based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology: Its report points out that Joshimath – a town 2,000 metres above sea level – has always been vulnerable because it sits atop the debris of an old landslide. This has failed to stop a building spree in recent years, with poorly planned construction destabilising the soil and choking underground water channels, so that water has accumulated under the foundations. It predicted that there might be eventual collapse of the entire city if drainage system not well maintained and wastewater from days usage flows through improper drains.

●        Mishra Committee, 1976: It points out that the township of Joshimath falls in zone V of the seismic zonation map of India and is particularly vulnerable to landslides and is at the highest risk zone for an earthquake.

●        Geologist Navin Juyal as a member of the supreme court-appointed high-powered committee reviewed char dham project, suggested that the road must not be built unless a geotechnical feasibility study is done which was allowed for construction without scientific reports.

●        Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA): It published a report that mainly blamed ill-planned construction in the town as an important reason behind land sinking. The report also pointed out that the inadequate drainage and wastewater disposal systems had exacerbated the problem.

ROAD PROJECTS: CHAR DHAM YATRA AND HELANG-MARWARI BYPASS ROAD

●        Federal government’s Char Dham road project which aims to widen existing roads connecting four Hindu pilgrimage sites is being blamed by experts for rapid rise in construction activities in the area.

●        Under-construction 6-km-long Helang-Marwari bypass road, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), falls under the contentious 825 km Char Dham road expansion project in Uttarakhand, is yet another project that is believed to have exacerbated the problem.

●        The widening of the road was not just a big contributor, but also led to more and more hotels springing up in and around Joshimath.

●        Dr. Bahadur Singh Kotila of Kumaon University said that the roads in the geologically sensitive region should have been seven metres wide, but the government widened the roads to 12 metres, which led to more and more cleaning of the hills.

●        This made the already ecologically sensitive region highly vulnerable to landslides as the top layer was cleaned for the road construction.

●        Tunnelling for Char Dham railways is envisaged at a massive scale, and without environmental impact assessment which are mandated steps for damage control, led to disasters.

HYDROPOWER PROJECT TAPOVAN VISHNUGAD

●        Ongoing Tapovan Vishnugad hydro by government owned NTPC Limited is of 4×130 megawatt is tunnelling through the fragile ecosystem leading to damage to the historic, cultural town of Joshimath.

●        This is a run-of-the-river electricity generation project that entails boring a 12-kilometre tunnel through the hillside and channeling the water of the Dhauli Ganga river through the tunnel to generate electricity.

●        The tunnel of Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project is located right beneath Joshimath. Big boring machines were brought for its construction which have been stuck in the ground for the past two decades. Tons of explosives are used on a daily basis for the tunnel’s construction.

●        A tunnel boring machine employed for excavating it punctured a water bearing strata some 3km inward left bank of alaknanda and the aquifer discharge was about 60-70 million liters daily.

●        NTPC has denied allegations, saying that the tunnel does not pass under Joshimath town and should not be considered responsible for the disaster. But it does pass through the same aquifer that is below Joshimath.

IMPACT OF THE LAND SUBSIDENCE

The problem of land subsidence is neither new, nor sudden. It emerged decades ago, after which a committee, the MC Mishra Committee, was formed in 1976 to assess the reasons behind it. It is the oldest report exploring land subsidence in Joshimath, warned against excavating the slopes, and removing boulders by digging or using explosives.

Loss of Lives: Land subsidence can lead to irreversible loss of lives and cause loss of human resource with psychological damage.

• Loss of Livelihoods: Because of land subsidence there is loss of livelihoods of a major population, causing economic pressure on the society and country. Also, as locals depend on tourism for their economy which has been affected by disaster will impact their livelihoods.
• Damage of Property and Infrastructure: The effects of land subsidence can be settlement of the upper clay layer leading to damage of infrastructure (roads, bridges) and flooding due to ineffective drainage systems of the city.

Apart from direct change, there are few indirect impacts as follows:

• Change in land gradient: It can impact drainage systems and sewer lines that follow underground.
• Change in gradient of streams or drains: There can be indirect effects such as a change in gradient of streams or drains which is permanent and cannot be reversed.
• Cause earthquake: The lines of weakness in the layers can also be activated and this may cause earthquakes in the area.

