TAG: GS 2: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) recorded a distressing surge in tiger mortalities in India, marking a record loss of 204 tigers between January 1 and December 25, 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• This figure reflects a significant increase compared to previous years, raising concerns about tiger conservation efforts in the country.

State-wise Breakdown of Tiger Deaths

• The state of Maharashtra reported the highest tiger mortalities, accounting for 52 deaths, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh, India’s leading tiger state, with 45 fatalities.
• Uttarakhand recorded 26 deaths, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala reported 15 tiger deaths each.
• Karnataka, housing a substantial tiger population, documented 13 deaths, while Assam and Rajasthan witnessed 10 fatalities each.

 Causes for Tiger Deaths

• The causes behind the tiger deaths are multifaceted, encompassing various factors.
• ‘Natural & other causes’ emerged as the primary cause, responsible for 79 tiger deaths, making it the leading factor contributing to the mortality rate among tigers.
• Poaching constituted a significant threat, claiming the lives of 55 tigers, followed by infighting, resulting in 46 tiger deaths.
• Additionally, rescue/treatment efforts led to the deaths of 14 tigers, while accidents involving linear infrastructure, roadkill, and train or road incidents resulted in seven fatalities.
• Two tigers fell victim to other species, and one was shot by forest department personnel or killed by villagers, underscoring the diverse range of threats faced by tigers in India.

Contrast with Tiger Population Growth

• Interestingly, despite the alarming spike in tiger deaths in 2023, recent reports from the fifth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation (2022) highlighted a positive trend.
• The tiger population in India exhibited growth, increasing by 200 individuals from 2018 to 2022.
• The report revealed that the tiger count in India reached 3,167 in 2022, up from 2,967 in 2018.

Government Efforts and Project Tiger’s Significance

• The release of the tiger estimation report coincided with the commemoration of 50 years of ‘Project Tiger’ in Mysuru, Karnataka.
• On this occasion, the Union Government unveiled the International Big Cats Alliance.
• Despite this positive acknowledgment of tiger conservation efforts, the surge in tiger deaths in 2023 raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing conservation strategies and the need for more stringent measures to protect this endangered species.

Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI):

• The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) was established in 1994.
• WPSI provides support and information to government authorities to combat poaching and the escalating illegal wildlife trade – particularly in wild tigers.
• A countrywide network of WPSI wildlife crime investigators provides a constant flow of information that is processed and used to assist enforcement authorities in the arrest of hundreds of wildlife criminals throughout India.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):

• It is a proposed mega-global alliance that will work toward the protection and conservation of the seven major big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
• Membership to the alliance will be open to 97 ‘range’ countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organizations, etc.
• The alliance’s purpose is to provide a platform for the dissemination of information on benchmarked practices, capacity building, resources repository, research and development, awareness creation, etc., on the protection and conservation of big cats.
• Its major activities will include advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships between expert groups and finance tapping.

Conclusion: Conservation Challenges and Future Strategies

• The significant rise in tiger mortalities poses a serious threat to India’s tiger population despite previous growth.
• This unfortunate trend highlights the urgency to address various threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
• Strengthening conservation efforts, enhancing anti-poaching measures, and fostering better habitat protection are imperative to ensure the sustained growth and survival of India’s tiger population.
• The contrasting narrative of population growth amidst a record high in tiger deaths underscores the pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard this iconic species from further decline.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/india-lost-204-tigers-in-2023-most-of-them-in-maharashtra-wpsi-93564

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: India and Russia have solidified their bilateral ties further by signing agreements concerning the future units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project situated in Tamil Nadu, India.

EXPLANATION:

• This significant development was announced during the visit of Indian Foreign Minister to Russia.

Bilateral Talks and Key Discussions Expected

• Foreign Minister’s visit to Russia encompasses crucial talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
• The discussions are anticipated to cover a wide array of topics, including reinforcing bilateral relations between India and Russia.
• Moreover, the ministers plan to deliberate on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
• The agenda extends to discussions involving entities such as BRICS, emphasizing India and Russia’s multilateral engagements.