CHALLENGES RELATED TO THE CALAMITY

• Infrastructure issues: Rampant infrastructure development happening in a fragile ecosystem like Himalayas is another challenge that is not happening according to prescribed scientific measures and its regulation is a major task.
• Electricity issue: With the stalling of hydro project Tapovan, there will be another issue of providing electricity to the locals and can cause major disruption in day-to-day activities of people’s lives.
• Identification of vulnerable people: There is a major challenge related to rehabilitation of the affected people by calamity is identification of vulnerable people as there is no such proper survey or data that has been taken so far.
• Tourism: There are a number of tourists visiting the Chardham and places as bugyals, heritage sites as wedding destinations which need to be regulated so that it does not put pressure on the hilly areas.
• Problem of sustainable development: Balancing between development activities while sustaining the environment is a major challenge for the government and society.
• Security issues: The location of Indo China border strategic road to Indo Tibetan border is another major challenge while addressing the issue.

THE WAY FORWARD

• REGULATION OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Regulation of construction activities falls on central and state governments such as stalling of NTPC projects and Chardham all-weather road needs immediate action.
• COMPENSATION AND REHABILITATION: There is immediate need for adequate compensation and rehabilitation to all affected people within a set time frame that includes compensation, food, shelter and other basic facilities and participation of local representatives.
• DECLARE ESZ: As a first step to mitigating future hazards, the upper catchment of the rivers from the glacier lines must be declared as Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) on the same lines as Bhagirathi ESZ and prohibit massive projects, regulate others and promote conservation project.
• MANAGING DRAINAGE SYSTEM: There is a need to construct proper drainage and sewage systems and install concrete cement blocks to check erosion.
• STRONG CLIMATE ACTION: There is a need to form some strong rules and regulations and forced and timely implementation of these rules.
• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: A report titled ‘Uttarakhand Action Plan for Climate Change 2020’ states that regulation of tourism is an essential next step and sustainable tourism is a must for preserving the ecosystem.
• COLLABORATION AND CONSULTATION: There is a need for collaboration and consultation among Government, civil bodies, and citizens to set out parameters such as rock strength assessment which are needed for developing new cities.

THE CONCLUSION: Nature has its own way of claiming its own recourse and Joshimath calamity is an example in this case. To avoid such more calamity there is a need for balance between environment and development projects by streamlining the process of environment and forest clearances which can be positive for the surroundings in terms of groundwater recharge, flourishing of flora and fauna and mitigation of such disasters.

MAINS QUESTIONS

1. Joshimath disaster can be an eye-opener for the unsustainable development in hilly areas. Analyse.
2. Explain the causes and impacts of land subsidence. How climate change and anthropogenic activities are reinforcing it.

POLITY AND CONSTITUTION

1. WHO IS A ‘PUISNE’ JUDGE, AND WHAT DOES THE TERM MEAN?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II- POLITY

THE CONTEXT: While recommending two names for appointment as judges of the Supreme Court, the Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said in a statement that the collegium had taken into “consideration the seniority of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges.

THE EXPLANATION:

What does puisne mean, and who are puisne judges?

• According to the dictionary, the word puisne has French origins, which means “later born” or younger.
• Puisne is almost always used in the context of judges, and essentially denotes seniority of rank. The term puisne judge is used in common law countries to refer to judges who are ranked lower in seniority, i.e., any judge other than the Chief Justice of that court.

Common law is the body of law that is created by judges through their written opinions, rather than through statutes or constitutions (statutory law). Common law, which is used interchangeably with ‘case law’, is based on judicial precedent. The United Kingdom (UK) and the Commonwealth countries, including India, are common law countries.

Is a “puisne judge” in India the same as in the UK?

• In the UK, puisne judges are judges other than those holding distinct titles. The Supreme Court of Judicature Act, 1877 defined a “puisne judge” as any judge of the High Court besides the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice of England, and the Master of the Rolls.
• In India, all judges have the same judicial powers. As the senior most judge of a court, the Chief Justice has an additional administrative role. In India, there is a reference to a puisne judge only while considering the order of seniority for appointments, elevations to High Courts, etc., but it does not have a bearing on the exercise of a judge’s judicial power.

What did the collegium say about puisne judges?

• The Supreme Court collegium recommended Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Aravind Kumar, the current Chief Justices of the Allahabad and Gujarat High Courts respectively, for appointment as judges of the Supreme Court.
• While giving reasons for its recommendation, the collegium said that the decision was made taking “into consideration the seniority of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges in their respective parent High Courts as well as the overall seniority of the High Court Judges”.
• This was done because seniority is one of the several criteria that are considered while making appointments to the higher judiciary.
• In the Third Judges Case ruling in 1998, one of the two cases that led to the evolution of the collegium system, the Supreme Court clarified that “The Chief Justice of India must make a recommendation to appoint a Judge of the Supreme Court and to transfer a Chief Justice or puisne Judge of a High Court in consultation with the four senior most puisne Judges of the Supreme Court.”

HEALTH ISSUES

2. DEER COULD BE RESERVOIR OF OLD CORONAVIRUS VARIANTS: WHAT A NEW STUDY SAYS

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II- HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: According to a virus expert at Cornell University and an author of the study, which was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,The alpha and gamma variants of the coronavirus continued to circulate and evolve in white-tailed deer, even after they stopped spreading widely among people.

THE EXPLANATION:

• But the findings, which are based on samples collected through December 2021, provide more evidence that deer could be a reservoir of the virus and a potential source of future variants, which could spill back into human populations.

What’s the link between deer and coronavirus?

• Previous studies of deer have suggested humans have repeatedly introduced the coronavirus into white-tailed deer populations in the United States and Canada and that deer can spread the virus to one another.
• Scientists are not sure how people are passing the virus to deer, but they have speculated that it might happen when people feed deer or deer encounter human trash or waste.
• The scale of the risk that infected deer pose to humans remains unclear. Scientists have documented one case that most likely resulted from deer-to-human transmission in Ontario, and they note that hunters and others who have regular contact with the animals could potentially catch the virus from them.

How was the study conducted?

• For the new study, Diel and his colleagues analysed about 5,500 tissue samples collected from deer killed by hunters in New York state from September through December in 2020 and 2021.
• During the 2020 season, just 0.6% of the samples tested positive for the virus, a figure that rose to 21% during the 2021 season. Genetic sequencing revealed that three variants of concern — alpha, gamma and delta — were all present in deer during the 2021 season.
• At the time, delta was still prevalent among New York’s human residents. But alpha and gamma had practically vanished, especially in the rural parts of the state where the infected deer were found.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that deer hunters take a variety of basic precautions to reduce the risk of infection, including wearing masks while handling game and washing hands thoroughly afterward.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

3. WHAT IS ANGEL TAX?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III- ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: A recently proposed detail has Indian start-ups worried. These new age firms, that offer their shares to foreign investors, may have to pay ‘angel tax’, which was earlier only supposed to be paid for investments raised by resident Indian investors, as per a motion made in the Finance Bill, 2023.

THE EXPLANATION:

The move could adversely impact financing available to the start-ups, which have already been reeling under a funding winter since 2022, industry insiders are speculating.

What exactly is the proposed change?

• The Finance Bill, 2023, unveiled by Finance Minister has proposed to amend Section 56(2) VII B of the Income Tax Act.
• The provision states that when an unlisted company, such as a start-up, receives equity investment from a resident for issue of shares that exceeds the face value of such shares, it will be counted as income for the start-up and be subject to income tax under the head ‘Income from other Sources’ for the relevant financial year.
• However, with the latest amendment, the government has proposed to also include foreign investors in the ambit, meaning that when a start-up raises funding from a foreign investor, that too will now be counted as income and be taxable.

What is Angel Tax? 

• Angel tax is levied on start-ups when they receive investments in excess of their ‘fair market value’. The perceived profit is considered as income from other sources—it’s taxed at 30% and termed as angel tax.
• Note that angel tax (as of now) is not applicable in the case of investments made by venture capital firms or foreign investors. It’s limited to investments made only by Indian investors.

Description

• Referred to colloquially as Angel Tax, this rule is described in Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• This clause was inserted into the act in 2012 to prevent-laundering of black money, and roundtripping via investments with a large premium into unlisted companies. Essentially it’s a tax on capital receipts, unique to India in the global context.
• The tax covers investment in any private business entity, but only in 2016 was it applied to startups.