Important Agreements Signed

• At a gathering with the Indian community in Moscow, Foreign Minister disclosed the signing of pivotal agreements pertaining to the expansion of future units at the Kudankulam Nuclear Project.
• These agreements were inked in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, signaling a significant milestone in the long-standing collaboration between India and Russia in the nuclear energy domain.

Background: Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project

• The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, located in Tamil Nadu, initiated its construction nearly two decades ago through a collaborative effort between India and Russia.
• This project marked a key partnership between the two nations, reflecting their shared commitment to nuclear energy cooperation.

India-Russia Strong Relationship

• India and Russia have fostered a robust and enduring relationship over several decades, characterized by strategic collaborations in various sectors.
• Notably, India’s steadfast support for Russia amid the conflict with Ukraine underscores the strength and depth of their diplomatic ties.

Strategic Implications and Continued Cooperation

• The latest agreements for the expansion of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project underscore the continued commitment of both nations to strengthen their cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.
• This development is crucial not only for India’s energy security but also for reinforcing the enduring partnership between India and Russia in the realm of nuclear technology and strategic alliances.

Conclusion

• The signing of agreements for the future units at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project symbolizes a significant milestone in the longstanding collaboration between India and Russia in the nuclear energy sector.
• As both countries deepen their strategic ties and engage in discussions covering bilateral relations and global conflicts, the continued cooperation in nuclear energy underscores the enduring and multifaceted partnership between India and Russia.

SOURCE: https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-deal-for-future-units-of-kudankulam-power-plant-in-tn-123122601139_1.html

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Recent attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea trade route, conducted by Yemen-based Houthi rebels, have raised significant concerns regarding the disruption of global trade.

EXPLANATION:

• The attack on the Chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto near Gujarat, India, has heightened tensions among Indian oil importers and exporters dealing in commodities like basmati rice and tea.
• The Houthi rebels’ attacks, driven by their opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, have prompted swift countermeasures from the US-led maritime security coalition.
• However, these attacks represent just one facet of the challenges impacting global shipping routes.

Critical Choke Points and Trade Implications

• Two pivotal choke points, the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal, are under threat, potentially disrupting over one-third of global trade.
• These choke points serve as essential channels for global maritime transport, with over 80% of global goods trade relying on sea routes.
• Any blockage in these critical passages forces shipping lines to adopt longer alternative routes, elevating freight rates and causing significant logistical disruptions.
• The disturbance in the Red Sea route, coupled with the potential blockage or slowdown in the Panama Canal due to drought conditions, poses severe repercussions for global trade.
• The diversion of shipments through alternative routes, such as the Cape of Good Hope, adds to transit times and increases freight costs significantly.

Impact on Indian Trade and Agriculture

• India, heavily reliant on sea routes for trade, faces adverse consequences due to these disruptions.
• For instance, Indian agricultural product prices are anticipated to surge by 10-20% as shipments reroute through longer paths.
• This price hike is particularly concerning amidst higher interest rates in Western countries, potentially impacting demand for Indian exports and affecting sectors like textiles and gems, majorly exporting to the European Union.

Challenges in the Panama Canal and Trade Route Deterioration

• The Panama Canal has experienced a more than 50% reduction in shipping due to drought conditions, compelling vessels traveling from Asia to the US to opt for the lengthier Suez Canal
• Concerns arise about prolonged canal bottlenecks due to Panama’s exceptionally dry rainy season.
• Additionally, LNG vessels are resorting to costly auctions to expedite their transit, revealing the severity of the situation.

Resilience of Indian Oil Imports and Impact on Prices

• Surprisingly, India’s oil imports from Russia have not suffered disruptions despite global shipping majors like Maersk avoiding the Red Sea route.
• Russian tankers, perceived as allied with Iran, continue their passage through the Red Sea despite the ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels.
• However, the spike in global benchmark crude prices to around $80 per barrel post-attacks on the Red Sea highlights market volatility and concerns regarding oil flow stability.