A step to prevent Money Laundering

In India, unlike in the US, the angel investor does not get any tax rebate for investment in small businesses. So, people can invest their black money in start-ups and make it legal. Angel tax was introduced to prevent money laundering that might happen in the name of investment.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

4. WHAT ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-III- ECONOMY AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: During the Budget speech, Finance Minister announced the government’s move to focus on lab-grown diamonds.

THE EXPLANATION:

What are lab-grown diamonds?

• Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are produced using specific technology which mimics the geological processes that grow natural diamonds. They are not the same as “diamond simulants” – LGDs are chemically, physically and optically diamond and thus are difficult to identify as “lab-grown.”
• While materials such as Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia (CZ), White Sapphire, YAG, etc. are “diamond simulants” that simply attempt to “look” like a diamond, they lack the sparkle and durability of a diamond and are thus easily identifiable. However, differentiating between an LGD and an Earth Mined Diamond is hard, with advanced equipment required for the purpose.

How are LGDs produced?

• There are multiple ways in which LGDs can be produced. The most common (and cheapest) is the “High pressure, high temperature” (HPHT) method. As the name suggests, this method requires extremely heavy presses that can produce up to 730,000 psi of pressure under extremely high temperatures (at least 1500 celsius). Usually graphite is used as the “diamond seed” and when subjected to these extreme conditions, the relatively inexpensive form of carbon turns into one of the most expensive carbon forms.
• Other processes include “Chemical Vapor Deposition” (CVD) and explosive formation that creates what are known as “detonation nanodiamonds”.

What are LGDs used for?

• LGDs have basic properties similar to natural diamonds, including their optical dispersion, which provide them the signature diamond sheen. However, since they are created in controlled environments, many of their properties can be enhanced for various purposes.
• For instance, LGDs are most often used for industrial purposes, in machines and tools. Their hardness and extra strength make them ideal for use as cutters. Furthermore, pure synthetic diamonds have high thermal conductivity, but negligible electrical conductivity. This combination is invaluable for electronics where such diamonds can be used as a heat spreader for high-power laser diodes, laser arrays and high-power transistors.
• Lastly, as the Earth’s reserves of natural diamonds are depleted, LGDs are slowly replacing the prized gemstone in the jewelry industry. Crucially, like natural diamonds, LGDs undergo similar processes of polishing and cutting that are required to provide diamonds their characteristic lustre.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. OPERATION SADBHAVANA

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Under ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’, Indian Army is undertaking multiple welfare activities such as running of Army Goodwill Schools, Infrastructure Development Projects and Education Tours etc. for the children living in remote areas of Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.

THE EXPLANATION:

Objectives:

Some of the objectives achieved through ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ are national integration tours, women empowerment, employment generation, education and development activities towards nation building. ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ projects are selected after taking local aspirations into consideration, in conjunction with local civil administration and it is ensured that there is no duplicacy with projects of civil administration.

• To improve the standard of education and to provide them with quality education, Indian Army is presently running seven (07) Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) under ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ in Ladakh Region. More than 2,200 Students are currently studying in these schools.
• In addition, a total of Rs 8.82 crore of ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ funds have been allotted for the Union Territory of Ladakh during the current financial year 2022-23. The funds are being utilised for various activities like Human Resource/Skill Development, Sports, Healthcare, National Integration, Infrastructure Development, Ecology, Environment and Education.

Following assistance has been provided in the field of Health and Sanitation, Community Development and Infrastructure development:

• As a step towards Healthy Nation for prosperous Ladakh, medical camps, veterinary camps, provision of medical equipment, upgradation of medical infrastructure and staffing of Medical Aid Centres have been provided at various remote locations in Ladakh. A total number of 23 Projects have been allotted in the financial year 2022-23 for health and sanitation out of the ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ funds in the Ladakh Region.
• Women in remote areas of Ladakh are being empowered through various training programmes organised and funded through ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ in Vocational Training Centres, Women Empowerment Centres and Computer Centres at various locations in Ladakh. In addition, training classes for women are also being organised for various activities i.e. Pashmina Shawl Weaving, Wool Knitting, Extraction of Apricot Oil, Yak Cheese Making, Yak Cheese Baking.
• Girl students have a fair representation in the education fund outlay of ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’. Further, ‘Kargil Ignited Minds’ an initiative exclusively for girl students of Kargil is launched for preparation for various competitive examinations for admissions into various professional colleges and institutions in India.