Freight Rate Surge and Economic Consequences

• War risk surcharges imposed by global shipping firms due to Red Sea security concerns have led to an escalation in freight rates.
• Indian exporters fear a substantial surge of 25-30% in freight rates for shipments bound to Europe and Africa, impacting crucial export sectors like textiles and gems, already grappling with reduced demand from the European Union.

Potential Resumption of Operations and Future Scenario

• While shipping giant Maersk plans to resume operations in the Red Sea following increased security measures, uncertainties persist.
• The company remains cautious, prepared to divert ship traffic based on evolving safety conditions, highlighting the volatile and precarious nature of current global trade routes.

Conclusion

• The combined challenges faced by global shipping routes due to Red Sea attacks and Panama Canal droughts pose severe threats to the stability of global trade.
• India, a significant player in international trade, faces potential disruptions impacting its exports and economic sectors.
• The evolving situation underscores the need for strategic planning and robust measures to navigate the complexities of global trade in an increasingly uncertain environment.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/red-sea-attacks-shipping-global-trade-panama-canal-9083539/lite/

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recognized the persistent issue and highlighted the importance of addressing anaemia, particularly among pregnant women and school-going adolescents.

EXPLANATION:

• Anaemia remains a significant public health concern in India despite the efforts of the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program.

ICMR’s Call for Expression of Interest (EoI)

• The ICMR, based in Delhi, has initiated a call for Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations, companies, and start-ups involved in the production of ‘non-invasive hemoglobinometers.’
• These devices are pivotal in the effective screening and testing of anaemia.

Focus on Non-Invasive Hemoglobinometer Development

• The ICMR emphasizes the significance of digital methods and point-of-care treatment for anaemia.
• They seek a simple, user-friendly, and non-invasive hemoglobinometer that is acceptable, especially among young children.
• While ‘Make in India’ non-invasive hemoglobinometer devices have emerged in recent years, their accuracy, bias, and precision need validation before being integrated into the AMB program.

Prevalence of Anaemia in India

• According to the National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-21), anaemia prevalence in India is alarmingly high across various demographics:
  • 0% in men (15-49 years), 57.0% in women (15-49 years), 31.1% in adolescent boys (15-19 years), 59.1% in adolescent girls, 52.2% in pregnant women (15-49 years), and 67.1% in children (6-59 months).

ICMR’s Role and Proposed Activities

• The ICMR outlines its pivotal role in the initiative, intending to conduct a hospital-based clinical study to validate the efficacy of promising non-invasive hemoglobinometer devices against the gold standard method of measuring haemoglobin.
• Furthermore, the ICMR is poised to offer technical support, leveraging its team of experienced scientists.
• This support would encompass study planning, product validation, protocol development, data analysis, outcome assessment, and potential product enhancement, establishing a collaborative partnership between the ICMR and potential collaborators.

Institute Support and Collaboration

• Through its institutes, the ICMR plans to facilitate and support research and clinical studies involving new technologies or products related to anaemia detection and management.
• These collaborations will be carried out in a professional and mutually agreed-upon manner and timelines, fostering a conducive environment for advancements in this critical area of healthcare.

Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program:

• In 2018, the Government of India launched the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy to reduce prevalence of anaemia in women, children and adolescents through life cycle approach.
• The 6X6X6 strategy aims to reduce anaemia among six beneficiaries age groups through implementation of six interventions and six institutional mechanisms.
• The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is implementing Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy as per GOI guidelines.
• In the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, all Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services are provided across all the districts.
• Further, two aspirational districts (Kupwara district and Baramulla district) are identified under the Aspirational District programme to prioritize the reproductive health of women and children, including anaemia.
• The steps taken by Government including the age specific interventions for reduction in anaemia among women and children across the country are provided at Annexure I.

Conclusion

• The ICMR’s proactive approach, inviting collaborations and seeking advanced non-invasive testing solutions for anaemia detection, underscores its commitment to combatting this pervasive health issue.
• The initiative’s success could significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of anaemia, particularly among vulnerable populations like pregnant women and adolescents, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes across the nation.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-initiates-steps-to-provide-easy-to-use-non-invasive-testing-to-tackle-anaemia-in-india/article67676623.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: As per the Commerce and Industry Ministry’s report, the PLI schemes garnered an impressive investment exceeding Rs 95,000 crore by September 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• This substantial investment led to the approval of 746 applications by November 2023, signifying a considerable interest from businesses in these schemes.
• The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes introduced by the Indian government encompass 14 sectors aimed at bolstering manufacturing capabilities, augmenting exports, and enhancing employment opportunities.
• These schemes have successfully enticed substantial investments, resulting in tangible growth across various industries.

Sectoral Distribution and Objectives

• The 14 sectors covered by these schemes span across electronics, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, white goods (including components for air conditioners and LED lights), and textiles.
• The primary objectives of these initiatives are to fortify India’s manufacturing prowess, encourage export growth, and stimulate economic development.

Impact on Manufacturing and Employment

• The implementation of PLI schemes has had a profound impact on various sectors.
• The investments facilitated production and sales valuing Rs 7.80 trillion, resulting in the creation of over 6.4 lakh jobs, both directly and indirectly.
• Additionally, the disbursement of incentives totalling around Rs 2,900 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23 highlights the government’s commitment to incentivizing growth.

Sector-specific Achievements

• Electronics Sector:
  • Notably, within the electronics sector, there has been a 20% value addition in mobile manufacturing over three years.
  • This industry witnessed a significant boost, with smartphones contributing USD 44 billion to the total electronics production, including USD 11.1 billion from exports.
• Telecommunications Sector:
  • Import substitution in the telecom sector reached an impressive 60%, demonstrating India’s progress towards self-reliance, particularly in Antennae, GPON, and CPE manufacturing.
• Pharmaceutical Sector:
  • The pharmaceutical industry experienced a substantial reduction in raw material imports.
  • India’s strides include the domestic production of unique intermediate materials and bulk drugs, including critical products like Penicillin-G.
  • Moreover, technology transfer facilitated the manufacturing of medical devices such as CT scan machines.
• White Goods Sector:
  • In the white goods segment, 64 companies have been selected under the PLI scheme.
  • These companies are poised to invest significantly in air conditioner and LED component manufacturing, with future investments projected to create additional employment for approximately 48,000 individuals.
  • Notably, 13 foreign companies are partaking in this initiative, investing Rs 2,090 crore, indicating global interest in India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are a type of industrial policy tool used by governments to encourage domestic manufacturing in specific sectors.
• Under these schemes, manufacturers are offered financial incentives based on their production and sales.
• These incentives can take various forms, such as cash grants, tax breaks, or duty-free imports.

Here are some key features of PLI schemes:

• Production-linked: The incentives are directly linked to the quantity or value of goods produced. This helps to ensure that the scheme leads to actual increases in production, rather than just encouraging companies to game the system.
• Focus on targeted sectors: PLI schemes are typically targeted at specific sectors that are considered to be strategically important for the country’s economic development. This could include sectors such as electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, or renewable energy.

Potential benefits of PLI schemes:

• Increased domestic production: PLI schemes can help to boost domestic production in targeted sectors, which can lead to economic growth, job creation, and import substitution.
• Enhanced global competitiveness: By improving the efficiency and competitiveness of domestic industries, PLI schemes can help Indian companies to compete in the global market.
• Technological innovation: PLI schemes can encourage companies to invest in research and development, which can lead to technological innovation.
• Attraction of foreign investments: PLI schemes can make India a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Conclusion

• The robust response to the PLI schemes across diverse sectors underscores their efficacy in attracting investments, fostering production, creating employment opportunities, and reducing import dependency.
• The significant achievements in value addition, export promotion, and technological advancements reaffirm India’s commitment to bolstering its manufacturing capabilities and becoming a global manufacturing hub.

SOURCE: https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/pli-schemes-attracts-over-rs-95-000-cr-investment-till-sep-centre-123122600771_1.html

THE CONTEXT: The winter session of Parliament marked a new low in India’s parliamentary democracy as the ruling government refused to engage with the Opposition. It evaded executive accountability and passed a number of Bills with far-reaching consequences while a majority of the Opposition members remained suspended.

RULES OF SUSPENSION OF MPs

• It is the duty of the presiding officer which is Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha for smooth functioning of the Parliament. In this regard, Speaker or Chairman is empowered to force a member to withdraw from the House.

SUSPENSION RULES IN THE LOK SABHA:

• Rule 373 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business: The speaker may direct any Member to withdraw immediately from the House and to remain absent during the rest of the day’s sitting if his/her conduct is grossly disordered.
• Rule 374 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business: The Speaker may name a member if it thinks necessary, who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the House persistently and wilfully obstruct the business.
• Once the member is named, the government introduces a motion for their suspension. If the motion passes, the member gets suspended.
• The member stands automatically suspended from the service of the House for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less.

SUSPENSION RULES IN THE RAJYA SABHA:

• Rule 255 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business: Chairman of Rajya Sabha is empowered to direct any Member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly disordered to withdraw immediately from the House.
• The Chairman identifies any member causing undue disruptions. Following this, a motion is presented to the House for their suspension. If the House approves the motion, the member is suspended.

ISSUES:

• Suspension of members: A total of 146 Members of Parliament (MP) from the Opposition bloc were suspended as they clamoured for a statement. This suspension is termed by the Opposition MP as “predetermined and premeditated” by the government. This suspension seems to be unconstitutional and illegal in nature as wilful and persistent obstruction of the business alone qualifies for the naming and suspension of a member. Moreover, suspension cannot be for an indefinite period.
• Legislation without discussion: It was in the absence of a majority of the Opposition members that the government passed new laws. It includes rewriting the criminal code of the country, regulation of telecommunication and the appointment of the Election Commission of India The common feature of these laws is an unprecedented increase in the power of the executive, and it is not a coincidence that they were passed without a meaningful parliamentary debate.
• Challenge to Democratic principles:Illegal and unconstitutional suspensions not only stifle opposition voices but also affects democratic discussions. This leads to disruptions in parliamentary proceedings and hinders the legislative work.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Adhere to Parliamentary Rules:Parliament should strictly follow Rules 374 of the Lok Sabha and Rules 256 of the Rajya Sabha while suspending members. It should not be done to satisfy the whims and fancies of the ruling government to supress the dissent of the opposition members.
• Constructive role of opposition: Opposition should invest much time and effort in asking for a debate on the substantive legislative matters. They should play a constructive role in the Parliament and should be allowed to put forward their views and express themselves in a dignified manner.
• Ensure dialogue: Such suspensions highlight the need for better methods to handle disagreements in Parliament. Political leaders should prioritize dialogue over suspensions to address disagreements in Parliament.

THE CONCLUSION:

The recent suspensions should be revisited to ensure they align with constitutional norms. The government should not use its majority to rush through legislation and should find ways to end the turmoil and bring harmony to our legislatures.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of the Indian Parliament? (2023)

Q.2 Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (2023)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 ‘’A parliament without opposition means an executive without accountability”. Discuss the statement in light of mass suspension of parliamentarians and passing of important Bills without effective discussion.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/law-of-numbers-on-the-winter-session-and-a-low-in-indias-parliamentary-democracy/article67677048.ece

THE CONTEXT: The 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC, in Dubai, was notable in terms of stopping the lackadaisical approach of the international community to the adaptation concern. Guided by the Paris Agreement on Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the efforts put in at COP26 and COP27 culminated in the adoption of the framework for GGA at COP28.

WHAT IS GLOBAL GOAL ON ADAPTATION?

• The Global Goal on Adaptation is a collective commitment under Article 7.1 of the Paris Agreement aimed at “enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change.”
• It was proposed by the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) in 2013 and established in 2015.
• GGA is meant to serve as a unifying framework that can drive political action and finance for adaptation on the same scale as mitigation.
• This means setting specific, measurable targets and guidelines for global adaptation action as well as enhancing adaptation finance and support for developing countries.

Key targets:

• Parties to the Paris Agreement have to “conduct up-to-date assessments of climate hazards, and use the outcomes of these assessments to inform their formulation of national adaptation plans and planning strategies, by 2030.
• All the Parties have to establish multi-hazard early warning systems, climate information services for risk reduction and systematic observation to support improved climate-related data, information and services by 2027.
• National conditions, including administrative capacity and economic development, were identified alongside adequate support as key influencing factors for the implementation of a global goal.

CHALLENGES:

• Inefficiency of Nationally Determined Goals: The best mitigation efforts enshrined in the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of the Parties to the Paris Agreement are not in sight of restricting global average temperature below 1.5° C as compared to pre-industrial levels. They would rather nudge the world towards the 2.8° C point by the end of the century.
• Alignment of global and national goals: There is a concern remaining here of alignment of global and national goals. A comprehensive review of experiences from the Millennium Development Goals found that globally agreed goals do not trickle down easily from the global to the national level.
• Measuring GGA: Unlike mitigation of greenhouse gases, climate adaptation does not have a universal metric, and its ambition or implementation level cannot be simply aggregated based on countries’ national pledges. The GGA framework aims to launch a two-year work programme on indicators for measuring progress achieved towards the targets mentioned in paragraphs 9-10 of the GGA draft decisions. But there is no clarity on the parameters and the body who will develop it.
• Issue of finance: The COP28 draft decision notes with concern that the adaptation finance gap is widening, which leads to widening gap between the estimated costs of meeting a given adaptation target and the amount of finance available. The COP26’s urge to developed countries to double overall adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025 was repeated in the Draft Decision. Estimation made on the basis of updated NDCs or national adaptation plans indicate a figure of $71 billion per year from now to 2030. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries have already admitted that their combined mitigation and adaptation finance flows fell short of the annual $100 billion to $83.3 billion in 2020.
• Prioritising mitigation over adaptation: In a global context of scarce public funds and competing priorities, there is also a strong bias in climate financing in favour of mitigation as compared to adaptation. Buchner, in a study of Climate policy initiative, said that the split between mitigation and adaptation finance is 95:5.

Some of the reasons for that:

1. Climate change regime has been largely mitigation centric

2. Rich countries do not gain much as the benefits of adaptation are local

3. Mitigation projects generate benefits globally and the availability of low-cost mitigation options in developing countries.

• The GGA is an encouraging development as it contains a number of developments that are very useful for the cause of adaptation. But it still falls short in terms of treating adaptation on a par with mitigation. It lays stress on holding the increase in the global average temperature well below 2° C and 1.5° C essential for ensuring the continued availability of the largest number of adaptation options. It also adds greater levels of mitigation that will reduce the need for additional adaptation efforts.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Urgent implementation: Implementing GGA needs more urgency in terms of treating adaptation on a par with mitigation in the face of extreme climate events with devastating consequences. As these climate change events are happening at only 1.1° Celsius as compared to pre-industrial levels.
• Developing a standardised metrics: There is a need to develop a standardised metric supported by international donors and the national budget managers to help them in all sorts of adaptation projects. For example, the most sought-after dimension of climate change problem mitigation is working with universal metric of CO2 equivalents, which can be applied across specific contexts to measure impacts in an easily comparable format.

THE CONCLUSION:

With increasing effect of climate change, there is a need to anticipate the problems and look for measures to reduce the adverse effects of climate related projects. In this regard, policies on adaptation need to be considered with utmost safeguards and on par with mitigation to achieve the effects of the climate goals.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Explain the purpose of Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasglow in November 2021. When was the idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (2021)

Q.2 Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 What is Global Goal on Adaptation  and what are its key targets?  Discuss the challenges and strategies required to achieve these goals?

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/global-goal-on-adaptation-and-the-road-from-dubai/article67674201.ece